gemstatemom
09-03-2009, 12:58 PM
P9-12P Board Meeting
August 19, 2009
Present: Jeff William, Ron Wittum, Ed Giovannetti, Tom Mortimer, Ethan Wright, Paula Bauer
absent: John Lafer
Jeff called the meeting to order at 8:10.
Jeff reported the financial account status. As of 8/19/09 current funds are $881.00. Proceeds included donations from Memorial Day after expenses were covered, donations from June Tea Party and from Clarkston Tea Party. Major donors were $100 from Carol Bauer and $500 from Tom Wilbur of Moscow.
First order of business: appointment of Ethan Wright to vacant Board position; needed to hold a vote to accept or reject Ethan on a permanent basis.
Ed made a motion to vote on Ethan's appointment. Motion was seconded by Ron.
Vote: unanimous in favor.
If a vacancy has not been filled for 45 days, Chairman would like the ability to appoint an interim board member. After 45 days, if the appointment has not been confirmed, it would become permanent. Ethan suggested moving it to 30 days each. Another suggestion offered was to appoint someone until the next scheduled board meeting. In connection to this, Ethan made a motion to hold a monthly meeting the second Wednesday of each month. Motion was seconded by Tom.
Vote: unanimously in favor.
Ethan made a motion to establish a 60 day period to fill vacant board positions. Chairman would make an interim appointment. If at the end of 60 days the appointment is not acted upon, the position would become permanent. Ron seconded the motion.
Vote: unanimously in favor.
Jeff asked for other business.
Discussion of a 9-12 Rally. Jeff has been encouraging people to step up to organize it, but no one has stepped forward. Ethan suggested a potluck type of gathering in a hall, mainly for people to come in to meet the Board members, take ideas for functions, seek people to volunteer for things face to face. Jeff expressed desire to be a part of that as the Chairman of the Board. Ethan thought it would be best to do after 9-12. Chris Nash at Zeppos expressed interest in hosting another viewing party on 9/12. It would not take much organization to do it there, and it would be a free venue. People expect someone to stand up and say a few words, might be an opportunity to pass out information, business cards, etc. Glenn Beck is planning to host something nationally. Ed assumed it was something we were going to do, as everyone at the first meeting was looking forward to the 9-12 gathering to be a part of something bigger. Concern over numbers attending because the place was packed to overflowing last year, over 100 people. Zeppo's have TVs, but none are plugged into their sound system so it was hard to hear. Discussion on providing an outside sound system. Jeff will be speaking to Chris tomorrow, if the Board wanted to begin planning a 9-12 event. Discussion on having an event in two different locations or other ways to accommodate more than 100 people, including finding coordinators for 2 events, roping off the outside for overflow with an outdoor TV hooked up, serving beverages outside and with an audio feed, etc. Ethan is going to check with his wife, who is tuned into area venues, with consideration of costs involved. Decision needs to be made by 8/26 to allow for publicity. Jeff and Ethan will communicate and if it requires cash outlay, a board vote can be taken via email.
Ron wondered if during commercial breaks the Board members present could stand up, introduce themselves, give some background on the group, what the goals and purpose are and make use of the commercial time. Support for the idea but the event coordinator will have to really have to keep track of time.
Discussion of a letter received from several members:
Jeff believes the letter ignored the process that was established, that the suggestions made were good, but strongly disagreed with the way it was brought to the Board's attention.
Jeff called for a vote of confidence in his leadership. Ed encouraged the Board not to make it personal and to examine the current structure being used by the group leadership.
Ron moved for a vote of confidence in Jeff as Chairman Board. Ethan seconded the motion.
Ron: yea, Tom yea, Ethan yes, Ed – yea.
Motion carried unanimous.
Discussion and agreement that concerns should be presented to the Board by a Board member.
Concerns raised were then addressed point by point.
Discussion on how to take a more proactive role and if summer was the main reason for lack of participation or if there were other underlying causes. Mission statement as posted has pretty much been fulfilled. People are talking. P9-12P needs to provide a means for those conversations to expand into action. Agreement that the low participation could be due to structure rather than lack of interest, as well as summer.
Suggestion made to utilize a 'project manager' type set up so Board members could help screen ideas and free up some demands on Jeff's time.
Discussion on the need for a general meeting held monthly or every two months where members can mingle and give input in a casual setting, in addition to a the private executive sessions for the Board.
Ethan was encouraged to keep this monthly meeting in mind as he researched venues for the upcoming 9-12 gathering. The Fairgrounds were mentioned as a possible venue, along with 1912 Center, Best Western Convention Center and the Multi-purpose room at the Moscow Jr. High, Decagon Devices in Pullman Industrial Park.
Motion by Ethan for a general membership meeting every two months.
A quarterly meeting was suggested and it was determined that we hold one meeting, evaluate its level of success and then determine if we adopt a bi-monthly or quarterly meeting schedule.
Ethan made a motion to hold a general membership meeting to establish a precedent for future meetings. Ed seconded the motion.
Vote: unanimously in favor – motion carries.
Discussion on on-line forum issues and usability. Jeff is not opposed to other means of communication, but who is going to do the low-tech things.
Tom proposed that each Board member come up with agenda items for the 9/9 teleconference – key points brought up in the letter that should be discussed and tweaked for possible direction. Kick it over for the next board meeting and come up with firm suggestions. Pull some items out and create action items that we can discuss, and bringing a solution for the problem under discussion.
Discussion on the need for Treasurer and about incorporation,
Ron moved that we proceed with articles of incorporation in Washington State. Ethan seconded.
Vote: unanimously in favor - Motion carries.
Determined to implement a two-line signature system. Chairman and Treasurer signatories on checks, in addition to one or two other board members listed on the account set up at the bank as back up if the need arises.
Suggest deleting the Grangeville sub-forum, since it is not being used since it was added.
Ron made a motion to remove the Grangeville subforum due to lack of use. Motion seconded by Tom.
Vote: unanimously in favor - motion carried.
Ethan needs help with introductions to determine if he puts his toe into the Moscow City Council race, since he has only been in Moscow for a year. The filing deadline is Monday, August 24. Been in contact with Jim Anderson at MGA, but needs more connections. Mark Deleve was suggested as a good resource to start with.
Ed made a motion to end the meeting, Ethan seconded the motion.
Vote: unanimously in favor – motion carried.
Meeting closed at 10:45 pm
August 19, 2009
Present: Jeff William, Ron Wittum, Ed Giovannetti, Tom Mortimer, Ethan Wright, Paula Bauer
absent: John Lafer
Jeff called the meeting to order at 8:10.
Jeff reported the financial account status. As of 8/19/09 current funds are $881.00. Proceeds included donations from Memorial Day after expenses were covered, donations from June Tea Party and from Clarkston Tea Party. Major donors were $100 from Carol Bauer and $500 from Tom Wilbur of Moscow.
First order of business: appointment of Ethan Wright to vacant Board position; needed to hold a vote to accept or reject Ethan on a permanent basis.
Ed made a motion to vote on Ethan's appointment. Motion was seconded by Ron.
Vote: unanimous in favor.
If a vacancy has not been filled for 45 days, Chairman would like the ability to appoint an interim board member. After 45 days, if the appointment has not been confirmed, it would become permanent. Ethan suggested moving it to 30 days each. Another suggestion offered was to appoint someone until the next scheduled board meeting. In connection to this, Ethan made a motion to hold a monthly meeting the second Wednesday of each month. Motion was seconded by Tom.
Vote: unanimously in favor.
Ethan made a motion to establish a 60 day period to fill vacant board positions. Chairman would make an interim appointment. If at the end of 60 days the appointment is not acted upon, the position would become permanent. Ron seconded the motion.
Vote: unanimously in favor.
Jeff asked for other business.
Discussion of a 9-12 Rally. Jeff has been encouraging people to step up to organize it, but no one has stepped forward. Ethan suggested a potluck type of gathering in a hall, mainly for people to come in to meet the Board members, take ideas for functions, seek people to volunteer for things face to face. Jeff expressed desire to be a part of that as the Chairman of the Board. Ethan thought it would be best to do after 9-12. Chris Nash at Zeppos expressed interest in hosting another viewing party on 9/12. It would not take much organization to do it there, and it would be a free venue. People expect someone to stand up and say a few words, might be an opportunity to pass out information, business cards, etc. Glenn Beck is planning to host something nationally. Ed assumed it was something we were going to do, as everyone at the first meeting was looking forward to the 9-12 gathering to be a part of something bigger. Concern over numbers attending because the place was packed to overflowing last year, over 100 people. Zeppo's have TVs, but none are plugged into their sound system so it was hard to hear. Discussion on providing an outside sound system. Jeff will be speaking to Chris tomorrow, if the Board wanted to begin planning a 9-12 event. Discussion on having an event in two different locations or other ways to accommodate more than 100 people, including finding coordinators for 2 events, roping off the outside for overflow with an outdoor TV hooked up, serving beverages outside and with an audio feed, etc. Ethan is going to check with his wife, who is tuned into area venues, with consideration of costs involved. Decision needs to be made by 8/26 to allow for publicity. Jeff and Ethan will communicate and if it requires cash outlay, a board vote can be taken via email.
Ron wondered if during commercial breaks the Board members present could stand up, introduce themselves, give some background on the group, what the goals and purpose are and make use of the commercial time. Support for the idea but the event coordinator will have to really have to keep track of time.
Discussion of a letter received from several members:
Jeff believes the letter ignored the process that was established, that the suggestions made were good, but strongly disagreed with the way it was brought to the Board's attention.
Jeff called for a vote of confidence in his leadership. Ed encouraged the Board not to make it personal and to examine the current structure being used by the group leadership.
Ron moved for a vote of confidence in Jeff as Chairman Board. Ethan seconded the motion.
Ron: yea, Tom yea, Ethan yes, Ed – yea.
Motion carried unanimous.
Discussion and agreement that concerns should be presented to the Board by a Board member.
Concerns raised were then addressed point by point.
Discussion on how to take a more proactive role and if summer was the main reason for lack of participation or if there were other underlying causes. Mission statement as posted has pretty much been fulfilled. People are talking. P9-12P needs to provide a means for those conversations to expand into action. Agreement that the low participation could be due to structure rather than lack of interest, as well as summer.
Suggestion made to utilize a 'project manager' type set up so Board members could help screen ideas and free up some demands on Jeff's time.
Discussion on the need for a general meeting held monthly or every two months where members can mingle and give input in a casual setting, in addition to a the private executive sessions for the Board.
Ethan was encouraged to keep this monthly meeting in mind as he researched venues for the upcoming 9-12 gathering. The Fairgrounds were mentioned as a possible venue, along with 1912 Center, Best Western Convention Center and the Multi-purpose room at the Moscow Jr. High, Decagon Devices in Pullman Industrial Park.
Motion by Ethan for a general membership meeting every two months.
A quarterly meeting was suggested and it was determined that we hold one meeting, evaluate its level of success and then determine if we adopt a bi-monthly or quarterly meeting schedule.
Ethan made a motion to hold a general membership meeting to establish a precedent for future meetings. Ed seconded the motion.
Vote: unanimously in favor – motion carries.
Discussion on on-line forum issues and usability. Jeff is not opposed to other means of communication, but who is going to do the low-tech things.
Tom proposed that each Board member come up with agenda items for the 9/9 teleconference – key points brought up in the letter that should be discussed and tweaked for possible direction. Kick it over for the next board meeting and come up with firm suggestions. Pull some items out and create action items that we can discuss, and bringing a solution for the problem under discussion.
Discussion on the need for Treasurer and about incorporation,
Ron moved that we proceed with articles of incorporation in Washington State. Ethan seconded.
Vote: unanimously in favor - Motion carries.
Determined to implement a two-line signature system. Chairman and Treasurer signatories on checks, in addition to one or two other board members listed on the account set up at the bank as back up if the need arises.
Suggest deleting the Grangeville sub-forum, since it is not being used since it was added.
Ron made a motion to remove the Grangeville subforum due to lack of use. Motion seconded by Tom.
Vote: unanimously in favor - motion carried.
Ethan needs help with introductions to determine if he puts his toe into the Moscow City Council race, since he has only been in Moscow for a year. The filing deadline is Monday, August 24. Been in contact with Jim Anderson at MGA, but needs more connections. Mark Deleve was suggested as a good resource to start with.
Ed made a motion to end the meeting, Ethan seconded the motion.
Vote: unanimously in favor – motion carried.
Meeting closed at 10:45 pm