THE VILLAGE CARD CLUB
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
May 2, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Cecil Grattafiori at 2:05 pm.

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

Guests attending: Frank Matthews, Andy Cosby, Gina Doss, Lois Schoenrock, Cindy Devish, Jan Farnsworth, Dwight Shatto, Connie Fitch, Fran and Ray Banks.

Cathy B. made a motion that the minutes for the March 17, 2008 meeting be approved. Jim seconded the motion and all approved.

Guest Frank Matthews made a presentation regarding the choice of classifying teachers and directors as employees or contract laborers. He explained the benefits for both the club and the employee. He noted the 14 criteria that the IRS imposes on contract laborers and asked if Jim has that listing available. Cecil thanked him for his input.

Board member reports:
Becky reported that there were a total of 40 tables for the pizza party. Cecil thanked Ginna and Nan Medcalf for a splendid job organizing the party.

Ginna noted that she had attended Teri’s workshop for tournament play last weekend and found it quite informative.

Teri reported on membership: 10 Past-presidents; 42 members who are 85 years of age of older; 3 Life Members and 737 paid members for a total of 795 to date.

Cathy I. asked that board members turn in items for the newsletter which will be published in June. She is looking for items that will benefit the 299er and below group of players.

Lillian had nothing to report. She is using the desk that was unreturnable as more space for convention card sheets, pencils, etc.

Cathy B. reported that her committee had selected 40 possible class topics for the summer session. These will be two hour classes and will start in June. She has not yet scheduled teachers or times. Discussion followed, with a notation of difficulty in obtaining teachers if Cathy is not able to tell them what their salary will be. Teri reported requests for beginning classes during the summer. Cathy will look into this.

Jim noted that it was difficult to report on financials for the past month as it is just two days into the month. He will give a final report later. It was noted that there was a substantial loss for the month of April and several reasons were given. Discussion of the need for a yearly budget was held and Jim will put one together.

Pam reported that the committee’s recommendation on teacher’s pay will be ready for board action by the end of the month. Cecil asked if this could be done by mid-May and a special board meeting was set for May 27 to consider the recommendations. Cecil will be out of town and Cathy B. will be chairing the meeting.

New business: Jan Farnsworth brought to the board Constitution and By-Laws Committee revisions her committee has completed. Copies will be posted and two informational session will be held -- on Thursday, May 22 before the game and on Friday, May 23 after the game. If a member cannot make these meetings, they may call a committee member with their questions. These changes are to be voted on by the membership at the June semi-annual meeting.

Membership dues: Teri made a motion to take to the membership a change of yearly membership dues from $3.00 to $5.00. There was much contentious discussion with questions of need and whether $10.00 might be more beneficial. With Past-president Jan Farnsworth noting that this issue must be taken before the membership for a vote at the June meeting, a vote by the board was called for. Five board members voted to take this to the membership at the semi-annual meeting, two were opposed and Cecil asked that it be noted that he is opposed.

Bridge + staffing: Jim noted that he had been studying the use of two teachers for Bridge +. As the table count has been consistent at about 4 tables, it is not paying for itself. Several guests added comments to those of the board. Jim said that he had talked with a representative of ACBL and that Bridge + was not planned to be an on-going class, but to be held for several weeks after classes to get students ready for regular games. Cathy B. said that the change from Thursday morning to Thursday evening has not helped table count and noted that she has had requests for a game during the day. Teri questioned if a change of table fee from $2.50 to $3.00 would make a difference. After several offers of volunteer help to keep the game going, nothing was done.

Cathy I. noted that there is little communication between the membership and the board. She asked for suggestions as to how this might be handled. Cecil says there has been nothing in the suggestion boxes. He listens to all complaints, and has found there to be few. The newsletter was discussed and Cecil requested that there be less statistical detail and that it be kept to six pages or less.

After noting the special board meeting regarding teacher’s pay to be held on May 27th at 10:00 am and the next monthly board meeting will be June 6 after the Friday game, Cecil asked for adjournment.

Teri made a motion that the meeting be adjourned, Cathy B. seconded and with all approving, the meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.
Submitted by: Peg Birzer, Secretary Subject to Board Approval