Tupelo Beekeepers Association 8 February 2021
Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order at 1900.
Members present:
James Morris (president), Mark Wolf (vice president) Chris Liddle (secretary), Teresa Helms (treasurer), Amber Pippin, Jack DePue, Doug Bailey, Buddy Rich, Tom Perkins, Skipper Turk, Betsey Straley, Tim Brehm, Jeff Bittel, Reno Plenge, Burt Gwaltney, Jackie Falls, Eric Pitts, Stan Peacock
Meeting held indoors. Masks are optional as required by venue. Social distancing continues.
Secretary Report: January Minutes were sent out to general membership for review. No comments received. Minutes approved as written.
Old Business:
1. Website/Facebook page: Fern Compton was contacted about website and Facebook page. The panhandle beekeepers sites were changed back to Tupelo beekeepers association pages. Fern agrees to continue to moderate these pages after she moves out of the area and will continue to be a member of the TBA. Secretary has been given access to these pages. (Closed)
2. Bee Phone: bee phone was turned in, no more bee phone. Mark Wolf will be in charge people interested in catching swarms. Anyone wishing to be contacted about available swarms is to notify the secretary. Secretary will forward information to Mark for coordination of swarm capture. Information on who does cutouts (Ricky Stockton and Basel Rifaei)will be listed on the Facebook page and website. (Closed)
3. Loan Locker: There is very little equipment in the TBA loan locker. There are 8 helmets with veils, a 2 frame observation hive that doesn’t appear to be in great condition, 2 OAV guns and 5 8-frame fume boards. These fume boards have not been used by anyone we know of in years. It was agreed upon to offer them to whoever wants them. Buddy Rich was the only person interested. They will be given over to him later tonight. The secretary asked if anyone had equipment they would like to put in the loan locker to please do so. All of the above bee club equipment is in the possession of the secretary. President is to contact the Florida Beekeepers Association regarding offer to provide equipment for loan locker that had been made to John Green. Don’t know about any follow up on that offer. (Open)
New Business:
1. John Green resigned as president of the TBA. According to the bylaws, James Morris (as VP) moves into the president’s position. He can then appoint others to fill vacant offices. Mark Wolf was appointed Vice President. This leaves an opening for a MAL to be on the board. James Morris nominated Buddy Rich, who declined. It was asked if anyone present was interested in being the MAL on the board. Betsey Straley volunteered and was appointed as the new MAL. NO objections from the membership to these board changes.
New Board of TBA:
James Morris (president), Mark Wolf (vice president), Betsey Straley (MAL), Christine Liddle (secretary). Teresa Helms (treasurer)
2. Reno Plenge stated there is a move from the American Farm Bureau to introduce sterilized beetles to destroy the popcorn trees. He wants the bee club to send a letter about not eradicating the popcorn trees since they are a major food source for the bee population. James Morris asked where he could get more information about this and he will look into writing a letter from the TBA. (open)
Information:
1. Presentation: James Morris presented on swarm traps and pest management
Adjourned at2000
Electronically signed, 11February 2021
Christine Liddle, Secretary, TBA
Electronically signed, Approved, 14 February 2021
James Morris, President, TBA
Tupelo Beekeepers Association 8 February 2021
Board Meeting Minutes
Meeting was called to order at 1815.
Members present:
James Morris (acting president), Mark Wolf (MAL), Chris Liddle (secretary), Teresa Helms (treasurer)
Minutes: Minutes of January 2021 were sent to the board members and general membership. Approved as written.
Old Business:
1. Website/FaceBook page: Fern Compton states she is willing to continue to manage the website and Facebook pages even after she moves out the area. Panhandle beekeeper’s association was changed back to Tupelo Beekeeper’s Association. Fern has given secretary privileges for both. (closed)
2. Field Day/Earth Day: Discussion of what we need to do for field day and earth day. Things are difficult right now due to the corona virus. Earth day might be held. Not sure if we will be able to hold/participate in either. We will bring this issue before the membership for their thoughts.(open)
New Business:
1. John Green resigned as president of the TBA. He refused to write a letter of resignation. He resigned verbally to the treasurer and secretary. According to the bylaws, James Morris (as VP) becomes the new president and appoints a new vice president with board consent. James appointed Mark Wolf as VP who accepted with unanimous consent of the board. A new member at large (MAL) will be appointed from the membership of the general meeting later this evening. (open)
Adjourned at 1900.
Electronically signed, 11 February 2021
Christine Liddle, Secretary, TBA
Electronically signed, Approved, 14February 2021
James Morris, President, TBA
Recent Comments