Minutes – General Membership Meeting
Wednesday February 4th, 2009  
8:30am
Media Center

Pending Approval

President Lisa Kauffman called the meeting to order at 8:40am.  Board Officers present: Floriana Martinez, Tim Orrange, Amanda Kleidermacher, Bruce Barham, Mary Porges, and Toni Anderson.    

Agenda item #1 – Welcome – Lisa Kauffman
-    PTA has 58,000 members in Dade County, we need to petition for no more cuts, communicate with legislators, AM PTA website has capwiz link to contact legislators, March 3rd session of legislature will review budget and cut anticipated are huge (25%), need new revenue (cigarettes, alcohol, closing of corporate loopholes, etc.), Florida may qualify for money in Stimulus Package, problem is our budget has been cut back to 2006 levels.  Judy will e-mail legislative contacts and look into an organizing a visit to Tallahassee.  Principal Garcia added that schools of choice will get cuts (30% is rumored) and next year could mean additional cuts.

Agenda item # 2 – Courtyard Grass Options and Presentations – Ruth Santos and Kathleen Lee
-    Ruth introduced Easy Grass representative Bernie Torra.  Bernie spoke about his company’s artificial grass product saying that it is safe, all partners in company have small children and they want to ease any concerns.  Addressed concerns regarding lead and said Easy Grass’s product is lead free.  Brought swatch for us to see and feel.  Industry is growing, 20% growth last year.  No mites, mulch, soft ply for playgrounds, example of layers for installation (lime rock, sand, turf, nails hold it down, top cost of sand for infill, no issues with nails they go into lime rock.  Good drainage and easy maintenance.  Has a warranty of 9 years for loss of color.  Backing is permeable, slop will also aid in drainage, needs to be sweeped and blown, does not produce bacteria, bacteria has same life as any surface, simple detergent if bacteria exists.  Surface is not flammable, it will not burn, installation warranty is 1 year, company is local, has questions on how area around tree would be finished.   NO pesticides or fertilizer, would need to cap irrigation system, 2-4 days for installation, cost approximately $17,000
-    Kathleen spoke to several of her contacts and addressed natural grass option. Less costly.  Entire courtyard needs new sod.  Mulch around trees and other areas.  We need to have a similar presentation as the artificial presentation to detail installation, etc.  There are questions on whether the sprinkler system works, who maintains it, who will maintain the natural grass.  Also, the school is closed for the summer and there will not be access.  All issues that need to be addressed.
-    There was a motion from the floor by Ana Gonzalez that any monies left over from the courtyard renovation would go to the purchase of Smart Boards.  Mary Porges seconded the motion.    

Agenda item # 3 – Treasurer’s Report – Tim Orrange
-    Distributed budget and discussed need for more revenue

Agenda item # 4 – Review and Approve January meeting minutes – Mary Porges
-    Motion to approve by Tim Orrange and seconded by Beth Lauhoron

Agenda item # 5 – Gala Update – Floriana Martinez and Amanda Kleidermacher
-    Need volunteers for auction set up
-    Need items for auction

Agenda item # 6 – Principal’s Report – Principal Carmen Garcia
-    Monthly calendar will be available via website, no longer will supply hard copy
-    February 18 is Jump Rope Challenge
-    February 10th is FCAT testing for 4th Graders, other grades in March
-    Upcoming meetings / presentations – January 30th Science Meeting, February 5th PYP Meeting, January 27th Spelling Bee, NEPT test for 4th Graders

Agenda item # 8 – Other
-    Holiday DVD running on Bruce’s laptop

The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 am.