On September 13, 2001, the Board of Directors held a scheduled meeting at 7:00 P.M. on the grounds of the Historic Courthouse. In attendance were President Skip Spears, Judson Roberts, Past President and Directors Elaine Hubbard and Rebecca Ray. Those absent were Treasurer Jean Krueger, Secretary Sylvia Rankin and Director Doug Flint. A quorum was represented.

As minutes were not available from the previous meeting, none were available for review and approval. [*Note: Minutes were posted online at the Virtual Board website.] The Treasurer's Report, Operating Budget and Capital Campaign Budget were presented by J. Roberts. Record membership levels in various categories have exceeded projections and Tom Krueger was recognized for his diligence and efforts. Of the $32K outstanding , $15K has been pledged and an additional $17K is needed to repay obligations under our line of credit.

The first order of business was President Spears concern for an effective integration of members into the Society's committees and activities as well as enhancement of entitlements for new and existing members. A skeletal agenda was presented and reviewed by J. Roberts.

Walt Fuller of Historical Publishing Network has made a proposal that could earn up to $20,000. The idea is a colored coffee table type book focusing on the history and heritage of Cherokee County. Proceeds would come from the profile sales targeting the corporate and municipal areas. Fuller previously met with J. Roberts and discussed the project. One is being published in Gainesville and J. Roberts will speak with the society there regarding feedback. There is presently no such publication and the Board concurred that proposal was timely. Pending positive feedback, the Board voted to proceed with the project. President Spears made the motion that was seconded by E. Hubbard. All were in favor.

An offer by Dr. James Kilgore was presented for the sale of a house adjacent the Rock Barn. Dr. Kilgore is asking $185,000. The Board concurred that this price was excessive and would reconsider or pass on to interested members if the price were lowered. It cannot be zoned for commercial use. President Spears also mentioned that he would check with the City of Canton about ceding the property from the closed road between the Rock Barn and Kilgore property to the Historical Society.

SPLOST was mentioned and the Board has endorsed the special tax part of which will be used to finish renovation of the historic Canton High School Building. The referendum is scheduled for September 17th.

Director & Liability Insurance was discussed and will be pursued especially in light of the anticipated increased use of the Rock Barn for special events. J. Roberts will bring some prices back to the Board's next meeting. Donations were discussed for equipment and pending services for the Rock Barn. A 8 ft. X 8 ft. pull down screen has been purchased and donated by. J. Roberts. Donation of a P.A. system is also being considered by Adelphia Cable and coordinated by J. Trisynski. The Bridge Mill Garden Club has agreed to do a Master Plan for landscaping and will use $1,000 in grant money given to the Historical Society by the State Garden Club. Ellie Weidman is coordinating.

J. Roberts and L. Geiger are coordinating efforts to form a Northwest Georgia Preservation Coalition to include neighboring northern arc counties. Exchange and dialogue concerning preservation interests, challenges and success in areas of high growth will be the focus of the group. The Rock Barn is the anticipated site of the proposed meeting. These include groups in Cherokee, Pickens, Bartow, North Fulton, Cobb, Forsyth and Gilmer.

The Nominating Committee will have a list of proposed Board members for the October meeting at October 16th at the Canton Mill Lofts. Positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and one director will be filled for 2002.

The next Board meeting is schedule for Tuesday, November 13th at the administrative office in the Historic Courthouse. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by: Judson Roberts