SDSA Membership Meeting Minutes

January 18, 2009

The meeting was called to order by co-chairs Roberto Flores and Lynne Armstrong at 6:33 PM at Grady’s Restaurant.

The first order of business was the election of officers and at-large members.  At its monthly meeting, the Board voted to expand its membership by adding two more at-large positions.

 Lynne and Roberto were re-elected unanimously, by acclamation.

Bryan Gerard, Olga Hernandez and Jeanne Belaire were re-elected as at-large members by acclamation.

Two new at-large members were also elected by acclamation, Linda Allen and Peg McPhail.

Two SDSA members were appointed to fill vacancies, Michelle Meyers is replacing Pat McGuire and Mark Spencer is replacing Larry Stallings, as an at-large member since Larry is now treasurer.

Peg moved and Marty seconded to accept the by-law changes approved by the Board.

Travis Peterson discussed the Police Officers Training Program and the latest issue, a mall incident involving two women.  The next training for the Police Academy will be the first week in April.  Volunteers are needed to help facilitate the training.

Secretary’s Report:  Cris Ramirez reported that there were no membership meetings in November or December.

Treasurer’s Report:  Larry Stallings provided the membership with copies of the latest bank statement as well as copies of financial reports that he has filed.

Each of the SDSA Committee Chairs briefly gave an overview of their committee’s purpose and requested volunteers.

Budget and Finance Committee:  Mark Spencer presented the annual budget and he moved that it be accepted, Diane Stallings seconded and the motion passed.  The carryover from 2008 is $5406. Chris Forbrich and Elena Guajardo abstained, as they are both running for City Council positions.

Linda Allen requested that members who do not wish to receive e-mails from SDSA contact her instead of clicking the “unsubscribe” button on the website.

Membership Committee:   Olga Hernandez reported two new members had joined at the meeting.  She thanked Charlie Gallimore for his consistent and diligent efforts in overseeing the phone calling committee for the past two years.  Since he is retiring from this position, she requested volunteers to continue to make this committee as useful as it has been.

Political Relations:  Lynne Armstrong will oversee this committee.

Program, Events and Fundraising:  Diane Stallings has recruited friends to help with this committee.  Currently they are busy planning the annual banquet.  Anyone wishing to join this committee or offer suggestions may contact her at dksbook@gmail.com .

Roberto thanked Pat McGuire for her help on the SDSA Board, and hoped that she would continue to be an active member of the organization.

Voter Registration and Mobilization:   Antonio Padilla spoke about the upcoming city council elections and the importance of electing Chris Forbrich and Elena Guajardo.  She asked the membership to help in registering voters as well as helping in these campaigns.

Texas Stonewall Democrats:  Dan Graney discussed the upcoming first Bi-annual TSD convention, on February 28 through March 1 in Austin, as well as Lobby Day which is on March 2.  He also mentioned that a new Stonewall chapter has just been formed in the Rio Grande Valley.

National Stonewall:  Olga Hernandez reported that elections will be taking place in March.

 Community Events:  Michelle Meyers reported on the MLK March.  She also discussed the next march which is on International Women’s Day and asked people to join.  The law suit being filed by the Free Speech Coalition has been postponed.  The judge recused himself and they are waiting for a new judge to be appointed.

Bryan Gerard spoke about the Warrior and Family Service Center at BAAMC.  SDSA has agreed to provide support for them.  Members are asked to bring such things as cookies, baked goods, bottled water, gift cards, phone cards, disposable cameras, DVDs, diapers, and personal hygiene items to the February membership meeting.  Eric Alva has agreed to present the donations to the center.

The SDSA Board approved an increase of $5 for SDSA membership fee.  Olga moved to accept the new membership fee, $35, Cris seconded and the motion passed, with abstentions from Chris and Elena.

A motion to adjourn was made by Bryan and seconded by Peg.    The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Cristina M. Ramirez,

Secretary