THE VILLAGE CARD CLUB
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
March 17, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Cecil Grattafiori at 4:15 pm.

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

Guests attending: Andy Cosby and Lois Schoenrock.

Teri made a motion that the minutes for the February 7, 2008 meeting be approved. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

Marilyn Biegler and Dick Condon gave a report on the Sectional Tournament. Tables were off for various reasons. Even with the increase of 10% in POA charges, the chairpersons were able to present a check for $3,342.39 to the club. Cecil expressed thanks for their hard work and they were given a round of applause.

Board member reports:
Becky reported total table counts of ACBL games for the month of February as 667.5 tables, which does not include the sectional tournament. Non ACBL games for the month were 89.5 tables. The reason for the approximate decrease of 35 tables was due to the tournament.

Cathy I. reported that the Village Card Club brochure is at the printers and will be available in the next week. The newsletter is at the printers and due in a couple of days. Jim requested costs and asked that Lillian check if the vendors have the correct credit card number.

Cathy B. reported that the Education Committee will meet soon to plan fall classes. Cecil said that this will be taken up later.

Teri reported one new member this month. Total members: 762, including those over 85 and past presidents -- three life members.

Jim reported a positive month with a gain of $673.00 The financial reports are posted on the bulletin board and the web site. He noted that some invoices had not been paid promptly from the past year and this is reflected in the current report.

Cathy B. questioned the need for more BIFF buttons. A discussion was held regarding the use in the lower strat games, where most players have a positive attitude. Teri made a motion that we purchase another 100 buttons, Cathy I. seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.

Fran read a letter from a recent visitor to the village who was much impressed by our club. Fran also noted that we have two new substitute Directors: Joe Fischer and Jim Awalt (who will be available after April 15th). It was also mentioned that two members have taken the Director’s exam: Fran and Betty Schultz. Results will be available in two to three weeks.

Regarding the progress of the committee on contacting members who have not been attending games, Becky reported that 56 past members were contacted by the committee. The results were gratifying. Cathy I. showed the board a post card that will be sent to those past members and a discussion of the free play to be offered was held.

Ginna reported on the status of the committee who is studying the need for a duplicating machine and the e-mail she sent to all board members. A motion was made by Cathy I. that we go forward with the purchase of the equipment, Becky seconded and a long discussion followed. After several members indicated that the board needed detailed information before a vote can be taken, Teri moved that we table action on this issue, Cathy B. seconded and it was approved.

Cecil then asked that we take up the issue of teacher’s pay. He gave a detailed report of his survey of other card clubs on how their teachers were paid and all indicated that all paid their teachers as contract laborers (independent contractors). He had contacted the Hot Springs club who indicated they paid their teachers as contract laborers, however Teri said she teaches for them and is paid as an employee. Jim moved that we pay all the Village Card Club instructors on as contract laborers, Lillian seconded and a lengthy discussion followed. A number of issues were brought forward and when it was suggested that we table this item, Cecil asked that Jim prepare a report for the board to clarify why making a change back to contract labor is the proper move and to explain areas in the standing rule that would require alteration.

Teri then noted that we still need to address the issue of teacher’s pay, as there are some discrepancies in their pay. After much discussion, Peg made a motion that the Education Committee review this issue, Jim seconded. Cathy B. felt this was not an issue that the committee could address. Cecil agreed and after more discussion, he asked that Pam head a committee to study teacher pay.

Becky made a motion that the 49er NAP games be added to the calendar in September and October, Cathy I. seconded and this was approved.

Becky made a motion that free mini-lessons be held on the first Wednesday of the month. She had a hand-out which noted the first four lessons to be held and the teachers who have agreed to teach for no pay. Jim seconded and the motion carried. Peg asked that the Education Committee follow up with more detailed classes on these subjects.

It was noted that there has been no action in adding a social game at this time.

Teri indicated that the Webmaster has not been added to the board, although he is listed on some materials. Ginna made a motion that we add the Webmaster to the board as a non-voting member, Cathy I. seconded and it was approved.

Ginna had questions regarding a pizza party which was discussed at past board meetings. Becky suggested April 24 and it was decided that a pizza party should be held in appreciation of our members. Ginna will go ahead with planning the party.

Cecil complimented the board on their actions since the first of the year. Jim made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, Lillian seconded and with all approving, the meeting was adjourned at 6:15 pm.

Submitted by: Peg Birzer, Secretary Subject to Board Approval