NCTA Board Meeting Report December 2000

December 7, 2000

The NCTA Board of Directors met in Milwaukee on Saturday, December 2, 1999. Several notable actions were taken.

BUDGET FOR 2001
Vice President, Finance, Dave Cornell reports that the proposed 2001 budget is the first time the organization has been able to move from a survival mode to that of planning. This is largely due to the incresed appropriations to the NPS from Congress. The NCTA plans to hire a Development Director during 2001. The first 6 months of that person's salary will be covered by a grant.

DUES STRUCTURE
Dues will increase slightly as part of the overall plan to stablize the income of the Association. The base structure will be as follows:

• Nominal $16
• Sponsored $18
• Regular $30
• Trail Leader $50
• Pathfinder $100
• Patron $250
• Life $1000 (no change)
• Organization $45 (no change)
• Business $150 (no change)
• Champion $1000 (no change)

FINGER LAKES TRAIL CONFERENCE
Due to growth of the FLTC, the time has come for the Conference to hire a director, and maintain an office. The costs of these needs are beyond the abilities of the Conference, and a closer relationship with the NCTA may provide a solution. A committe was formed to look into the possibility of the NCTA and the FLTC entering into a agreement which would mutually aid both parties. The agreement might create a pattern which other Affiliates might follow in the future. Committee Chair is Dave Cornell

TRAIL COUNCIL STRUCTURE
The by-laws were amended to allow for the State-By-State Trail Council Structure changes which are being adopted. Most Trail Councils will now cover only one state, with the exception of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (which Council is functioning as is). There is great flexibility allowed in dividing the responsibilities between State Coordinators, and Trail Council Chairs.

CRITERIA FOR BOARD MEMBERS
Previously, candidates for NCTA Board Members have been selected almost entirely on the basis of that person's interest in serving. A list qualifications has now been presented. It is hoped that a candidate will meet one or more of these criteria. Also a list of responsibilities of board members has been created to guide board members as they serve.

Criteria to Serve: Although potential Board members will not be precluded from serving for failure to meet the criteria below, the NCTA seeks diverse candidates who will contribute significantly to the success of the Association and its mission. In general, such candidates will possess one or more of the following qualifications:

• Professional skills or expertise, contributing valuable perspective, insight or technical support to the Association.
• The ability to make regular, meaningful financial contributions to the Association.
• A willingness to participate actively and regularly in fund raising efforts.
• A willingness and ability to draw upon a network of associates with the power or financial means to benefit the Association and its programs.
• A willingness to provide leadership and substantial volunteer services to the Association.
• Passion and Enthusiasm for the cause.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Board members are expected to attend regular meetings of the Board of Directors, which occur three times annually. A Board member missing two or more consecutive meetings may be asked to resign his or her position to make way for a new member more able to contribute to the functions of the Board.
• Board members are asked to actively serve on one or more committees of the Board of Directors, or to serve on a regional Trail Council, or to serve as an Officer of the Board.
• Board members are expected to contribute substantively to the business of the Board, and to prepare in advance for Board meetings.
• Board members are asked to promote the Association and the Trail, and to represent the Association at functions and events in their region.

KEKEKABIC AFFILIATE AGREEMENT
The Board voted to approve an Affiliate Agreement with the Kekekabic Trail Club. NCTA now has six Affiliate members.

LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
There is need to create a Legal Defense Fund to carry expenses of litigation if the need arises. Such a fund has now been established. Contributors may now choose to donate to this fund, and $1000 per year from the Annual Budget will be placed in this fund.

Other reports were presented, and various actions taken. The most significant items are reported here. Your Board of Directors seeks to guide the staff and other volunteers in directions which will result in a high-quality trail. The board members attempt to learn from other trail organizations, and to wisely decide on courses of action.