Tupelo Beekeepers Association 10 August 2020
Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 1700.
Members present:
John Green (president), Jeff Bittel (VP), Chris Liddle (secretary), Teresa Helms (treasurer), Mark Wolf
(member at large) (board)
Ann Weber, Eric Weber, Reno Plenge, Bert Gwaltney, Tom Liesmeyer, Betsy Straley
The meeting was opened with prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
Complied with masks and social distancing as required by the venue.
Reports and Introductions:
July Minutes from the election: The minutes of this meeting should reflect only the special election of new
board members and a presentation on varroa mite management by Gordon Clauss and nothing more.
Board and membership agreed nothing else was done at this meeting and only these items should be
reflected in the minutes.
Call for Comment on Special Board meeting Minutes: Minutes were emailed out to paid members for
review. All members in attendance verified they received the minutes. No comments.
Minutes stand as written.
Introductions: Each new board member introduced themselves and told the membership a little bit about
themselves, why they got into beekeeping, how many hives they manage, and goals they have for the
TBA.
Old Business:
1. Bay Haven Hives: VP, Jeff Bittel contacted Will Thierren and went to inspect the 2 North Bay Haven
hives. Both hives are healthy, active, and doing very well. 80Lbs of honey was extracted this summer and
sold at the school. The money obtained was used to purchase further beekeeping equipment for the
program. North Bay Haven plans to continue with the beekeeping program at the charter school and plans
to keep these hives. This is good news! We are happy to continue to support this endeavor. (Closed)
2. Membership revocation letter:
Membership was informed of the previous board’s actions in revoking someone’s membership. This
board reviewed the evidence at hand and determined that due to irregularities and procedures bypassed
during a period of chaos and confusion, this revocation letter was rescinded. (Closed)
New Business:
1. Member at Large: The board decided we needed a 5th members to avoid split decisions. John Green
stated that while the current bylaws allow for the president to cast a second vote in the event of a tie, he
would not exercise this option. This will be addressed within new bylaws currently in the works. Mark
Wolf was introduced as the “member at large” appointed by the President. It was noted that this position
is appointed only at this time. This will be an elected position at the next general election. (Closed)
2. Bylaws: A draft of new bylaws was given to each member in attendance for their review. VP discussed
some of the changes in the new bylaws, such as item #1, the elected offices being held for 1 year rather
than 2 and particularly clear delineation of what happens when a board member steps down, the order of
succession, duties of board members. There was much confusion in the club because of board members
stepping down without direction for what should happen next. Jeff said this process will likely take a
couple of months with several revisions. Feedback is welcomed. Please send feedback to VP Jeff Bittel or
any of the other board members. (Open)
3. Website/Facebook page: $670 was paid for a new TBA website and FaceBook page. This is an a la
carte contract and fees will be incurred for any changes, posting of minutes, and such. The receipt
provided shows that this contract is good through 31 December 2020. There are many issues with these
sites and there was discussion about the viability of maintaining these 2 particular pages past the end of
the contract. We will continue to monitor and research the best way to proceed. (Open)
4. Meeting Location: The IFAS building is currently closed and will remain so for an indeterminate
amount of time. Alternate location of the American Legion Post 392 in downtown Panama City is
available free of charge. The only night of the week that is regularly available is Monday night. As a
temporary measure, until IFAS reopens, the board agreed to change the monthly meeting to the second
Monday of the month at the American Legion Hall. While this is a temporary measure at this time,
President stated that his discussion with IFAS puts into question if we will be allowed back at the IFAS
extension office if/when they reopen. They may choose to restrict the groups that can meet there and TBA
does not fit into the possible restriction. (Info Item)
5. Loan Locker: President talked with the State Beekeepers Association. They have offered us some
equipment to keep to loan to members. President asked for veils, OAV units, books, 2 (2frame)
manual and 2 (2frame) electric honey extractors. The treasurer has a “bee barn” where she is keeping
TBA equipment. She is also collecting equipment that can be given to new beekeepers. Anyone having
veils, smokers, or other equipment they would like to donate, please get in touch with Theresa Helms.
(Open)
6. Member Introductions: Each member present introduced themselves and talked about why they got into
beekeeping, their goals, interests, how many hives they have, etc.
Reno Plenge and Bert Gwaltney both volunteered that they would be happy to help members extract hone
in their honey houses. Reno also asked for and was given contact info for Will Thieren for Florida
Farm Bureau of which he is a member. They give out $500 grants to schools that have agricultural
programs. Thank you to all for your input. (Info item)
7. Bank Account/PO Box: TBA checking has been changed to Regions Bank. We also now have a post
office box to receive mail rather than at someone’s home address. (Info item)
The meeting was closed with prayer
Adjourned at 1705.
Electronically signed
Christine Liddle, Secretary, TBA
To be Approved
John Green, President, TBA
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