A VERY PRODUCTIVE BOARD MEETING!

        Here is a summary of actions taken at our very productive 2010 annual meeting held at the Palomar Ranger Station, Cleveland National Forest in Ramona, CA.

        In attendance were Directors Pam & George Morey, Kathy Allison (Ball), Ray Grimes, Gary Weber and Keith Argow, Secretary Eells, as well as FFLA members and USFS guests.

        1.  Reviewed and confirmed the actions of the Executive Committee in 2009 (since the Bradenton FL board meeting).
        2.  Accepted the annual election tally by the teller committee.   Eastern Director:  Barr, 7 and Isenberg, 4.   Argow and Weber were unopposed.   The election was confirmed.  Rob Hoeye, former FFLA Secretary, was appointed to a three-year term as Election Officer as per our bylaws.
        3.  Received an outstanding program by Chapter Chair Brad Eells on the history of fire lookouts on the Cleveland NF.
        4.  Also, heard a presentation by Joan Friedlander, Palomar District Ranger.
        5.  Accepted the minutes of 2009 meetings and reviewed the 2009 Membership Report.
        6.  Reviewed the Restoration Grant performance for 2009, and emergency stabilization grants.   Annual chapter reports are still being solicited by the Deputy Chairs, and are posted on www.ffla.org as they are received.
        7.  Accepted the 2009 Treasurer's report.  Total chapter funds were down $1,200, a positive sign since income has exceeded chapter spending for years, suggesting lower chapter activity levels.  In spite of increased printing costs, expenses were $358 under budget.  Dues income was up $2,000.
        8.  Approved a dynamic 2010 budget, including:
             a)  A "pass through" item for chapters who raise money outside FFLA to certify the proper use of our IRS deduction to the donors.   In 2010 the Riverside/San Diego Sub-Chapter anticipates a $40,000 grant.
             b)  Over the years, chapter allocations of the annual dues have steadily declined with the rise in printing and mailing costs for Lookout Network.  By board action years ago, the magazine was determined to be a chapter expense, not a national expense.   To stop this decline, this budget allocates $2 of the $15 annual dues to the chapters regardless of printing and mailing expense.  Complimentary mailings of the magazine will remain a chapter expense.
             c)  Approved 50% of the cost of a shipping container (up to $500) to be used by the Northwest chapters as a parts and tool cache.    The balance is to be paid by the NW chapters.
             d)  Approved up to $1,000 to procure liability insurance for FFLA approved programs and activities.
        9.  Tentatively approved 10-year and 20-year FFLA service pins to be presented to members by Directors, to honor the member's years of service and membership.  This item is subject to funding, a requirement Keith will seek to fulfill.
        10.  Develop a "contract" which chapters with manufacturing capability may use to produce things like L-4 lookout shutters (an item that has proved costly to the FS from outside commercial contractors).

        And much, much more... 

        We had a great field trip Sunday to two lookouts on Palomar Mountain, plus a tour of the telescope itself.  This was a very productive meeting, with guests giving us some new ideas...   New ideas are always welcome!

        We can all be proud of the progress and "can do" attitude of FFLA!    It is a privilege to continue another two years as your Chair.                 

Keith A. Argow
Chairman of the Board
argow@cs.net

Back to the Home Page