Baxter County Friends of the Taxpayers

MEETING NOTES

BAXTER COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE TAXPAYERS

SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2006

BCFT Director Frank Kaye opened by welcoming current City Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Phil Frame and his wife Eva to our meeting.  Mr. Frame spent nearly an hour telling us who he is and what he plans to do as Mayor of Mountain Home, then answered questions from the group.  Among the subjects that were discussed: annexation, taxes, the city pool, water rates, street department and public safety issues, planning for the future of Mountain Home, zoning issues, managed growth, and the potential for an open-door policy at City Hall.

After Mr. Frame’s presentation, Frank called the meeting to order.  Treasurer Ken Blade gave the following report:  previous balance was $515.20; deposits were made in the amount of $11 (Pass-the-Bucket for June meeting); withdrawals came to $55 ($15 [2 hall rentals] + $40 [ad in July Ozark Mtn News]), leaving a balance of $471.20.

Old business

Committee Meetings:  As in previous meetings, Frank reported that in his opinion, acceptance of BCFT’s presence/positions seems to be growing among the council members who sit on the various city committees.  We still need volunteers to go to the meetings – requires a one-hour-per-month commitment.

Parks & Recreation:  The report this month indicated that the City Pool is in need of resurfacing; a visual inspection by BCFT members during their regular swim time showed pieces of the lining missing from the bottom of the pool.  It was also pointed out that during the first city council meeting in July, Council Member Jennifer Baker did publicly recognize BCFT for its re-striping project at the Van Matre Senior Center (performed Saturday, May 13); the Ozark Mountain News also published an article (with photo) about the project in the July issue.

Pool Committee:  The pool committee recently had a meeting with the lawyer who has volunteered to guide us through the incorporation process, to determine the legalities of going forward with finding a way to cover the city pool (or build a separate year-round facility).  We can’t do any fundraising until we get 501(c)(3) certification.  In the meantime, we are trying to contact other local organizations (at least 3) whom we have heard have an interest in a year-round swim center; if someone else is actively pursuing the issue, it may be better for us to join forces with them rather than compete.

Among other things that need to be done for BCFT’s incorporation (develop bylaws, vision & mission statements), we need to come up with a name for the pool committee/foundation.

New Business

Baxter County Fair:  Suzan Kaye received notification from the Fair Board that a booth is available for us.  A vote was taken as to whether we proceed (cost is $120); it passed unanimously.  Suzan also discussed several options for giveaway items that could be ordered to pass out at the Fair; the item chosen was custom imprinted refrigerator magnets, at a cost of $180 plus shipping for 1000.  Suzan will prep the copy and place the order ASAP.  John Miskelley very generously offered to donate a guided fishing trip (full day for 2 people) to give away at the Fair; he was rewarded with a lifetime membership in BCFT!

Ozark Mountain News:  Suzan suggested that we change our monthly ad in the OMN from a display ad ($40 per month) to a 25-word classified ad ($15).  The classified ad format will allow us to say more (advertise meeting time/date and/or special events) for much less money. 

Candidates for City Council:  Brief discussion of the status of the three candidates’ campaigns … all three candidates will be preparing yard signs.  The suggestion was made that the candidates be allowed to purchase the leftover A&P Tax yard signs and have them reprinted as necessary.  It was decided that each one could purchase up to 65 signs for $5; all three paid the Treasurer for their signs before leaving the meeting.

Bylaws:  At last month’s meeting, suggested bylaws for BCFT were distributed.  Copies were later mailed to those members without e-mail access.  These bylaws were “borrowed” from another group here in town, and modified to suit our organization. Please look them over and make any corrections or suggestions for improvement and bring to our next meeting.

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The Pass-the-Bucket collection was $32.00 (thanks, everyone!)  This money goes toward our hall rental, postage and copying costs, newspaper ads and other administrative expenses.

The meeting was adjourned.  Next meeting will take place Saturday, September 30, 2006, at 1:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Special guest will be attorney David Osmon, candidate for Mayor of Mountain Home.

Suzan Kaye, Secretary

Monday, September 25, 2006