SDSA Board Minutes

July 14, 2008

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

Members present:  Bryan Gerard, Chris Forbrich, Jeanne Belaire, Olga Hernandez, Antonia Padilla, Roberto Flores, Cris Ramirez and Larry Stallings

Members absent:  Lynne Armstrong, Pat McGuire and Ruth Dalrymple

Guests:  Dan Graney and Travis Peterson

Bryan made a motion to approve the minutes of the last board meeting, Jeanne seconded and the motion passed.

Communications Committee:  Bryan reported that he is getting together a list of people who identified themselves as LGBT on the precinct convention sign in sheets.  He would like to contact these people and invite them to meetings and to the banquet.

Endorsement Committee:  Dan reported for Pat.  He presented the following recommendations:

                That the following candidates receive campaign contributions:

                                Joe Farias                                                              $1500

                                Catherine Stone                                   $1500

                                Amadeo Ortiz                                        $1000

                                Chip Haass                                              $500

                                Frances Carnot                                       $500

 

That these contributions be distributed to the respective candidates within one week of the date of SDSA Board approval.   That the 2008 budget be amended to allocate an additional minimum amount of $2000 in campaign contributions contingent on the financial outcome of the September 6 banquet and that the Board place this as an action item on the agenda for its September 8 meeting.  If the Board votes to make an additional allocation, it will refer this to the Endorsement Committee for a recommendation as to the distribution of funds among candidates before making a final decision as to specific candidate allocations.   Jeanne moved to accept this recommendation, Bryan seconded and the motion passed.

 

That the proposed endorsement of Justice Linda Yanez, Candidate for Justice, Texas Supreme Court, Place 8 be placed on the agenda of the August 18 general SDSA meeting and that the appropriate notice of such action be issued to members 15 days prior to the August 18 meeting in accordance with the Standing Rules of Endorsement.  Bryan moved to accept this recommendation, Chris seconded and the motion passed.

 

That Sandi Kramer and David Plylar be approved as the new co-chairs of the Endorsement Committee, effective September 1, 2008, with the understanding that Pat McGuire will continue to be the Board liaison from this committee.   Cris moved to accept this recommendation, Jeanne seconded and the motion passed.

 

Membership Committee:  Olga reported that there are currently 182 members.  She is working on quarter 3 renewals.  We lost 15 members from quarter 1, non-renewals and 24 members from quarter 2 have still not renewed.

Political Relations Committee:  Larry reported that no e-mails have been sent or received, no activity to report.

Program and Events:  Roberto reported that the speakers for next week’s meeting will be couples who have gone to California to be married.  Guest speaker for the August general membership meeting will be Boyd Richie.

Voter Registration and Mobilization Committee:  Antonia reported that 9 people were registered to vote at Pride Day Festivities and 31 at the Pride Parade.

Treasurer’s Report:  Larry reported that the current balance is $11,062.88; he also presented information on Sales Tax filing.

Peace Officers Training:  Travis reported that 39 cadets had received sensitivity training and another session was scheduled for November 4th.   He discussed the possibility of allowing another organization to sponsor this activity; until such time as another sponsoring organization can be found this activity will remain under SDSA.

Banquet Committee:  Chris reported that thus far 15 tickets had been sold and he will provide the Board with weekly updates.  The Board was presented with two options for banquet invitations, one folded and one post card.  Jeanne moved to accept the folded version, Bryan seconded and the motion passed.  Cris made a motion to have 100 post cards printed for distribution to members at the membership meetings and 150 folded invitations printed to be sent to politicians, candidates and members with no e-mail address.  Chris seconded and the motion carried.

Travis requested that the board consider Annise Parker, Comptroller for the city of Houston, as an additional speaker at the banquet.

Cris moved that this item and the rest of the items on the agenda be discussed via e-mail and that the meeting adjourn.  Chris seconded and the meeting adjourned at 9:03 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Cris Ramirez,

Secretary