Board Meeting
Board Meeting
- Hilton Garden Inn
Members Present: Jack Buckley, Jack Burke, Jodi Christensen, Marc Cove, Larry Eberhard, Mitzi Hobot, John Larson, Ted Lillie, Herb Lohse, Sheila Morrow, Frank Orsello, Ric Pace, Stacie Penn, Tony Schwartz, Rick Timm, Craig Waldron, and Michele Willard.
City Update: Craig Waldron updated the Board regarding City activities. He noted that the City continues to have preliminary negotiations with Lifetime Fitness regarding the dome site. He is chairing the Next Generation Committee for the Minnesota City Managers’ Association with respect to encouraging the next generation to consider public service jobs. He noted that the Lillie News recently carried an article about the City’s use of interns and summer employees that move into permanent positions. The City continues to work on the Red Oak redevelopment project. The financing agreement is being structured to limit the City’s financial exposure. For the year 2006, permit value was close to $50 million. The City is going through a series of reorganizations including the three city commissions and a plan that reflects the City priorities for the future with more of an emphasis on park and recreation, development and redevelopment. He noted that a newspaper article recently discussed Oakdale’s Green Generation program that offers lower building permit fees and other incentives to new and existing businesses that adopt green building practices. Craig noted that the Home Fair is scheduled for Saturday, March 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
School Update: Marc Cove reported that new test data indicates the school district has not improved to the extent hoped for. The superintendent has indicated to the schools' principals that the District must do better in that area. He noted that the referendum failed by about ten percent, a figure similar to many other districts. Therefore, the board is going to have to work hard to balance the budget.
Herb Lohse noted that the district is awaiting news as to whether additional assistance will come from the State.
OLD BUSINESS
OBPA Website: The OBPA’s website’s address is www.obpa-mn.com. Please view the website and let Christine Jones at Go East know if you see anything that needs to be corrected. Jodi thanked Ric, Christine, and Michele, noting that the website is wonderful. She noted that the minutes and schedule are available on the website. The website will contain information about all upcoming events. She noted that it has a direct link to Mitzi Hobot if the viewer desires more information.
Board Member Update: John Larson spoke with a board member that has not been active. The member indicated that another member could fill his position. Therefore, there are presently two vacant member at large board positions. Please contact Jodi if you are aware of anyone who would be interested in serving on the Board.
NEW BUSINESS
Winterfest: Marc Cove noted that Winterfest is scheduled for February 11, from 11:30-2:30, at Richard Walton Park. The menu will be the same as last year, however, the hot dogs will not be grilled, but will instead be cooked in pan, as it was difficult to keep them warm on the grill. Please contact Marc if you are willing to assist with Winterfest. Two helpers are needed for each shift.
Gold Plate Dinner: The Gold Plate Dinner is scheduled for Monday, May 7, 2007. Ric anticipates using an “American Idol” theme…”Oakdale Idol”. If you would like to sing or be a sponsor, please contact Ric. He anticipates serving dinner buffet style, as it facilitates mixing with other attendees. Please contact Ric Pace at Go East, 651-702-2900 if you would like to help with this years Gold Plate Dinner.
OBPA Golf Tournament: The OBPA golf tournament will be held on August 13, 2007. It will be held at Oak Marsh this year.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Treasurer: Jack Burke noted that the OBPA currently has $3,182.51 in its checking account, $9,375.96 in its money market account, and $2,060.00 in accounts receivable.
Jack Burke noted that the OBPA ice augers are in storage, even though the OBPA no longer uses them for Winterfest. He inquired if the Board desires to sell them. Jack indicated that he would be interested in purchasing them. Board members agreed that they should be sold. It was noted that the 8’ x 12’ ice shack should also be sold. Please contact Rick Timm if you desire to purchase either of them by March 15.
Membership: Mitzi noted that we have three new members. One new member from Lake Elmo Bank and two new members from Schoonover Bodyworks.
In 60 Seconds: Jack Buckley noted that all three “In 60 Seconds” openings for the February meeting are filled. However, he does have one opening for the March meeting.
Guest Speaker: Frank Orsello noted that the speaker for the February meeting will be Dr. Susan Thurston-Myster, a forensic anthropologist at Hamline University. Ms. Thurston-Myster is speaking on the topic of “What is a forensic anthropologist?”
Promotions/Chamber News/Directory: Ted showed members the OBPA page in the Lillie News. He thanked Jodi for taking time each month to write an article for the OBPA page. He noted that the cover page of the directory has been sent for printing, and that the body of the directory will be sent tomorrow. The directory will be printed next Wednesday.
Ted said that the Chamber has been discussing the recent vote authorizing the fees from the entire motor vehicles sales tax to be used for roads and transit. Sixty percent is dedicated for roads and 40 percent for transit. Ted noted that 83 percent of transportation costs are for outstate, even though the bulk of the fees paid are from the metropolitan area.
Announcements: John Larson noted that Kids Day America donated over $1,000 to the OBPA’s Holiday Helping Hands Program last year. He noted that Kids Day America would appreciate assistance from the OBPA again this year.
JOHN LARSON MOVED, SECONDED BY STACIE PENN, THAT THE OBPA WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH KIDS DAY AMERICA.
THE MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED.
February General Meeting: February 1, 2007 – Prom Center
February Board Meeting: February 15, 2007 – Hilton Garden Inn
March General Meeting: March 1, 2007 – Prom Center
Minutes submitted by,
Laurel Janisch, Minute Secretary