Thursday, July 16, 2009

Washington County Democrats - July Meeting

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

July Minutes

Minutes of July Meeting

The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 with 20 members present. The Chairperson Louise Frakes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “Yankee Doodle Boy”.

Minutes of the last meeting were read for the group. Minutes were also sent to all members with e-mail addresses and posted on the blog. Motion was made by Bonnie Bannister and seconded by John Greener, that the minutes be approved. Motion carried.

Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report, and written copies were provided to the group, said report reflected a balance of $1,259.67 and will be filed for audit. Motion was made and seconded to approve payment of funds used to pay for parade candy. Motion was approved. Motion was made and seconded to approve payment of funds used to pay for Washington Democratic handout pencils for the Fair as shown in the report. Motion was approved.

The Treasurer gave a membership report. We had 62 households who have paid their 2009 dues. Membership written report will be filed for record. Copies are available for those needing them.

The Chairperson called for reports from the standing committees, as follows:

Affirmative Action – Kathleen Salazar, Chairperson – noted that Kathleen was not present and no written report was available.

Platform – Matt Schaeffer, Chairperson – It was noted that Matt was not present and no written report was available.

Candidate Development – Rose Jaynes, Chairperson – It was noted that Rose was not present and no written report was available.

Community Events – Harold Frakes, Chairperson – It was noted that Harold was not present and no written report was available.

Veterans Caucus – Terry Phillips, Chairperson – It was noted that Terry was not present and no written report was available.

The Chair moved to Old Business.

Old Business:

A short review of the Kalona parade & cake auction was provided by Doris Park and Steve Maxon.

Margaret Marie provided a short report of the Riverside parade, and Pete Morrison was thanked for blog pictures.

John Greener provided a short report of the Wellman parade, and Pete Morrison was thanked for blog pictures.

Pete Morrison outlined the current status of the Fair Booth sign-up list.

Bonnie Bannister provided a short report of the Relay for Life.

It was noted that Susan and Mike Mitchell were providing treats for this meeting. It was noted that we need two more slots need to be filled through November, for treat providers, and that the month of December would be a Christmas party again this year and arrangements would be provided later in the year.

It was mentioned by the Chair that the 2nd District meeting would be held in West Liberty, Iowa in August 2009, and that more information would be forthcoming in e-mail reminders and also the blog.

The Chairperson called for other old business and finding none moved to new Business.

New Business:

The Chair introduced our State Senator Becky Schmidt, who talked briefly about the recent session and accomplishments. She also provided some information on events she had planned for next month, as follows:

• The August event for Washington, is in the planning stage and more information will be made available soon by e-mail and in the blog.

• An event in Johnson County will be held on August 28th, 2009 in Iowa City and additional information will be provided by e-mail and in the blog.

• Becky indicated that the official announcement regarding her desire to run for re-election will be held on September 22nd, 2009 in Fairfield and the main speaker will be Christy Vilsack.

The Chair also indicated that a meeting was scheduled for July 22nd, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Julie Poulsen featuring One Iowa. More information will be provided by e-mail soon on that event. Your attendance is encouraged. Please RSVP to Julie Poulsen if you plan to attend. 319-863-7045 [sorry we do not have an e-mail address for Julie]

The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, August 11th, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Halcyon House.

Members were invited to stay for “refreshment and treats” and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned. As previously mentioned, Susan and Mike Mitchell were in charge of the refreshments and treats for this evenings meetings. Members were again encouraged to sign up to bring treats at future meetings.

It was also requested that people that could stay and help Becky Schmidt with an Iowa City mailing would be appreciated.

The Chair called for any other business and finding none the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.


Respectfully submitted,

Peter G. Morrison, Secretary