HCCADC Coalition Meeting
May 31, 2006

I. Meeting Opened. 3:30 pm, Terry Gorski called the meeting to order.

II. Networking and Introductions.

III. Members Present.
Doris Bedell, Harriet Martin, Elizabeth Lord, Sandra Marrero, James Dean, Ricardo Ruiz, Bill Pope, Vincent Gargano, James T. Powers, Kathleen Lonergan, Jean Rags, Shari Noriega, Janice Smith, John Schlicher, Mary Staib, Jim Woorley, Debra Miles, Terry Gorski and Tresa Watson .

IV. July 27, 2005 Minutes Reviewed & Approved. Tresa Watson presented the July, 2005 minutes. Motion for approval was made by Doris Bedell and seconded by Beth Lord. Motion carried.

V. Organizational Structure Review. Doris Bedell presented a draft for the new structure of the coalition that is underway. This restructuring process should be seen as guideline and is not to take the place of the coalition bylaws. Nancy Vargo suggested that the coalition structure mirror that of the Drug Free Communities so it can be adapted for grant funding. Suggestions for the mission statement were that one of the two developed at the National Guard trainings should be used. Sgt. Powers was concerned with the term “counteracted” and thought the Sheriff’s office may be offended. Doris reported she would change the language immediately and there was no ill intention. Terry Gorski commended Doris for all the hard work and a job well done.

VI. Bylaws Review. In working with the committee on the new organizational and structure, Kathleen Lonergan reported that the bylaws are to confusing and should be stripped to Articles of Incorporation, with Attachments. There was a motion by Janice Smith and seconded JT Powers for Doris Bedell, Merle Letts, Beth Lord, Kathleen Lonergan – Chairman, and Tresa Watson to continue to review and revise the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Motion Carried.

VII. Financial Report. Janice Smith presented the financial report. Nancy Vargo did a budget change request to the Alcohol Initiative Grant. There is concern for the grant funding from the State to continue to pay Nancy Vargo. Doris Bedell wants committed member to pay a minimum amount to join the coalition. This would enable the coalition to have additional money. Expenses paid out were all related to YAPPI activities and salary for Nancy Vargo.

VIII. Crime Watch Presentations. Terry Gorski and Tresa Watson attended the monthly crime watch meetings with the police liaison representatives from division of Crime Watch. Terry Gorski felt there was good reception about the presentation, there were many request for education to be presented to individuals crime watch groups. Many requested information on the coalition and overall the presentations were well received.

IX. Florida Statewide Alcohol Initiative. Nancy Vargo reported:

Chill Smart Skate Party. The skate party was a big success. There were 89 participants. There could have been more coalition representation and chaperone.

Family Day An picnic with activates is scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2005 at Kennedy Park from 10-2 pm to celebrate National Family Day. Chill Smart is arranging activities for the day, including a step off contest. Nancy Vargo and The Harbors outreach team has organized an exciting event. Many vendors are donating food, beverages, and t-shirts. The YAPPI committee has done an excellent job.

Community Kick Off. This is scheduled at the Hernando County Fairgrounds for November 5, 2005. YAPPI is coordinating initial activities but need coalition members to get involved to make this a success. Sgt. Powers reported the Sheriffs department is assisting by supplying a helicopter, boat, DARE cars, K-9 unit and a car show. The proposed entertainment is The Riders Agency, Motocross Show. It was discussed that the kick off needs to attract children. YAPPI desperately needs help with volunteers and money if this is to be successful.

Red Ribbon Week. The coalition will sponsor small activities that will piggyback with the school board for red ribbon week.

National Underage Drinking Conference. Vinnie Gargano, Shari Noriega, Nicole Noriega, Tresa Watson, Charlie Watson, Kelcie Thomas, Sandra Marrero and Vanessa Lopez attended the underage drinking conference in Tucson, Arizona in August. Many lessons and valuable information was learned. Hernando County youth involved in public policy as they are have a tremendous impact on the underage drinking laws in other states.

I. Election/Nominations. Official notification was made that elections will take place in October. At the September meeting clarification and candidate discussion will take place and voting will take place at the October meeting. Doris Bedell offered to head and serve on the election committee with the help of Vinnie Gargano and Nancy Vargo. Currently the coalition has a very small number of members effectively working together and the coalition needs much more support.

II. Outstanding Projects.. There is an immediate need to complete many outstanding projects including the scorecard, membership directory, brochure, letterhead.

III. Adjournment. Tresa Watson called for a motion to adjourn at 5:15 pm, seconded by Kathleen Lonergan. Motion Carried.

Next Meeting-NOTE LOCATION:
September 28, 2005, 3:30 pm Hernando County Sheriff's Office
18900 Cortez Blvd. - Brooksville, FL 34601