Minutes 3/3/2001

MINUTES: The COTMD meeting for March (March 3, 2001)

The following persons were present:
Dianne Britton
Connie Robinette
Jodie Gochenauer
John Wetzel
Debbie Samples

* The meeting began with a review of the previous meeting.

* The minutes of the previous meeting were then approved by a vote.

* COTMD expenses, as printed on a spreadsheet report, were reviewed. This month showed a net gain of $5 in available funds. This spreadsheet comprised the treasurer's report.

* A motion was made to accept the treasurur's report. The motion was seconded, and approved by vote.

* The current status of the upcoming dance schedule was reviewed and discussed. As of this time, the venue for May and June is not set. The decision was made to wait for additional information, notably, at least one experience at the Lutheran Church Hall, before making any decisions.

* Dianne notified the group that she would not be present at the April dance, and noted that at least one of us needed to be at the site at 6:00 PM.

* The decision was made that the secretary of this organization would send a card to the Trenholm Road church, thanking them for their continued support vis-a-vis the use of their facilities without financial renumeration.

* Dianne briefly and informally outlined some "perks" available from CDSS, for example, priority for group leaders at CDSS affiliated or sponsored dance camps, such as Pinewoods.

* A brief discussion was held to create a nominating committee. This comittee is concerned with nominating candidates for future elections, these elections being for officers and for five members-at-large. The decision was made that this committee would be comprised of Dianne, Connie, Debbie and Jody, and would meet via email.

* It was imformally decided, after discussion, that email adresses would be requested of dancers (potential COTMD members) at each dance.

* A brief discussion of the nature of our "electorate" and "membership" was held, the problem being that many dancers come only once or infrequently, and very few are interested in participating politically, or helping the organization to exist and prosper.

* A brief discussion was held concerning the nature of the term "dues", with particular attention to the possibility of allowing the substitution of some defined amount of service (to COTMD and it's events) for payment of dues in the form of money. The secretary (John) offered to create a written definition of the term "dues" that would define the term as being either a given sum of money, or a given amount of service, with the idea that this definition could then be voted on formally at some future meeting.

* A discussion was held concerning how and where to notify people of elections. It was decided that election notices would be distributed via email and by public announcement at dances. It was also decided that the next election would be held at the May meeting of this board.

* The meeting was adjourned.

Minutes 1/8/2001

Minutes of the 1/8/01 meeting ( approved March 3, 2001):

The COTMD meeting for January began with a review of the previous meeting.

* The minutes of the previous meeting were then approved by a vote.

* COTMD expenses, as printed on a spreadsheet report, were reviewed. The layout of the spreadsheet, and it's terminology was explained. This spreadsheet comprised the treasurer's report.

* A motion was made to accept the treasurer’s report. The motion was seconded, and approved by vote.

* The current status of the upcoming dance schedule was reviewed and discussed. Included was discussion of the continuing problem of "venue hopping". It was suggested that someone look into the availability/suitability of the American Legion Hall. Thanks to Debbie Sample, we may be able to use Ebenezer Lutheran Church for the May dance.

* A suggestion was made, to wit: Add mention of the need for all dancers to bring and wear soft soled shoes, such mention to be included in all print and internet ads and notices.

* Discussion of other possible changes to COTMD website, including whether to list therein the fact that children are to be admitted to dances free, up to the age of thirteen. It was agreed that we would give that information out when asked, but would not advertise it in any print media since we don't have facilities to handle lots of children.

* COTMD bylaw revisions, as suggested by the Country song and dance society, were discussed, and approved by vote.

* A discussion concerning the possibility of allowing one or more persons to be granted membership on the basis of services rendered (in lieu of payments which would otherwise be required) occurred. Meeting participants decided to think this issue over until the next meeting, at which point the issue might be formally addressed.

* A discussion concerning the possibility of having a dance in June. It was informally decided that a dance would be held, subject to the acquisition of access to a suitable (air conditioned) venue.

* A motion was made to change the standard meeting times to the first Monday of ODD months (had been EVEN months). The motion was approved by vote.

* A motion was made to keep the Cafe Strudel as the designated meeting place for the immediate future. The motion was approved.

* The meeting was adjourned.

The following persons attended the subject meeting:

Dianne Britton
Ann Cargill
Glenn White
Jodie Gochnauer
John Wetzel
Teri Siskind
Nancy Stone-Collum
Debbie Samples

Minutes 9/25/2000

Minutes of the 9/25/2000 meeting (approved 1/8/2001):

The meeting was begun by obtaining the names of those present, to wit:

Connie Robinette
Dianne Britton
Marilynn Knight
Jonathan Gieseler
Debbie Alvey
Jodie Gochenauer
John Wetzel
Arnold Karr

Next, the previous meeting was "rehashed", it having consisted of the process of finalizing / approving the bylaws, and establishing the summer schedule, IE. no dances until October.

Next, Jonathan reported on the status of the COTMD treasury. It currently consists of $480 dolllars and odd change. Jonathan will investigate the possibility of establishing a checking account for the organization.

Next, the dance schedule was reviewed. The schedule itself is posted on the COTMD website.

Next, the group decided to charge six dollars for the next dance, due to the larger than normal anticipated costs for that dance.

Next, the election of officers was initiated, with the particular purpose of enabling the continuation of the COTMD process towards achievment of official non-profit status under the imprimature of the CDSS. The following persons were nominated and elected to various offices:

Jonathan Giesler -- TREASURUR
Dianne Britton -- PRESIDENT
Jodie Gochenauer -- VICE PRESIDENT
John Wetzel -- SECRETARY

Next, the following persons were elected as Board Members (at large):

Connie Robinette
Marilynn Knight
Debbie Alvey

Next, Jonathan requested a complete listing of COTMD "physical assets", together with their estimated value.

Next, the group discussed possible criteria for membership in COTMD. John Wetzel formally proposed the following:

• Yearly membership shall be obtained by paying a fee of $25
• The normal (routine) door fee for a dance will now be $6
• Anyone who is a COTMD member in good standing is intitled to two dollars off the door fee charged to all others, thus members will generally pay only $4 at the door per person.

The proposal was seconded, voted on and was approved, making the above official COTMD policy until and unless changed in the future.

Next, the group voted to change the duration of the typical or routine dance event from 7:30/11:00 (the previous standard) to 7:00/10:30 (the current standard).

Finally, the group agreed that future meetings of COTMD are to be held bimonthly, on even numbered months, on the first Monday of those months, at an exact time and place to be established and publicized by Dianne Britton via the COTMD website.