Horizons Minutes
10-24-08
Call to Order- Beth Smith, President
Roll Call- Gloria McKissick, Beth Smith,
Greg Warner, Betty Lou Ratzlaff, Daniel Garcia,
Diane Englund, Annette Dick, Brian Schultz.
Secretaries Report- Daniel Garcia, Secretary
It was pointed out that the secretaries report
should note that it was the Windom ECI
that has not been asked to come to Mountain
Lake. Gloria McKissick motioned to approve
the Minutes with this amendment. Motion
seconded by Greg Warner. All in favor.
New Business-
ECI Community Resource Book-
Sherry Pankratz has not gotten back to Gloria
about the directory.
Channel 7 Broadcast
Matt Anderson has responded to our
request to broadcast a live ad on
channel 7 by stating that text would be
preferred. Noi Harder hasn’t gotten back
about the Spanish and Lao translations.
Beth Smith will try to announce an ad
for the Coats For Kids event, as well as
Mountain Lake Horizons.
Light Bulb Coupons -
Gloria suggested that Mountain Lake
Horizons sponsor an event with Country
Pride Co-op to distribute 4 packs of
CFL Bulbs. The cost for a 4-pack of
60 watt CFL bulbs is $5.99, could increase
to $6.99/pack. Beth Smith suggested that
Mountain Lake Horizons spend $500 on
the bulbs, and distribute information about
Horizons. Beth felt that this action would
have a greater impact than an ad.
Another idea that was suggested would be
to advertise the event through the Food Shelf.
Co-Op could donate the money for the
ad in the Observer. Greg Warner felt
that an ad in the paper could reach a
broader audience, with the possibility of
recruiting more members. Gloria thought
that by advertising through the Food Shelf, we
would be directly reaching lower income
families. Greg Warner motioned for
Mountain Lake Horizons to spend $500 to
work with Co-Op for distributing the
CFL Bulbs with Horizons information.
The money is only to be used toward the
purchase of the bulbs. Motion seconded
by Betty Lou Ratzlaff. All in favor.
There was no set date for this event,
Gloria McKissick will speak with Curt
Wall at the Co-Op for specifics.
Horizons Open House Community Tune-up
Gloria McKissick suggested that Mountain Lake Horizons
host a community tune-up at the Co-Op Garage.
Families could bring their vehicles in to have a
general check-up, with Horizons paying for
things like oil and air filters. Beth smith suggested
that there be a limit on the amount spent on
the consumables. Greg Warner brought up that
things like air filters are the least of lower income
families worries. He suggested that instead,
Horizons start a revolving loan that low income
families could apply for vehicle repairs that would
have little or no interest. Beth asked hypothetically,
what if Horizons gave $2000 to the project,
what would be our next step? Greg Warner stated
that a similar program existed at Western
Community Action and that much of the paper
work exists. Horizons would approach
WCA with the idea and funds. WCA could
administer the funds and leverage the
money with WCA funds. Greg also pointed out
that financial and mechanical education could be
part of the process. This discussion was tabled
until our next meeting, pending Greg obtaining more
information from the case manager, Michelle
Complin.
In other discussion….
Betty Lou Ratzlaff noticed that apartment renters
leave used oil outside the dumpster after oil changes.
It was noted that Country Pride Co Op
will accept used oil and batteries for free.
Coats for Kids-
Volunteer sign up sheets were distributed by Greg
Warner.
Donations are also sought. Pick up is November 3.
Early Childhood Initiative is paying for the bus,
New coats are distributed at intervals throughout
the event, so that every one gets a chance at a new
coat. Donations come in part from Polaris, coats are
purchased locally.
Other notes:
Beth Smith- We have $8500 in total funds
Mountain Lake is now considered a 501(c3)
tax exempt status.
Beth smith motioned to adjourn the meeting, all in favor.
Next meeting will be November 19th at 7p.m. at the Community Center
