Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition
January 26, 2005-Meeting Minutes

I. Meeting Opened. 4:05 pm, Shellie Lavore called the meeting to order.

II. Networking and Introductions.

III. Members Present.
Shellie Lavore, Mary A. Staib, Tresa Watson, Shaunna Knierim, Joanne Carman, Sandra Marrero, Harriet Martin, Mary Benedett, Debra Pilla, Lt. Tom Garcia, Bill Horwath, Debbie Horwath, and Deputy Debbie Miles.

IV. December 29, 2004 Meeting Minutes Reviewed. Shellie Lavore called asked for a motion for the minutes of the last meeting to be approved. The motion was made by Harriet Martin and seconded by Mary Staib. Motion carried.

V. Financial Report. Treasurer, Janice Ferguson was absent from the meeting. Tresa Watson reported that there has been no change in finances, since December 29, 2004.

VI. Discussion. Shellie asked for a status of the 501(c)(3) application, Tresa Watson reported that it has not been submitted, and she will work with Janice Smith and hopes to make progress before the next coalition meeting. Shellie also asked the status of the brochure, letterhead and envelopes and suggested a goal and deadline be set for completion. Bill Horvath volunteered to contact Wal-Mart for a $1500.00 donation when the coalition receives it 501(c)(3) status. Shellie also anticipates that the updated coalition bylaws will be completed by the next meeting.

VII. State Wide Alcohol Initiative. Shellie Lavore reviewed the pending funding of the Florida Statewide Alcohol Initiative that Hernando County has been selected as a possible recipient. Hernando County has been identified as one of the eight counties with the highest rate of underage drinking in the State of Florida. A conference call was held on January 25, 2005 with the 2005 Drug Free Communities/Alcohol Initiative Program. Several coalition members attended the conference call. Chairman Terry Gorski sent a summary of the program to all coalition members and this summary can be found on www.hernandoantidrug.org, under Message from the Chairman. Shellie discussed all aspects of the program.

A major issue of concern is that this is a cost reimbursement grant, rather than a fixed cost grant. Meaning all funding will be reimbursed rather than fronted. Shellie asked the school board if they would front the coalition funding. Initial response is that is may be possible for the school board to serve as the coalition pass through and fiscal agent. The school board did report that the final decision will need to be approved and accepted by the school board. Harriet Martin suggested that the coalition have an alternative plan should the school board not work out. Bill Horvath, Dept. Miles and Shellie Lavore will ask the Hernando County Sheriff’s department if they would consider fronting the coalition funding. A third alternative is the Brooksville Police Department, which Shellie and Bill will contact.

The initiative states that HCCADC will also need to hire a part time employee. The coalition will need to determine where to house the employee. Shellie will ask the school board if the employee can be located on school property and she also stated she would be willing to share her office, in lieu of any other alternatives. This area is open for suggestions.

All aspects of the grant application and follow through were thoroughly discussed. The Tampa Tribune and Channel 8 will also being covering this initiative beginning March 1, 2005 in Tampa, with the State Drug Czar McDonough for a period of 18 months.

VIII. Vote to Pursue State Wide Alcohol Initiative. Shellie called for a motion to proceed with the grant. Debra Miles made a motion, seconded by Mary Staib. Tresa Watson clarified that if a motion is passed to proceed with the grant application that the members in attendance at the meeting, need to be committed in help to secure the grant by the deadline, February 7, 2005. Shellie Lavore, Tresa Watson and Terry Gorski will be contacting all members present at this meeting to assist with getting the grant application completed and submitted. Motion unanimously carried.

IX. State Wide Alcohol Initiative Grant Application. A requirement of the grant is that a Youth Alcohol Prevention Task Force be established. Harriet Martin, Bill Horvath, Debra Miles, Sondra Marrero and a rep from DJJ volunteered to form the Hernando County Alcohol Prevention Task Force. Various members will contact and coordinate with other members of the coalition to solicit participation in the grant application process. It was decided by the members of the coalition that were in attendance in this meeting that it is imperative the coalition pursue this grant to reduce Hernando County drug and alcohol problem.

X. Adjournment. Shellie Lavore called for a motion to adjourn at 5:10 pm, motion made by Harriet Martin and seconded by Deputy Miles. Motion carried.

Next Meeting: February 23, 2005, 4:00 pm

Hernando County School Board.

919 North Broad Street, Brooksville, FL.