The Washington County Democrats met at Art Domestique on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 with 15 people present. Vice Chair Richard Gilmore called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The minutes of the February meeting will be distributed for approval at the April meeting. Kay Ciha gave the treasurer’s report with updates to membership fees, donation and the Candidate Fund. New bills received include the Washington High School ($63.78) for janitorial services following the caucus. Motion to pay the bill was seconded and approved unanimously.
Report of the Vice Chair:
Richard reported that the meeting was rescheduled to resolve some concerns regarding the County Convention. There has been confusion from IDP due to incomplete paperwork from precincts and both Kalona and Ward 1 precincts currently have too many delegates identified. Per IDP rules, the number and identification of delegates must be resolved prior to the convention or that precincts preference group(s) will not be seated upon registering at the convention. Additionally, the Ward 1 caucus summary does not include the Clinton preference group alternates. Kay Ciha motioned for the secretary to contact delegates to resolve issues. Richard Gilmore amended the motion for the secretary to contact both caucus chairs and preference captains to resolve delegate issues. Kay Ciha motioned to approve the amendment. Doris Park seconded. Approved by unanimous vote.
The Platform Committee is done with an excellently prepared Consent Calendar for the convention delegates to consider. A consent calendar lists new and significantly revised planks as well as planks recommended for striking by the Platform Committee.
The Rules committee is doing well, Credentials committee will be meeting this week and Arrangements committee is finalizing materials for use at the convention. The Credentials and Arrangements committees will compare lists to create a single document. Sandra Johnson will be checking with library staff during daytime hours to learn how to run their AV system for displaying the agenda and planks.
2nd District Convention:
The 2nd District Convention will remain on April 30th despite discussion to move it to another day that doesn’t conflict with Passover. There may be a planning meeting on April 2nd at the Washington Public Library. Pete Morrison will provide more information as it becomes available.
New Business:
Karen Gorham inquired about the caucus review initiated by IDP. Al Bohanan shared that the committee is chaired by Dave Nagle. He doesn’t expect significant changes. The review committee is considering the possibility of absentee ballots for caucus voting or additional satellite locations. This year was the first for satellite locations in Iowa City at Oaknoll among other sites. These sites worked out very well.
Peter Morrison motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:00pm. Seconded by Jim Gorham. Motion passed.
Attending: Richard Gilmore, Robin Plattenberger-Gilmore, Sonya Housholder, Carol Ray, John Greener, Jim Gorham, Karen Gorham, Kay Ciha, Doris Park, Al Bohanan, Sandra Johnson, Ferd Marie, and Harold Frakes.
