Date: May 21, 2008 – Board Meeting Agenda
Location: Kentwood Parks and Recreation (355-48th St. SE. Kentwood, MI. 49548)
Time(s): 10:00am
Attendance: Clay Summers, Kelli Koss, Adrienne Schumacher, Carrie Klingelsmith, Kenny Westrate, Val Romeo, Shannyn Fasbender, Pam Slater, & Darrin Duistermars

Welcome & Introductions
Those in Attendance included

Approval of Agenda
Motion by Darrin, Support by Kenny, Motion Carried

Approval of May Minutes
Motion by Darrin, Support by Kenny, Motion Carried

Board Member Reports

1. Treasurer’s Report: Pam Slater

Checkbook Update - Pam has everything updated, including a recent check to the WM Sports Commission for their banquet.

Pam would prefer to have someone else fill the Treasurer position, if possible. If a replacement can’t be found, she’ll continue to help us out, however it would be helpful if someone could step up.

2. Past President Report: Shannyn Fasnbender

No Report

3. Secretary:

MRPA retreat went very well

Athletic Events coming to West MI (see athletic committee report)

MRPA is on the verge of some great things. It will be imperative for all MRPA members to not only celebrate what we do professionally, but outside the office as well. We want to be recognized as THE leader for Parks & Rec. Our members need to be visible in more than just P & R. Name and community recognition is important for marketability and public relations for local and statewide possibilities. More on this issue to come.

4. Director at Large; Kenny Westrate

Did the ad for “Parks & Recreation” Month in the Advance, it was not well done. The ad was paid for and then changed without our knowledge.

Would like to schedule educational sessions for the year featuring topics such as working with the local press, public relations, and more.

5. President Elect: Not Filled

This is a position that is still open. We would like it to be filled ASAP. Please contact Clay if you have any interest in doing so

6. Presidents Report:

Conference discussion/2009 (committee for 2010 in Grand Rapids)

Request for Sponsorship for 2009 conference should be coming soon.

Would prefer to do a booth for the Exhibit Hall in 2010 in Grand Rapids and not for 2009 in Dearborn.

With Carrie Klingelsmith as conference chair for 2010 we need to step up and help her in any way we can. Be on the lookout for conference meetings coming up sooner than you think, maybe after WMRPA meetings.

Educational topics or speakers for this year – Brainstorm session
Similar to what Kenny said earlier, educational sessions will be key for WMRPA to remain viable. Additional topics could include Special Event Planning, Bike Tours, Inclusion, Growing Small Departments, Sports Trends, After School Programs, and more.

Update of MRPA Board Retreat:

Clay Summers
One of the best experiences of his professional life.
Inspirational and well planned. A lot of information was shared.
Several first time attendees.
Appreciated knowing that with a new ED, what direction is MRPA looking to go.
How cool is it that we have a President and President-Elect from West Michigan

Carrie Klingelsmith
Small Groups were very good, the input was strong.

Adrienne Schumacher
Delivered her portion of the Strategic Plan since she is a Regional Director. It was nice to see what is working and what is not working. It was great to meet other people, as well.

WMRPA Committee Reports

1. Athletic Committee:

MRPA Athletic Meeting to be held in Lansing on September 26.

Holland Township may be hosting MRPA Basketball in late March.

Holland Township and Grand Rapids will be hosting a select number of MASA tournaments in 2009.

2. Therapeutic Committee:

TRI is next week and features 65+ attendees.

Senate Bill 921 could have major implications if passed. In short…TR jobs could be eliminated if accepted. It passed in the Senate Health Committee, 35-0. Several e-mails have been sent to combat this issue. Look for MRPA to step in.

3. Golf Committee:

The golf outing was down $800-900.

Not as much work for the committee with new venue.

Giving, in general is down.

These MRPA related need to be better scheduled so as to avoid overlap.

Location was not an issue.

This will have to be evaluated.

MRPA Committee Reports:

See President, Secretary, and Therapeutic Committee, & Athletic Committee reports

Next Meeting: October 15 (Need a location) - Probably at East Grand Rapids

This will be a combination WMRPA meeting and a 2010 Conference Informational meeting. Hopefully, lunch will be provided. More details forthcoming.

Adjournment
Motion by Darrin, Supported by Kenny, Motion Carried

Submitted by Darrin Duistermars, WMRPA Secretary