October minutes

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October 2, 2011
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Malvern Area Betterment Association
President Stacy Means called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM at the
MABA Welcome Center. Members present were Deb Breeding, MinDee and
Shelby Sommerla, Bev Dashner, Cheryl Jones, Ed Mulholland, Patty
Beres, Chance Beres, Christin Mick, Tom Mulholland, Richelle Walter,
and Lori Hunt. The September minutes were read; MinDee made a motion
to approve and Patty B. seconded. All approved unanimously.

Patty Beres gave the treasurer’s repot. The special event (GOC)
account now contains $3,928.17. Gateway of Chaos expenses to date are
$4,700.00. The general fund contains $4,316.94. En Plein Air Income to
date is $3,416.26 and expenses are $2,741.34, showing a profit of
$674.00. Hot dog and concession sales at the homecoming parade were
$174 minus only $17 for expenses. After the first night of Gateway of
Chaos, the concession sales at that event brought in approximately
$75. Gateway of Chaos brought in $483.83 the first night (Oct. 1). Deb
B. made a motion to approve, Tom M. seconded, all approved. Patty
noted that we need a receipt book. Deb B. will donate one.

Stacy M. noted that MABA has board has been discussing what events
could be sponsored to help local businesses. Arrangements have been
made to invite motivational speakers come to the community quarterly
to meet with business owners to discuss ways to improve business and
increase sales. The bank has donated funds to bring in two speakers.
Kyle Munson, reporter for the Des Moines Register will be the first
speaker during either October or November. He will speak on how small
businesses are surviving in Iowa. The meetings will be held at the
Welcome Center or the conference room in the library for one hour
during lunch time.

Stacy M. discussed the upcoming nominating process for new board
members. There was a discussion about changing the bylaws to allow a
rotation of board members rather than voting in an entire new board
every two years. The board will have further discussion and make a
decision about the process.

Cheryl J. reported on the En Plein Air event. In spite of rainy
weather, the BBQ went well and there were 12 artists painting. Cheryl
recommended eliminating the vendors since so few showed interest in
having tables at the event. There was discussion about inviting the
travelling exhibition called the “Fiery Trail” about Iowa and the
Civil War. The date for next year’s event was set for Sept. 15 & 16,
however it is possible that the name may be changed to Fall Fest to
incorporate other activities like hayrides, large tent in the park for
entertainment and an even larger BBQ contest. The artist’s paintings
may be displayed at the Classic Café if possible to have more exposure
to the public during the month they are displayed. Committees will be
formed soon to plan 2012 event.

Chance Beres reported approximately 100 people attended the Gateway of
Chaos, mainly young people. The bonfire was quite popular. Next week
there will be S’mores kits available for sale. A strobe light is
needed near the concession trailer.

Patty B., chairman for Festival of Trees presented her budget for the
event. It was suggested that a Little Miss and Mr. Snow Baby or Snow
Angel be added this year.

The third annual Lantern Launch and Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony
will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. MinDee will ask the High
School to provide teen carolers at 6:30 PM with the lighting of the
tree and lantern launch by 7:30 PM. Deb B. will decorate the tree. At
least two trees have been voluntarily donated for the event.

Deb B. had no new ribbon cuttings to announce. She is working on a
brochure or business directory for the Welcome Center. Discussion
followed on the best way for this to help local businesses.

More welcome center volunteers are needed for the rest of October.
Volunteers are Patty B., Ed M., Cheryl J., Deb B.
Others will be asked later to volunteer. Methodist Physicians Clinic
has donated a used computer for the Welcome Center.

Membership chair, MinDee S. reported that she is still entering
information into Donor Perfect for the membership drive. She suggested
that a MABA scholarship fund be set up with three criteria:
1. Area junior or senior student(s) must be member of MABA
2. Individual must volunteer to help at MABA events or MABA supported
community service opportunities
3. Individual must write an essay which will be determined by the MABA
board as the winning entry.
MinDee suggested that 10% of all paid membership funds be earmarked
for the scholarship fund up to $250 annually. All agreed that this
should be done.

On another topic, MinDee reported that the Independence Day
Celebration 2012 will be able to host an auto pushball game for the
first time in many years. Cost to have the pushball crew perform will
be between $1,200 and $1,500. The grandstand will be open next year
for seating and there will be a fee at the gate to help defray the
cost of the pushball contest.

Bev D. reported on the energy audit report by MidAmerican Energy for
the library and Welcome Center. Rebates are available now that would
help pay for new fixtures in the Welcome Center to replace existing
inefficient lighting. More discussion will be held in the future.

With no further business before the board, the meeting adjourned at
6:30 PM.

Bev Dashner, Secretary