ACBL - UNIT 161
MINUTES of MEETING
Nov. 3, 2007
DeGray Sectional
8:00 a.m.
ATTENDANCE: Lou Agnew, Ned Irving, Jane Dickey, Margaret Kelly, Jan Farnsworth, Teri LaBove, Barbara Hess, David Siebert
ABSENT: Sharon Cissell, Jane Cherry
GUESTS: Marilyn Biegler, Cindy Devish, Becky Rice, Russ Jones, Lenny Schaen, Dorothy Scharnhorst
I. ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
II. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by President David Siebert. The Secretary reported the attendance and the absence of Board members was duly noted. Board member Warren Swift has not attended three (3) consecutive meetings, (March 31, May 5, and Nov. 3). Because his position is in the normal rotation for replacement at the election to be held at this meeting, no action is called for.
III. MINUTES of PREVIOUS MEETING, May 5, 2007
Minutes of the previous meeting, as recorded and distributed by the Secretary, were approved following a motion, second, and unanimous vote to accept, as presented.
IV. TREASURER’S REPORT
The Treasurer’s report, showing a cash balance on hand as of October 15th, 2007 of $7,222.56 and a Certificate of Deposit of $26,484.61 at Bank of America, was accepted and will be filed for audit.
V. OFFICER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. President David Siebert accepted the Nominating Committee Report:
Pos. #10 Doris Ham, H.S. (Vice President)
Pos. # 2 Jane Dickey, L.R.
Pos. # 4 Sharon Cissell, H.S.
Pos. # 6 Dorothy Scharnhorst, Fairfield Bay
Pos. # 8 Tony Tsui, Truman
The President will present the slate to members of Unit 161 between sessions of today’s scheduled events.
B. The President announced team game competition be held with four (4) teams (H.S., HSV, L.R. and Jonesboro) this year. Following suggestions and discussions of ways to improve participation, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously approved that the point spread for team determination would be spread as: A - 1500 +; B - 300 - 1499; and C - 0-299, thus allowing for more lower strata involvement and enthusiasm.
Clubs will be requested to "beef up" advertising, and all qualifying games will be held in the months prior to June 30th. Clubs also to note that if 0-6 teams participate in the qualification, one team will compete at DeGray in the fall of 2008; 7-12 qualifying teams will allow a Club to send two (2) teams to the competition. The earlier qualifying date (June) will allow participating team members to know whether or not each can play in the regularly scheduled Sunday Swiss, or the Team Championship events.
C. President David informed Board members of a District requirement to review the tournament schedules every ten (10) years. He had worked with Cindy Devish of HSV to develop and submit a rationale for continuation of the Resort City Regional to be held on alternate years. More information to follow, including the viability of holding a non-life master’s regional with red points, only.
D. Education Chair, Ned Irving:
1. Ned offered a motion, and it was seconded and approved, that the Unit will sponsor and reimburse TAP expenses @ $100 per diem (not to exceed $400) and tuition for two (2) candidates per Club per year. In exchange, a newly accredited teacher will make a three (3) year commitment to teach for his/her club and to make a report to the Unit Board, preferably in person.
2. Ned also reported that the Hot Springs Duplicate Club had received an education reimbursement of $247.44, which was supported by previously stated criteria that would allow Unit 161 to match a District 10 contribution. The Unit treasury had received $128.72 in this instance, which, with our matching contribution to H.S., resulted in the final award of $247.44.
E. Tournaments:
1. Teri LaBove informed the Board that an increase in lodge/room rates for the 2008 tournament will be increased by State regulations: room fees of $88 will allow two (2) comp rooms for Unit 161 use; or, $80 room rate will not include the use of any comp rooms. Motion offered, seconded and unanimous Board vote instructed Teri to keep the lowest possible room rates for the participants.
2. President David congratulated Teri and Gene LaBove on a successful tournament: lodge is better; service is better; first day attendance is up 12% over previous year.
3. Russ Jones presented plans for 2008 Unit-wide games/Championship games. A distribution of the Unit-wide Championship games will be: 4 to HSV; 3 each to HS and LR; and 2 to Jonesboro. Remaining 12 of the 24 special games, based on a new ACBL ruling, will be held on the 2nd week of each month. Russ requests all reports be submitted to him, as well as money due. Expenses by Russ will be submitted quarterly to the Unit Treasurer. Expenses are expected to run about $150/quarter and may be covered by Unit surplus, or by designating top $600 of DeGray profits for this use.
4. Russ informed the Board members of the GNT schedule: HSV to host between dates of Jan. 1 and April 15; the GNT qualification will be a Saturday, 2-session event; reporting will be directly to Russ. The Super Flight does not have to attend these qualifications. The District notifies the Unit of the Conditions of Contest, but does not provide advertising for the event.
5. Russ congratulated H.S. on a successful NAP, with ten B tables and 6 C tables.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
No old business.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A. Ned Irving explained the value of having more Associate Directors available in our Unit. He offered a motion, it was seconded, and unanimously accepted, that the Unit would reimburse $50 for training for one Associate Director candidate per club per year..
B. Ned also offered a proposal by Richard Robertson, of HSV, to establish a Unit 161 web site that would offer the same internet advantages to smaller clubs in the Unit that the larger clubs have. Following Ned’s presentation, he offered a motion, seconded and received unanimous authority for Richard to proceed. Cost for one year would be $150 for the domain name; $50 for set-up; and a maintenance fee of $420.
Upcoming Dates:
12/25 Merry Christmas!
01/12-13/08 District 10 Finals: Vicksburg, AL
01/28-02/03 Regional: Biloxi, MS
02/15-02/17 Sectional: Hot Springs Village, AR
Motion, second, and unanimous vote to adjourn at 9:40 a.m.