Board Meeting — 11/13/23
Call to Order / Welcome
President Dolly Robinson called the Board Meeting to order at 5:32 PM. Members in attendance included the following: Dolly Robinson, Mike Null, Liza Viplav, Joe Hinkle, and Linda Williams. Guests: There were no guests present. George English, USTA FL Tennis Representative, notified Board members that he was unavailable to attend.
Approval of Minutes
M. Null made a motion to approve the Minutes of the October 9, 2023 Board Meeting; seconded by J. Hinkle, and the motion carried unanimously.
President D. Robinson provided the group a verbal comprehensive summary of LCCCTA’s history from its formation in 2014. She said LCCCTA was incorporated as a 501c3 non-profit corporation in May 2015.
President D. Robinson recognized every individual and every group who has been involved in helping advance LCCCTA’s mission and purpose, as far back as the initial Planning Committee.
MISSION STATEMENT: To promote the development of tennis as a means of healthful recreation and physical fitness for all children and adults of the Lake City/Columbia County Community by assisting in the creation of a county wide Community Tennis Facility.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this not-for-profit association is to promote the development of tennis as a means of healthful recreation and physical fitness for ALL Columbia County residents and to foster a sense of community between adults and children by reaching healthy, happy lifestyles as individuals and families, and to cooperate with the United States Tennis Association, Inc., and other associations in pursuit of these goals.
A comprehensive list of all the names was provided to L. Williams by President D. Robinson to type and attach to the 11/13/23 Minutes. (View list here)
President D. Robinson recommended the LCCCTA brochure be updated with current information. She emphasized the importance of LCCCTA continuing to advocate for the inclusion of multiple tennis courts to be built at the 500-acre Columbia County Regional Park off Bascom Norris Road. A minimum of twelve tennis courts will be necessary to host regional and sanctioned tennis tournaments in Columbia County.
President D. Robinson corresponded with USTA FL Tennis Professional, Glen Howe, expressing gratitude for the on-court community tennis training that he provided on Sept. 25, 2023 for LCCCTA coaches and volunteers.
USTA FL will continue to schedule future training and L. Viplav said there will be a training opportunity in Gainesville for level one certified coaches to earn CEU’s.
Vice President M. Null made a motion that designated tennis instructor posts daily lesson schedule on a white board attached to the fence to identify times that court will be reserved to avoid court conflicts. J. Hinkle seconded the motion; a majority voted to approve.
President D. Robinson opposed as is; would like the tennis instructor to have a specific designated court to avoid conflict in the future. The motion carried.
M. Null reported the grant proposal is still in process to provide a Bleacher Shade over the center tennis bleachers. The shade structure will be put on the City Council meeting agenda for a vote.
M. Null said the court bench awnings could possibly be attached higher on the fence to prevent injury.
L. Viplav suggested the center pole on the four awnings have cushioning encased around them.
M. Null received notification the USTA FL Equipment Grant for $1,209.89 was approved for LCCCTA and an Accountability Report will need to be completed in March 2024.
Additional responsibilities for M. Null include CTA Renewal and LCCCTA Insurance.
Secretary L. Williams provided a summary of the four-week Fall Youth Tennis Camp. The camp had 6 LCCCTA volunteer coaches and 30 participants. The final clinic was held on October 24th.
Special refreshments were served with a young tennis player contributing to the refreshments.
L. Williams reviewed recent sponsor recognition on the LCCCTA website and Facebook page. Business, Individual/Family, and Tennis Court sponsors have been highlighted. In addition, there are a total of 10 paid banner sponsorships to be renewed annually.
L. Williams reported there was not enough interest for the Fall Tennis Jamboree; a Spring Tennis Jamboree date will be determined,
D. Carter previously said any funds remaining in the Mixed Doubles Social League account can go toward the Tennis Jamboree event, as both the Tuesday Social and Adult Mixed Doubles League consist primarily of the same tennis players.
In addition, the event can be an opportunity to honor and express gratitude to anyone who assists with cleaning tennis courts and surrounding court areas.
The LCCCTA Spring Youth Tennis Camp dates were provided by L. Williams. Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-5:30 PM for 3 weeks: April 2 - 18, 2024. The cost will be $20 per participant for the camp and registration will be held on April 2, 2024.
L. Williams will advertise the upcoming camp dates on both the LCCCTA website and social media immediately following the holidays, and the online registration link will be available shortly, thereafter.
L. Williams reminded LCCCTA Board members the US Center for Safe Sport/USTA Safe Play requires all tennis volunteers and coaches to complete their background check every two years and complete the Safe Sport online video training every year.
USTA Safe Play—USTA.com
Treasurer J. Hinkle provided a current financial statement showing a bank balance of $3,532.28. The general account has $1,217.28, the YTF account contains $2,000, and the Adult League account contains $174.23, with a pending expense payment of $140.77.
New Business
L. Williams read an email to the LCCCTA Board sent to her from Youth Tennis Foundation (YTF) Immediate Past President and Board Member, Pierce Kelley.
Both D. Robinson and M. Null asked L. Williams to respond to Mr. Kelley on behalf of LCCCTA regarding YTF’s interest in junior tennis. D. Robinson suggested LCCCTA offer two opportunities to register for a 4-day Summer Tennis Camp—offering four consecutive days in one month and another four consecutive days in the following month.
J. Hinkle recommended starting a Round Robin as ‘pre-league’ play. The group agreed it is a great suggestion; an opportunity to play against a variety of players.
D. Robinson said LCCCTA’s Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 and Laura Null will provide a slate of proposed board members and officers.
President Robinson announced that she will step down as President and Board member at the end of this term.
Next Meeting: Tentative meeting scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2024
President D. Robinson: Meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.
