Meeting Minutes December 10, 2016
Submitted by Carol Ann Goodwin
Present:
Gina Forister, Charles “Chuck” Fields, Judie Winchell, Allison Watkinson, Kathi Warm and Carol Ann Goodwin
Call to Order:
Meeting was called to order at 10:01 am with a moment of silence being held for the passing of U.S. Astronaut John Glenn and the victims of the TN wildfires. This was immediately followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Review & Approval of November 2016 Minutes - Deferred Until January 2017 Meeting
Treasurer’s Report
Presented by Allison Watkinson, Treasurer, with a copy attached to the permanent copy of minutes. It was noted the ending balance presented agreed with current bank statements. A discussion of upside down balance on the November movie and it was noted this issue should reverse itself as more people become accustomed to a monthly movie on the fort. It was also noted that TX state sales tax must be paid on all concession items sold for events – Community Council does this in January of every year.
Old Business
- Community Council Bylaws RE: 2nd Vice-President Position on Board
- Update of Nominees for 2017 CC Board Members
- Update on Signage for Recycle Center
Correspondence Update
An email had been received by Helena McBride stating the purpose of the Community Council Member at Large position was to allow Winter Texans to have a voice at Community Council. The Member at Large position is board appointed.
Fort Clark Days 2017 Update
Regularly scheduled meetings regarding planning for Fort Clark Days will be resuming immediately after the holidays. T-shirt design is almost complete and work continues to making the 40th year anniversary of Fort Clark Days special.
Events:
- The Bar at Dickman Hall will be opening in January with a special “soft” opening scheduled for those who volunteered their time and who donated to make this restoration possible. Dickman Hall is on the tour for the Kinney County Arts Council and has been decorated for Christmas will all of the decorations being donated at no cost to the Fort. The Fort is also pursuing finding someone to open the restaurant. Work in progress.
- 12/21 – RV Park – Caroling Around the Campfire: Chuck Fields made a recommendation for the CC to donate $50.00 to the RV to assist with the costs of their upcoming Caroling around the Campfire event. It was decided to have people make individual donations of either money or desserts for the party.
- Amy’s House in Unit 36 – Fridays at 7:00 pm – Bingo Party, with all being welcome (currently 12-20 people are attending)
- A motion was made to purchase the last set of additional strip lights for the Post Theater – these are for everyone’s use and add to the ambiance of the theater as well as improving the overall soft lighting effect. Motion made, seconded and approved.
- Events Coordinator noted that a donation of 29 boxes of holiday lights had been given to the Community Council by Susan Hughes and could a thank you letter be sent acknowledging her gift? The same type of letter needs to be sent to Dan Laws at Rio Grande Electric Coop. for the donation of the projector. All present approved with Secretary to draft the letters.
- Jan Metcalf thanked Carol Ann Goodwin during the meeting for all of the work done toward creating new events at Fort Clark and for such a positive attitude.
Available Committee Reports
- The Historic Society Open House was well done and well attended – a good time was had by all. There will be a benefit concert in February showcasing music of the Civil War in the Post Theater. All are welcome, please try to attend. More details forthcoming.
- Fort Clark Preservation Society – work has started on the stables, with the next project being the restoration of the Gazebo.
- Garden Club – the Wild Flower Demonstration Garden has been planted with a water line installed by Maintenance. Germination has already occurred and signage is a work in progress.
New Business
- Upcoming Movies at the Post Theater Update
- Saturday, 12/10 – “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” 2 pm / 5 pm / 8 pm
- Monday, 12/19 – “The Polar Express” 5 pm / 8 pm
- Kinney County Arts Council “Historic Christmas in Kinney County Tour”
There are eight historic buildings on this year’s tour, with four of them being on Fort Clark and four in Brackettville. It should be an excellent event with the funds raised going to support the KC Arts Council annual scholarship awards.
- A motion was made to pay the annual $50.00 dues for the Community Council to be a (non-voting) member of the Kinney County Chamber of Commerce for 2017. The motion was seconded and approved.
President’s Report
Gina Forister reported that she had carried last month’s concerns to both the Executive Officer, Richard Lawrence and the Board of Trustees at the regularly scheduled meeting last month. Her report at the Board was accepted as presented.
- Led a lengthy discussion on hunting at Fort Clark with the request being made that during either the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays to have the Fort trails open to hikers and have the hunting moved to the “400 acres.”
- Presented a copy of a member complaint form which is available in the Administrative/Motel Offices – please fill one out and submit when you wish to make administration aware of issues on the Fort.
- Presented information on trash pick-up – regarding trash days, what they will pick up and when and how to arrange for a special large item pick-up. Also noted the Fort has purchases a new “brushhog” and it will be used to clear brush away from green spaces.
- CC President was asked to please remind Security to close the gate at the end of Fort Clark Rd at dusk as posted. This is not being done consistently.
- Stated the January CC meeting would include a brief “bio” on each Community Council Board member.
- Asked all present to turn in any requests for speakers and/or special topics for 2017 meetings.
Member Comments
- Continued complaints regarding the illegal dumping of trash on the Fort. It was noted cameras have been installed at strategic locations and two individuals have been fined for proof of illegal dumping to date.
- Continued complaints regarding Fort Administration not forcing property owners who allow their properties to become excessively run down to take care of them to at least a minimum acceptable standard. (Unit 36) It was suggested by Gina Forister to have Unit 36 meet as a unit and discuss how best to address specific concerns and complaints.
- Continued complaints regarding Fort Administration not forcing property owners to follow posted individual rules & regulations.
- Continued complaints regarding speeding on Fort Clark Road and Scales Road.
- Continued complaints regarding the overgrown brush just outside of the Recycling Center and how difficult it makes it to merge back onto Scales Road.
- Discussion on where is the appropriate place to put the TV given to the Community Council by Wal-Mart with the purpose of utilizing it for educational opportunities. The Community Council Board has agreed to leave in the front Administration/Motel Offices, where it now only plays the news and the weather for guests. This will allow it to be used for different Community Council events on an as-needed basis. It was noted that the ladies who work in the front office have been informed to leave the TV on the weather or a news station only. The CC Board will look into having an educational Fort Clark video/DVD played on this set on a continuous loop in the future as well.
- Judie Winchell asked if a card could be sent to Sherry White, who is in the care of Hospice, from the Board members of the CC. It was agreed to do so as soon as possible.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 11:02 am.
Next Meeting – Community Council Annual Meeting
Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10:00 am
Location: FCSA Board Room
