SDSA Board Minutes

January 12, 2009

The meeting was called to order by Co-chairs Roberto Flores and Lynne Armstrong at 7:05 PM.

Members present:  Roberto Flores, Lynne Armstrong, Olga Hernandez, Larry Stallings, Bryan Gerard, Mark Spencer, Antonia Padilla, Jeanne Belaire and Chris Forbrich

Members absent:  Cris Ramirez

Guests:  David Plylar and Michelle Meyers

Chris made a motion to amend the SDSA By-laws, specifically Article VII, Section 2, paragraph (a), to change the name of the Budget, Finance and Fundraising Committee to the Budget and Finance Committee and in section (b) (2), to change the description and responsibilities of said committee to include submitting amendments to the budget during the fiscal year, setting fiscal policy and eliminating the responsibility for coordination of fundraising programs.  The motion was seconded by Bryan and it carried unanimously.

Chris made a motion to include in Article VII, Section 2, paragraph (a) a Community Events Committee and in section (b) (4) to add the description and responsibilities of said committee as follows:  to coordinate and recruit volunteers for SDSA’s participation in community events, including marches, parades, festivals and street fairs.  The motion was seconded by Olga and carried.

Chris made a motion to amend Article VII, Section 2, paragraph (a) to change the name of the Program and Events Committee to Program and Fundraising Events Committee and in section (b) (8) to add to the description the responsibility for coordinating all fundraising events for SDSA including the Annual Awards Banquet.  The numbering of items in the by-laws will be adjusted accordingly.  Bryan seconded the motion and it passed. 

Bryan moved to accept the December SDSA Board minutes as presented, Mark seconded and the motion passed. 

Treasurer, Larry, reported a balance of $5406.10.  Larry also reported that the last TEC filing was done on January 10^th.  A $300 donation was made by George Beddingfield, a non-member, with a note to keep up the good work. 

Lynne made the report for the Board Development Committee.  She reported that Linda Allen has submitted an application for an At-Large-Board position.  A recommendation was made by the committee that Michelle Meyers be appointed to the vacancy left by Pat McGuire.  Mark made a motion to appoint Michelle Meyers to the vacancy, Olga seconded and the motion passed. 

Budget and Finance Committee, Mark thanked Dan for all his work on the committee, especially in taking minutes at the meetings.  Mark moved that Linda Allen set up Paypal for credit card processing on the SDSA website.  He explained that the cost is $ .30 per transaction and 2.9% of the credit card amount.  Monies will go directly to SDSA bank account and required information can easily be made available to the membership chair and or treasurer.  The service should be available by April.  Jeanne seconded the motion and it carried.  Mark submitted copies of the proposed 2009 Budget.  He explained that there is a discrepancy in that we have $4000 more and we do not know how to list it.  Bryan moved that we report these additional funds as contributions, Olga seconded.  The motion passed with abstentions from Antonia and Mark.   Mark presented the 2009 Proposed Budget and moved to have the SDSA Board adopt it, Bryan seconded and the motion carried with Chris abstaining due to conflict of interest.

Communication Committee, Bryan had no report.

Endorsement Committee, David will choose a co-chair.  He brought up the option of endorsing two qualified candidates, if necessary.  The consensus was to endorse only one candidate.  City election is May 9; last day to file is March 9.  The committee should have questionnaires in the mail by March 13 and allow them at least 2 weeks to return them.  The Committee will meet to set the date of the Candidate Endorsement Meeting and will then bring recommendations to the Board. 

Membership Committee, Olga reported that we currently have 176 members; however, some names will be removed due to non-renewal.   We need volunteers for the phone tree; at least 7 people are needed for this task.  Michelle is in charge of this group.

Political Relations, Lynne reported that she and Roberto would like to meet with City Council members, one on one, in May, to share our views.   Chris, Roberto, Dan and Bryan attended swearing in ceremony. 

Program and Events, Larry presented some of their ideas, the possibility of moving the date of the banquet in 2010 to coincide with Gay Pride Month in June; having a dance in the summer as a fundraiser.  Larry made a motion to schedule the SDSA Annual Awards Banquet for October of 2009 and tentatively, for June of 2010.  Bryan seconded and the motion passed with Chris abstaining.

Voter Registration and Mobilization, Antonia requested help and indicated that she would try to recruit members for the committee at the next membership meeting.

National Stonewall Board, Olga reported that she will run for the NSD Board again.  The give or get is $10,000 and thanks to a generous contribution from an individual she has met this requirement.   She is asking for the Board and the membership to be supportive, especially when it involves contributions.  Bryan made a motion to support Olga as an NSD Board member, Michelle seconded and the motion passed. 

Bryan requested time at the January membership meeting to talk about the Warrior and Family Support Center and how we will help them.  Alyssa Burgen, Texas Climate Emergency Campaign, could be a speaker at the February membership meeting. 

Larry requested that the web site be updated with new Board Members and log-in passwords for them.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Cristina M. Ramirez,

Secretary