On Thursday evening, November 16th, 2000, the Cherokee County Historical Society convened at the administrative office in the Historic Courthouse to discuss issues at hand detailed on the distributed agenda. Those attending were Judson Roberts, President; Skip Spears, Vice President; Jean Krueger, Treasurer; Bernese Cagle, Past President; Dr. Elaine Hubbard, Director; and Frances Sosebee, Director. Pat Kearns, Secretary and Doug Flint, Director were not in attendance. The meeting was called to order.
Minutes were not available as Secretary Pat Kearns was not in attendance. Treasurer Jean Krueger presented her report. Liquidity continues to increase due to the membership response for a letter soliciting funds for completion of the Crescent Farm Historical Center. Income from memberships, sales, facility use, grants and contributions for this year have funded most of the Society's extraordinary expenses: Consultant for Office & Archive organization; reprinting of Marlin's History of Cherokee County (820); reprinting of maps, Website establishment and upgrading of Newsletter. Finance Committee continues to implement strategies for maximum return on funds.
Old Business:
President Roberts reviewed the Capital Campaign. Contributions continue to come in and have exceeded $160,000 YTD of the $200,000 goal.
Roberts also commented on progress of work on the Rock Barn as Director Flint was not in attendance. Pyburn has reviewed the plans with the State Historic Preservation Office and they have agreed that interpretation of the Rock Barn will be very Spartan yet still include all amenities requested. Interpretation is in keeping with its original function as a race horse stable. This enables us to maintain National Register status and access to the 20% tax credit (approximately $44K) that we may elect to use to fund any shortfall. The State has recommended removal of any interior decorative woodwork. Roberts met with Pyburn and Hardy in December at the Rock Barn, to discuss schematic plans and to proceed with selection of a project manager.
Roberts also reminded Board members of his or her commitment to bring on 10 new members, especially corporate ones in keeping with our membership drive and upcoming renewals.
New Business:
Peggy Corbett has submitted a request for $250.00 to be used for creation of a video that will be an oral and pictorial history of Hickory Flat. Her students at Sequoyah High will undertake the project and request funding from the GA Humanities Council. Motion was made and approved to fund the request.
Roberts brought to the Board's attention the necessity for audited financial statements not only as a requirement of our by-laws but also deemed necessary for underwriting grants for capital improvements on Rock Barn and other projects. He will meet with Mary Free to discuss compilation for a 2000 Balance Sheet & Income Statement.
Tom Krueger, Membership Chairman and President Roberts have also compiled a letter inviting corporations to join the Historical Society. It is set to go out in Jan/Feb.
The Christmas party was also discussed and motion made and approved to cater the event to be held Dec. 3, 2000 at Bill Hasty, Sr.'s home. Nominations for 2001 Board will also be submitted. They are: Skip Spears, President, Bob Stubbs and Kip McVay, Co-Vice Presidents; Sylvia Rankin, Secretary; Jean Krueger, Treasurer; Judson Roberts, Past President; Doug Flint, Director; Dr. Elaine Hubbard, Director; and Dr. Rebecca Ray, Director.
Submission of changes in by-laws as recommended by Robin Hubbell of Community Preservation Partner, was also discussed. These will be put on the website for review and submitted for approval at the meeting to be held on February 13, 2001.
A proposal to compile newsletter was submitted by Linda Geiger; however, Board seemed satisfied with work done by Linda Hasty. We are also in process of reinstating our bulk mail status that will generate substantial postage savings.
The next Board Meeting was set for January 18, 2001, subject to change. Roberts thanked outgoing Past President Bernese Cagle and Director Frances Sosebee for their invaluable work and significant contribution to the Historical Society.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by Judson W. Roberts