MDOG Meeting Minutes December 11 , 2008

In attendance: Tammy Castonguay, David McConnell, Elease McConnell, Kathy Grosso, Frank Salerno, Joan Grzyb, Alysia Duke, Shirley Gronholm, Laura Cappellucci, Jennifer Dorl, Jim Haslett.

• Vice President’s report from Shirley Gronholm

Looking at question of quorum. To report back. Nothing else to report.

• Treasurer’s report from Frank Salerno

Treasurer’s report read and accepted.

Question raised about MDOG account and Dog Park account.

Policy if established is that if fundraiser is for the dog park, the funds raised will go directly into Dog Park Acct. Parks 4 Pooches T-Shirt sales will go into Dog Park account and MDOG T-Shirt sales will go into MDOG acct. as well as MDOG fundraiser proceeds.

• Secretary’s report from Joan Grzyb

Minutes of last meeting read and accepted. Minutes of email communication in regards to liability insurance read and accepted.

Spoke w/ Tim O’Neill, Town Attorney who now sates will not be able to assist us with the 501c3. States that in light of the Board of Director’s decision to approve the park, but not spend any taxpayer funds on the project, he will not be able to assist as this would be from taxpayer money. Given name of a retired accountant, Rick Bottaro who may be able to assist us for free. Secretary will contact. Will also explore whether legal assistance would be necessary.

• Review of Board of Directors Meeting 12/2/08

Resolution for dog park passed but town will be unable to provide any funding.

• Review of current and past fundraisers: Partylite: net $126.00. Fido’s Night Out: net $76.00. Lia Sophia proceeds not known.

Possible future fundraisers: Red Apple: Tammy is exploring a fundraiser thru this company, specifically Otis Spunkenmeyer cookies. Will have ready for our next meeting.

• President’s report from Alysia Duke

Discussion started about the need for the group to have a laptop available at events. More important is to have a Picture viewer printer with usb port. Cost of purchase should be $150 or less. This was voted on and approved.

President wants to relinquish Events Chair. Will put out to membership on website.

Feb. 28, 2009 will be our next Movie night.

Will discuss events with Rec Dept. Re: dates of Kerpluncks, etc.

Starting in January we need to focus on major fundraising. Restaurant “Friendly’s” at the mall will do fundraiser during February where if we can get 100 people to go between the hour’s of 5 and 8pm we will get 10% of all the dinners. Need to work on a thank you letter for donations. Secretary will work on this project.

To have a “Parade for the Park” 3/21/09 from 12-2pm which will go from Town Hall down Main St to Charter Oak Park then onto the park site at Mt Nebo.

Meeting adjourned at 8:26pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Grzyb, Secretary MDOG

Dec. 13, 2008

MDOG Minutes of Email Communication (Liability Insurance) November/December, 2008

11/25/08: Email from Alysia Duke in regards to Liability insurance quotes. Initial quotes of $750/yr were best obtained. Included coverage needed for events with the town and most other public facilities. It also covers any problems at our meetings at the Y, and will generally travel with us if we have a temporary change in location. With upcoming events and recent publicity we should get in approx. 1 week’s time. As long as we are covered properly for dog bites under the proposed quote, it was proposed that MDOG accept the insurance as quoted. Open for discussion.

12/01/08:  Email from Alysia Duke in regards to what policy covers:

    We are covered for officers.

    We are covered for members.

    We are covered for volunteers.

    We are covered for dog bites.

    We are covered for the minimum of what town requires for both events and use of buildings.

    We are covered for use of almost any building.

     The only thing we are not covered for is alcohol. If we need to get additional coverage because the place we are holding the event won’t, there is an extra charge. Vote is needed asap to have in place for Saturday’s “Fido’s Night Out”.

12/02/08: Email from Alysia Duke. The company “Zurich” which gave us the quote of $750 has decided that they are uncomfortable writing for MDOG since dogs will off leash.

New quote from Nautilus Insurance Co. for $955.00 that includes:

          $2,000,000 General Aggregate

          $2,000,000 product completion operations aggregate

          $1,000,000 personal advertising injury

          $1,000,000 each occurrence

          $100,000 damage done to premises rented to us.

          $5,000 medical expenses any one person

          Deductible $500 bodily injury liability

                             $500 property damage liability per claim

          Premium: $750.00

          Policy fee: $100.00

          Inspection fee: $75.00

          Surplus line tax: $30.00

          Total: $955.00

Vote asap as Alysia will sign papers 12/03/08 if it is a go.

Because of the event on 12/06/08 we need insurance for our group asap and this is a good price since not too many companies insure when animals are involved.

Vote called for.

12/03/2008

          Votes from email as follows:

             Alysia – Y

             Shirley – Y

             Frank – Y

             Joan – Y

             Tammy – Y

             Jim – Y

             Jenny – Y

             Susan – Y

             Elease – Y

           That’s 9 Aye votes.

Will move forward with setting up insurance for our organization. Will leave payment decisions to Treasurer.

Minutes submitted by Joan Grzyb, Secretary.

MDOG Meeting Minutes November 13, 2008

Meeting called to order at 6:45 pm at the Community Y.

Members present:  Susan Beauregard, Jennifer Dorl, Alysia Duke, Shirley Gronholm, Kathy Grosso, Jim Haslett, Elease McConnell, Frank Salerno, Suzie Snow and Bill Snow.

Vice President’s Report:  The VP suggests that the definition of a quorum should be revised to be sure that there are enough people at monthly meetings to vote on action items.  Change will be made at the December meeting.

Treasurer’s Report:  Will be posted to the group later

Secretary’s Report:  Nothing new to report.

Member’s Committee Report:  Nothing new to report.

Web Site Committee Report:  We have a new Pet Community page on the web site.  We are looking into using Google Analytics to monitor the use of our web site.

President’s Reports:  Tuesday the 18th is the presentation to the Manchester Board of Directors.  Information and name tags will be passed out to all who come to support the proposal.  There will be a gathering at Corey’s Catsup and Mustard after the meeting.  Corey’s will contribute to MDOG if 50 or more people come.

December 6 is Fido’s Movie Night at Tails-U-Win, cosponsored with Rocky Hill Recreation Department.  We will need about 12 volunteers.  Activities will include “Letters to Santa,” snack bar, visits with Santa, unsalted, butter-free popcorn for dogs, Lia Sophia jewelry sale, photos with Santa, and a dog-themed movie.

There will be a wine tasting event in February, possibly at Adams Mill.

Frank S. gave his proposal, and the group gave feedback and made changes to the proposal presentation.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Jennifer Dorl, Backup Secretary, MDOG

MDOG Meeting Minutes October 9, 2008

Meeting called to order at 6:30 PM at the Manchester Community Y

In attendance: Kathy Grosso, Tammy Castonguay, Joan Grzyb, Donna Bartek, Elease McConnell, Sherry Thompson, Susan Beauregard, Shirley Gronholm, Jennifer Dorl, Alysia Duke and special guests Mike Farina, Board of Directors, Chris Rusack from Dog Park Committee of Rocky Hill.

• Vice President’s Report- Nothing new to report.
• Secretary’s Report from Joan Grzyb: Minutes from last meeting had been read and approved. MDOG is officially incorporated with the State. We are now MDOG, Inc. Contacted Town Attorney Tim O’Neill and he stated we now can contact the IRS for Letter of Determination for nonprofit status. This was done, and we are now awaiting paperwork from IRS. When received we will contact Tim O’Neill and schedule a time to complete forms for the 501-3C.

• Membership Report: We currently have 17 Friends of the Canine Community, and 63 members.
• Special report from Sue Beauregard: Funds received from the Parks and Rec Dept. for the Dog Park from the K-9 Kerplunk. $623 received. Vote taken on depositing this amount into the dog park account. Approved.
• Discussion on Dogtoberfest- We have 15 volunteers to date. We need coolers for refreshments. Still need more prizes. Contact Tammy for contributions. We have water, soda and prepackaged snacks to sell. Need volunteers to arrive at 2:00 PM for set-up.
• President’s report- Alysia Duke: Other upcoming events are hikes at Case Mountain, spring dates to be announced. Landmark Café is willing to do a wine tasting  2/21/09.  Plan to contact Manchester Wine and Liquors about possible donations. Question brought up to do a combined event with Rocky Hill Park committee. Proposal is a Movie Night with your dog at Tails U Win on Dec. 6, 2008 from 6-9 PM. Volunteers would be needed from 5-10 PM. Chris Rusack has a Santa suit available so we can do “Pictures with Santa Claus.”  We would split the proceeds with Rocky Hill. This item was voted on and approved.
• Review of “Parks 4 Pooches” proposal:  Site has been selected. Voted on at emergency site meeting on Sept. 24th.  The Town of Manchester Water Dept. has offered us a parcel of land behind itsSpring St. building. The site was visited, and is accessible to the handicapped and elderly. There is existing parking, and a potable water source nearby. There are no watershed issues like the Globe Hollow site, and no wetland issues. The proposal will read that the Spring St location will be first choice and the Hillstown Rd location will be second choice. There will be 2 different proposals. The first for the dog park itself and second for funding. There is a question as to how the current national financial crisis will influence the availability of funds. Discussion held on height of fence of park to be changed to 5 ft. Alysia will get e stimates with this height in hopes of cutting costs. Discussed clearing of land. Question raised that the town may assume some liability if volunteers were to clear land. Possibility of Town Public Works doing large clearing and volunteers to do raking and dressing of the area.
• New business- Joan G brought up a link to the State of Ct. Dept. of Agriculture, which is offering pet sterilization for low-income families. It was agreed that this link will be added to our website.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Next meeting scheduled for November 13, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Community Y.

Reminder about Nov. 18th Board of Director’s meeting. Time to Rally the troops.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Grzyb, Secretary, MDOG

MDOG Meeting Minutes September 11, 2008

In attendance: Jim Haslett, Joan Grzyb, Shirley Gronholm, Kathy Grosso, Doreen Downham, Tammy Castonguay, Susan Beauregard, Frank Salerno, Alysia Duke, Gleda and Rod Miller, Erica Edwards.

Meeting called to order at 6:35 PM at Northwest Park.

• Vice President report from Shirley Gronholm: Bylaws will stand at present. Will evaluate if any problems
• Treasurers Report with Frank Salerno:  We made a total of $3200 at the Kerplunck.  Discussion on setting up another checking account for the Park and Maintenance. This was voted on and approved. Will be set up online once when signature cards are signed. It was determined that the account would start with $500. This was voted on and approved. Also discussed future fund raisers October 18 at Tails U Win. Also Discussed possible photos in November, and at Xmas time.
• Secretary’s report from Joan Grzyb: Minutes from last meeting had been read, and approved. Still working on Certificate of Incorporation, and Organization and First Report. Signatures and addresses obtained at the meeting. Will get checks from Frank Salerno and then go to Hartford to file them. Once done will work with Town Attorney Tim O’Neill to file the 5013C with the IRS.                                               
• Membership update: Friends of the Canine Community- 18,        Members-53. Still need dog ID tags sold. Discussion on renewal of memberships, with one proposal being semiannual renewals. After discussion it was decided to do monthly notification by the date of enrollment. To add the ability of Friends to join on line.

• Presidents Report- Alysia Duke: Site Committee looking at 4 sites for park at Center Springs, Hillstown Rd, New State Rd, and Globe Hollow. Scott Sprague and the Town have been aware. There was verification of Liability(NONE). Board of Directors are aware. At August Parks and Rec Meeting, planning to revisit locations. Center Springs would need better accessibility. To be considered in the future for another park. Hillstown Rd. would plan for it to be out into the meadow. It is near wetlands. Scott spoke to Wetland Commission and they stated would not be an issue. Globe Hollow would be in a picnic area. It is a beautiful site but is uphill and inaccessible to persons with handicaps. The plan is for parties concerned to meet on Saturday, Sept. 20th to revisit all 3 sites. To invite Members of the Board of Directors to this meeting.

• Memorandum of Responsibility between town and MDOG. To propose 60/40 split then negotiate on conditions.
• No updates on Web page, or newsletter.
• President’s report on K-9 Kerplunk. Total funds raised: 3175.65 including MDOG table. Silent Auction raised 1961.  Feeling is that it was overall success.

Other discussions: Dogtober Fest at Tail U Win., Annual Membership Meeting in April. ? of Doing a wine tasting event as a fundraiser., Pictures with Santa. Question was raised about renting storage space for supplies. Will revisit in future. MDOG Logo: “Lick, Wag, Love”. To incorporate MDOG and Logo to mugs, totebags, etc. Pet Expo in Hartford on October 25-26th. Need to go and check Vendors and rescue groups for next year. Reminder of Fund Raiser on 10/18

Meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm.

Next Meeting  Thursday October 9th.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Grzyb, Secretary

MDOG Meeting Minutes August 13, 2008

Members present:  Susan Beauregard, Tammy Castonguay, Karen Dinnie, Jennifer Dorl,  Alysia Duke, Erica Edwards, Kathy Grasso, Shirley Gronholm, Jim Haslett, Elease McConnell, Dennis Reinholt, and David Willcox.

Meeting was called to order at 6:31 pm.

Introduction of Karen Dinnie, representative from the Town Recreation Department, replacing Chris Silver.

1. Officer Reports

Vice President:  No Report.

Secretary:  The nonprofit 501c3 designation is in process.  The goal is to have paperwork signed and submitted by September 7, 2008.

Treasurer:  Not present, no report

President: 

• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Meeting is Thursday, August 14 to discuss the Parks for Pooches proposal.  Alysia D. will represent MDOG.  Representatives from the Public Works Department will also attend the meeting.
• Cruisin’ on Main Review:  We made $500 selling t-shirts, memberships, dog cookies and bandanas and from donations.  There was very positive feedback and MDOG will continue to do this next year.  Army/Navy club will let us use their property for future MDOG events. 
• Discussion of meeting space:  possible move to Community Y meeting space.  Karen D. will check on this.
• Fall Hike co-sponsored by Manchester Park and Recreation Department:  September 20th 8-9:30, one and three mile options at Case Mountain.  MDOG will be represented at the hike.
• T-shirts:  We purchased 100 in July, sold 40 so far.  We will need to order 100 more before the K-9 Kerplunk.  A motion was made to change the printing style to have a “pocket” logo on the front and “Making Change for your Dog,” “Manchester Dog Owners Group” and “MDOGCT.com” on the back for $4.50 each.  Vote was unanimous in favor.
• K-9 Kerplunk (September 6, 10:00-2:00) Update:  All booths are committed to exhibitors!  Events will include hosting by Damon Scott of radio station 96.5, dog recall contest, dog agility demonstrations and agility tryouts, flyball demonstration, a “pet-tition” to the town for a dog park, hot dogs donated from “Pretty Good Dogs.”  We still need 30-40 volunteers, please sign up to volunteer on the Yahoo web site.  Any dog (from any town) with a 2008 license is welcome to swim.  Discussion of volunteers being younger than 18 (liability concerns).  There may be jobs for young volunteers that don’t involve interacting with dogs.  Flyer to give out at the event will have a map of event and a list of all exhibitors for attendees to take home.  MDOG also needs bakers to make dog cookies to sell at the event.  Karen D. will do a press release from the Town to area newspapers.
• Copying expenses for events:  Cruisin’ on Main copying cost was $100.  K-9 Kerplunk flyers will be copied on colored paper.  More Fall events:  Tails-U-Win is willing to cosponsor an event at their facility.  We will discuss possible events at the September 11 meeting.
• Volunteers Committee:  Kathy G. will be the Volunteer Committee chair.
• Two New Committees will be formed:  Jennifer D. will chair the Web Site Committee and Susan B. will chair the Newsletter Committee.

2. MDOG in the News

Articles were in the August 8 edition of Manchester Life, the July 28 issue of the Journal Inquirer and the Manchester Park and Recreation Department fall publication. 

3. Web Site

Additions and modifications to www.MDOGCT.com were discussed.

4.  Newsletter

The newsletter will be ready the week of August 19.

Next meeting:  September 11, 2008

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 pm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MDOG Meeting Minutes July 10, 2008

Present: D. Bartek, S. Beauregard, T. Castonguay, J. Dorl, S.Gronholm, K. Grosso, J. Grzyb, J. Haslett, E. McConnell, D. Reinholt, F. Salerno, D. Willcox, C. Silver

1.Elections were held. Results:

     President- Alysia Duke

     VP- Shirley Gronholm

      Treasurer- Frank Salerno

      Secretary- Joan Grzyb

      At Large Members-Tammy Castonguay, James Haslett,

             Elease McConnell

      By-Laws Chair-Shirley Gronholm

      Members Chair- Tammy C.

      Volunteers Chair- Tammy C.

      Events Chair- Alysia D.

     Park Chair- Jim

2. Update from Chris Silver

Parks and Rec Dept to reconvene on August and will be reviewing document.

There will be Hikes this fall sponsored by the Rec Dept and MDOG to be involved. This will happen at Case Mountain with possible 1 or 3 mile loop. Anticipate needing front and back leader. Dog owners must be able to do reliable recall if a dog is to be off leash. Date to be determined but possibly 2 weeks after the K-9 Kerplunk. ? of Saturday or Sunday. There is a possibility of a dog swim at Globe Hollow after.

There will be 2 pages devoted to dogs in the Fall Parks and Rec brochure.

      We will be receiving money from sale of Parks4Pooches t-shirts.

3. Fund Raising and Events

Finances in Review: $1200 has been raised to date. Membership now totals 30. Friends of MDOG memberships are coming in. Shirts still available at “Café Press”. Will be purchasing T-shirts for fund raising. Colors will be

Cardinal, and Navy Blue with MDOG logo on chest. T-shirt colors were voted on and approved with vote of 13 for, and 0 against. Other colors will be available by special order. We will also sell the remainder of the Parks4Pooches t-shirts.

Upcoming events: Cruisin’ at Main :8/3/08 with rain date of 8/10 from 11am-4 pm . Alysia requested volunteers to man 2 tables. 2 at each table.

September Dog Day Festival: Saturday 9/06/08 with rain date of 9/07/08. Time 10am to 2pm. Will need approx. 30 volunteers for MDOG booth and  activities from 8:15am to approx. 3:15pm. To date 16-17 vendors are interested and 6 have committed.Discussion on having crates for volunteer’s dogs. Alease will investigate.  Park Committee to have booth. To have a “Pet”ition. The Journal Inquirer is willing to donate news roll, ink.  Pets to step in ink and sign the petition. ? of bringing to Board of Directors Meeting.  Discussion on having Silent Auction. Alease to check if is legal w/ MPD Dept. of Records.  Alysia has requested volunteers to assist with event.

4. The World Wide Web- Website to cost $150 for this year, and then $300 dollars. This was voted on and approved unanimously. Chris Silver will be donating a “Contribute” program for adobe. Jennifer Dorl has volunteered to design our permanent website, with standard Home page, fundraising, dog parks and FAQ’s about dog parks. Will have dog bio’s and pictures, as well contacts with “Friends”.  Currently working on URL. Jennifer stated that website should be ready in August. Sue Beauregard will be working on the 1st newsletter to be ready mid to end of August. Will also work on pamphlets.

5. MDOG meetings scheduled every 2nd Thursday.

6. Joan G. to contact Tim O’Neill about S01-C3, forms and cost.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Joan Grzyb, Secretary, MDOG