January-June 2006

Preserve open space
Davie, Florida

Minutes-January-June 2006

January 2, 2006

Meeting Called to Order – Robbins Lodge 7:05 p.m.

Minutes approved – December 13, 2005 meeting. Motion Fred Segal, second Judy Paul

Treasurer’s Report – refund check from Office Depot was received. Amount was for full cost of letterhead and envelopes without the 50% discount subtracted. Fred Segal called it to the attention of Office Depot and they indicated the refund would stand and hope we would come to them in the future for any printing needs. The 50% discount is a contribution to DALT.

Meeting Schedule - Chair Greck confirmed 2006 meeting schedule; i.e., first Monday each month, 7 p.m. Robbins Lodge; third Tuesday each month, 11:45 a.m. Town Hall Community Room. In the event of a holiday, this year Labor Day in September, the meeting will be pushed forward one week to September 11.

Guest Speaker – Mr. Stan Hemphill of Leisure Grants Service was introduced. He shared with the attendees his perspective of the importance of land conservation. He lauded the open space bond and encouraged the use of grants, easements and education. The possibility exists that at least $10 million to $15 million or more in grants could be available. He highlighted the role DALT can play to implement and participate in the bond expenditure. Mr. Hemphill suggested DALT hold a land conservation forum for the public offering expertise of others. A question and answer session followed.

Chair Greck left and Vice Chair Aitken relieved as chairman for the remainder of the meeting.

Task Force update – first meeting was called for Dec 28 but all members have not yet been assigned.

501C3 update – no word on approval from IRS. Information given that application has not yet been assigned for review by IRS. Discussion regarding requesting a state or federal legislator to make an inquiry to IRS on DALT behalf.

Discussion was held regarding the possibility of DALT making the application for grant money. Mr. Hemphill shared that an endowment would have to be established in order to apply as a non-profit.

South Florida State Fair presence was discussed. Pam Pelkey, an attendee, volunteered to help set up a booth that would promote DALT. The Fair begins January 14.

Fred Segal advised that a link had been established from the new website of Broward Farm Bureau to DALT website. Michael Bartlett will reciprocate with a link from DALT back to Broward Farm Bureau.

Meeting adjourned 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

In attendance: Linda Greck, Joyce Steward, Fred Segal, Ruth Bronisas, Donald Prichard, Stan Hemphill, Marie Etzler, Julie Aitken, Jason Curtis, Judy Paul, Two Step, Pam Pelkey, Michael Bartlett, Eduardo Tkacz

February 6, 2006

Meeting called to Order – 7:25 p.m. at Robbins Lodge

Minutes approved for January 2, 2006 meeting. Motion by Mike Bartlett, seconded by Judy Paul.

Treasurer’s Report - treasurer absent

Guest Speaker - DALT was very fortunate to have Will Abberger, Associate Director, Conservation Finance, National Programs, The Trust for Public Land.

  • Highlights of Mr. Abberger’s presentation:
  • · A group of residents can make a difference
  • · 1.5 million acres of land have been preserved thru the TPL
  • · 79% approval across the country of measures to preserve lands
  • · TPL is a facilitator of real estate transactions enabling governments and non-profit groups to purchase land or obtain conservations easements on lands
  • His suggestion to DALT was to take on a major project – do fundraising using the project – get people on the property – demonstrate what the land trust is about.
  • The best fundraising formula – identify a project and make it tangible to a donor.
  • Identify parcels, don’t create speculation and negotiate behind the scenes with a willing seller.
  • His views on PDR – it can be a good tool. Preservation can be obtained by paying only 75% to 80% of market value. A benefit is the owner continues to maintain the property.
  • His opinion of eminent domain – encourage a willing seller, buy time with an option agreement. When acquiring property, planning for maintenance is required.
  • Mr. Abberger encouraged DALT to become involved in Town of Davie parcels as a way to get the word out that we exist.

Old Business –

  • Letters to the agricultural classified properties were mailed January 31, 2006.
  • The web domain www.davieopenspace.com has been officially transferred to DALT.
  • Bond referendum task force update by Michael Bartlett. It was suggested that the public attend the task force meetings and participate.
  • Judy Paul discussed her proposals of corporate sponsorship as future maintenance of park properties in Davie.
  • Joyce Steward advised that DALT had a presence at the South Florida Fair in West Palm Beach with a display. The space was provided by Fred Segal and the Farm Bureau.
  • Volunteers were solicited for time slots at the booth for Orange Blossom Festival February 25th and 26th. The booth will have a very good location and people are needed to cover time from 10 am to 5 pm each day. Nick Maniatis and Joe Phillips announced that they will again donate the profits to DALT from the sale of their beautiful orchids at our booth.
  • Judy Paul extended an invitation to any members to ride in a float in the parade for Orange Blossom Festival.

New Business –

  • Pam Pelkey Rose discussed being a willing seller for her property adjoining Sunny Lake and told of her interest in making the property a part of the Sunny Lake park.
  • Chairman Greck is asking for a volunteer point person to select and coordinate speakers for the Monday night meetings of DALT.
  • The need for grant research was discussed. Judy Paul volunteered to help Fred Segal find available grants.

Meeting adjourned 9:10 p.m. Motion made by Nick Maniatis, seconded by Mike Bartlett.

Respectfuly submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

In attendance: Judy Paul, Two Step, Eduardo Tkacz, Michael Bartlett, Joyce Steward, Linda Greck, Nick Maniatis, Laurie Karamat, Joe Phillips, Sam Scott, John Ladue, Shirley Munson, Mike Wietor, Pam Pelkey Rose, Nadeen Maxwell, Scott Spages, Don Prichard

March 6, 2006

Meeting Called to Order 7:05 p.m. at Robbins Lodge. A self-introduction of all attendees opened the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report - Balance in checking account $2,808.25. Wachovia Bank changed the account from business to non-profit status and waived all services fees that the account had been charged.

Old business –

  • Orange Blossom Festival. Financial accounting from the booth donations, tee shirt sales and orchid sales will be presented at a future meeting. Gro-Mor Orchids, Nick Maniatis and Joe Phillips as owners, donated all proceeds to DALT from the sale of orchids. DALT appreciates their generosity. All volunteers that helped during the 2 days of the festival were thanked for their time.
  • Doris Monier is asking for volunteers to help with the Water Matters Day event booth for DALT. The event will run from 9 am to 3 pm at Tree Tops Park.
  • Chair Greck advised that she had contacted the office of Congressman E. Clay Shaw to request help pushing the IRS application thru the process for DALT 501c3.
  • An update on the Open Space Task Force indicated a public meeting to hear the criteria/resolution will be scheduled March 23 at the Davie Police Department Community room at 7:00.

New Business- Suggestions for speakers for future meetings were requested from attendees. Ron Bergeron, Attorney Bill Snyder and Roy Rogers will be contacted as possible speakers.

Speaker’s Presentation

  • Jason Curtis, Broward County Tax Appraiser’s Agriculture Department Supervisor, offered an interesting and enlightening presentation regarding agricultural tax exemption property, homestead exemptions and tax valuations. He started off by giving the formula the county uses for property tax valuation: 15% off purchase price for new purchase x 2.5% = estimated real estate tax for first year.
  • Legislation is in process for portability of the Save Our Homes tax calculation.
  • Applications for agricultural exemption must be for property over 1 acre, show profit and intent and be bona fide commercial. The agricultural exemption is not automatic and must be renewed every year and meet the criteria every year.
  • Mr. Curtis stated that the purpose for the agricultural exemption is a way to preserve the agriculte business with a tax break. In Broward County, there are 308 acres of horse farms, 587 acres of nurseries and 211 acres used for grazing of cows, sheep, goats, and growing row crops.
  • DALT appreciates Mr. Curtis’ timely and informative presentation.

Discussion was held by all attendees considering scenerios for DALT acquiring land. The attendees were asked for their opinions on DALT’s website offering credit card capabilities for donations and becoming members.

Agenda item ‘Community Outreach’ was postponed to a future meeting.

Minutes Approved - for February 21, 2006. Motion by Fred Segal, second by Eduardo Tkacz.

Meeting adjourned 9 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

In attendance: Linda Greck, Doris Monier, Julie Aitken, Jason Curtis, Monidue Theodore, Scott Spages, Jerry Gemma, Rick Weinstein, John Syorok, Charlie and Pam Capps, Jennifer Brant, Nick Maniatis, Stuart Podel, John Ladue, Judy Paul, Joyce Steward, Eduardo Tkacz, Fred Segal, Claire and Joe Russo

March 21, 2006

Meeting Called to Order at Noon, Davie Town Hall Community Room.

Water Matters Day – Chair Greck reported that the event was very well attended and considered our presence as one of the most successful we have had. She thanks the volunteers that donated their time at the DALT booth. The sale of tee shirts produced $70.00 and cash donations including those for the frisbees were $47.18.

Treasurer’s Report – postponed to a future meeting when treasurer Fred Segal is present.

April 3rd meeting – cancelled due to lack of a quorum of officers and directors.

501c3 Update - IRS states DALT application is under review in a response to Congressman E. Clay Shaw’s office inquiry.

Monday meetings speakers – Constance Ruppender of Central Broward Water Control District has been confirmed for May 1, 2006. She will be presenting valuable information regarding applying for and finding grants. Ron Bergeron has been contacted for June 5, 2006 meeting and a confirmation will be announced in the near future.

Discussion was held regarding implementing credit card availability on DALT website as soon as possible. Fred Segal and Michael Bartlett will coordinate that effort.

DALT database will be set up to notify the upcoming membership renewal dates and notices will be sent to those members in advance of their expiration dates.

DALT corporation filing with the State will be renewed and a change of registered agent will also be filed.

Meeting adjourned 1:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

In Attendance: Judy Paul, Michael Bartlett, Linda Greck, Joyce Steward

April 18, 2006

Meeting called to order 12:08 p.m. Davie Town Hall Community Room by Chair Linda Greck.

Minutes approved for March 6, 2006 and March 21, 2006. MOTION by Michael Bartlett, second by Fred Segal.

Update on 501c3 – Letter from IRS dated April 10, 2006, stated information provided on the DALT application for 501c3 status was not sufficient. An extensive list for additional information was included with a deadline of May 3, 2006, to be submitted to IRS thru Rob Lyons’ office. Discussion was held and comments were noted on each item to be answered in the IRS communication. One of the requested items was delegated to Marcie Nolan for her response. Wording was composed for the remaining items. MOTION was made by Doris Monier and seconded by Michael Bartlett to forward the responses to Rob Lyons office. His office will be responsible for submitting the responses to IRS.

Bond Critera Update – Chair Greck advised that the resolution adopting the criteria developed by the Open Space Bond Task Force had been approved by Town Council. She advised she would follow up with implementing the criteria in the processes to come regarding the expenditure of the bond money.

Credit Card on Website – Fred Segal and Michael Bartlett will complete the process for credit cards to be used for membership renewals and joining online.

Future speakers - a list of proposed speakers for future meetings was reviewed and members were encouraged to submit suggestions for subject matter and possible speakers to the Chair.

Chair Greck advised that the filing with the State for DALT corporation had been completed for this year.

Meeting adjourned 1:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

In Attendance: Linda Greck, Michael Bartlett, Fred Segal, Doris Monier, Joyce Steward

May 1, 2006

Meeting called to order 7:20 p.m. at Robbins Lodge

Self introductions by all attendees.

Minutes approved for April 18, 2006 meeting. MOTION by Fred Segal, second by Doris Monier

Treasurer’s Report - Balance remains same as last reported. Uniform Business Report was filed with State. IRS granted 2 weeks extension, until May 17, for filing of additional information for 501c3.

Guest speaker - Constance Ruppender, Central Broward Water Control District

  • Ms. Ruppender offered suggestions for fundraising and stressed the importance of talking to people and the leader having a passion for drawing in funds for success.
  • She suggested 1 or 2 members of the DALT attend a grants-writing workshop offered by Broward County once a year for 5 eight-hour days. The course will actually have the attending member write a real-time grant. To write a successful grant, among other items, there must be a budget and a plan on how to raise funds.
  • Other fundraising suggestions were:
  • -Regularly send PR to the society page of the newspaper
  • -Broadcast what % of your funds are spent for the purpose
  • -Speak in sound bites
  • -Keep language simple
  • -Obtain support letters from legislators, grass roots citizens, influential citizens
  • -Ms. Ruppender also reviewed an outline of the topics to be included in a grant and some possible sources of grants for a non-profit or a land trust.
  • -She advised that each member of DALT memorize our mission statement.
  • DALT greatly appreciates Ms. Ruppender’s presentation. It was a great deal of very important information presented in an enjoyable format.

Old Business –

  • 501c3 – as soon as the newly filed Articles of Incorporation have been returned from the State, all paperwork is complete for submission back to the IRS thru Rob Lyons’ office.
  • Fred Segal donated the Federal Express charges and the filing fees with the State for DALT.
  • Bond Criteria Update – a database is being compiled of undeveloped land in the town. District meetings are being scheduled for resident input in possible land considerations. Available lands with a willing seller are now being submitted to the Town.
  • Discussion was held regarding the next steps to take for applying for grants and possible fundraising projects.
  • June 5 speaker Ron Bergeron has been confirmed. All DALT interested parties should mark their calendars.

New Business –

  • Town of Davie has requested a letter of support for the Farm Park grant, one for MPO and one for Florida Communities Trust. Chair Greck prepared a draft of such a letter and MOTION was made by Doris Monier and seconded by Michael Bartlett to send the letter.
  • Item V.2 was postponed to a future meeting.

    • Meeting Adjourned 9:15 p.m.

    Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

    In Attendance: Linda Greck, Judy Paul, Two Step, Doris Monier, Michael Bartlett, Fred Segal, John LaDue, Susan Starkey, Jerry Starkey, Eduardo Tkacz

May 17, 2006

Meeting Called to Order 12:10 p.m. at Davie Town Hall Community Room.

Minutes approved for May 1, 2006. Motion by Fred Segal, second Judy Paul with correction to add Two Step to attendees.

Treasurers Report – deposit added of $1,000 for renewal of one member.

501c3 Update – All requested additional information was completed, package assimilated, and FedEx’d this date by Fred Segal to RSM McGladrey office to meet the May 17 date. Their office is responsible for submission to IRS.

Discussion held regarding a presence at the July 4th Splash Day at Pine Island Park. Dr. Scott volunteered for the morning and Joyce Steward for 2 – 5 p.m. More volunteers are needed for any time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Membership renewal – draft letter and form to be sent to members that are due for renewal was reviewed and approved. Pending credit card ability being set up on the website, the letter and form will be sent.

Membership Events – discussion was held regarding various suggestions for membership events. It was determined that none will be scheduled until the 501c3 has been approved.

Attendees reminded that Ron Bergeron will be the guest speaker at June 5 meeting.

Meeting adjourned 12:44 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

In Attendance: Eduardo Tkacz, Dr. Sam Scott, Linda Greck, Fred Segal, Two Step, Judy Paul, Joyce Steward

June 5, 2006

Meeting called to Order 7:25 p.m. by Chair Greck at Robbins Lodge.

Self introduction of attendees requested by Chair Greck.

Treasurer’s Report - balance remains the same. Treasurer Segal will call IRS for a status check on the 501c3 application on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 and report at the next meeting.

Guest Speaker – Ron Bergeron delighted the attendees with his very interesting and educational facts and highlights of his life as a Davie native and member of the sixth generation Davie family. He commented on having 6’ of water in his home during the flood of 1947. In 1949, the South Florida Water Management was formed. Mr. Bergeron has been very instrumental in the preservation of Old Davie School. He has formed a 501c3 corporation for the purpose of establishing an Everglades museum and library stressing the need for educating the public about the Everglades. His human interest stories and life experiences in the Broward area were very entertaining and DALT is very grateful for his presentation.

Next meeting June 20 at Town Hall community room at noon.

Credit card arrangements are set up on the website. A deadline of June 20 was set for activation of this service.

July 4 Splash – Chair Greck will announce the point person for this event and DALT’s booth schedule at the next meeting.

Open Space Bond update. District 1 and District 4 council members have held their open public meetings. District 3 is scheduled for June 10 and June 12.

Meeting adjourned 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Joyce Steward, Secretary

June 20, 2006

Meeting Called to Order - noon at Town Hall Community Room by Chair Greck.

Minutes approved for May 16, 2006 with correction of date on heading and June 5, 2006. Motion by Judy Paul, seconded by Michael Bartlett.

Treasurer’s Report - Current bank balance $4,138.50. Only word on status of 501c3 is that the application had moved on to the next individual in processing at IRS.

Presentation – Alan Greenberg, National Card Company, presented information regarding DALT being able to offer credit card payment on the website and at events. He offered that his company would waive several of the initial fees as a courtesy to Fred Segal. Charges to be incurred are monthly statement fee, percentage fee with each transaction, purchase of a card reader. Michael Bartlett will communicate with their company personnel to set up the account.

July 4 Splash - Some volunteers have committed to man the booth at this event. Dr. Scott and Michael Bartlett from 10 am to 12 noon, Yuri Tkacz and Linda Greck 12 noon to 2 p.m. Any time that could be spent by other parties would be greatly appreciated. The event is from begins at 10 a.m. and runs until fireworks have ended around 9:30. The booth should be manned until 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.. The event draws a large crowd and it is a great opportunity to meet and speak with some very nice Davie area residents. Bring the family and enjoy all the events.

Acknowledgement – Chair Greck will compose and mail a thank you letter to Ron Bergeron for his appearance at the June 5 meeting.

Meeting Schedule – Monday, July 3, 2006, meeting is cancelled due to the long holiday weekend.

Next meeting is 11:45 a.m., July 18 at Town Hall Community Room.

September Monday meeting will be held September 11 since September 4 is Labor Day holiday.

Mission Statement - Members are asked to collect their thoughts on wording a new mission statement to be adopted.

Meeting adjourned. 1:15 p.m.

gotland@davielandtrust.com