• Chairman, Art Casanova; The Victoria Condominium Association, Inc.
• Secretary, Randy Alton; Association of West Rockville Citizens
• Press Relations Liaison; Arthur Goldberg; Fallsgrove
• Joseph Bradley; East Rockville
• Dennis Cain
• Mike, Menaker; Rockshire Association, Inc.

IN ATTENDANCE

• Martin Heilman, The Victoria Condominium Association, Inc.
• Frank Hilton; Rockville Planning Commission

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Art Casanova at 6:15 p.m.

APPROVE MINUTES from Previous Meeting

Motion to approve the ARNA Steering Committee minutes for the month of April made by Arthur Goldberg; seconded by Randy Alton. Motion Passed, Vote: Unanimous

GUEST SPEAKER

Frank Hilton discussed protocols and guidelines that ARNA might consider when establishing contact with the Media and testifying in front of Boards and Commissions. The following are the highlights of his presentation:

Comments and Recommendations Concerning Press Relations

• Press relations can be a positive for an organization in placing its efforts before the public.
• Poor press relations can quickly detract from the vision and create missed opportunities.
• All principals should understand the elements of the vision and mission and be able to express them.
• Prior consideration of a press statement will provide a framework for the press' understanding of the organization and its objectives.
• Prior agreement between the organization and its guests on press ground rules is recommended before the event.

Comments and Recommendations on Testimony Before Commissions, Boards, and Mayor & Council

• Most members of Commissions and Boards look forward to/seek citizen input.
• Decisions and the public record are improved with public input.
• Get involved early in an application's sequence to avoid last minute efforts to shape a project.
• Because they represent multiple citizens, Associations are normally alloted addtional mic time.
• Know how many households are members of your organization and of the neighborhood.
• Tell how you keep your constituents informed.
• Be able to relate how you determined their position on the issue.
• Be prepared to relate any contrary positions or concerns within your membership.
• Address how and when the applicant dealt with your questions or concerns.
• "Testimony" before a public forum should be accurate or otherwise not made.
• Fabrications or misleading statements reduce the organization's future credibility.
• Again, citizen input is extremely important to the decision process.

Casanova thanked Mr. Hilton for his initiative and interest in sharing his experience.

PRESS RELATIONS LIAISON

The discussion following Hilton’s presentation gave rise to the value of having one individual to serve as the contact with newspaper reporters. Arthur Goldberg; Fallsgrove, volunteered to serve as the ARNA Press Relations Liaison with the media.

MISSION STATEMENT

Revisions: (1) logo—change to: Building a stronger sense of Community in Rockville (2) under category ‘what’—change to: through its Neighborhood Associations (*see attachment for Revised Mission Statement amended changes).

Action: Randy Alton was requested to ask the Neighborhood Resources Staff to contact the City Attorney regarding the appropriateness of the phrase, ‘by invitation only’ in the text of the Mission Statement.

Motion: A motion was made by Mike Menaker to adopt the changes Mission Statement. Seconded by Dennis Cain. Motion Passed, Vote: Unanimous.

ARNA LISTSERV

Revisions: (1) Change the term "Criteria" to the term "Guidelines" and (2) and add an additional line that states "to be for commercial purpose". (see attachment for amended changes)

Action: (1) printout of listserv members (2) post guidelines for ARNA listserv on hyperlink

Motion: Motion was made by Mike Menaker to adopt the guidelines for use of the listserv. Seconded by Dennis Cain. Motion Passed, Vote: Unanimous.

ARNA LOGO

Action: The City Staff is currently working on an ARNA logo and stationary letterhead and is expected to be available for next month for review.  A suggestion to list all the Neighborhoods on the left hand side was discussed in lieu of individual names. Status: On-going

DISTRICT 17/SEPTEMBER 25^th ARNA CONFERENCE

Senator Forehand, Delegate Barve, and Delegate Simmons indicated they would attend the September 25, 2003, ARNA Conference at Glenview Mansion. Delegate Michael Gordon is reviewing his schedule and will be getting back to us. The Steering Committee discussed a possible format to be reviewed during the June 24, 2003 Steering Committee Meeting.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS for Consideration/Follow-up

Clarification:

1. Ask Neighborhood Resources Staff to consult City Attorney regarding ‘by invitation only’ in the text of the Mission Statement.
2. Discuss any protocols or press contacts the District 17 team might want to invite for our September 25, 2003, ARNA Conference
3. Mayor and Council and Candidate protocols for September 25, 2003, ARNA Conference?
   (seating, committee for sorting 3 x 5 cards, program format: 10 minutes per speaker, salutations, greetings)
4. ARNA Awards for distinguished service to Rockville?

NEXT STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING

Thursday, June 24, 2003
Time: 6:15
Location: Red Brick Courthouse

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting Adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Randy Alton, Secretary

Attachments:
Revised Mission Statement
Revised Guidelines for use of ARNA listserv