Monday, May 7, 2001

Minutes 5/7/2001

MINUTES: The COTMD meeting for May (May 7, 2001)

The following persons were present:
Dianne Britton
Connie Robinette
Jodie Gochenauer
John Wetzel
Nancy Stone Collum
Glenn White
Ann Cargill
Marilynn Knight
Teri Siskind

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

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

* COTMD expenses were reviewed. The treasury has a total of $428.35 worth of available funds, after current debts totaling $150.00 have been paid out.

* 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 has been finalized. The venue is Arsenal hill, and funds for this future usage have already been paid out, so as to reserve the facility.

* The vote for officers and board members was conducted. Voting results are:
President: Dianne Britton
Vice President: Connie Robinette
Secretary: John Wetzel
Treasurer: Nancy Stone-Collum
Board-members-at-large: Karen Long, Debbie Samples, Teri Siskind, and Glenn White

It was noted that the above will take office on July 1, 2001

* A brief discussion was held on the subject of problems relating to contracts, whether with bands, callers, or venue organizations.

* A discussion was held about the possibility of making minor change to the bylaws, particularly with regard to definition of the duties of the person elected to the position of vice-president.

* Additional discussion (a continuation of a discussion initiated at the previous meeting) 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 its events) for payment of dues in the form of money. It was argued that actually defining the term "dues" has the effect of limiting the options and flexibility currently available to the organization. The discussion did not result in any formal motions or decisions, but the informal consensus seemed to be that the status quo was to be left unchanged for at least the immediate future.

* It was briefly noted that the dance schedule will be closed over the summer (as previously planned) and that a summer get together or festivity of some sort might be organized. Dianne Britton agreed to become the organizer of this possible event, and will begin by determining the probable best date and venue for such an event.

* Meeting atendees were reminded that the next meeting will be on September 10 of 2001, at the same time and place as the current meeting (Cafe Strudel).

* The meeting was adjourned.

Saturday, March 3, 2001

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.

Monday, January 8, 2001

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