American Contract Bridge League Unit 522 – Fresno, Inc.

A Non-profit Corporation Serving Fresno, Madera and Mariposa Counties

2415 East Clinton Avenue, Fresno, California 93703

Unit Board Minutes

January 26, 2006

DIRECTORS PRESENT: Richard Meffley, John Renna, Richard Betcher, Margaret Mahaffey, Judy Nicholson, Kay Chrisman, Dave Shuster and Paul Boyd

The Meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by Richard Meffley, in the absence of Howard Reed.

THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS WAS TO ELECT OFFICERS FOR THE NEW TERM BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2006.

• Nominations for President were opened. Margaret Mahaffey nominated Richard Meffley and Judy Nicholson seconded this. No other nominations were offered and the vote was taken. Richard Meffley was unanimously elected as President.
• Nominations for Vice President were opened. Maggie Mahaffey nominated Richard Betcher and Richard Meffley seconded this. No other nominations were offered and the vote was taken. Richard Betcher was unanimously elected as Vice President.
• Nominations for Treasurer were opened. Rick Betcher nominated John Renna and Kay Chrisman seconded this. No other nominations were offered and the vote was taken.  John Renna was unanimously elected as Treasurer.
• <>Nominations for Secretary were opened. Richard Meffley nominated Kay Chrisman and Judy Nicholson seconded this. No other nominations were offered and the vote was taken. Kay Chrisman was unanimously elected as Secretary.
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<><>APPOINTMENTS: President, Richard Meffley appointed Richard Betcher as Tournament Chairman.

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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:

1. Minutes of the meeting held on October 20, 2005 were reviewed and approved as revised.
2. Minutes of the meeting held on November 17, 2005 were reviewed and approved as revised.
3. Minutes of the meeting held on December 4, 2005 were reviewed and approved as revised.

It was proposed by Maggie Mahaffey that in the future, minutes of the Board meetings be published in draft form within seven days of the meeting and presented to the Directors for review. As soon as possible thereafter, the draft of the minutes should be posted at the club for review by the membership. The Board unanimously approved the proposal.

TREASURER REPORT:

• John Renna reported that there was a cash basis loss of $740 for the month of December.
• The Building Fund has a balance of $132,900.
• Table count was down due to illness and the holidays, resulting in less rent paid by club owners.

The Treasurer Report was unanimously approved as presented.

It was proposed that the Memorial Fund Balance be shown on the Balance Sheet as a separate line item. At the beginning of 2005, the Memorial Fund and the Building Fund were combined as one line item titled Building fund. The Board unanimously approved the proposal.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. NEW MEMBER RECRUITMENT:

The President announced that there is an immediate need to revitalize the club as the number of tables decline each year. Several ideas were discussed including recruiting non-duplicate players, recruiting former duplicate players and additional EZBridge classes. Judy Nicholson and Paul Boyd were asked to work together to make a recommendation to the board so a plan can be developed. This is a high priority item and will continue to be discussed at all future Board meetings until a plan can be put in place.

2. BUILDING FUND:

The future need for a new clubhouse facility was discussed and it was agreed that although our lease provides for advance notice of one year to vacate the building, a strategy is needed for that eventuality. The options to purchase or lease hinge upon the funds in the Building Fund. Discussions and analysis have been a priority of previous boards and a great deal of information has been gathered. The Board agreed that the priority this year should be fund raising. This will be discussed further at the next Board meeting and John Renna will present a possible solution.

3. WINTER SECTIONAL:

Judy Nicholson reported that everything is on schedule and in place for a very successful event.

4. REQUEST TO ADDRESS THE BOARD:

Gloria Easterly, again requested to address the Board, but did not attend the meeting. The Board is eager to meet with Gloria to discuss on-site EZBridge classes.

5. THANK YOU LETTERS TO CONTRIBUTORS:

Maggie Mahaffey stated that the contributors who made contributions to the Memorial Fund in August 2005 did not receive thank you letters. Additionally, she was concerned that thank you letters were not sent to Verlee O’Neill and her friend, Robin, for painting the kitchen cupboard. Letters should be sent immediately.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. 299er GAMES AT CLUB:

The upper masterpoint restriction limit has been changed from 299 to 750 for the Tuesday afternoon and Thursday afternoon games. This allows players with fewer than 750 masterpoints to play in these two games. The games will continue to be stratified with the upper masterpoint limit in the “B” strata set at 300 and the upper masterpoint limit in the “C” strata set at 100.

2. SPECIAL EVENTS FOR 2006:

A Special Events calendar for 2006 needs to be discussed and decisions made. This item was tabled at this time and will be discussed at the next meeting. It was suggested, however, that the June Sectional be cancelled as it has been poorly attended and loses money. Efforts should be, instead, put into the August 299er Sectional.

3. MEMBERSHIP IN DISTRICT 22 vs. DISTRICT 21:

The advantages and disadvantages of belonging  to District 22 or District 21 were minimally discussed and the topic was tabled for another meeting.

As there being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.