April Meeting Minutes

The Winston County Natural Resources Council met at 9:00 a.m., in the John Nichols Building in Double Springs, AL, on Thursday, April 20, 2023.  Present were the following members: Casey Hammack, Matt Hannah, Lauranne James, Dylan Gilbert, Mike Henshaw, Jamie Seagraves, Zack Brannon, and John Creed. The following topics were discussed:

• Winston County Board of Education bus transportation charges for past events.  Council is requesting addition documentation from the BOE before paying these invoices.  Casey and Zack are following up with BOE.
• Dylan gave an update on the 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) team in Winston County.
• High speed internet availability in Winston County.  Some areas have improved access, while other areas have poor access.
• An extended discussion was held on the tax-exempt status of the Council.  Matt Hannah has previously submitted drafts of a Limited Liability Non-Profit Agreement to the Council.  The dialog focused on two areas, the liability implications, and tax exemption.  Matt Hannah explained the various details of the third draft of the Limited Liability Non-Profit Agreement for the WCNRC.  He distributed the third draft of this document to all Council members. Lauranne James gave input from the NW RC&D Council, which has extensive experience in this area.  John Creed informed the Council about the annual IRS tax returns required.  Matt requested that should the Limited Liability Non-Profit Agreement be approved, he would need approval for up to $300 to file the documents with the State of Alabama, and to reserve the name of the Council with the tax authorities. Mike moved that we approve the limited liability non-profit agreement first, with the funding to be addressed later.  Zack seconded with all in agreement.  Zac moved to allocate up to $300 for the tax exempt application costs, Mike seconded, and all agreed.  Matt said he would prepare the final documents and send out to the officers.  After officers have a chance to review, they will meet to sign the documents that will be filed with the State. 
• A TREASURE Forest audit will be conducted at Matt Hannah's TREASURE Forest in the Arley.  
• Dylan gave an update on the 4-H Pig Squeal program that will culminate at the show and auction on April 29, 2023, in Fayette.
• Jamie informed the Council about a request from a Double Springs school for a program about invasive species.  While the school year is rapidly coming to a close, Jamie has a prepared a hands-on program for this year with more plans for the coming year. 
• Zack gave updates on an educational program in Moulton on May 16, about household well water.  The program will be held at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.  Participants may bring samples of well water for testing.
• Zack said that the Forestry Field Day held at Bill and Ann Self's had won the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists Award for Outstanding Natural Resources Educational Program, and is being considered for the Southeast US Award, and later, possibly a national award.
• Casey reported that the council had a balance of $7,940.67.
• Mike moved to adjourn the meeting, Matt seconded, and all approved.

Submitted by Mike Henshaw, Vice Chair