SDSA Board Minutes
Members present: Olga Hernandez, Lynne Armstrong, Bryan Gerard, Richard Moon, Travis Peterson, Jeanne Belaire, Joe LaMonica, Roberto Flores, Cris Ramirez, Ruth Dalrymple and Antonia Padilla
Members absent: None
The meeting was called to order by Roberto at 7:00 PM.
The first order of business was the treasurer’s report. Ruth reported that we have a balance of $3312.76. Ruth presented a proposed budget from the Budget, Finance and Fundraising Committee for the upcoming year. The budget is based on expenditures from previous years. It projects an income of $27,940.00 and expenses of $19,750.00. Ruth requested that each committee present a budget of anticipated expenses by October 31st, so that a final version of the budget can be presented. Ruth will include the cost of sensitivity training, $220, that Travis presented, which is a one time start up cost. Bryan made a motion to accept the proposed budget, Richard seconded and the motion passed. Ruth indicated that she had not received any receipts from Phillip and James for Gay Pride float expenses. Lynne indicated that she would call them and request an itemized report.
Ruth also presented a budget that the Budget, Finance and Fundraising Committee, in conjunction with the Program and Events Committee, designed, for the banquet. The budget projects revenue of $15,200, based on 20 sponsors at $100 each and 240 tickets sold at $55.00 each. Projected expenses are estimated at $8,131, leaving a profit of $7,069. Discussion centered on the amount of money to be given to National Stonewall, since the banquet was scheduled to be a 50/50 event. The amount of $250 for Speaker’s Travel will need to be amended. A figure of $1000 was suggested by Ruth, increasing expenses and decreasing revenue by $750. Bryan made a motion to adopt this budget, Travis seconded and the motion passed.
The SDSA web site has a link to a form to purchase tickets, and/or sponsorships. The form, along with a check, will be mailed in to the PO Box. Cris will check the mail, give checks to Ruth and the names of those purchasing tickets and/or sponsorships will go to Phillip.
The minutes of the last meeting were presented for review and approval. The minutes did not reflect a formal motion and vote regarding Shannon Bailey. However, at the July Board meeting, based on a consensus of the board, a decision was made to make a statement, to TSDC, regarding Shannon Bailey, stating that SDSA would make no comment until the legal process was completed. The statement included a request by Travis that entrapment be ruled out. A motion was made by Bryan to approve the minutes and it was seconded by Richard, the motion passed.
Travis informed us that he has resigned from the Police Officers Training Committee due to major health problems. The committee voted on Mick Henson, MCC Pastor, to assume duties and responsibilities. Travis is also resigning from the Peace Officers Liaison Committee, which deals with complaints about the police. Lynne volunteered to take this over. Travis asked Antonia to tell us about an incident that occurred at her home. Her home was spray painted, tagged, with gold paint. She reported it to the police, her home was the only one tagged, however it was not deemed a “hate crime.”
Antonia attempted to reach Captain Birney but was not successful. Cris mentioned that Charlie Gallimore had suggested a painting party not only to help Antonia with the painting, but to demonstrate to the neighborhood a show of strength and a sense of community. Antonia will find out what needs to be done by way of repair and will let us know and then we can set a date for the painting. Travis is still willing to go to the police department with Antonia; however, she is not willing to do so, at this time. He is angry over the police department trivializing the incident and basically ignoring her. Travis made a motion that Lynne, as chair of the Peace Officers Liaison Committee, write a letter to Chief McManus and Captain Birney, stating our concerns. Richard seconded the motion and it passed.
Richard informed the Board that the Endorsement Committee has set January 27th as the date for the Endorsement Meeting. He made a motion that this date be accepted, the motion was seconded by Bryan and the motion passed. Richard also reported that the Endorsement Committee requested that the Board send out a letter to Munguia Printers, thanking them for their help in the past. He made a motion to this effect, it was seconded by Bryan and it passed. Richard will write the letter. Richard indicated that the Board needs to begin thinking of fundraising activities, get out the vote activities, etc. for the 2008 election. He stated that he would be willing to get a committee together to work on this.
Program and Events Committee is still working on a speaker and on ensuring that money and names of banquet attendees is done efficiently.
Bryan reported that John Courage wants to present a program on his plan for clean elections. Both John and Zeda will be presenting information on becoming a delegate to the national convention at the September Membership Meeting.
Banquet Awardees were announced by Lynne, Legislative Award goes to Elena Guajardo, and Community Leadership Award resulted in a tie between Sam Sanchez and Chief McManus. Cris made a motion that this award go to Sam Sanchez, Olga seconded and the motion passed. Volunteer Appreciation Award goes to Bryan Gerard. The Board unanimously approved these awards.
Lynne briefly reviewed the controversy over Shannon Bailey. She indicated that the General Membership needs to be advised of the TSDS meeting in Austin. This situation will be discussed at the membership meeting next Monday. A lively discussion ensued with Board Members chiming in with their questions and opinions.
Lynne read a thank you note from Buck Massey’s family.
Roberto summarized the city council meeting regarding Chief McManus. The audience was rude, hateful and vicious in their remarks toward us. No resolution or motion was passed.
Olga reported on her trip to DC for the National Stonewall Meeting and Capital Champions Reception. She indicated how involved the Democratic Party leaders are in National Stonewall, and how inclusive they are with regards to LGBT persons in key positions. The focus of the organization is shifting to the grass roots local organizations.
National Stonewall is developing a voter file and earmarking funds for get out the vote efforts, which local organizations can access. Olga will be posting a report on the web site.
Roberto reported on Adam McManus’ attempt to have Lynne’s re-appointment to the City Council Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, which failed. Lynne was re-appointed with only one abstention. Jeanne read some e-mails that she has written and received from businesses that advertise on Adam McManus’ radio station.
Cris made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Lynne and agreed upon unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Cristina M. Ramirez,
Secretary