The Mid-Atlantic RC&D Association Annual Meeting was called to order by President Howard Coffield at 9:05 am following the delegate sign-in. A roll call was conducted by Jack Preston, Association Member-At-Large. Twenty-two Delegates were present, establishing a quorum for the meeting.

Sheelagh Bailey (NY) agreed to serve as Parliamentarian.

Ron Beam (PA) made a motion to approve the Minutes of the September 3, 2004 Annual Meeting held at Wheeling, WV. Sheelagh Bailey (NY) seconded the motion. Motion passed.

The Financial Report was given by Pat Pinnell. Copies of the Financial Statement (Expenses & Income) were distributed. As requested at last year’s meeting, Pat changed the report format to show the amount spent, budgeted and remaining for the year. Following review, a motion was made to accept and file the treasurer’s report for audit (Jack Ward (NY) motion/Conway Gregory (MD) second) and passed.

Audit Report – Pat stated that all recommendations given by the auditor last year have been implemented. Pat read part of the letter from Meyers and Ridgell, CPA auditors for the Association, which included two recommendations:

Discussion by members present indicated favoring using a $50 per day or current government allowance for meals for the area traveled to and the current federal mileage reimbursement rate in effect at the time of travel, however no motions were made for either item at this time. It was stated that travel is getting more expensive. Howard requested members email to him any recommendations to help offset travel expenses (without raising dues).

FY 2006 Proposed Budget: Pat reviewed the proposed budget, noting that we need to be aware of expenses, especially with the National Conference in Savannah. Following discussion, Jim Ghent (NY) made a motion to accept the proposed budget as presented. Ralph Bucca (MD) seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Pat Pinnell, Olga Walter and Pat Wood were appointed last year to review the strategic plan and make recommendations to the Association. Pat Pinnell provided the committee’s review of the Strategic Plan’s four goals, accomplishments met-to-date and recommendations:

Increase public recognition of the RC&D at the local and regional level:

Improve communications among MA RC&Ds:

Provide training for RC&D councils and their members:

Restore fiscal responsibility with the Mid-Atlantic Association:

The Strategic Plan needs to meet the goals set by the National. A recommendation was made that a committee be formed to set up a 2005-2010 Plan of Work Strategic Plan. Each council needs to be involved. It can be done through e-mails. Volunteers will be requested from each council.

Travel Expenses – Discussion returned to meal policy and mileage allowance as recommended by the Auditor. George Proios (NY) moved we set mileage at federal guidelines. Rick Mickowski (DE) seconded the motion. Motion was passed.

Following discussion on meal reimbursement, Jim Horn motioned to keep at $50 per diem. No second was made.

Mid Atlantic Website – Howard Coffield made a suggestion that possibly a council that has not paid their dues might set up and maintain a Mid-Atlantic RC&D website in exchange for paying dues. The information on the website would be shared by the Mid Atlantic states. Please contact Howard or Cathy if you are interested. Rick Mickowski (DE) explained that we have a list serve that is presently located with the South Jersey RC&D Council that needs to be "adopted" by a council for updating and maintaining.

Copies of the Code of Ethics of the Executive Committee, Mid-Atlantic RC&D Association, adopted during the teleconference meeting of the Executive Committee on August 29, 2005, were distributed and discussed. It will be put into future handbooks. George Proios (NY) questioned if NARC&DC has an ethics policy; Sharon Ruggi stated it does.

Howard encouraged all to attend the National Meeting in Savannah. Sharon Ruggi commended the national staff and said to contact them for any assistance. She also requested Donna Hunter convey our thanks to the rest of the national office staff.

The 2007 Mid-Atlantic Conference will be hosted by Pennsylvania. Howard mentioned that Anne Dubey said there are ways to obtain assistance from NRCS to help with the conference. Jack Preston (PA) stated that the Pennsylvania councils are up to the task.

Dick Rice (PA), Vinnie Tamagna (NY) and Craig Hartsock (MD) nominated the following:

Vice President – James Ghent (NY)

Olga Walter (MD)

Treasurer – Pat Pinnell (MD)

Member-At-Large – James Ghent (NY)

Jack Preston (PA)

Rick Mickowski (DE) moved to accept the nominating committee report. Conway Gregory (MD) seconded. Motion was passed. Howard thanked the Nominating Committee for their work and dismissed them.

Howard asked for nominations from the floor. No floor nominations were made. Sheelagh Bailey (NY) made a motion to close the nominations. Rick Mickowski (DE) seconded. Motion passed.

Craig Hartsock, Denitra Brawner and Mrs. Don Henley were appointed by Howard Coffield as the counters for the election, with Craig named the Head Teller. James Ghent and Olga Walter gave candidate speeches. Pat Pinnell distributed VP ballots to the voting delegates.

During ballot counting, Howard spoke about Sharon Ruggi, commenting that she has done a lot for the Mid-Atlantic and National RC&D. Sharon praised the National staff for everything they do. Howard thanked the Mid-Atlantic Board for their hard work.

Craig Hartsock reported the election results for vice president: Jim Ghent received 12 votes. Olga Walter received 9 votes.

Howard asked for floor nominations for treasurer. There were no floor nominations made. Sheelagh Bailey (NY) made a motion for the Secretary to cast a single consent vote to elect Pat Pinnell as treasurer. Ken Bush (NY) seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Howard asked for floor nominations for member-at-large. Ralph Bucca (MD) nominated Olga Walter. Olga declined the nomination. There were no additional floor nominations made. Sheelagh Bailey (NY) made a motion for the Secretary to cast a single consent vote to elect Jack Preston as member-at-large. Irvil Kear (PA) seconded. Motion passed.

Next year’s elections will be for President, Secretary and Member-At-Large. Conway Gregory (Maryland Eastern Shore, MD, RC&D), Jim Horn (Potomac Headwaters, WV, RC&D) and Jack Ward (Black River/St. Lawrence, NY, RC&D) volunteered for next year’s nominating committee. Jim Ghent (NY) made a motion to accept. Rick Mickowski (DE) seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Howard re-appointed Olga Walter as the second MA delegate to the National Board. Jim Ghent (NY) is also on the National Board as the underserved representative.

Conway Gregory commended Olga for her service on behalf of the Mid Atlantic RC&D Area.

Sheelagh Baily thanked Howard and the whole committee for their efforts.

Rick Mickowski (DE) made a motion to adjourn. Sheelagh Baily (NY) seconded the motion. Meeting was adjourned at 10.14 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Catherine Skwara

Secretary

Mid Atlantic RC&D Association