Maine Association of Planners
Executive Committee Board Meeting
December 5, 2003
State Planning Office- Augusta
Executive Board Member Present: Jim Fisher, Noel Musson, Maureen O'Meara, Matt Nazar, Hugh Coxe, Richard Roedner and Doug Webster.
President Fisher opened the meeting at 10:45 A.M.
Item 1: Minutes from 11/7/03 Meeting.
There were a few minor corrections to the minutes;
-Top of page 1 under attending; correct spelling of Hugh Coxe
-Top of page 2- under NNECAPA directors; Donna Larson, vice president
-Top of page 2- under NNECAPA directors; Tad Redway, ME State Director
-Middle of page 2- under possible collaborators, etc.; eliminate second bullet reading "Grow Smart Maine- Hugh and Noel"
-Top of page 3- third bullet under "Newsletter"; make as new own heading "Legislative and Policy Committee: Jim will talk with Anne about present status and Carl Eppich (Kennebunk) will work with Judy".
Maureen moved to accept the minutes as corrected. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 2: Newsletter.
Present Newsletter: Maureen reported that the newsletter was slightly delayed but that Jeremy has sent it. The newsletter was sent to members that have paid their dues, "current" members only; not to those who have not paid. The newsletter contains the announcement of upcoming MAP awards. The consensus of the Board was that the newsletter should be used to promote MAP events.
Upcoming 2004 Publishing Dates: The Board established the publishing dates for the upcoming newsletter of 2004 to work with MAP events and other logistics; Feb. 6, April 23, Post Labor Day, and Dec. 1.
Winter Newsletter: Jim F. will include NNECAPA membership in his letter from the MAP president. Possible articles include Topsham Crossing (Rich Roedner and Rich Cromwell) and Dunstan Corner (Hugh Coxe). SPO may also have be able to contribute article(s).
Item 3: Annual Meeting.
The topic is expected to be how Canadian Provinces have used regionalism as a means to reduce governmental operating costs and maximize economies of scale. The topic seems particularly appropriate given Maine's present budget situation and the Governors emphasis on sharing Municipal Services.
President Fisher reported on the status of the upcoming meeting. Donna Larson expects to be able to address logistics and recreation. Noel will look into possible sponsors to offset expenses. Ann Kreig should be able to coordinate awards. Possible speakers include Michele Gagnon and Judy East (both of New Brunswick, Canada).
President Fisher reported that his contact at the Stone House has requested information regarding liability insurance. Jim will contact Donna Larson (Freeport) and Jack Kartez (USM) and investigate the issue. This needs to be resolved prior to signing the contract. NOTE: An e-mail post-meeting dated 12/11/03 indicated that this issue has been resolved.
Possible speakers that could tailor the Canadian experience to Maine's needs include Evan Rickert and Dick Berringer. Possible pursuit include an Environmental Finance Center and creating Municipal Service Districts. There may be other New England States with related experience.
Maureen will call Ann Kreig regarding an article for awards for inclusion in the newsletter.
Item 4: Legislation.
Jim Fisher will talk with Ann Kreig. It might be best for Ann to talk with Beth Dellavalle at SPO since she is tracking pending legislation. Titles of upcoming legislation are on the legislative website. Ideally the committee would convene in early January.
Item 5: Friends of the Court/ Amicus Brief.
Natalie Burns of the Portland law firm Jensen, Baird, Gardner & Henry is representing MAP for the present time for minimal cost. Maureen moved to authorize up to $250.00 for legal expenses incurred regarding this matter. The motion passed unanimously.
Item 6: Workshop Ideas; Winter Workshop and MMA.
Winter Workshop: The Board discussed the possibility of collaborating with another appropriate organization/ event and be a sponsor as the winter workshop. The consensus of the Board was that this would be positive for MAP but members attending were not aware of events where MAP could collaborate.
Other possible ideas included collaborating with CPAC (Community Preservation Advisory Committee) or a legislative breakfast. The consensus was that there was not ample time to effectively coordinate MAP involvement for these events for this year. Another idea is to consider involvement with the Sustainable Community conference this coming April.
The consensus of the Board was to keep aware of possible collaborations for the winter workshop. Maureen moved to authorize up to $400 to help sponsor a Winter Workshop should an appropriate event arise. The motion passed unanimously.
Future workshops might include collaborations with the Natural Resources Committee (perhaps in January 2005). It would seem appropriate to discuss this concept with the full membership at the next annual meeting.
Future MMA Conference: The consensus of the Board was that a future MMA topic might be interface between healthy living and land use. Jim will contact Christine Lyman to further the discussions.
Item 7: Treasurers Report.
The Board will review this item at the next meeting.
Item 8: Membership.
Matt will compile a "reminder" letter to former MAP members that have not paid their dues and are consequently not being sent the newsletter.
Item 9: Website.
Jim Fisher reported that he continues to receive job listings. There is no present mechanism to know when/ if positions are filled. Maureen suggested using a "posting date" so older messages can be deleted after a given period of time.
Item 10. Other Business.
The next meeting was set for Friday, January 9th @ SPO @ 10:30 A.M.
The present Executive Board Committee meeting was adjourned at 12:27 P.M.
NOTE: There was a Leadership Meeting immediately following the Executive Committee Board Meeting.
Post Board Meeting – Leadership Meeting
Attending
Group was given the issue of sprawl
Themes
Leading
Depends on geography
Education
Commercial vs. residential
State recognition