March 2025 Minutes of Zion Cemetery Preservation & Maintenance Society Board Meeting

Regular Board Meeting Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 4:32PM

CALL TO ORDER
Fred Hearns called the meeting to order.
Board Members Present: Fred Hearns, Leroy Moore, Reva Iman, Woodrow Simmons, Michael Randolph,
Kiah Wilson, Robin Lockett, Jeraldine Williams
Board Members Absent: Byron Pressley
Non-Board Members Present: Ronan Barnes (PMG), David Iloanya (THA)

APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approval of the minutes from the Board meeting of February 20th was motioned, seconded and approved by
unanimous vote of the board.

PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments.

SUMMARY
The meeting began with Mr. Fred Hearns opening the floor for public comments. No public comments were made.
Mr. Hearns continued by requesting approval of the minutes from the Board meeting of February 20, 2025, as
it was motioned, seconded and approved of by unanimous vote of the board.
Mr. Hearns resumed by providing updates on old business, starting with Zion Owners, Gonzmart and Creech. Mr.
Moore shared that Richard Gonzmart attended the historical marker installation ceremony and spoke to the press
about an eminent deal with the city to make his owed shared of Zion Cemetery available. There are no current
updates on the status with Mr. Creech.
Mr. Hearns continued with updates on the NEA Grant with the City of Tampa. Mr. Moore shared that he had a
conversation with Robin Nigh and will be meeting her again over a previously scheduled upcoming meeting to
speak more about the NEA Grant and the Karon Oliver contract.
An update on the Fundraising Committee was requested by Mr. Hearns. Michael Randolph shared hard copies of
information for the board to review. The information consisted of lists of possible funders and letters that can be
sent to these funders.
Robin Lockett joined the meeting.
Mr. Randolph continued with an explanation of the variety of possible funding and funding letters that the board
can use in pursuit of individual and corporate donors. Mr. Randolph continued sharing a success story from a
California organization that received national funding. Mr. Moore shared the importance of seeking local funding
before national funding.
Mr. Hearns continued the meeting by requesting an update on funding and grant prospects. Mr. Moore shared that
the board should be able to start seeking local funding once the strategic plan is completely adopted. The goal
would be the target city and county funding while working to gain advocacy for Zion Cemetery.