Fall Membership Meeting Report

The PRPS Fall Membership Meeting was held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at the Harrisburg Holiday Inn East with approximately 90 members in attendance. The meeting was coordinated by PRPS Training Coordinator Kim Woodward.

Business Meeting

The day began with the PRPS Fall Business Meeting chaired by PRPS President Lee Bryan. Minutes from the Annual Business Meeting in March 2006 were presented by Secretary Doug Wendell and approved.

The Finance Report was presented by Treasurer Kirk Rakos and approved. The statement, reflecting transactions through 11/9/06, reported operating income of $371,754 which is 41.4% of the budget and operating expenses of $349,769 which is 39.5% of the budget. In addition to the two page budget summary and balance sheet, Kirk provided pie charts to further explain the financial picture.

Reports were received from President Lee Bryan, Executive Director Bob Griffith, and branch and district presidents. The 2007 PRPS Conference Committee presented a very entertaining skit highlighting programs and events for the upcoming conference at the Hershey Lodge.

A membership report was distributed. As of 11/14/06, we had 1692 members compared to 1680 at the same time in 2005 representing an increase of 12 members. Our membership grows during the year until March when we usually peak around 1900 members before non-renewed members are dropped.

Nomination Chair Karen Franck presented a slate of candidates for various offices for the 2007 PRPS elections:

PRPS Officers (to be voted on by the 2007 Conference or by absentee ballot)
President Elect- Bill Rosevear
Secretary- Doug Wendell
Treasurer - Kirk Rakos

Directors (to be appointed on by the PRPS Board of Directors)
Educators Director- Dr. Annette Logan
Retired Professional- Bill Forrey
Student Director- David Kim

MARC Representative – Professional (to be voted on by a special ballot to PRPS/NRPA members in Pennsylvania)
Bill Mitchell

Carolyn Hanel reported on the PRPS Golf Outing that will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at the Dauphin Highland Golf Course following the end of the PRPS Annual Conference. The outing is being coordinated by Carolyn and Pat Stasio with help from PRPS Student Director David Kim.

The meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m. The next membership meeting will be the Annual Meeting at the Hershey Lodge on Wednesday, March 28, 2007 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Program

Following the Business Meeting, Thomas P. Ford, Director of Policy, Planning and Operations for the PA Fish and Boat Commission, gave a very informative presentation on “How the PA Fish and Boat Commission Can Benefit You and Your Agency.” Tom highlighted grant programs, new PFBC policies and regulations, and discussed the proposed youth angler license. Tom will be providing a copy of his Power Point presentation that will be available on the PRPS website. You are also encouraged to review the many resources available on the PFBC website at www.pfbc.pa.state.us and to get to know your regional PFBC managers.

Following a tasty lunch featuring an Italian buffet, PRPS branch meetings were held, and the afternoon included three roundtable discussions on health and wellness, park maintenance topics, and aquatics.

PRPS Board of Directors Meeting

Called to order at 1:30 p.m. by PRPS President Lee Bryan. Minutes from the September 20, 2006 meeting were approved.

Officer, branch and district reports from the morning were briefly reviewed with additions.

The campaign to raise funds for the PRPS Endowment Fund was reviewed and plans were discussed to complete the effort to raise the first $25,000. Currently the Fund is at $18,205 which includes $554 in growth for 2006.

It was reported that the current mortgage for the building stands at $359,168 as of October 31, 2006.

Future conference dates were discussed. For 2009 and 2011, the Valley Forge Convention Center will be evaluated in addition to the Hershey Lodge. Dates have been confirmed for Seven Springs for 2008 and 2010. For 2012, Seven Springs as well as downtown Pittsburgh and the Monroeville Expo Mart will be considered.

An update was presented on our ongoing strong support for the PA Parks and Forests Foundation and how we can best support a new PPFF Awards Banquet that will be held in April 2007.

A Winter Legislative Day in Harrisburg is being planned for February or early March 2007. Dates will be confirmed as soon as the calendars are available for the General Assembly in 07.

The Board also discussed ways that PRPS can further support local recreation and park agencies, particularly those suffering from changing political situations. Marketing to local government association conferences will continue. Also, the applicability of the NRPA accreditation standards for local departments will be reviewed to see how we can better apply them to PA agencies as a means of defending greater local support as well as improving agency operations.

The meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. The next Board Meeting will be Monday, March 12, 2007 at the PRPS Office in State College.