The meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the Shoreline Library.  Present at the meeting were Boardmembers Erika Seather, President, Shari Tracey, Secretary, Terri Fenn, Treasurer and Karen Kreutzer.  Also attending were Kate Pineo, Sonya Reasor, Mina Williams and Maggie Dean.

Erika Seather distributed the meeting agenda.  Shari Tracey moved to approve the agenda and Terri Fenn seconded the motion, and all voted in favor.

Erika led discussion on the appointment of new officers.  Karen Kreutzer moved to approve the following officers:  Kate Pineo as Vice President-Development, Maggie Dean as Volunteer Coordinator and Mina Williams as Communication/Information Officer.  Terri Fenn seconded the motion and all voted in favor. 

Sonya Reasor will act as assistant Secretary to Shari Tracey during her current term as Secretary. Upon Shari Tracey’s resignation Sonya Reasor becomes Secretary.  Shari is likely to resign in March 2009.

Shari Tracey moved to amend the Bylaws to state that the new board positions of Vice President of Development, Assistant Secretary, Volunteer Coordinator and Communication/Information Officer will be voting positions.  Karen Kreutzer seconded the motion and all voted in favor.

It was noted that if the voting members are an even number at any time, the President will not vote unless it is as a tie breaker.

The general meeting of the membership then began at 11:04 a.m.

All new officers were introduced and the agenda was reviewed.  Terri Fenn moved to approve the agenda and Karen Kreutzer seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.

Treasurer’s Report:  Terri Fenn reported that we currently have $413.50 in our bank account.  Terri was able to secure free website hosting by WorldLink.  This was a donation to our group.

Membership Report:  Karen Kreutzer reported that we now have 18 registered members, with 2 more renewals being processed.

Pilot Off Leash Areas - Shoreview:  There was discussion regarding the Shoreview pilot area.  Karen Kreutzer will act as the liaison with Shoreline Community College.  She is employed there and has relationships with the educators and students interested in doing work at the site, as well as those concerned about the logistics and details of the off leash area.  There is a need for communication with the College grounds staff and Karen will also serve in that capacity.

There are still details to be worked out on this site, such as the Right of Access, the agreement that will spell out Shoredog’s rights and responsibilities, and the rules of use for the park.  Erika, Terri, Karen and Shari met with the City’s Parks Director and Maureen Colazzi on February 13, 2009 to discuss these matters and a slight redesign of the small/shy dog area.  The discussion was productive and the City will be getting back to us with revised documents.  We are hopeful for a mid-April opening at Shoreview, and would like to do a work party at the end of March.  If it is determined that we can do a work party on March 28 we will need to coordinate with the City on the work to be done, who will provide tools, etc.

There was discussion of placement of a kiosk, the appropriate type of fencing, the placement of doggie drinking water dishes and the proper materials for an elevated pedestal for the water dishes. 

The division of labor between the City and Shoredog is unclear at this time.  Maggie will track volunteer hours.  All volunteers will be required to sign the City’s volunteer form.  It was also suggested that our group should participate in other community events as well.

Logo Discussion:  Sonya Reasor presented several different ideas for a logo, and the group decided on the logo (attached).  There will be a primary and secondary use for the logo.  We will have the opportunity to order t-shirts and hats through CaféPress. 

Website and E-Mail:  There are new email addresses for the officers:  President@shoredog.org, Info@shoredog.org, membership@shoredog.org.

Karen Kreutzer moved to adjourn the meeting and Kate Pineo seconded the motion.  The general meeting adjourned at 12:30 pm.

The Board then continued their meeting.  Erika discussed a development strategy, which she will be working on with Kate.  It will include fundraising and member recruiting.  A draft strategy will be presented at the next board meeting. 

Terri will pursue obtaining the 501(c)3 status.  It was also decided that we should purchase business cards.

We need to consider a media strategy for publicizing the pilot site off leash areas.  We should focus on media strictly in Shoreline, as we do not want the parks to be overused.  On April 6, 2009, City Council will be considering a motion to change an ordinance to allow dogs in off leash areas.