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BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

January 27, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Mary Ann Everett, Bernie Hurta, Don Wyatt, Pat Johnson, Pat Allen

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Fran Sheppard, and Louann Hight, Gail Koontz, Gail Christian

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am by President Gary Slanga.

Minutes from December 2, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Don Wyatt (Gail Christian)

Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing.

President Slanga presented the proposed budget for 2016.

Addendum: The proposed 2016 budget was approved by a vote of 9 approved, with 2 abstentions via email vote.

Programs and Socials: Mary Ann Everett

February program will be presented by Gail Christian on the volunteer management program.

March will be presented by Amazon Roberts on rain water harvesting.

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta

Worked on County Policy to reinstate a master gardener from another county or state.

Mary Ann Everett moved that the existing Section 5: Transfer be removed and replaced with Section 5: Transfer (See County policy). Pat Johnson seconded. The motion was approved.

The updated County Policy for Reinstatement (see attachment) was presented by Bernie. Mary Ann Everett moved the policy be approved. Gail Christian seconded. This will be added to Section 6: BCMGA County Policies. The motion was approved

All changes will be posted to the web site.

Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen

Sympathy card will be sent to Carla Harmon regarding the loss of her father-in-law. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Rainwater Harvestng Committee: Carla Harmon

No report.

Education Building Don Wyatt

We should start using the building as the weather permits.

Reminded us to use the tax exempt status when making purchases for the association.

Bid received for dry wall. Susan Terry moved we spend $2,508.66 to install dry wall. Mary Ann Everett seconded. The motion was approved.

Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

16 programs have been scheduled from January to May.

Fran Sheppard and Mary Ann Everett will man a booth at the Baylor Scott & White Fall Prevention program on March 3.

Gary Slanga will make a presentation at Ft. Hood on Friday, April 15. Karen Colwick and Susan Terry will help.

Salado Earth Day is on April 23 from 10 AM – 4 PM at Pace Park. Composter donated by Sandy Plisca will be the door prize. Master Gardeners were invited to do talks on composting and rain water harvesting.

Ft. Hood wants us to conduct classes on the second Wednesday of every month at 4 PM. Gail Pierce is working on it.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder & Carla Harmon

Committee has developed a "Monthly to do list" for the grounds. We will also be updating existing grounds policies, and procedures.

Work on grounds is slow right now because we do not work when it rains, or the temperature is below 40 degrees. Work continues on rebuilding of the garden plots.

Stones for plots have been purchased and we are encouraging interns and Master Gardeners to adopt a plot.

Amendments for the gardens have been purchased and will be used throughout the grounds.

Vermitex is going out of business so they have offered free vermicompost to Master Gardeners if they come and get it. We are planning to go there at 1 PM today.

Plant Sale: Kathy Love

The first committee meeting was held January 13, 2016 prior to the general meeting.

33 members were in attendance and there are currently 47 members signed up for the committee.

The committee took 2 votes during the meeting:

Change the sale start time from 7 am to 8 am--ending at 1 pm. The reason for the change is to try to encourage greater attendance from communities distant from Belton/Temple, specifically Killeen.

Change the entry into the sale from the side gate to the front of the BCMG building, thus bringing customers through the building where we will display predominately shade plants.

Committee members signed up to serve as nursery liaisons for the various nurseries utilized for the plant sale. The purpose of the liaisons is to include more members in the process of ordering/purchasing/ delivery, etc.

Jan George, Jane Van Praag and I returned to Wright’s Nursery January 15th to check on the status of our grow order which was placed in December. Barbara Wright was able to update the status of our grow order list and I will be sending that out to the general membership to again request pre-orders of plants we anticipate receiving.

Second committee meeting will be after today’s BOD meeting and to discuss our timeline for placing orders, marketing and public relations efforts and Don Wyatt will give a tour of the BCMG building for all interested members but principally for the 2016 interns in order to give them some idea of the layout of the upcoming sale.

Plant sale flyer will be in draft form for approval by the next committee meeting, e.g. 9 am Wednesday, February 10, 2016. I plan to have flyers available for the Home and Garden Show. Requested that any members speaking to groups or participating in upcoming community events let me know so I can get flyers to them for distribution.

Greenhouse Committee: Carla Harmon & Walter Ponder Youth Programs: Gail Koontz

Scheduled to participate in programs at 3 schools in February

February 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic School.

New class: Fran Sheppard

We have 29 interns.

Awards: Bernie Hurta

State awards submitted are Project – Pat Johnson & Frances Idoux – McLane’s Children’s Hospital Education Program – Louann Hight – Home & Garden Show Written Education – Susan Terry – Salado Demonstration Garden Research – Wayne Schirner Outstanding Master Gardener – Bernie Hurta submitted Gary Slanga for this award Outstanding Master Gardener Association – Mary Ann Everett Thank you to the State Awards Committee for all their hard work.

Local Awards Plaques are being updated and made to be hung in the hallway. Some plaques have not been updated since 2006. Old 100 & 200 service hour plaques were recycled to make Green Thumb Award and New Master Gardener of the Year plaques.

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell

Larry Moehnke proposed purchase of a storage building for the Killeen Community Gardens. Pat Johnson moved we support this project up to $5,500. Mary Ann Everett seconded. The motion was approved.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight

We need to post awards.

Membership: Gail Christian

Received $2,000 in membership fees as of 1-27-2016.

159 members on the roll. 80 have paid, 9 lifetime, 1 JMG New Business:

Water symposium had a color book that was available. President Slanga proposed using this for our organization.

Carla Harmon will research the purchase of a cooler for the Education Building.

Mother Earth Fair will be held at the Expo Center on February 20-21. This is a possible opportunity for education hours. Information will be posted on the bulletin board and will be sent to the members.

Home & Garden Show is February 26, 27 & 29.

Old Business: Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Johnson Secretary


February 24, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Mary Ann Everett, Bernie Hurta, Don Wyatt, Pat Johnson, Pat Allen

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Fran Sheppard, and Louann Hight, Gail Koontz, Gail Christian


Minutes from January 27, 2015 Board of Directors meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Don Wyatt (Gail Christian)

Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. Programs and Socials: Mary Ann Everett

March membership meeting program will be presented by Amazon Roberts on rain water harvesting.

The April program will be Wayne Schirner on square-foot gardening.


Updates are posted on the web site.

Upon Bernie’s suggestion, Pat Johnson moved we add Membership Committee Chair as a director’s position with board voting privileges. May Ann Everett seconded. The motion passed.


Get well cards sent to ill members.

Charles Croninger, former member, passed away. COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Rainwater Harvesting Committee: Carla Harmon

Trying to get county approval for the exhibit off of the mobile home. May need to find another way to do this.

Education Building Charles Newsom

Wall covering is not currently up to Level 4 finish; will withhold payment till it meets standards.

Brown Electric will reinstall light switches and devices.

President Gary appointed a committee to investigate means of cooling and heating the building consisting of Walter Ponder, Carla Harmon and Gail Christian. They will report at our next meeting.

Outreach/Education: Susan Terry (via email)

All programs are on the calendar.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder

Continuing with spring clean-up. Roses trimmed.

Soil and manure delivered this week, need help with this task. Plant Sale: Kathy Love

Committee met February 10th.

Encourage pre-plant-sale orders to keep more plants available during the sale. Pre-sale orders cut off effective March 1st. Members will be allowed to purchase at the end of the sale.

Revised plant availability list was provided to members. Several member orders received to date.

Flyers were printed to be distributed to members for posting. Handouts are ready for the Home & Garden Show. Flyers will also be sent to the members.

Proposed Fall Plant sale be set for September 17, 2016.

Lyle Zoeller will include articles prepared by Melinda Arriola-Vines, Jane Van Praag-Succulents, Texas Natives-Sandi Lenehan, Perennials, Annuals-Gail Koontz, and Texas SuperStars-Walter Ponder in his weekly newspaper article. Articles will be sent to Terri Hahn for the March Blooming Bell. Pat Johnson will mention the plant sale in her bi-weekly column for the Temple Daily Telegram.

Lyle Zoeller will have plant sale emails sent to extension office email lists and previous plant sale attendees.

Other email distribution lists were solicited. Members were asked to broadcast to Facebook and/or Instagram or other social media.

Signage and parking will be taken care of by 2016 intern, Johnny Jones.

Signup sheets for volunteers during the plant sale will be available at the general membership meeting on March 9th.

Plant descriptions will be forwarded to Gail Christian for posting on our website and updated as needed.

Potting party for containers and hanging baskets will be announced.

The next plant sale committee meeting will be at 9:00 a.m. prior to the general meeting on February 9th.

Greenhouse Committee: Carla Harmon & Walter Ponder

Doing research on greenhouse for selection. Currently looking at 14’x20’x10’ model available at Costco. Youth Programs: Gail Koontz

Feb 25, going to Richard E Cavazos Elementary School in Nolanville.

Feb 27 and 28, Home and Garden Show, participate in first time ever Kids Zone.

March 8, Timber Ridge Elementary School in Harker Heights for Science Night. New class: Fran Sheppard

We have 29 interns. Awards: Bernie Hurta

Plaques in hall updated.

State awards were submitted before January 29, 2016. Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell

Pictures were posted on Facebook.

Planted potatoes Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine updates.


Sent letters to 23 members who have not posted education or volunteer hours that they will be dropped.

Spoke of having associate member status.

State master gardener newsletter subscription information will be sent the BCMG members. New Business:

Frances Idoux spoke of an article about volunteering at the McLane Children’s Hospital garden that will appear in an upcoming issue of Tex Appeal magazine.

President Slanga reminded all present to answer the phone in the Master Gardener office.

A day of education was suggested with speakers presenting thirty minute classes back-to-back.

Karen Colwick proposed a rainwater collection barrel workshop—invite public and members interested. Participants would leave with a rainwater collection barrel. Pat Johnson moved we offer this workshop. Gail Christian seconded. The motion passed.

Old Business: Meeting was adjourned.




March 24, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Mary Ann Everett, Don Wyatt, Pat Johnson

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Fran Sheppard, Terrie Hahn, Louann Hight, Susan Terry, Gail Koontz, Gail Christian


Minutes from February 24, 2016 Board of Directors meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Don Wyatt

Financial report read, reviewed and approved for filing. Programs and Socials: Mary Ann Everett

The April membership meeting program will be Wayne Schirner on square-foot gardening.

May membership meeting program will be presented by Mary Ann Everett.

In order to honor the time allotted to speakers each membership meeting, Mary Ann suggested we put the agenda on PowerPoint. We would need input for the agenda by Friday before the Wednesday meeting. Start education at 10:30. She would be the time-keeper.

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta (via email)

Bylaws updates and Handbook Section 6 creation sent to Louann Hight to put on the website.


A memorial donation was made in honor of Charles Croninger, former member. Requested a brick be made for him. Notification sent, along with a card.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Working on getting a solar pump from Solar Tech.

Would like to get a water wagon.

Education Building Charles Newsom

Getting ready to paint the walls today. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

Still need June, November, & December to fill the Killeen Senior Calendar presentations. Mentioned registering for the State Conference.


Received 2 loads of compost and mulch.

Need to get grounds cleaned for plant sale. Plant Sale: Kathy Love

Pre-sale orders are completed, but a few still need to be picked up.

Volunteers are arranged.

Greenhouse Committee: Carla Harmon & Walter Ponder

Shared information about purchasing the greenhouse from Exaco.

Susan Terry moved we purchase the greenhouse from Exaco. Pat Johnson seconded. The motion passed.

Youth Programs: Gail Koontz

Marjorie Gillmeister and I spoke with 88 kindergarten students and their teachers at Nolanville Elementary on March 4. Demonstrated planting seeds in our newspaper containers. On observing their seeds that had been planted in plastic cups, we explained the importance of drainage.

On March 8 Mary Ann Everett led a group that worked with 113 students at Timber Ridge Elementary in Harker Heights in making nature masks during their Science Night.

So to date, through youth activities, we have served and worked with 604 students in Bell County. New class: Fran Sheppard

We have 28 interns, one had to drop. Awards: Bernie Hurta (via email)

No report Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell (reported by Jerry Lewis)

First week in April – installing new shed and building a facility for mulch. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn

Facebook page ongoing; requested pictures. Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine updates.


Twenty-three members had not paid their dues as of March 1, 2016. They were sent a letter informing them that they were to be removed from our membership list. On March 14, 2016, their names were removed from Volunteer Hours program and web site membership list. Also sent Scarlot a list to remove them from our e-mails distribution list.

New Business:

Gary Slanga reviewed an email from a Girl Scout wanting help with her equivalent of Boy Scout Eagle project.

City of Temple allocated $150K toward helping to plan the Botanical Garden at Bend of the River. BCMG Diane Calderwood is on the steering committee. Watch for meetings to be announced.

Old Business:

Level 1 JMG books were purchased. Meeting was adjourned.




April 27, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Pat Johnson, Bernie Hurta, Pat Allen

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Louann Hight

County Agent: Lyle Zoeller


Minutes from March 24, 2016 Board of Directors meeting were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Don Wyatt (absent)

Financial report reviewed and approved for filing. Programs and Socials: Mary Ann Everett (absent)

The May meeting speaker will be Gil Eckridge on hummingbirds.

Reminder: the meeting will begin at 10:00 and the social time will begin at 9:30. Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta

Reinstatement and Transfer Requirements have been put in the Handbook under “MG Requirements and Certificates”.

Instead of creating a new section, Section 6, Gail put it in Section 1. Working on creating the process and forms for Reinstatement & Transfer. If anyone is interested in Reinstatement or Transfer, they should contact the Membership

Chairman, Gail Christian.


Sympathy card sent to James and Cynthia Cowan (new class members) on the loss of their pregnant daughter’s baby.

Card sent to Don Wyatt, recovering from surgery.

Thank you to Temple Garden Club for their donation. COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Still working on solar pump ideas with Solar Tech. Education Building reported by Gary Slanga

Painted the interior adobe white. Outreach/Education: Susan Terry (absent-via email)

All of the programs are on the calendar and the system seems to be working. We have discovered that we need a sign out sheet for the laptop and projector so we know who

has it. We also need a simple set of instructions in the laptop/projector for first time users.

Grounds & Maintenance: Carla Harmon

Work days continue every Wednesday, but will begin earlier in May.

Lyle Zoeller said he still wants the grass demo area. Design is still in planning stage.

Permit for new sign obtained now we can get the new sign with proper wording and symbols and place it so that it can be more readily seen by traffic.


Plant sale was a success. We had 557 visitors. 61 members participated.

DEPOSITS LESS EXPENSES

DEPOSITS (less change return) TOTAL

$17,614.50

PLANT PURCHASES -8,325.96

ADVERTISING -$713.29

PIZZA LUNCH -$108.25

TOTAL PROFIT $8,467.00

Greenhouse Committee: Carla Harmon

Utility marking is done by Charles Newsome Youth Programs: Gail Koontz (absent) New class: Fran Sheppard (absent)

Graduation is May 11. Awards: Bernie Hurta

Emailed Eleanor Tuck in regards to the 15-year state recognition at the State Conference. We don’t have anyone from the Class of 2000 that is still active.

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell (absent) Ft. Hood Gardens will be featured on Central Texas Gardens PBS programming on May 14. Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn (absent)

Webmaster: Louann Hight

Routine updates.

Membership: Gail Christian (absent)

New Business:

Lyle Zoeller reported that Parrie Haines Ranch gifted a 20-year lease to Boys & Girls Club. There is a potential of a garden; they may want Master Gardener assistance with education and advise. They will be hiring two or three people and want to partner on programming. Contact email is [email protected]. He visited with Wallace Vernon.

Gary Slanga reported we need portable air conditioners for the education building. Information is being gathered for a proposal to the board.

Began discussion on additional storage building.

Old Business:

At Natural Grocery Earth Day program made 15 contacts and received an application for the 2017 class.

Ft. Hood Earth Day program hosted 140 kids.

mailto:[email protected]

Meeting was adjourned.


Pat Johnson, Secretary


May 25, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Pat Johnson, Bernie Hurta, Pat Allen, Mary Ann Everett, Don Wyatt

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Walter Ponder, Gail Koontz, Susan Terry, Gail Christian


Minutes from April 27, 2016 Board of Directors meeting were corrected and approved.


Financial report reviewed and approved for filing.


June meeting speaker will be Mary Ann Everett “Identifying Trees of Central Texas.”

Reminder will be sent to members regarding announcements for PowerPoint display.


Forms for reinstatement and transfer are completed. They will be put on our website under “Documents”.


Thank you notes sent.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Classes given by Karen Colwick were a success. There are supplies (barrels and parts) that are left over, possibly for sale to members.

Karen Colwick is available to host another class this fall.

Discussed the need to fix prices of classes to allow for “cost recovery” to Texas A & M.

Education Building Charles Newsome

Electricity has been put back like it should be by Brown Electric.

Possible future improvements are installing a ceiling mounted projector, painting a permanent projection area on the front wall, and installing mounted audio speakers.

Outreach/Education: Susan Terry

Karen Colwick was unable to present the scheduled program at the Harker Heights Senior Center due to illness.


We have a bumper crop of weeds. Crossvine needs work.

Work days continue every Wednesday, but will begin earlier in June. Notice will be sent to members.


Working on Fall Plant Sale orders for the plant sale on September 10 featuring trees and shrubs.


Greenhouse being delivered today.


April: o Subbed for Karen Colwick at her Garden Club of 5th graders at Lakewood Elementary.

o Spoke to 20 Tiger Town 4-H students about herbs. o Demonstrated eggshell and newspaper gardening at Earth Day in Salado. o Demonstrated newspaper gardening at Temple’s Blooming Fest with 65 kids.

May: o Presented program on Snakes in the Garden to youth from Rogers, Academy and Fort Hood

who participated in Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. o To date, through youth activities, we have served and worked with 1265 students in Bell

County. All made possible because so many of you have come along side to volunteer. Thank you all so much.

o Scheduled to garden with the kids in the Morgan’s Point Summer Reading Program July 23 and 30, August 6 and 13.

New class: Fran Sheppard (absent)


We won three awards at the 2016 State Conference. o 1st Place-Research, Square Foot Gardening-Wayne Schirner

o 3rd Place-Written Education-Susan Terry

o 3rd Place-Project-McLane’s Children’s Hospital Garden-Pat Johnson & Frances Idoux

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell (absent)

Ft. Hood Gardens

Featured on Central Texas Gardens PBS programming on May 14.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn (absent)

Webmaster: Louann Hight (absent)


Getting letter out regarding membership.

New Business:

There will be a special called board meeting on June 8, after the membership meeting to determine obtaining a cooling system for the education building. Hopefully bids will be in by then.

Notice will be sent to members that our general membership meeting will begin at 9:00 AM, with social time from 8:30-9:00 AM during the hot months of June, July, & August.

Began discussing the idea of creating a cookbook from BCMG.

Instead of letting produce go to waste, if vegetable beds are not maintained and harvested, produce will be picked and donated to organizations that provide food for the hungry.

Let general membership know what state awards are available to encourage members to submit their projects for state awards.

Bend of the River Botanical Gardens meeting will be held on Thursday, May 26, 6:00-8:00 PM at Gober Party House in Temple.

Old Business:




Special Called Meeting

Bell County Master Gardener Association

Board of Directors

June 8, 2016

The Bell County Master Gardener Association’s Board of Directors met on June 8, 2016 for a special

called meeting following the June General Membership Meeting (11 am)

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Bernie Hurta, Pat Allen, Don Wyatt

Directors and others present: Fran Sheppard, Lou Hight, Walter Ponder, A.Cain, Wayne Schirner,

Charles Newsome, Gail Koontz, Gail Christian, Shellie Downing, Karen Colwick, and Carla Harmon.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss air conditioning our 1,500 sq. ft. metal building.

Charles Newsome reported that he had one $18,000 bid from Bell Air Conditioning and is expecting a

bid from Raebroker Air Conditioning soon.

Lou Hight asked if it would be possible to put in window units, but that would mean cutting

holes in the metal building.

Carla Harmon suggested that we need some kind of portable system. She was to contact Susan

Terry to check on system in Salado that Susan Terry had previously talked about.

Gary Slanga was interested in a portable system that can be vented to the outside. Possibly the

evaporative system that Gail Christian had found in Houston might do (Gail unavailable for

comment). Gail will be asked to get more information on that to see if we can still try out that

unit.

Gary asked how much are we willing to spend to try to air condition a metal building with four

roll up doors, and is not totally insulated. We can spend $200 for floor fans or $18000 plus for a

unit that may or may not do what we hope for.

Gary asked Charles Newsome to continue getting bids and information on what we can do.

Charles also suggested that we should contact Bell County to see what they might have (fans,

etc.) or what they might suggest for cooling our building. Gary agreed to follow up on that.

No decisions were made on air conditioning the building. More information is needed and discussion

will continue at regular Board meeting on June 22. Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by,

Pat Allen, Corresponding Secretary


June 22, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Mary Ann Everett, Pat Johnson, Pat Allen, Don Wyatt

Directors Present: Carla Harmon, Louann Hight, Gail Christian


Minutes from May 25, 2016 Board of Directors meeting were corrected and approved. The minutes for the called meeting on June 8, 2016 were approved.


Financial report reviewed and approved for filing.


July meeting program topic is “Greenhouse.”

Policy & Planning: Bernie Hurta (via email)

Gail Christian is working on getting the Transfer and Reinstatement forms on our website.


No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Karen Colwick is willing to do another workshop this fall after the plant sale.

Education Building Charles Newsome

See discussion under Old Business.


Carol Morisett and Jan Upchurch will step into Outreach chair. I will assist them with the transition.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder/Carla Harmon


Members were sent Pre-sale orders. Posters will be available at the membership meeting in July.


Greenhouse was erected. Working on foundation to pack down the road base; then crushed gravel will be put on the “floor.”


New class: Fran Sheppard (absent)

Awards: Bernie Hurta (via email)

Emailed the state award winners and Terrie Hahn regarding putting a shortened version of their entry in the July Blooming Bell.




Website is up to date.


Mailed 44 letters to members who have not met our requirements of service and education hours for 2015. We had two people ask for help with the Volunteer Management System and are entering data. We had 6 people asking to be put on the friends list. We will not delete anyone from our membership list until the end of the year.

New Business:

Discussion regarding BCMGA produce a cookbook. Sylvia Madgen, class of 2016, will coordinate the project; discussed options. President Slanga stated he would like to see education included. Mary Ann Everett made a motion that BCMGA create a cookbook with no up-front charge. Carla Harmon seconded. The motion carried.

Old Business:

Air-conditioning for the Education Building: possibly check with Lyle Zoeller to see if the county has units for us. It was suggested that we buy one and try it to see what it does. Perhaps renting would be an option. Jan George made a motion that we rent two coolers for the July 13 membership meeting to try it for sound prior to July 6 and obtain email approval for the rental. Mary Ann Everett seconded. The motion carried. *

Other Business: Diane Calderwood, member of the Bend of the River Botanical Garden Steering Committee, gave a report on the Bend of the River Botanical Garden. The steering committee went to Dallas Botanical Garden where they gathered ideas, information, and suggestions. At the last public meeting, attendees met in groups to design the ideal botanical garden. These ideas were collected and given to the architects. The next public meeting will be July 12 at the Temple Public Library McLane Room, 6PM-8PM. She also mentioned the issue of cleaning up the contaminated soil which was created by the Rockwool Plant located across the river which was closed many years ago which could cost $1.2 million.



Pat Johnson, Secretary * Regarding the email vote regarding the rental of air-conditioning units for the Education Building: Rental of these units was found to be cost prohibitive. We could buy one unit for about the cost to rent two units for one month.


July 27, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Pat Johnson, Don Wyatt, Bernie Hurta,

Directors Present: Walter Ponder, Carla Harmon, Fran Sheppard, Louann Hight, Gail Koontz


Minutes from June 22, 2016 Board of Directors meeting were approved.


Financial report reviewed for filed for audit.

Programs and Socials: Mary Ann Everett (via email)

August program: Kathy Love regarding the Fall Plant Sale and education on marketing the plants we plan to have at the sale.

Sign-up for November program on Fort Hood will be available at our membership meeting on August 10 to determine interest.


There needs to be a change to the Master Gardener intern application. The number of service hours needs to be changed from 75 to 50 on number four on the application. Gail Christian will be working on this.


No report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:


Karen Colwick is scheduling a Rainwater Harvesting class perhaps on 9/24 or in October.

Education Building Don Wyatt

No report


Carol Morisett and Jan Upchurch need to start attending board meetings.

Salado Fall Garden Tour is October 8; Ann Eubanks is coordinating Docents. Received very complimentary email regarding programs at Harker Heights Senior Center.

Grounds & Maintenance: Walter Ponder/Carla Harmon

Crossvine cleaned and cut back

Raising the cover for water shut off valve and faucets in the garden beds.


Working on putting out fliers, articles and advertising.


Crushed gravel put on the “floor.”

Discussion about type of license for plant sales we have. We do not have the license to sell plants we grow in our greenhouse. We can only grow plants for our own use.

Need to install electricity, fan and shutter system.


July, Rose Harris, Ann Wagner and I worked with 20 children at Family Day at the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum, talking about victory gardens during World War II and newspaper gardening.

July 23rd, began gardening sessions with children at Morgans Point Library Summer Reading Program. 20 children attended. Thanks to volunteers Dawn Orange, Barbara Dalby & Jo Carlsen.

To date, through youth activities, we have served and worked with 1305 students in Bell County.

New class: Fran Sheppard

Four paid for the new class and one is on hold.

Will put out posters.

Awards: Bernie Hurta “On the criteria for the awards, I’d like to see a limit on the number of nominations a Master

Gardener may submit per award. For example- 3 Golden Trowel, 6 Green Thumb, and ? New Master Gardener of the Year –Should New Class members nominate their own classmates? It happened once last year, but not previously). The nominations usually came from the New Class Committee and other committees that the interns worked on. The criteria sheet indicates that members of the new class may submit nominations.”

Bernie will not be heading up the awards after December.




Routine updates.

Membership: Gail Christian (absent)

New Business:

Discussion regarding BCMGA produce a cookbook. Sylvia Madgen, class of 2016, will coordinate the project; discussed options. President Slanga stated he would like to see education included. Mary Ann Everett made a motion that BCMGA create a cookbook with no up-front charge. Carla Harmon seconded. The motion carried.

Gail Koontz present a possible service project – Children’s Garden at the Morgan’s Point Community Garden. After some discussion, the idea was tabled because we need more information to make a decision.

Pat Johnson presented information about the possibility of advising the Salvation Army on the landscaping of their new homeless shelter in Temple. Pat Johnson and Walter Ponder with gather more information for presentation at a later date.

Old Business:

Air conditioning in education building—need to look into getting larger ceiling fans and portable AC units just to lower the temperature.

Other Business:

$500 was requested for expenses for the Christmas Party. Carla Harmon moved to allocate funds, Pat Johnson seconded. The motion carried.

President Slanga reminded those attending of the Regional State Conference and the Fruit Tree Conference coming up.




BELL COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ASSOCIATION

Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

August 24, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Bernie Hurta, Don Wyatt, Pat Allen, Mary Ann Everett

Directors Present: Fran Sheppard, Louann Hight, Carla Harmon, Gail Koontz, Gail Christian, Terri Hahn, and Kathy Love,

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am by President Gary Slanga

Minutes from July 27th meeting were approved following corrections/clarifications regarding revisions to the awards

criteria as follows:

There will be 3 Golden Trowel Awards. Certified MG’s may submit one nomination for this award.

There will be six Green Thumb Awards. Certified MG’s may submit 3 nominations for this award.

There will be only 1 New Master Gardener of the year award. Certified MG’s may submit only 1 nomination.

New class members not eligible to submit nominations for any of these awards during their class year.

Treasurers Report: Don Wyatt

Reviewed report and filed for audit

Don requested budget information from committees to aid in creating next year’s budget. Budget items need to

be in by Nov 15 so that budget can be ready for approval by BOD meeting in Nov.


September program – Dirk Aaron on “What is Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District? (all you want

to know)

November Field Trip to Ft. Hood not firm, but with number of members wanting to attend, the trip may need to

be divided into two groups (herbarium and bird watching)

Policy and Planning: Board voted to change General Membership meeting time back to 10:30

Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen – Sympathy card sent to Walter Ponder for loss of his father

Committee Reports:


Karen Colwick still planning to offer Rainwater Collection class scheduled for Sep 24 (min of 10, max of 20)

Education Building: Don Wyatt

Carla Harmon pointed out that we would need to consider some kind of heating system for the cold season months

Outreach/Education: Susan Terry – not present

Grounds and Maintenance: Walter Ponder and Carla Harmon

Still preparing grounds for Plant Sale 2 weeks away

Discussion of tree trimming on premises ---Gary S. suggested hiring Duncan Brooks to trim trees and take out trash

trees. Not time to do that right now!


Pre-Sale order closed on 8/20 with approx. 15-20 orders

All plants will be in by 9/8

Betty Burkett will take garage sale donations starting on 9/7—1 hr. presale for members on Friday the 9th (12

noon to 1pm)

Jane Van Pragg, Chrystal Fisher, and Mary Lou Edmondson working on “grow orders” w/Wrights nursery and

Wayne Schirner working on herbs and vegetables

Iris Society will have a booth


Wayne, Charles and Carla installed Fan and Shutters. Gary S. is working on irrigation. Charles is working on

electricity.

Youth Programs : Gail Koontz

Nothing scheduled for rest of year

New Class: Fran Sheppard

6 people signed up (1 has not paid and 1 is being transferred from Ft. Hood) Gary S. expressed concern about

training people who do not stick around to help out in our community. Others noted that training is good

regardless of where people end up.


Local Awards committee meeting on Nov 2nd

Hours are due by end of October for local awards

State Awards will be discussed at later date

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell (not present)

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn

Terri requested help with the Facebook page---hard for her to keep up with newsletter and Facebook page


Will post updates as changes are made and given to her


Post cards will soon be sent out regarding dues and hours. Members will be dropped if not logging in their hours

New Business:

Gary Slanga requested that we give $500 in support for the upcoming BIG Conference to be held in the Waco

Convention Center on December 13th. Mary Ann Everett motioned and Carla Harmon seconded motion ---BOD

voted in favor. This year’s conference will be huge, offering not only agriculture, but also horticulture classes. New

offerings such as Soil Health, Safer Salads, Health, Irrigation, Protecting Pollinators and other classes will provide

members with up to 5 educational hours. Fee is $20.

Bernie Hurta has posted a calendar in hallway to be used for scheduling meetings; hopefully this will prevent

double booking of committee meetings. Many of our volunteers are on multiple committees and attending all

meetings is impossible.

Louann Hight from the nominating committee needed approval from BOD to extend the Corresponding

Secretary’s term an extra year in order to balance the executive board turn-over cycle of office. Gail Christian

motioned and Mary Ann Everett 2nd motion. BOD approved. Pat Allen will continue as Corresponding Secretary

for one more year.

Old Business:

Lyle Zoeller came in to thank all members who volunteered for the recent Ag Agent’s conference. He also

reminded us that $2100 in funds are still available from the 4-H Rainwater project.

Gary Slanga reported on update from Diane Calderwood regarding Bend of the River. Final plans look good and

noted that classroom space will be available

Meeting adjourned at 10:55

Respectfully submitted by,

Pat Allen, Corresponding Secretary

(in absence of Secretary Pat Johnson)


Minutes of the Board of Directors Meeting

September 28, 2016

Board Members Present: Gary Slanga, Bernie Hurta, Don Wyatt, Pat Allen, Mary Ann Everett, Pat Johnson

Directors Present: Fran Sheppard, Louann Hight, Carla Harmon, Gail Koontz, Gail Christian, and Kathy Love

Meeting called to order at 9:00 am by President Gary Slanga

Minutes from August 24 meeting were approved.

Treasurers Report: Don Wyatt

Reviewed report and filed for audit.

Budget requests for projects requiring funding in 2017 need to be sent to Don Wyatt. Tentative budget copy will be brought to the October BOD meeting. We will vote on the budget at the November/December meeting.


Laura Murphy will be doing a presentation on container gardening at the next member meeting.

Rose rosette is a possibility in Bell County. BCMG may be willing to pay for the test for this disease.

Policy and Planning: Bernie Hurta

Need to decide which classes a transfer master gardener should take.


Sympathy card sent to Walter Ponder for loss of his father and to Mike Miller for the loss of his mother.

Committee Reports:


Karen Colwick and her five helpers held a Rainwater Collection class scheduled on Sep 24 for 17 attendees. o Receipts -- $944.50 o Expenses-- $278.29 o Profit -- $666.21

Another Rainwater Harvesting class could possibly held next spring.

We have two square watering tanks from Ursula Nana’s garden that could be used for rainwater catchment—this project is still in progress.

Learned that solar energy pump is not strong enough for our needs.

Education Building: Don Wyatt

Jan George bought pots for planting – “Have to make it pretty” –plans for planting in progress.

Outreach/Education: Carol Morisett/Jan Upchurch

Discussion on doing another specialist training workshop. Need to contact Jayla Fry.

They are moving ahead with updates and calendar.

Grounds and Maintenance: Walter Ponder and Carla Harmon

Ursula Nana’s family donated a $150 gift card to Hill Country Gardens and a $50 gift card from Gardener’s Supply Co.


Gave report as follows:

TOTAL PLANTS 1,786

SOLD SEPTEMBER 10TH -1,517

TOTAL CARRYOVER 269

RETURNED TO WRIGHT’S NURSERY FOR CREDIT -18

SUBSEQUENTLY SOLD AT GENERAL MEETING OR BARTLETT DAYS -100

LOST DUE TO POOR QUALITY/CABBAGE LOOPERS -103

PLANTS TO BE CARRIED OVER FOR SPRING -18

PLANTS DONATED TO DEMO BEDS, ETC. (approximate) -30

TOTAL 0

TOTAL PLANT SALE INCOME TOTALS

TOTAL DEPOSITS 9/12/16 (INCLUDES PLANTS/VENDOR FEES/GARAGE SALE/RAFFLE/SOIL)

$9,330.43

SUBSEQUENT DEPOSITS $298.00

CHECKS PENDING DEPOSIT $174.00

TOTAL INCOME $9,802.43

LESS TOTAL PLANT PURCHASES -$5,175.44

LESS PAID ADVERTISING (HANDOUTS/FLYERS) -$276.03

LESS ESTIMATED PRINT ADVERTISING -$544.00

TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES -$5,995.47

TOTAL ESTIMATED INCOME FOR 2016 FALL PLANT SALE $3,806.96

Looking at March 25, 2017 for the Spring Plant Sale, Kathy Love will head this sale.

Looking at last Saturday in September for the Fall Plant Sale.


Bid on electricity is outrageous. Charles is doing more research and working on obtaining additional bids.

Youth Programs : Gail Koontz

Elizabeth Longoria at Belton Elementary would like to schedule a field trip for about 100 second graders to the Demonstration Gardens at the AgriLife Center at the end of April. Discussion of how this would work took place.

Kennedy Powell Elementary School wants a butterfly garden. Suggested this be referred to Laura Murphy.

New Class: Fran Sheppard

8 people signed up


Deadline for nominations is October 31.

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell (not present)

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn (not present)


Updates posted.


Ten people signed up as “friends”.

Postcards will be sent out in November

Nominating Committee: Lou Ann Hight

Slate of officers to be elected will be presented in October. Elections will take place at the November member meeting.

New Business:

November/December Board meeting will be on November 30 at 9:00 AM.

16th Annual Bell County Water Symposium will be held on November 16 at the Texas A&M Central Texas. Discussed getting plants for door prizes.

Discussed the possibility of working with Keep Temple Beautiful on the Green Home Build. Decided not to participate at this time.

Old Business:

Pat Johnson and Walter Ponder will work with Salvation Army on their landscape project.

Wayne will research obtaining a projector for the education building.

The benches are being taken apart and working on a plan for the wood, maybe a lath house or shade house.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:42

Respectfully submitted

Pat Johnson

Secretary


BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

OCTOBER 26.2016

OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE: President Gary Slanga, 1st VP Mary Ann Everett, 2nd VP Bernie Hurta,

Corresponding Secretary Pat Allen, and Treasurer Don Wyatt. DIRECTORS IN ATTENDANCE: Carla

Harmon, Louann Hight, Gail Koontz, Edie Campbell, Gail Christian, Carla Harmon, Carol Morsett and Jan

Upchurch.

Meeting Called to Order: 9am

September Minutes and October Minutes to be presented for approval at November/December BOD

meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Don Wyatt reported monthly balance $61703.59. He also presented the 2017

Budget Proposal which was based on last year’s actual expenditures.

Programs and Socials: Mary Ann Everett reported that our November General Membership meeting

would begin at 9:30, and immediately followed by departure to Heritage Farm in Elm Mott. There would

be no bus---we are to car pool. Members are to notify Mary Ann if going and if wanting to have lunch in

the restaurant. There is no admission. Travel time may only be counted for driver and we will get 2

education hours for the visit.

Policy and Planning: Bernie Hurta had no new report

Corresponding Secretary: Pat Allen had nothing new to report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Rainwater Harvesting: Carla Harmon is still working with Lyle

Education Building: Don Wyatt – no report

Outreach/Education: Carol Morsett and Jan Upchurch, for Susan Terry, reported the need for more

speakers in our Speaker’s Bureau to fulfill all the requests we get. Carol and Jan suggested ways we

might entice more members to fill those spots such as keeping a Library of commonly used Power Point

presentations, and/or a Speaker- Mentor program to help train potential future speakers. Making it

easier for first timers might increase our speaker group.

Speakers are needed on African Violets for Belton Horticulture group. Gary Slanga offered to speak on

Tree Trimming on Jan. 26 and speak to the Temple Garden Club on April 6.

Grounds and Maintenance: Carla Harmon said that Walter was ill. Trimming of trees still needs to be

addressed. Gail Christian presented a bid from Casebolt Tree Care to prune back the fence line and

remove the live oak in front of property, grind stump and haul away all debris. Bid was for $900. Louann

Height motioned to accept bid and Don Wyatt seconded motion. Motion passed.

Plant Sale: Kathy Love announced that the ”grow order” for Spring plants has been placed. Some

additions may be made. Gail Christian recommended more Texas Natives. Committee is looking for

either plastic of metal shelving to replace our old wooden tables to have for Spring Plant Sale.

Greenhouse: Carla Harmon said that one bid is still out on electricity for building. Should be able to

report at next month’s meeting.

Youth Programs: Gail Koontz has recently worked with Tiger Town 4-H and is working with Casey

Beaver to get ready for the Kid Zone at the Home and Garden Show.

New Class: Bernie Hurta reported for Fran Sheppard that there are currently 12 applicants for the

upcoming new class beginning in January. The New Class committee will meet on December 7 at 9:30 to

finalize plans and get materials ready for new class. Jerry Lewis presented 2017 New Class Budget. Jan

4th is the Orientation and first class is on January 11th. Mary Ann reported change to Soil Training

class; new presenter will be Bob Whitney.

Awards: Bernie Hurta discussed the criteria for the upcoming State Awards (handout provided) . A

meeting will follow BOD meeting on Nov. 30th to discuss entry writers, etc. for the eight categories that

we may enter for state awards. Awards are given for Youth Programs, Projects, Educational Programs,

Written Education, Research, Outstanding Individual Master Gardener, Outstanding Master Gardener

Association, and Marvin E. Beck JMG Leader of the Year. These are due the end of January.

Considerations might include Home and Garden education for the Educational Award and the Cookbook

for the Written Educational Award.

Committee is still accepting nominations for local awards / deadline is October 31.Meeting is at 9:30 on

the 31st. Nominations are needed for New Master Gardener of the Year.

Hours must be in by October 31 for our local awards.

Killeen Community Gardens: Edie Campbell reported recent harvest of beets, turnips, yellow squash,

and greens. Some 3120 pounds of produce harvested thus far from gardens.

Blooming Bell: Terri Hahn (not present/no report

Webmaster: Louann Height reported routine maintenance of website

Membership: Gail Christian had nothing new to report.

New Business: Wayne Schirner has been talking to A&M (Jayla Fry) about the possibility of hosting a

specialist training in Turf Grasses as there is not currently a specialty training on that subject. Jayla will

be talking to Dr. Reynolds about the possibility of doing that.

Gary reported that Specialist Training hours does not count as BCMGA service hours. It does count as

Educational hours.

There was discussion of audio/visual system for Educational Building. Considered were Projector or

smart TV screen. TV might be easier to upgrade and more cost effective for our needs. Projector will

have to be a really high grade to provide best viewing. Ideas for TV included really large or more than

one in corners of room. Gary asked Charles Newsome to do some more checking on that for our next

meeting. Charles speculated that we need at least $5000.00 budgeted for this system.

Old Business: Jan George reported that a group will be going to tour Parrie Haynes Ranch on November

17th to see where the proposed garden site will be and what the current vision is concerning how

BCMGA can help.

Money ($15) still being taken for Christmas Party until Nov 9; after that price is $25. Contact either Jan

George or Joan Bumgarner.

Meeting Adjourned: 10:55 am

Respectfully Submitted by Pat Allen, Corresponding Secretary (in absence of Pat Johnson, Recording

Secretary)

.