Monthly Meeting Minutes

President, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, called the meeting to order at 9:05 a.m. There were 46 in attendance.

Secretary, Patty Burns, read a thank you note from Bette Rose to the MG association. She then read the minutes of the November 29, 07 meeting. A motion to accept was made and seconded.

Treasurer, Allen Smith, handed out copies of the 2008 Budget. The carry-over from 2007 was $10,544.62 plus a $1,000 conference loan for a total of $11,544.62. The budget was expanded this year to give a better explanation of Income and Expense Accounts. About 50% of members have paid dues so far this year.

Membership Report: Shirley asked that David Barkley provide membership with a list of certified master gardeners who have fulfilled their volunteer hours as soon as possible. The list will then be purged and any certified master gardener who has not paid dues will be called. Receipts will now be given when dues are paid. Shirley asked that the Association list be separate from the list of Master Gardeners that the Extension keeps. Dominique Loewenstein stated she will be more active this year in promoting membership.

Greenhouse/Restitution: Ash Tyler reported approximately 4000 plants and seeds have been planted with more coming in. The restitution program budget is asking for at least $20,000 this year to help pay for greenhouse repairs. This budget is separate from the association budget. There are currently 12 kids enrolled in the restitution program at this time.

Newsletter: Joe Loughlin stated that the deadline for newsletter articles and dates for the calendar is February 5th. With the current webmaster, Lisa Miner, moving out of state, John Baronowski has agreed to take her place. A meeting is to be scheduled as soon as possible to discuss the website changeover and define requirements based on our current needs.

Vice President, Grace Wrigley is currently updating the inventory of library books again and contact her if you would like to help. She has recently purchased three books for the library and is also looking for suggestions for new books.

Historian, Barbara McCoy purchased a digital camera to take more pictures at the various MG events.

Budget: President, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, stated the MG board of directors has not seen nor approved the 2008 Budget and would like to open it up for discussion to the membership prior to approval.
Ash Tyler requested $4500 in additional funds for replacement and installation of exhaust and circulation fans and shutters in the greenhouse. The Greenhouse - Hoop house line item was increased to $8000.
David Barkley stated the Plant ID-Botanical Gardens line item of $7000 did not seem out of line at this time based on unknown factors such as availability of prison labor, purchase of plants, and finishing the labeling project.
Al Smith indicated that based on projections from Charlie Spencer, the budget for the Plant ID, Plaques & Engraving, and Social Holiday Party accounts was raised for 2008.
He also stated that the budget has flexibility built into it with the $3000 Projects-New line item.
Ash Tyler made a motion to amend the budget and spend $3500 to purchase a trailer for buying plants. John Sullivan asked to table the motion until next month and asked Ash provide membership with information on how many times the trailer would be used and how much it would cost to rent a trailer. Bill Finley seconded the motion. The motion carried.
A motion was made by Bill Finley to approve the budget as amended. It was seconded by John Sullivan and approved by membership.

President, Shirley Waggoner-Eisenman, stated the NC Cooperative Extension has been redistricted into six districts with Danny Shaw as our new District Director. The revised map provides a lot of useful information.
Dr. Robert Lyons from the University of Delaware will open up the 2008 State MG Conference. Workshops will be based on past conference evaluations. As it stands now, Bryce Lane will close the conference. A loan for $3000 will be requested at the January state MG meeting. Over 200 letters are being sent out shortly requesting sponsors, vendors, silent auctions, etc. to raise money for the conference.
Shirley asked for a volunteer to continue as Herbarium. She also indicated she would like to give the newsletter a name. Information on both will be put in the newsletter.
The Leland Expo is being held this weekend at the North Brunswick High School.

Horticultural Agent, David Barkley, stated that MG day at the Southern Spring Show in Charlotte will be 2/29. Pro-Day will be 2/27 at the north campus of the Cape Fear Community College. Two classes of new master gardeners will be the starting in February. The Brunswick Isles Homes & Garden show will be held at the West Brunswick High School on 3/29 & 3/30.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:12 a.m. followed by a presentation from Dean Bennett, BCC Director, on the new greenhouse and classrooms at BCC and the green swamp.

The next general meeting will be February 28. Guest speaker will be Chris Moorman on Wildlife Management. Refreshments to be provided by Barbara McCoy and Vicki Kay.


Respectfully submitted,
Patty Burns, Recording Secretary