SDSA Board Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Lynne and Roberto.
Members Present: Joe LaMonica, Antonia Padilla, Cris Ramirez, Olga Hernandez, Jeanne Belaire, Richard Moon, Bryan Gerard, Travis Peterson, Lynne Armstrong and Roberto Flores.
Members Absent: Ruth Dalrymple
The meeting began with Roberto welcoming Antonia to the SDSA Board.
There was no secretary’s report as Cris reported that the part for her computer had not arrived yet.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding allocation of funds for the Pride Fest Booth. Lynne had a question about the money collected from the straw poll they conducted. $250 was allocated for the event. Approximately $139 was collected from the straw poll. Of the $250 allocated, only $100 was allocated for the actual float, $150 went to the booth and the entry fee for the float. The money raised from the straw poll was to defray costs of the float. If the cost of the float was more than $100, then can the $139 be allocated for that expense? Or was the $139 to be used to defray the expenses of the float, in which case it would be a part of the original $250 that was allocated? Since we cannot remember what was specifically said, we will need to search for the e-mail where this was mentioned. Lynne indicated that any monies raised on behalf of SDSA should be approved by the board. There is a concern that money may be collected for SDSA and never given to SDSA and our reputation and credibility would be tainted. However, there is no way to prevent this.
Lynne asked if there was a concern about protecting SDSA’s name when funds are being raised. The By-laws do not address the issue of soliciting funds. Richard made a motion that any action to raise money on behalf of SDSA must have SDSA Board approval. Travis seconded. The motion did not pass, it was a tie vote. Jeanne made a motion to table the motion.
The Peace Officers Liaison Committee is in the process of finalizing their presentation, the first of which will take place on August 9th. A question of whether this committee should be a part of SDSA or another organization was raised by Travis. Initially because SDSA is a political organization Lynne questioned the appropriateness of SDSA sponsoring this committee. Since that time this committee has resulted in publicity for SDSA and SDSA members serving on interviewing panels, so it has proved to be a good thing. Cris stated that she was concerned that because SDSA is a political organization concerned with electing democratic candidates to office that perhaps this committee might be construed as having a political agenda similar to SDSA’s. Travis stated that one possibility was to have MCC sponsor this committee, but then there might be a question of being affiliated to a church and thus a religious agenda. Olga stated that since SDSA is concerned with issues of equality that SDSA’s sponsorship is appropriate. Bryan stated that unless there is a San Antonio LGBT organization that can take it over, then the committee should continue to be a part of SDSA. Joe indicated that by virtue of our very name “Stonewall,” which involved police action against gays, this committee is definitely part of SDSA. The consensus of the SDSA Board was to continue to sponsor this committee.
Richard presented several items to be voted on:
Scheduling Endorsement Meetings for Candidates in Runoff--- specifically to include the date of an additional endorsement committee meeting in the fifteen days notice of the endorsement committee meeting. Travis made a motion to pass this item and Joe seconded, the motion carried.
Criteria for SDSA Financial Support of Candidates---specifically to include incumbent and non-incumbents who are NOT on the ballot in Bexar County and who are in contested races. Olga made a motion to accept this item, Cris seconded and the motion carried.
Pre-Screening Candidates for Invitation to Candidate Forums and Limiting Candidate Forums to SDSA Members Only---specifically the Endorsement Committee shall have discretion to prescreen candidates and invite only appropriate candidates and/or pre-approved representatives to its Candidate Forums. Richard made a motion to accept this item, Olga seconded; Lynne wanted to add something about board approval. Jeanne made a motion to amend this item to add the phrase “upon SDSA Board approval,” it did not pass. The item as originally stated passed. Secondly, candidate forums will no longer be open to the public and will be limited to SDSA members (and invited candidates). Richard made a motion to accept this item, Jeanne seconded; Bryan made a motion to amend the motion to say “limited to SDSA members, invited candidates and approved guests.” Jeanne seconded, the motion carried.
Lynne reported on the meeting of the Budget/Finance/Fundraising committee held yesterday. Larry Stallings will do all of the printing for the banquet. The committee is working on a budget and hopes to have one by the next board meeting. In their defense all of their meetings have been focused on the upcoming banquet.
Olga reported that we have 151 people on the membership list.
Roberto expressed a concern about the lack of a budget. Richard agreed with Roberto and stated that we need to have a budget by the next board meeting. Travis made a motion that Lynne and Roberto write a letter to Ruth and the Budget/Finance/Fundraising Committee, strongly requesting that they have a budget by the next SDSA Board meeting, on August 13th. Olga seconded and the motion passed.
Lynne confirmed the speaker for the SDSA Membership Meeting, Josephine Titsworth.
Lynne brought up the news about Shannon Bailey, and the movement to require Shannon to step down from his position. SDSA’s position is to make no comment and wait until the legal process determines his guilt or innocence.
Lynne read a letter of thanks from kat swift for SDSA’s support of her candidacy.
Cris made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Bryan seconded and the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cristina M. Ramirez,
Secretary