Board Meeting — 11/10/25
Call to Order/Welcome:
President Mike Null called the Special Board of Directors Meeting to order at 5:34 PM and thanked the group for attending. The purpose of this meeting was to consider a new Board Member during the interim period prior to LCCCTA’s Annual Meeting scheduled for February 9, 2026.
President Null made a motion to recommend Ms. Bobbi Brannon become a LCCCTA Board member now, and be reconsidered when all LCCCTA Board members are nominated and voted upon at the Annual Meeting. Michael Ammundsen seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
The Special Board of Directors Meeting was closed at 5:38 PM and the Board Meeting was opened and called to order at 5:38 PM.
President Null welcomed Board members in attendance: Michael Sexton, Eshu Xi Amaru, Laura Hunter-Null, Michael Ammundsen, Joe Hinkle and Linda Williams.
Guests:
George English, USTA FL Representative and Beth Dellovade, USTA FL Local Play Coordinator
Approval of Minutes:
L. Hunter-Null made a motion to approve the Minutes of the September 8th Board Meeting; seconded by J. Hinkle, and the motion carried unanimously.
President M. Null reported that USTA’s Arthur Gallagher general liability insurance will open their enrollment the first week of December. There is no indication of a change in the premium — $325 per year for USTA community tennis associations having a budget of $25,000 or less.
President Null asked the Board to allow him to apply and secure 2026 insurance on behalf of LCCCTA and Laura Hunter-Null made a motion to do so. It was seconded by L. Williams, and the motion carried unanimously.
M. Null reminded the Board that LCCCTA has a credit with Emerald Coast Distributors of $553 to use for tennis equipment and supplies. In addition, Scott Harrison with Emerald Coast Distributors has provided our CTA with free tennis racquet wraps. Since we have the credit, M. Null asked that we purchase an additional tennis net; Laura Hunter-Null made a motion and J. Hinke seconded it. The motion carried unanimously.
President Null provided the status of lighting at the tennis courts. There have been problems with the lights not coming on between the hours of 5-10 PM with the timer and M. Null contacted the City. He added that power outlets have been installed by the City at the gates of each set of courts. With the power outlets available, there was discussion regarding purchasing a $1500 electric ball machine to use as a teaching tool for young players, in hopes of being funded soon by the YTF.
M. Ammundsen inquired about the details and logistics of accessing the ball machine, which will require access to the Tennis HQ and specific tennis balls to be used.
President Null suggested we order the ‘Lobster Elite One-Electric with 2-function remote’ ball machine and asked L. Williams to place the order with 10-S Tennis Supply.
M. Null asked M. Ammundsen to create a proposed set of guidelines for using the ball machine and to bring the draft to be presented to the Board at the next meeting.
J. Hinkle made a motion to proceed with purchasing the ball machine with current YTF funds; seconded by M. Ammundsen, and the motion carried unanimously.
President Null provided good news regarding two of LCCCTA’s Ex-Officio Board members, Anjan and Liza Viplav. Both are tennis professionals and will be relocating to the Lake City area before May 2026.
As a historical summary for the Board, President Null outlined LCCCTA’s founding in 2015, when the tennis courts were in disrepair. Much progress was made to reactivating community tennis — starting with LCCCTA providing ongoing youth tennis programs for the Girls and Boys Clubs, and for minority youth at Richardson Community Center (RCC). L. Hunter-Null suggested that members of LCCCTA attend PTO meetings for the two new elementary schools to let parents know of the tennis camps and scholarships available (if needed) for participating in LCCCTA youth camps.
Four new tennis courts were constructed at Young’s Park in 2000, and adult tennis socials became active when tennis volunteers began serving as Adult Coordinators.
President Null made a motion that a Resolution recognize the following special Local Adult Coordinators at the December 9th Mistletoe Tennis Social: Anita Houston, Stephen Ashton, Debbi Carter, and Eshu Xi Amaru.
M. Ammundsen seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
VP/Secretary Report:
L. Williams provided a summary of LCCCTA’s Fall Youth Camp—28 registered participants between the ages of 6-17, with a tennis professional who directed the camp, and 10 volunteer coaches. In addition, LCCCTA’s Treasurer, Joe Hinkle, registered the players, and LCCCTA Board Member, Laura Hunter-Null, served as the camp photographer — capturing the action during the three- week tennis camp. The final day was the ‘Tennis Challenge’ when players put their knowledge and skills into action, and enjoyed refreshments and raffle prizes.
President Null said he believes this was the most successful youth camp; he expressed his appreciation to everyone who participated.
Linda Williams specifically recognized LCCCTA Board Member, Eshu Xi Amaru, who co-leads the Adult Tennis Socials, maintains the windscreens, maintains the sponsor banners, replaces tennis nets, assists Coach Mark Mansbach with the Veteran’s Affairs Tennis Program, and always volunteers to coach players in our youth tennis camps.
Treasurer Report:
J. Hinkle provided a Treasurer Report showing a total bank balance of $7,043.65, with $137.09 in uncleared checks. The general account has a balance of $2,588.48, the YTF account contains $4,150.85, and the Adult League account has a $167.23 balance.
L. Williams made a motion to approve the Financial Report; L. Null seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
USTA FL Guest, George English:
G. English mentioned the Wheelchair Clinic to be held at the Ft. King location in Ocala was postponed until Nov. 22 nd from 9-11am and there is no charge. E. Xi Amaru is interested in attending.
Mr. English said that soon, USTA FL will start a program at Lake Nona coaching blind & visually impaired players. There is a rattle in the foam ball in which they play, and the participants are allowed three bounces.
G. English will keep in contact with our CTA regarding USTA FL’s expansion in tennis equipment under their Grant Support Program. The program will reopen in February 2026, accepting applications and requests.
Mr. English introduced their new USTA FL Local Adult Play Coordinator, Beth Dellovade, to the LCCCTA Board of Directors.
USTA FL Guest, Beth Dellovade:
USTA FL Adult Coordinator said she was new to tennis, but was a participant in the adult program, Love to Learn/Love to Play’ at Ft. King in Ocala. She loved tennis so much, she applied for and accepted a position with USTA FL. She now trains and helps other tennis associations.
Ms. Dellovade provided a PowerPoint presentation to the group, outlining the program. In addition, she provided a grant resource, 2026 USTA National Micro Grants, to obtain tennis balls, t-shirts, supplemental stipends to cover cost of paying tennis professionals who are coaching participants in the program, and program marketing materials.
USTA FL has guides for ‘Love to Learn/Love to Play’ players and coaches. The suggested cost for Love to Learn/Love to Play participants per 6 weeks is $60. Ms. Dellovade offered her help with conducting the ‘Love to Learn/Love to Play’ Program and M. Null said LCCCTA will look at possible dates toward the end of January or possibly early February.
The LCCCTA Board was happy to meet Ms. Dellovade and very appreciative of the information she provided. President Null thanked her for attending our meeting.
New Business:
Adult Tennis Social Coordinator, Debbi Carter, invited participants in the Tennis Social Mixed Doubles group to attend the Mistletoe Tennis Social on Tuesday, Dec. 9 th at 5pm, with registration beginning at 4:30 PM. Cost is $5 and/or bring an unwrapped toy gift to benefit the “Toys for Tots Program” of Lake City. This will be a fun social event for all ability levels and players are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas attire. Refreshments and drinks will be provided.
E. Xi Amaru created a video, along with M. Sexton, containing tennis warm-up exercises. This video was submitted to PTR as part of E. Xi Amaru’s certification for becoming a tennis coach.
President M. Null thanked everyone for attending and adjourned the meeting at 7:34 PM.
Next tentative meeting scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM.
