Meeting Minutes June 11, 2016
Submitted by Carol Ann Goodwin
Present: Allison Watkinson, Charles “Chuck” Fields, Judy Winchell, Carol Ann Goodwin & 8 members.
Called to Order:
At 10:03 am, with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
May Minutes:
Approved as presented. Note that meeting minutes are now posted on the FCS Community Council for website for review.
Treasurer’s Report:
May’s report presented by Allison Watkinson. Report accepted as presented, with a single correction noted. Treasurer’s Reports are also posted on www.FCScommunitycouncil.org website for review. A copy of the report is attached to the permanent minutes.
Correspondence:
Chuck Fields discussed multiple complaints he has received regarding Elite Roofing having rented the old Fire Station next to the Adult Activity Center. Issues with included:
Other Brackettville businesses have been turned down for a business location on the Fort – i.e. unfair business practices.
By renting a building (historic) on the Fort to a for-profit business, will the Fort jeopardize their non-profit standing?
Possible violations of current bylaws.
Lengthy discussion followed presentation, with both pros and cons of this issue being presented.
Action Item: Chuck Fields will present this issue to the Executive Officer, Mr. Lawrence, and the Board of Trustees for their review and follow up.
Old Business:
Community Council Board members stated that a response has not yet been received as to why the Slater Hall monthly electric bill is so high, especially without the air condition working.
Action Item: Allison Watkinson agreed to follow up and review the monthly electric bill line items and report back to the committee at the next meeting.
Debbie Isaacs presented the 2016 Fort Clark Days Financial Report.
One check has not cleared the bank yet, with Ms. Watkinson noting the group would more than likely not be cashing the check.
$ 9800.15 Profit, after Expenses with the profits being divided in the following manner:
- $3500.00 Seed Money for Fort Clark Days 2017
- $3780.00 FC Historical Preservation Committee
- $2520.15 Community Council
A breakdown of total income and expenses was also reported. Ms. Isaacs also asked for assistance with recruiting more volunteers for next year’s Fort Clark Days as well as assistance in planning the 2017 event much earlier in the year.
Community Council Board and all members present thanked Ms. Isaacs for her continued hard work and dedication in regards to the Fort’s most important fund raiser.
Action Item: Allison Watkinson, as Treasurer of the Community Council, will present funds to the FC Historic Preservation Committee at their next meeting.
Reports:
Golf Club: Debbie Isaacs announced the Golf Club would be running several specials during the summer including (1) a Senior Discount on Fridays, (2) Two Players for $25.00 (including cart) on Sundays, and (3) Birthday Packages for both members and guests. Please contact the Club for additional information.
It was also noted the Golf Club presented three (3) scholarships at the most recent Las Moras Golf Tournament. Also awarded at the most recent golf tournament was a $5000.00 grand prize and a car, with $5000.00 in profit being made by the Golf Club.
Historic Preservation Committee: Debbie Isaacs also presented the Historic Preservation Committee Report stating that no contracts for hail damage repair have yet been awarded, as additional funding resources are reviewed by the Executive Director and the Board so that all funds are used wisely.
Myrna Cassel, FCS Board Member, announced that a check for hail damages has been received from the FCS insurance company.
It was noted the Adult Activity Center was the next scheduled project before the March hail storm and needed significant repairs.
Ms. Isaacs also presented (via photographs) evidence of termite damage at the historic officers’ stables on the Fort and requested that this information be forwarded to the Board and the ED.
Action Item: Chuck Fields will present the issue of termite damage to the Executive Officer, Mr. Lawrence, and the Board of Trustees for their review and follow up.
Recycling Committee: Judy Winchell announced the first baled load of cardboard has been sent out, with work beginning on the second bale.
The Recycling Committee has been asked by the State of Texas to participate in a partnership with carton recycling. Only five (5) groups of volunteer recycling committees were selected statewide. Cartons are a high grade plastic, not cardboard, and Texas is much interested removing as many as possible from landfills.
Anyone wishing to participate may bring rinsed cartons (milk, juice, etc.) to the FCS Recycling Center beginning in September. The Committee will receive up to $2000.00 in grant assistance regardless of how many cartons are submitted for recycling. Cartons only need to be rinsed and baled for submission.
It was noted that the local schools, nutrition center and the jail are also excellent sources of cartons for recycling. The Committee will work with these groups to try and enlist their support for this project.
Ms. Winchell, on behalf of the Recycling Committee, again thanked the Community Council for the donation that allowed the Committee to purchase the baler, which has made the above opportunity possible.
Ms. Winchell also noted that recycling on a community scale fits within both the educational initiative and the enhancement of FCS and the community initiative of the Community Council.
Airport Committee: Judy Winchell reported that Russell Knowell and the Airport Committee are continuing their work on replacing the broken windows of the historic hanger at the airport. Mr. Knowle has been posting pictures of their progress of the FCS Facebook page for anyone interested in follow up.
New Business:
Fort Clark Days 2017 Update:
FCS Board of Trustees needs to grant official approval of partnership with the Community Council for the 2017 FC Days.
Judy Winchell is compiling a list of no cost advertising for non-profit events which include: AARP, Texas Highways Magazine, AAA, RV Magazines, etc.
Noted that all ads need to be completed and ready for submission no later than September/October 2016.
2017 FC Days website is up and running.
Mr. Fields will ask the Executive Director about Mrs. Lawrence being available to volunteer for fund raising.
Motel Informational Books:
Members present were asked to review the drafted flyers for both the Community Council and Fort Clark Days to be placed in the FC motel informational books. The fees for placement have already been paid. If no corrections are noted, Carol Ann Goodwin will forward a .pdf copy of each flyer to Mary Partlow, so that she may get them placed in the binders. Copies of both flyers are attached to the minutes.
Action Item: Ms. Goodwin will forward .pdf copies of the new flyers to Mary Partlow for appropriate distribution.
Aladdin, A Children’s Play:
On June 15th, auditions are being held for the summer play Aladdin, being presented by the Missoula Children’s Theatre and the Kinney County Arts Council. All children are encouraged to audition, as there will either be a part in the play or work backstage for every child. For more information, please contact the Kinney County Arts Council.
Brackettville Community Pool:
Please stop by the Brackettville community pool today, it has been cleaned and filled and is ready for summer fun. Free hot dogs are available today to all attendee, beginning at 11:00 am.
4th of July:
Sunday, July 3rd, there will be an evening movie and snacks at the Fort Clark Butcher Block. On Monday, July 4th there will be a parade through Brackettville and a patriotic celebration, music, vendor, games and food at Fort Clark Springs. Monday evening fireworks display at dark.
Vendors Needed: Cherrise Ducharme 830-563-9387
Jan Metcalf: 830-563-9047
Parade: Martha Padron 830-563-0514
Fund Raiser at the Burger & Shake Today:
Please stop by the Burger & Shake Restaurant this afternoon and get your car washed by the students at Brackettville High School. This is a fund raiser for students attending band / twirler / drum corp. summer camp.
Member Comments:
FCSA Rules & Regulations:
Members remarked it is very frustrating to not have rules & regulations posted in public areas (i.e. picnic area) and then to be cited for disobeying the rules. Complete Fort Clark Springs Rules & Regulations, including those for use of picnic areas, can be found on the www.fortclark.org website under Fort/Membership/Documents. Members requested that basic rules & regulations be posted in appropriate public places for easy dissemination of information to both members and guests. Members also asked that BBQ charcoal pits at the picnic areas be cleaned, as they are “nasty.”
HOA Restrictions:
Noted that FCS HOA Restrictions are no longer posted on the FCS website. Members requested that they be replaced as soon as possible.
Trash & Green Space Maintenance:
Members present held a lively discussion on current problems with trash pickup and green space maintenance on the Fort. Issues discussed included the following:
Lack of regular summer mowing of the green spaces surrounding Unit 36.
It was noted that green space mowing has been held until after June, so that wildflowers on the Fort may propagate. It was also noted that lack of manpower and mowers are a current issue.
Members noted snakes are impossible to see in tall grass. This is an issue for children playing and adults walking.
Unit 36 homeowners reported a current issue with Unit 37 homeowners bagging up their lawn trash (clippings, limbs, etc.) and dumping them in Unit 36. A request was made for assistance in getting this to stop as soon as possible.
Suggestions were made to have each Unit’s homeowners get together to review their Unit’s specific CCR’s and update if needed.
Suggestions were made to have “No Littering” signs posted in public places with fines put in place.
Issues with individuals placing large items out in front of their own properties or others (furniture, appliances, etc.) and not making arrangements (i.e. paying) for appropriate pick up were also discussed.
Action Item: Chuck Fields will present the following items to the Executive Director, Mr. Lawrence, and the Board of Trustees for their review and follow up.
FCS Monthly Newsletter to include regular reminders of current trash rules.
FCS HOA Restrictions be replaced on the Fort Clark website.
Rules & Regulations to be posted in public areas (i.e. picnic area, etc.).
A request for assistance in getting individual units to cease dumping their trash/yard clippings anywhere other than in front of their own property for appropriate pick up.
“No Littering/Dumping” signs to be posted.
Reviews of possible fines/repercussions for individuals who are found to be violating current trash/dumping rules & regulations.
Adjourned:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:21 am.
Next meeting to be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 10:00 am.
Building location TBA.
Called to Order:
At 10:03 am, with a moment of silence followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
May Minutes:
Approved as presented. Note that meeting minutes are now posted on the FCS Community Council for website for review.
Treasurer’s Report:
May’s report presented by Allison Watkinson. Report accepted as presented, with a single correction noted. Treasurer’s Reports are also posted on www.FCScommunitycouncil.org website for review. A copy of the report is attached to the permanent minutes.
Correspondence:
Chuck Fields discussed multiple complaints he has received regarding Elite Roofing having rented the old Fire Station next to the Adult Activity Center. Issues with included:
Other Brackettville businesses have been turned down for a business location on the Fort – i.e. unfair business practices.
By renting a building (historic) on the Fort to a for-profit business, will the Fort jeopardize their non-profit standing?
Possible violations of current bylaws.
Lengthy discussion followed presentation, with both pros and cons of this issue being presented.
Action Item: Chuck Fields will present this issue to the Executive Officer, Mr. Lawrence, and the Board of Trustees for their review and follow up.
Old Business:
Community Council Board members stated that a response has not yet been received as to why the Slater Hall monthly electric bill is so high, especially without the air condition working.
Action Item: Allison Watkinson agreed to follow up and review the monthly electric bill line items and report back to the committee at the next meeting.
Debbie Isaacs presented the 2016 Fort Clark Days Financial Report.
One check has not cleared the bank yet, with Ms. Watkinson noting the group would more than likely not be cashing the check.
$ 9800.15 Profit, after Expenses with the profits being divided in the following manner:
- $3500.00 Seed Money for Fort Clark Days 2017
- $3780.00 FC Historical Preservation Committee
- $2520.15 Community Council
A breakdown of total income and expenses was also reported. Ms. Isaacs also asked for assistance with recruiting more volunteers for next year’s Fort Clark Days as well as assistance in planning the 2017 event much earlier in the year.
Community Council Board and all members present thanked Ms. Isaacs for her continued hard work and dedication in regards to the Fort’s most important fund raiser.
Action Item: Allison Watkinson, as Treasurer of the Community Council, will present funds to the FC Historic Preservation Committee at their next meeting.
Reports:
Golf Club: Debbie Isaacs announced the Golf Club would be running several specials during the summer including (1) a Senior Discount on Fridays, (2) Two Players for $25.00 (including cart) on Sundays, and (3) Birthday Packages for both members and guests. Please contact the Club for additional information.
It was also noted the Golf Club presented three (3) scholarships at the most recent Las Moras Golf Tournament. Also awarded at the most recent golf tournament was a $5000.00 grand prize and a car, with $5000.00 in profit being made by the Golf Club.
Historic Preservation Committee: Debbie Isaacs also presented the Historic Preservation Committee Report stating that no contracts for hail damage repair have yet been awarded, as additional funding resources are reviewed by the Executive Director and the Board so that all funds are used wisely.
Myrna Cassel, FCS Board Member, announced that a check for hail damages has been received from the FCS insurance company.
It was noted the Adult Activity Center was the next scheduled project before the March hail storm and needed significant repairs.
Ms. Isaacs also presented (via photographs) evidence of termite damage at the historic officers’ stables on the Fort and requested that this information be forwarded to the Board and the ED.
Action Item: Chuck Fields will present the issue of termite damage to the Executive Officer, Mr. Lawrence, and the Board of Trustees for their review and follow up.
Recycling Committee: Judy Winchell announced the first baled load of cardboard has been sent out, with work beginning on the second bale.
The Recycling Committee has been asked by the State of Texas to participate in a partnership with carton recycling. Only five (5) groups of volunteer recycling committees were selected statewide. Cartons are a high grade plastic, not cardboard, and Texas is much interested removing as many as possible from landfills.
Anyone wishing to participate may bring rinsed cartons (milk, juice, etc.) to the FCS Recycling Center beginning in September. The Committee will receive up to $2000.00 in grant assistance regardless of how many cartons are submitted for recycling. Cartons only need to be rinsed and baled for submission.
It was noted that the local schools, nutrition center and the jail are also excellent sources of cartons for recycling. The Committee will work with these groups to try and enlist their support for this project.
Ms. Winchell, on behalf of the Recycling Committee, again thanked the Community Council for the donation that allowed the Committee to purchase the baler, which has made the above opportunity possible.
Ms. Winchell also noted that recycling on a community scale fits within both the educational initiative and the enhancement of FCS and the community initiative of the Community Council.
Airport Committee: Judy Winchell reported that Russell Knowell and the Airport Committee are continuing their work on replacing the broken windows of the historic hanger at the airport. Mr. Knowle has been posting pictures of their progress of the FCS Facebook page for anyone interested in follow up.
New Business:
Fort Clark Days 2017 Update:
FCS Board of Trustees needs to grant official approval of partnership with the Community Council for the 2017 FC Days.
Judy Winchell is compiling a list of no cost advertising for non-profit events which include: AARP, Texas Highways Magazine, AAA, RV Magazines, etc.
Noted that all ads need to be completed and ready for submission no later than September/October 2016.
2017 FC Days website is up and running.
Mr. Fields will ask the Executive Director about Mrs. Lawrence being available to volunteer for fund raising.
Motel Informational Books:
Members present were asked to review the drafted flyers for both the Community Council and Fort Clark Days to be placed in the FC motel informational books. The fees for placement have already been paid. If no corrections are noted, Carol Ann Goodwin will forward a .pdf copy of each flyer to Mary Partlow, so that she may get them placed in the binders. Copies of both flyers are attached to the minutes.
Action Item: Ms. Goodwin will forward .pdf copies of the new flyers to Mary Partlow for appropriate distribution.
Aladdin, A Children’s Play:
On June 15th, auditions are being held for the summer play Aladdin, being presented by the Missoula Children’s Theatre and the Kinney County Arts Council. All children are encouraged to audition, as there will either be a part in the play or work backstage for every child. For more information, please contact the Kinney County Arts Council.
Brackettville Community Pool:
Please stop by the Brackettville community pool today, it has been cleaned and filled and is ready for summer fun. Free hot dogs are available today to all attendee, beginning at 11:00 am.
4th of July:
Sunday, July 3rd, there will be an evening movie and snacks at the Fort Clark Butcher Block. On Monday, July 4th there will be a parade through Brackettville and a patriotic celebration, music, vendor, games and food at Fort Clark Springs. Monday evening fireworks display at dark.
Vendors Needed: Cherrise Ducharme 830-563-9387
Jan Metcalf: 830-563-9047
Parade: Martha Padron 830-563-0514
Fund Raiser at the Burger & Shake Today:
Please stop by the Burger & Shake Restaurant this afternoon and get your car washed by the students at Brackettville High School. This is a fund raiser for students attending band / twirler / drum corp. summer camp.
Member Comments:
FCSA Rules & Regulations:
Members remarked it is very frustrating to not have rules & regulations posted in public areas (i.e. picnic area) and then to be cited for disobeying the rules. Complete Fort Clark Springs Rules & Regulations, including those for use of picnic areas, can be found on the www.fortclark.org website under Fort/Membership/Documents. Members requested that basic rules & regulations be posted in appropriate public places for easy dissemination of information to both members and guests. Members also asked that BBQ charcoal pits at the picnic areas be cleaned, as they are “nasty.”
HOA Restrictions:
Noted that FCS HOA Restrictions are no longer posted on the FCS website. Members requested that they be replaced as soon as possible.
Trash & Green Space Maintenance:
Members present held a lively discussion on current problems with trash pickup and green space maintenance on the Fort. Issues discussed included the following:
Lack of regular summer mowing of the green spaces surrounding Unit 36.
It was noted that green space mowing has been held until after June, so that wildflowers on the Fort may propagate. It was also noted that lack of manpower and mowers are a current issue.
Members noted snakes are impossible to see in tall grass. This is an issue for children playing and adults walking.
Unit 36 homeowners reported a current issue with Unit 37 homeowners bagging up their lawn trash (clippings, limbs, etc.) and dumping them in Unit 36. A request was made for assistance in getting this to stop as soon as possible.
Suggestions were made to have each Unit’s homeowners get together to review their Unit’s specific CCR’s and update if needed.
Suggestions were made to have “No Littering” signs posted in public places with fines put in place.
Issues with individuals placing large items out in front of their own properties or others (furniture, appliances, etc.) and not making arrangements (i.e. paying) for appropriate pick up were also discussed.
Action Item: Chuck Fields will present the following items to the Executive Director, Mr. Lawrence, and the Board of Trustees for their review and follow up.
FCS Monthly Newsletter to include regular reminders of current trash rules.
FCS HOA Restrictions be replaced on the Fort Clark website.
Rules & Regulations to be posted in public areas (i.e. picnic area, etc.).
A request for assistance in getting individual units to cease dumping their trash/yard clippings anywhere other than in front of their own property for appropriate pick up.
“No Littering/Dumping” signs to be posted.
Reviews of possible fines/repercussions for individuals who are found to be violating current trash/dumping rules & regulations.
Adjourned:
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 11:21 am.
Next meeting to be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 10:00 am.
Building location TBA.