Forest Fire Lookout Association
Board of Directors
2010 Annual Meeting
January 16, 2010

Call to Order:
At 0845 January 16th, the 2010 Board Meeting of the FFLA was called to order at the Cleveland National Forest’s Palomar Ranger District Office in Ramona, California by FFLA Board Chair, Keith Argow. 
District Ranger, Joan Friedlander welcomed the FFLA group to the facility, followed by introductions of others present:

Board of Directors

Keith Argow – Chairman/Southeast U.S. Chapter Director
Gary Weber – Treasurer/North Idaho-Montana Chapter Director
Brad Eells – Secretary/San Diego – Riverside Chapter Chairman
George Morey – Southern California Co-Director
Pam Morey – Southern California Co-Director
Kathy Allison – Central California Director
Ray Grimes – New Jersey Chapter Co-Director

Members

Bill Bollenbacher – San Diego-Riverside Chapter
Martin Heflin – San Diego-Riverside Chapter
Martin & Mary Hochman – Former Lookout Operators

Guests

Joan Friedlander – Palomar District Ranger, Cleveland National Forest
Talbot Hayes – Battalion Chief, Palomar Ranger District
Kerri Uglik – Fire Prevention Technician, Palomar Ranger District
Duncan Campbell – Communications Technician, Cleveland National Forest

Agenda

Chairman Argow presented the agenda for the day and asked for additional items.  He appointed Gary Weber as Parliamentarian for the meeting.

Cleveland National Forest Overview
Palomar District Ranger, Joan Friedlander welcomed the board and presented an overview of the Forest Service position regarding FFLA and the High Point project.

San Diego – Riverside Lookout History
Secretary, Brad Eells presented an illustrated history of lookouts and fire detection on and around the Cleveland National Forest. An overview of the High Point project and program were also provided.

Elections
Chairman Argow appointed Pam Morey and Kerri Uglik as the Tellers Committee, to tally the ballots. 
Chairman: Keith Argow
Eastern Deputy Chair: Peter Barr  
Treasurer: Gary Weber       

Resolution
The election results were approved by voice vote of all voting members present.

Approval of the 2009 Executive Committee activity
Resolution
Eells moved the 2009 actions of the Executive Committee be confirmed, Allison seconded; motion approved by voice vote by all voting members present. The 2009 Board of Directors Meeting minutes were accepted.

Reports
Treasurers Report
Treasurer Gary Weber passed out copies of the 2009 Treasurer’s report (report available online).  The ‘pass through’ budget item for the San Diego – Riverside Chapter; Chapter accounts and their relationship to newsletter costs were discussed. Allison moved and Eells seconded to accept the report; motion approved by voice vote.

Membership Report
Membership report (available online in combination with the Treasurer’s Report) showed a growth of 76 members over the year, with 171 new members, while 95 dropped.  The total membership is near 900. Complimentary memberships vary by chapter, but it was observed that directors may need to review old comp memberships. 
Grant opportunities and continued growth of local chapters were discussed. The discussion was generally favorable.
A relationship with nationwide outdoor retailer, REI was discussed. Secretary Eells has established a local relationship and will pursue additional opportunities.

Web page Report
Providing PayPal links for membership dues and merchandise payments will be pursued by Treasurer Weber.

Restoration Grant Report
Treasurer Weber summarized the five restoration grants awarded in 2009, Mineral Peak (MT), Mosley Hill (LA), Berry Hill (NY), Pinnacle Mountain (TN), and Tater Knob (KY).  In addition, one emergency stabilization grant was awarded for Duckett Top (NC).

NHLR Report
Chairman Argow reported on the NHLR website and updates taking place on it.  These programs are initiatives of American Resources, Inc, but are supported by the FFLA. Secretary Eells noted the significant number of California lookouts have not been nominated and that additional effort should be made to nominate all remaining lookout to the NHLR.

Director’s Reports
Directors Reports were deferred to online examination by interested parties.

Chairman’s Report
“State of the FFLA”

• A year ago, Chairman Argow asked all FFLA Directors to answer, “What are the strengths and weaknesses of the FFLA?”  He again referred to Director Allison’s response from the previous year.

2010 Budget

[1] Operations includes executive committee expenses; includes $400 for Historian program of work.

 Resolution
Weber moved to accept the 2009 budget, seconded by Morey; Motion approved unanimously by voice vote.
Chapters using the FFLA Tax Payer ID will show grant and other income as a ‘pass through’ on the national budget.

Old Business
Liability Insurance
Central California Director Allison will pursue opportunities for organizational liability insurance.

New Business
Service and Anniversary Pins
A proposal was presented to explore the production of FFLA Service and Anniversary pins. The FFLA celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Secretary Eells moved for the exploration, Allison 2nd.

Appointments
Chairman Argow has appointed Rob Hoeye as Elections Chairman. Allison moved, Morey 2nd.

Next Annual Directors Meeting
The next annual Board of Directors meeting will be held the 15th of January 2011, potentially in Georgia.  Eells moved to approve this date selection, Morey seconded; motion approved by voice vote.

Regional Conferences
The 2010 Western Conference is planned to be held in Grangeville, Idaho; June 25-27.  A proposal for a New Hampshire location has been proposed but not approved for 2010 Eastern Conference.

Adjournment
With no further business for the 2010 FFLA board meeting, the meeting was adjourned at 1600 Hours.