December 6, 2002

State Planning Office- Augusta

Members present: Matt Nazar, Noel Musson, Fred Marshall, Theresa Oleksiw, David Galbraith, David Sanborne, Jean Marshall, Jim Fisher, Doug Webster

The meeting was called to order at 10:45 by Vice President Matt Nazar. VP Nazar announced that Sarah was unable to attend the meeting and that President Fisher was expected shortly.

Minutes: Theresa moved that the October 16th minutes be approved as written. Motion passed unanimously with Matt abstaining.

Treasurers Report: Fred handed out a 5 page report summarizing MAP finances. Total liabilities and equity is $17,744.46. The annual meeting actual expenses were $35.75 under the budgeted $3,500. Efforts should be taken to ensure that the future annual meeting expenses do not go over budget. Matt moved to accept the Treasurers report. Motion passed unanimously.

Legislative and Policy Committee Report: SPO members including Beth and Mary Anne will attend but need to be careful with their role to avoid conflict of interest. Jim has talked with Fred Michaud regarding his possible involvement. Jean will oversee the meetings when she is able to attend. The consensus of the board was that this committee could have a "rotating" chair depending upon who was able to attend.

Possible upcoming Major Issues: Matt reported that future issues may include a State Building Code and licensing of contractors. MAP should be careful if it takes a definitive position and will address issues as they may arise.

Annual Meeting: Fred will try to compile approximate numbers of annual meeting attendance from past years to better estimate future attendees. Sarah has been trying to contact Richard Florida who does community development work.

Theresa suggested that "wetlands" may be a timely and appropriate topic for the annual meeting. Representatives from DEP and MAWS (Maine Assoc. of Wetland Scientists) would be interested in attending. A model ordinance is in process with assistance from SPO and Steve Pelitier of Woodlot Alternatives among others. It is expected to be completed shortly.

Matt moved that the theme for the upcoming annual meeting be wetlands and that the board continue discussions about further logistics. Motion passed unanimously.

Workshops and Education: MAP should consider expanding wetland education for, i.e., local Planning Boards. Fred reported that the "healthy walks" in natural areas of many Maine towns are working well. Terry Dewann & Associates are working on the project. Noel reported that OGIS has just announced a training schedule. It was suggested that MAP consider a once-a-year informational newsletter to local PB's (one per town). It should be sent August or September.

Membership: JT Lockman needs to review the list of State employees on the list-serve given the recent changes to State employee e-mail addresses. The website will have an up-to-date list of members that have paid their annual dues. Matt will track down the remaining Welcome and Membership packets that are already compiled.

Newsletter: The present newsletter will be sent out next week. The focus of the next newsletter will be "housing". Matt, Theresa, and others will call contacts to work towards compiling articles. The next submission deadline is 1/24/03 for a target publication date of 2/14/03. There should be consideration for articles regarding housing for the elderly.

Matt suggested moving the spring newsletter earlier than mid-May. It may be appropriate to target a 5/1/03 publication date to allow Annual Meeting information to be included. Articles will need to be in by 4/11/03 for this to occur.

Other Business: It was suggested that the fiscal year for MAP be changed to work in conjunction with when dues have historically been paid and the Annual Meeting. The consensus was that the MAP FY should begin July 1st of each year; the same as most municipalities. Matt will compile a list of aspects of the organization that would need to be changed for this to occur. The issue was tabled to the boards January meeting by unanimous consent.

The next MAP Executive Board Meeting was set for 1/10/03 (not 1/3/03 as originally scheduled).

No old business.

The meeting was adjourned by President Fisher at 12:38.

The legislative meeting was to follow the Executive Board Meeting.