MINUTES OF ALVA INC. BOARD MEETING  

 January 9, 2003

Present: John Payne, Maria C. Pagan, Lynda Kendrick, Sarah Gillim, Steve Brookman, Lynn Fensterer, Rob Andrys.

Rob Andrys, president, chaired the meeting.  Minutes of previous meeting approved. 

It was decided that dues for ALVA, Inc. are due as of January 1 each year. 

Treasurer’s report (Lynn Fensterer). 

                12/31/02: balance: $6566.19

                deposits in transit:       691.00

                                                     87.00

                 BALANCE:              7344.19

                Reported that the IRS has approved ALVA, Inc. Non-profit status in a “special category” because major funding is received from a government source.  ALVA Inc. will be in a “conditional “ category for five years, which is usual for new groups.

                Robert Powers, accountant, has been retrained to deal with tax returns, who will work for us at discounted rates.

                Lynn Fensterer reminded that the board is required to remain at a minimum of seven members.

                She also reported that the quilt project netted $1248.61.  Many expressions of gratitude were expressed for all who helped make the quilt and who sold raffle tickets..

Meeting Places:  We have been offered the Community Center as well as the Alva Museum for meetings.  Indicated is that the requested contribution will be $10 for each meeting.  Because it is air conditioned it was decided to request the use of the Community Center in warm months and the museum in cooler ones.  The Community Center may be better suited to Alva Community meetings because of its size and the ability of people to communicate with one another.

                It was also suggested that occasionally community meetings be held on weekends in order to attract larger attendance.  This and other strategies will continue to be evaluated.

                January 23 Community Meeting, speaker: Nancy Macphee from Lee County Parks and Recreation, she will give an update of the Hickey Creek and Caloosahatchee parks planning and construction projects.  She will also discuss what future plans are in store for these park.

                February 27 Community Meeting will discuss the Land Trust concept, Conservation 2020, the trail systems linking Alva to the parks, Highway 80 plans and progress as these related to the Alva plan.

                March and/or April Community meetings: Present overlay district for the proposed land development codes.

Insurance: On recommendations from Susan Brookman John Payne contacted Oswald Trippe and Company who offers insurance for non-profit organizations. The application completed by president Rob Andrys has been completed and sent to the company.  We are awaiting cost proposals.

Holiday Party (Christmas season) evaluation: Unforeseen conflicts limited response.  This season is especially difficult to plan for because of the many events just prior to Christmas.  Other suggestions were discussed.  In order to create some Alva heritage events, it was strongly recommended that the Alva Wayside Park on Highway 80 be the setting for an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.  Thoughts included asking Lee County to allow for a community selected name for the park and negotiating who will be responsible for the use and maintenance of the park.  Public art, heritage displays etc.

                A note of gratitude will be sent to Pastor Bill Brewer by Sarah Gilliam for his appearing as Santa Claus at the party.   

                The informal “Honorary Mayor” of Alva contest is gearing up.  Candidates this year are Maria Pagan, Tom Colvin and Dick Spence.  Each of these will be present at the January 23 meeting.  “Votes” are $1 each and are contributed to ALVA, Inc. for support of its programs.

Florida Highway 80 report (from a meeting 01- 09 -03) by Rob Andrys.

                Highway 80 will be divided four lane road with provisions for six in the future, however this is not anticipated for decades.  D.O.T. does will not provide a stoplight at Broadway and 80, this will continue to be a blinking light, with provisions for a future full stop light.   Another study will be made after completion of the construction to determine if increased traffic will warrent a full stop light.  There will continue to be an emergency light at its present location for the Fire Department.  Also possible is a light at Joel and 80.

                Representatives of Alva, inc. at the meeting recommended that another right hand lane is needed at Broadway to accommodate backed up traffic. 

                The plans call for another cut through at Herzog Road.  Present planned cuts are at Iverson, Herzog, Charleston Park, and at the Village Market.

                Roxanne Gause will work with Lee County to get grants to beautify Highway 80 and specifically the intersection at Broadway.  It is hoped that Alva, Inc. can work with the Alva Garden Club to accomplish these additional plantings .

                Speed limits on 80 in this area will be 45 mph.

Parks and Trails Committee:  Susan Brookman is working with numerous groups to increase conservation in the Alva area.  She is working with leaders in Hendry County regarding possibilities to have Highway 78 designated a scenic highway.

                Sarah Gillim is preparing the articles of incorporation for the Land Trust.

                A member of the Alva Community is needed to represent us on the Lee County Trails committee to work with the county to get grants through their new staff member for the U.S. Park Service. 

Planning Committee needs a new chairperson.

Membership Committee    For fund raising a trail run of 1/2 marathon and 5K is planned and Alva, inc. has been asked to be a sponsor.  Volunteers are needed for the run that will begin at the regional park.  Nancy McPhee is the leader for the event.  Another possible fund raising event is a Kayak Race from the Alva boat ramp through various oxbows.

All standing Committees need to be renewed and new committees appointed.

More photos of Alva history for display are needed.  It was noted that Intracoastal Real Estate has had copies made of many of the Alva Museum historical photographs for display in their lobby.  Many old photos have been redone and will be on display in the museum; copies have also been placed at the Ft. Myers Historical Society.  Jensene Payne from the Alva Garden Club was commended for completing this task. 

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes submitted by John Payne, secretary of the administrative board.