Inputs to minutes of the FoFTSP leadership meeting
carte...@aol.com
Below are inputs to the FoFTSP leadership meeting.
Separately, I will send out a call for volunteers.
We are always looking for volunteers and donors who support our mission.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at G.C.C...@IEEE.org
The Friends of Fort Trumbull State Park (FoFTSP), Inc. held its leadership meeting at
2:00 pm Thurs. Oct 23, 2025, In the FTSP Conference Room / Gift Shop Building
We did not use zoom for this meeting as we haven’t yet been able to demonstrate that it will work
Cliff thanked all who are active contributors including those in attendance
Meeting purpose: 1. listen to leader accomplishments AND what could be done with more resources; 2. discuss our major event, namely 250th celebration 1776+250= 2026 with focus on what we plan to do and how we will coordinate with TRHP; 3. Table items previously discussed; 4. Discuss a new initiative to hire/contract(for) a part-time staff person to facilitate our interaction with social media and thereby stimulate our growth; 5. Solicit members who want to run for office (e.g., secretary) and solicit volunteers for election committee for November voting.
STANDARD REPORTS (as appropriate send in electronic version of reports)
Cliff welcomed attendees to our monthly leadership meeting
Brian provided Park Supervisor News including that the state awarded a contract to Boston Productions to upgrade a sonar display in the museum. Brian also noted that Pier 7 is in need of repair that may take bonding for as much as $40 million to meet current requirements. The state is working this issue and also a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with one potential pier user. Brian introduced two season workers. Cheyene (sp?) and Sam who are working on projects.
Roy as our History advisor, provided comments on some options for CT250.org as well as comments on projects that would require grants; he will work with Blair on these.
Roger R. provided info on the TRHP (Thames River Heritage Park) especially as it relates to 250th celebration and will continue to interface with them albeit with a delayed upcoming meeting.
Cliff and Blair provided a short summary of a new initiative to hire/contract for a new staff person. After significant discussion the board voted to encourage Blair to proceed to develop a job description for a contractor to support board members and lessen the burden on volunteers and get pro bono legal advice about correct contracting procedures for a nominal one year contract for nominally less than, say $5,000. Blair is to move forward and report back to the board next month.
Aldo B. was absent with no Park Electronic Infrastructure Improvement report.
Joan recapped the Treasurer’s Report she sent out and clarified she has $0.04 more not less than expected. Also, Joan shared a note from members Mike and Pat Gouzie for a very generous donation in support of our 250th celebration.
Mary Ellen was absent (indicative of the fact that our leadership is getting increasingly less able to fully contribute) and we noted some of her efforts might benefit from a paid staff person for Ramparts & Minutes (we continue to seek a replacement for secretary),
Joyce gave a summary of the good position that the Gift Shop is in and the steps that are going on to stay in that position.
June was absent and as able wrote that she will continue traditional Publicity efforts
Joe L. was absent but sent an email in advance of the meeting; he continues to contribute to our Social media marketing initiatives
Alan G., Member at large, was absent.
Jim G., Member at large, was absent.
Ira, Vice President, provided comments during the discussion on next steps to guide Blair in contracting for support.
Roger R. said the cruise Docent needs were over for the year and Brian reminded us that the cruise ships send the state $6/person for visitors to tour the FTSP.
Cliff Called for a volunteer to chair nominations committee but will likely do this himself.
TIME for next leadership meeting is 2 pm Thursday Nov 20, 2025
Separately, Cliff will send out a call for volunteers to serve as volunteers or board members.
We adjourned at ~ 3:00 pm One Hour after start
Regards, Cliff
G. Clifford Carter
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