ARBA Minutes
June 5, 2008
Teleconference

President Cindy Cieciwa called the meeting to order at 10:22 Eastern Daylight Time.

Those in attendance were: Cindy Cieciwa, Jane Caulfield, Margaret Walters, Carol Pasheilich, John Shelton, Maria Rooney, Janet Seavey, Mary Pratt, Ron Andress, David Day and Jean Kamenicky.  Toni Scholder was absent.

DISTRICT 2 INDIVIDUAL BANK ACCOUNT FOR ARBA FUNDS

Maria asked Mary Pratt if all funds she had collected for 2008 Rhinebeck had been funneled through ARBA as the account should be closed and had it been closed?  There was discussion.  Maria stated that all money received by directors should be sent through ARBA and there should be no individual accounts by directors.  There was more discussion.

David moved to strike the first sentence of Article VII Section 6 of the bylaws in lieu of “All funds are to be sent to the treasurer and no association funds are to be kept in separate accounts”.  John seconded.  Motion died.

John moved that Mary close her individual account that accepted funds for District 2 awards and the funds be forwarded to the ARBA office.  Maria seconded.  There was heated discussion.  Roll call vote was taken.  John yes, Ron yes, David no, Margaret no, Carol no, Janet no, Mary no, Maria yes, Jane no.  Motion failed.

David asked Mary to send all funds to ARBA.

Mary said she will send the money and account statements to be funneled through ARBA.

BYLAW CHANGES FOR NOMINATIONS

Ron read the first of two paragraph proposals for bylaws Article V Section 3.   It was decided to vote on the two proposed paragraphs separately.  Ron moved to strike the existing first paragraph and replace it with “The candidates for the office of President, Vice-President and three (3) Directors at Large shall be nominated by a committee comprised of three (3) District Directors.  This committee shall be appointed by the Board of Directors.  This group would nominate at least two (2) nominees for each position.” Mary seconded.  Maria moved to table the action.  David seconded.

BYLAW CHANGES BY BYLAW COMMITTEE

Cindy stated that since she was the one who wrote up the proposed bylaw changes by the bylaw committee concerning the positions of secretary and treasurer, she is withdrawing the suggested changes.

Cindy asked that all inflammatory email and phone calls regarding board actions stop.  There was a great amount of discussion that followed.

John suggested ARBA needs a mediator.

Maria suggested the board and Jean have a mediator.

David mentioned his concern about mediator services stating that they are apt to be expensive.

David suggested Jean and Cindy pick a mediator and the two pick a third party.

Mary suggested using an Oregon mediator since ARBA was incorporated in Oregon.

Jean requested that the existing conflicts/situations be resolved by mid-August.

David asked if the entire board was going to be involved in mediation. 

Jean said the issues are mainly between Cindy and her plus Mary and her.

Maria and Cindy will investigate mediators and will select within 15 days.

It was decided that Cindy and Jean will send a combined message to the concerned members that have been phoning and emailing board members.

Margaret suggested there be a pamphlet for new directors on the board.  Jean stated that there already is a 5 page “Director Duties” document that is sent to all new directors.  Margaret asked for a copy and asked that a copy be sent to all.

Cindy asked David about telephone mediation.  It was to be investigated along with choosing a mediator/mediation company.

Carol moved to adjourn.  David seconded.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Jean Kamenicky

THESE MINUTES STAND APPROVED AS CORRECTED.