National Council Meeting Minutes - March 18, 2008

Carlos Suárez, President called the meeting to order at 6:09 PM CST

Roll call was taken and quorum established.

Present

Carlos Suárez, President; Irma Hernández, Secretary; Heather Medina, Reg Rep - MW; María Collazo, Reg Rep - E; Jazelle Jusino, Reg Rep - SE; Roney Gutiérrez, Reg Rep - W; Rick Tafoya, Treasurer; Tony Reséndez, Executive VP;  Carlos Morganti, Reg Rep -C; Cresencio Pérez, Reg Rep – SC,  Herman García, Reg Rep - NP

Absent

Mario Morales, Vice-President

Note: National Council-7 members required for a quorum

Changes to the Agenda: Carlos Suárez asked to remove the Newsletter and the Update on Joint Meeting because they were discussed on the previous teleconference. Rick Tafoya asked to change the External Audit to Financial Report. Astrid Martínez asked to report after the minutes were approved. Carlos Suárez requested a motion to approve the agenda. Rick Tafoya made a motion to approve agenda.  Jazelle Jusino seconded the motion. No more discussion; motion carried.

Swearing In of new Council Member: Carlos Suárez swore-in Heather Medina as the new Mid West Region Representative. Edwin Almodóvar, former Mid West Regional Representative, accepted a new position in New York.

Approval of minutes: Irma Hernández discussed the February meeting minutes. Additional information not available in the minutes were provided. Carlos Suárez requested a motion to approve the minutes. Cresencio Pérez made a motion to approve the last meeting minutes with the additions. Herman García seconded the motion. No more discussion; motion carried.

2008 NOPHNRCSE National Conference: Astrid Martínez reported that the Planning Committee will be meeting twice a month. Carlos Suárez requested that the final conference program be completed by March 31. Astrid reported that all the speakers are committed. The Student Committee is working on a brochure related to careers with NRCS. Astrid proposed that the council approve a $300.00 registration fee for the NEDC classes. The Council agreed. Rick Tafoya made the motion to approve the $300.00 fee and Carlos Suárez seconded. No more discussion; motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Rick Tafoya presented the February treasurer’s report. Tony Reséndez made a motion to approve the February treasurer’s report, as presented. Irma Hernández seconded the motion. No more discussion; motion carried.

Financial Review: Rick Tafoya explained why we are doing a Financial Report instead of the external audit (previous minutes contain an explanation). The report will be presented to Rick in a few weeks. The Financial Report will outline procedures and recommendations on how the organization can improve. Rick emphasized that the organization needs to provide a 1099 when contracting services. An example is the band that the organization hired for the conference.

Wells Fargo Financial Institution: Rick Tafoya discussed the differences between Wells Fargo and a small local bank. The intention of the proposed changes is to save unnecessary fees. Carlos would like to see a paper with comparisons. Rick Tafoya asked other members to assist with the endeavor. Herman García suggested a Credit Union.

Selection of 2009 Training Conference: Rick Tafoya reported to the committee that a report has been put together. The sub-committee is going to review it and it will be ready to be presented at the next Council meeting.

Distribution of the Minutes: Irma Hernández asked the Council if the regional representatives should be sending the approved minutes to all members and/or whether the minutes should posted on the website. Irma is concerned about not keeping the NOPHNRCSE members informed. Carlos mentioned there is no problem for Carmen Ortiz to post the minutes on the website. Herman García presented a motion to post the minutes on the website instead of emailing them to all members. Carlos Suárez seconded the motion. No more discussion; motion carried.

Membership Database: María proposed to have Rubén Pérez as the database master for the organization. The council suggested the Membership Committee chair and Rubén Pérez be in agreement for this to proceed.

Nomination Process: Carlos Suárez sent the nomination process to Mario Morales for review. It will be conducted the same way as last year. Carlos explained how the process works. It is proposed that the election process take place in April.

Regional Representative Reports

Jazelle Jusino, SE - Jazelle has forwarded job announcements to members.

Carlos Morganti, Caribbean - Carlos has forwarded job announcements and other information to members. Carlos participated on a conservation course and handed applications.

Roney Gutiérrez, W - Roney has sent information via email to members. Roney has been working with Arturo Carvajal to secure international speakers for the conference.

María Collazo, NE - María has sent information via email to members. She reported that no one from New Jersey will be able to attend the conference this year.

Cresencio Pérez, CS - Chris is working with Salvador Salinas to figure out how many employees will attend the conference this year.

Next Meeting in April 22, 2008.
Time: 6:00PM CST

Carlos Suárez requested a motion to adjourn. Tony Reséndez made a motion to adjourn. Herman García seconded the motion.

Meeting adjourned at 7:58 PM CST.

Carlos Suárez, President
Irma Hernández, Secretary

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