THE VILLAGE CARD CLUB
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
January 11, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Cecil Grattafiori at 2:07 pm. The President asked for a moment of silence, for the members to consider how they can work together for the club.

Attending: Cecil Grattafiori, Cathy Bertrand, Jim Bicknell, Peg Birzer, Ginna DeThomas, Lillian Estes, Pam Harris, Cathy Irving, Teri LaBove, Becky Rice.

Absent: Fran Bazemore

There were five guests attending: Kathy Harris, Andy Cosby, Richard Robertson Dick Condon, Fran and Ray Banks.

The minutes for the December 14, 2007 meeting were read. Some board members had questions and approval was postponed. Cecil asked that Peg contact Lois Schoenrock for clarification.

Dick Condon gave a report on the status of the Sectional Tournament. He noted the POA contract charged an amount in excess of a 10% raise. He questioned if the contract should be signed by a Board member, because of the amount charged. The parlimentarian said that a Board member must sign the contract. Dick reported that all committees have been appointed and are ready to go; mailings are out and the e-mail has a link to our site (thanks to Richard and Liz Coonfer).

The Treasurer, Jim Bicknell, gave his report, with credit to Andy Cosby, for the end of FY2007. The report has been posted for one week. Jim noted that the club had a net loss of $6,905.30 for the year. Some discussion was held regarding the need to move money this month from a CD that doesn’t mature until February. These funds are needed to cover payroll and costs for the Sectional Tournament. Cecil asked that Jim report the amount of interest that will be lost. Discussion was held regarding posting the Treasurer’s Report on the web and Teri moved that we do so, Ginna seconded and the motion passed.

The Game Manager, Becky Rice, gave a yearly report with a total count of all games down by 592.2 tables or a 6.2% decrease in table count for the year. Becky asked for permission to post the STAC report on the bulletin board. A request had been made the previous month for no ACBL membership games and Becky gave rationale for holding the games, which may be held only once a year in each game. Discussion was held and it was generally agreed that as an ACBL club, we should continue to hold these games.

Membership Chairperson, Teri LaBove, reported that at this time we have 574 paid members. She has posted a list of those not yet paid, and will be starting phone calls to remind members to pay before the booklet is published.

Cathy Bertrand, Vice-President, reported on upcoming classes. She has been approached by the Bridge + teachers who suggest that an evening Bridge + might be more successful. They have not been successful in getting the needed three tables for the game. Discussion was held on the reason for moving the game and Ray Banks, who is one of the teachers, spoke on his plans to mail those currently attending with the change in time. Cathy made a motion to change Bridge + to Thursday from 6:30 until 8:30 pm for a two month trial period. Teri seconded and the motion passed. The game will be temporarily moved to Thursday evening, with Ray notifying participants. Cathy then noted the change in orientation, with it now being scheduled on January 22nd, with classes beginning on the 28th. Some discussion of the Education Committee was held, with a notation that the current committee is very close to satifying the Standing Rule requirements for masterpoints.

Cecil then asked for the Board’s acceptance of the 2008-2009 Committees. Jim made a motion that we accept, Ginna seconded and the listing was approved.

The Game Manager, Becky Rice, moved that the Board accept 2008 Calendar changes. There was discussion of need for changes as the February STAC tournament had been wrongly scheduled by Russ Jones. There will be no 49er NAP games scheduled by the District this year. Kathy Harris asked that next year the Board not schedule a STAC tournament right before the Sectional Tournament. Teri explained that the sanction needs to be checked for the next year immediately after the tournament. The motion was seconded and approved.

Teri asked that the Board support a Director’s Workshop on the Thursday evening before the Sectional Tournament, suggesting it be held at Last Chance. Charlie McCracken needs to be contacted so he can plan to attend. Teri made a motion that the Board approve the expense for the workshop, Cathy Irving seconded and the motion carried, with 4 approving and 3 opposing.

Cecil then brought before the board two suggestions he had received. One suggestion was for a party to get players to return to the club. Discussion was held on the best way to achieve this goal. Richard said he could have a list of non-active players in a short time. Teri made a motion that a committe be formed to explore this possibility and a committe composed of Becky, Cathy I., Cathy B., Ginna and Teri was formed. The other suggestion for a Director’s Workshop was dropped.

Richard Robertson, our Webmaster, then passed out web site access information. Jim questioned if every member’s e-mail address would be available on the data base and Richard indicated that only those who included it on their membership application, A discussion with Richard of uses for the web site was held. Richard handed out a memo to the members of the club who are interested in the web site with various uses and procedures to follow noted in the memo.

Cecil asked for approval of the Parlimentarian and Club Manager. Lillian made a motion to approve their appointment and Jim seconded. The motion passed.

Lillian Estes, Purchasing Agent, reported that she will be unavailable for the next month, due to surgery. She noted that all supplies have been stockpiled. If anything else is needed, she will be available by phone or e-mail after January 18.

A motion was made by Peg and seconded by Becky that Richard and Emily Robertson be made Honorary Lifetime Members due to Richard’s extensive work and expense in setting up our website. After much discussion, the motion passed.

A motion was made by Becky to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Cathy Irving and the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 pm.

Submitted by: Peg Birzer, Secretary