October 12, 2019
East Texas Bridge Association
Unit 225 Board Meeting Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 11:30 by President Linda Harrison. Mary Ramsey and Susan Ford were excused absent, while Linda Harrison, Janie Wolaver, Phyllis Alvarez, John Hamilton, Sandra O’Bannon, Jo Ann Zastovnik, Jo Ellen Wade, Rathnam, Carol Kinsey, and Tom Spradlin were in attendance.
By voice vote the Board approved the minutes from the September, 2019 Board meeting.
Sandra O’Bannon presented the treasurer’s monthly report for review. All income and expenses during the last month were due to the September Unit Game, which continues to show a modest loss almost every month. By voice vote the Board approved the treasurer’s September report as submitted showinga balance of $40,846.88.
Sandra O’Bannon will follow up with the IRS about our tax-exempt status.
Linda reported that we still have not heard from the city of Tyler about our rent for the Senior Citizens Center, even though the local newspaper has twice reported that our rent will not increase. Linda will follow up with the city. Also, Sandra O’Bannon is pursuing a lead on another possible site, both for our regular unit activities and for a sectional tournament. It would not include storage space, and Sandra O’Bannon will check this out more and report her feedback.
The committee reviewing the bylaws had circulated proposed changes, but ACBL informed us that their rules concerning discipline have changed. The Unitno longer requires a recorder as this is now handled at the district level by District 16.Carol Kinsey agreed to make a new draft of proposed changes and circulate it to the Board. Time is running short for this, as changes must be approved by the membership in December.
The NAP game was held last weekend in Tyler, and the unit made a profit of about $200. There was discussion whether we should continue to hold this event. District 16 no longer requires NAP qualification at the Unit level. We will discuss this matter further.
The Board considered 4 nominations for the Goodwill Award and two for the Texas Star Award. By a show of hands the Board selected Gloria Rowland and Sandy Hilliard for the 2019 Goodwill Award and Nelda Avent for the 2019 Texas Star.
The Awards Committee has begun work on reconsideration of the awards program, will report later.
The Tournament of Roses sectional will be held July 9-11, 2020. ACBL has not approved this change in dates, but should do so soon. There is currently no NLM regional event scheduled, but Janie or Jo Ellen will contact ACBL to get a sanction for one if possible.The Holiday Inn hotel in Tyler has been contacted, and Linda Harrison will follow up with them.
Linda Harrison reminded the Board of the Pittsburg NLM tournament Oct. 31-Nov. 2, and urged members to encourage participation by eligible players.
Sandra O’Bannon reviewed the financial history of the Tournament of Stars. The Holiday Inn is a popular place for the tournament, but expensive. Sandra will discuss her summary with the TOS committee, consisting of Mike Graham, Shirley Shelton,Janie Wolaver, Rathnam, and Carol Kinsey.
Jo Ann Zastovnik reported that she has reserved our lunches from Traditions for the DecemberAwards luncheon and game. Rathnam will send invitationsto awardees to encourage their attendance.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30.
Tom Spradlin, Secretary
