SDSA Board Minutes

April 12, 2008

 

Co-chair Roberto Flores called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Members present:  Co-chairs Roberto Flores and Lynne Armstrong, Bryan Gerard, Larry Stallings, Cris Ramirez, Antonia Padilla, Chris Forbrich, Jeanne Belaire and Ruth Dalrymple.

Members absent:  Olga Hernandez and Pat McGuire

Guest:  Michelle Meyers

Cris, secretary, reported that a motion had been made, via e-mail, by Chris Forbrich to cancel the April membership meeting due to Fiesta Week conflicts.  It was seconded by Larry and the motion carried.  There will be no membership meeting in April.

Cris made a motion to rescind the motion passed at the March Board meeting naming Chris Forbrich to the position of SDSA Web Master.  SDSA has a Web Master, Linda Allen.  Lynne seconded the motion and it carried. 

Cris made a motion to appoint Christ Forbrich to the position of web administrator, Lynne seconded and the motion passed.

Bryan moved to accept the minutes of the March Board meeting, Jeanne seconded and the minutes were approved.

The Endorsement Committee is scheduling a meeting in May to discuss the candidates running in the November election and to make recommendations to the Board as to which candidates could benefit the most from our financial support.

There was no membership report.

Larry, Political Relations Committee, reported that he did not make any announcements about the activities of this committee at the March membership meeting because the agenda was long and we were pressed for time.  He will speak at the May meeting.

Cris, Board Development Committee, reported that Bryan, Roberto and Jeanne will seek re-election at the end of their terms, this year.  Olga and Lynne have not decided yet.

Antonia, Voter Registration and Mobilization Committee, reported that she had spoken with Charlie Gallimore about the banner, signs and material for setting up a voter registration table.  She will look into setting up a table at First Friday’s at Blue Star.

Lynne, Program and Events Committee, reported that she would contact Phillip Barcena and James Poindexter to confirm their participation in this committee.  She will also ask them about the float for the Pride Parade.

Cris made a motion for the Board to approve the Fiesta Party on April 19; the Birthday Bash/New Member Reception on May 31 and participation in Pride in the Party.  Jeanne seconded and the motion carried.

Roberto reported that there was an issue about the time we could set up for the banquet with El Tropicano; he would be meeting with them to resolve it. 

Board members volunteered to be responsible for the following banquet duties:

                Tickets/reservations                                           Jeanne

Nominations/Awards                                         Bryan

Entertainment                                                      Lynne

Programs                                                                               Olga/Larry

Invitations to Politicos/Guests                         Cris

Seating Chart                                                        Dan/Roberto

Decorations                                                          Jamie Lewis

 

Chris Forbrich is researching the possibility of using credit cards to pay for dues and other SDSA events.  One possibility is Merchant Services which charges $18 per month, with a $20 minimum in charges per month and a 2.44% charge for each transaction.  He will look into other services and report his findings.

 

Ruth, Treasurer, reported a balance of $9,110. 18.

 

Lynne read a letter from Mark Spencer suggesting that SDSA provide a means to sponsor young people who are interested in joining SDSA who may not be able to afford the dues.  Michelle Meyers volunteered to develop a plan for this.  Mark also suggested a credit card payment plant for SDSA, a listing of SDSA Committees and contacts on the web site and participation in Pride Events.

 

Lynne announced that TSDC (Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus) was asking for volunteers to work the booth at the state convention.  Lynne, along with Bryan, Michelle and Jeanne agreed to volunteer.

 

Lynne also read a letter from Dan Graney with suggestions for membership involvement.  His suggestion to the Board was that the Co-chairs meet regularly with the Committee Chairs to discuss their activities, who their members are and to insure that the committees are meeting on a regular basis.  He also suggested that the SDSA members adopt a campaign and volunteer time and money to specific candidates.

 

Bryan made a motion that the Endorsement Committee provide a list of campaigns for the members to work on and that this list be presented at the June meeting.  Cris seconded and the motion passed.

 

Larry Birney has been removed as the LGBT Liaison; Travis Peterson will find out who his replacement is.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Cris Ramirez,

Secretary