The Washington County Democrats participated in the Riverside Trekfest again in 2009.
The purpose of this blog is to inform interested parties about Washington County Democratic Party events.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Washington County Democrats
June Minutes
Minutes of June Meeting
The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, June 9th, 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 “God Bless America”.
Minutes of the last meeting were provided in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog. Motion was made by Ferd Marie and seconded by Bob Spenner, 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 $1,824.74 and will be filed for audit. The 2-year Budget will be covered later in the meeting.
The Treasurer gave a membership report. We had 61 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 – Kathleen indicated she was developing an outline of a plan to better incorporate the Hispanic community in the democratic process and presented a few ideas we might try, to encourage the members of the Hispanic community to attend events.
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. The 2-year plan would be presented later in the meeting.
Veterans Caucus – Terry Phillips, Chairperson – It was noted that Terry was not present and no written report was available.
Old Business:
The chair noted that there was little interest in the group participating in the Ridiculous Day Parade. Many members were out of town, etc. It was noted that a new signup sheet was available at this meeting for people to signup for future parades. As a side note the Republicans did not participate either. Larry Marek was represented in the parade as State Representative. Also, Pete Morrison stated that Bob Krause, who is planning to run for U.S. Senator has been notified about events in Washington County over the next year so he will be able to participate with the Washington County Democrats if he desires and can arrange his scheduling. An informational list is being compiled on Sen. Charles Grassley for members use if the senator visits Washington County.
It was emphasized that the parade signup will enable us to better prepare for the events. Please indicate the events you plan on attending. Please note that there is a separate signup sheet for the Washington County Fair. We need people to fill the various time slots.
Robin Plattenberger will not be able to run the Relay for Life event, and Bonnie Bannister has been asked to take over and she has agreed to do so. If you would be willing to help, please contact Bonnie.
It was noted that due largely to unexpected cost, the participation with the RAGBRAI event had been cancelled. The various costs were explained by the Chair.
Shirley and Mimi completed quilt blocks, and Doris Parks indicated that she planned on making the cake quilt block.
The Chair reminded the group that we had open spots for those providing treats for the monthly meetings. Everyone was encouraged to signup for providing treats on the sheet if they could. It was noted that Margaret and Ferd Marie were providing treats for this meeting.
The Chairperson called for other old business and finding none moved to new Business.
New Business:
The Chair indicated that the Executive Committee developed a 2-year budget and that copies were available for review. The Chair went through each line item to explain each item of both income and expense for the period July 1st, 2009 through June 30th, 2011. Brief questions and discussion occurred regarding handouts for the Fair, etc. Motion was made by Bob Spenner and seconded by Ferd Marie that the Executive committee be authorized to select appropriate handout items and purchase larger quantities for both years Fair’s as the per item price would be much lower in bulk. Motion passed. Motion was made by Steve Maxon and seconded by Dave Ciha that the 2-year Budget be approved. Motion passed.
The Chair indicated that the Executive Committee developed a 2-year Operational Plan and that copies were available for review. The Chair went through each line item to explain each item described monthly for the period July 1st, 2009 through June 30th, 2011. Brief questions and discussion occurred regarding events, including coffees for Barb Edmondson that she had requested and the fundraiser that Becky Schmidt had requested. It was noted that other requests by candidates would be added as they materialized. It was clarified that the October 18th, 2009 Fund raising dinner would be held from Noon-2:00 p.m. to give both in town and out of town guests an opportunity to participate, and that the Executive committee was currently looking for a speaker. It was noted that in addition to the Washington Lighted Parade in November, Kalona also hosted such and event. Motion was made by Ferd Marie and seconded by Steve Maxon that the 2-year Budget be approved. Motion passed.
The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, July 14th, 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, Margaret and Ferd Marie 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.
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
Two Year Operational Plan
Two Year Operational Plan
Monthly meetings held the 2nd Tuesday of the month Jan.-Dec.
June, 2009
Ridiculous Day Parade
Relay for Life
Brighton Parade
Kalona Parade
Riverside Parade
Make arrangements for Fair Booth
July, 2009
Wellman Parade
County Fair Booth
August, 2009
Fund Raiser for Becky Schmidt
Hold "coffees" for Barb Edmondson
Picnic or function with the Hispanic Community?
Second District Workshop, August 15th
September, 2009
Wiener Roast at Ferd Marie's
Harkin Steak Fry, Indianola
Secure Supervisor candidates
Sell tickets for Fund Raising Dinner
Organize Fund Raising Dinner
October, 2009
Fund Raising Dinner
Washington Homecoming Parade
Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Des Moines
November, 2009
Washington Lighted Parade (possibly also Kalona)
December, 2009
Christmas Party
2010
January, 2010
Appoint audit committee
Call /contact people to renew membership
February, 2010
Arrange for and organize County Convention
March, 2010
County Convention (have membership papers for people to fill out)
April, 2010
May, 2010
Arrange for Democratic Headquarters
June, 2010
Move into Headquarters
Ridiculous Day Parade
Relay for Life
Brighton Parade
Kalona Parade
Riverside Parade
Make arrangements for Fair Booth
July, 2010
Wellman Parade
County Fair Booth
Begin Campaigning for our candidates
August, 2010
Second District Workshop,
Help Supervisor & other candidates campaign
Make contact with HS about coming to Government classes
September, 2010
Wiener Roast at Ferd Marie's
Harkin Steak Fry, Indianola
Help Supervisor and other candidates campaign
Sell tickets for Fund Raising Dinner
Organize Fund Raising Dinner
Host seminars in public library & invite public, Hispanic community & HS students
October, 2010
Fund Raising Dinner
Washington Homecoming Parade
Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Des Moines
November, 2010
Move out of Headquarters and make final settlements
Washington Lighted Parade (possibly Kalona)
Host seminars in public library & invite public, Hispanic community & HS students
December, 2010
Christmas Party
2011
January, 2011
Appoint Nominating Committee
Call/contact people to renew membership
February, 2011
Appoint Budget Committee to prepare 2-year budget
Arrange for reorganizational meeting
March, 2011
Reorganizational Meeting
Budget Committee develops 2-year budget
April, 2011
Executive Committee develops 2-year Operational Plan and approves 2-year budget
May, 2011
Committee of the Whole to approve 2-year budget
Committee of the Whole to approve 2-year operational plan
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Events listing attachment
Community Events
County Parades 2009*:
1. Washington: Chamber (653-3272): Ridiculous Day Parade: June 6
2. Brighton: Whoopee Days: June 11 -13; Parade, Saturday, June 13
3. Kalona: Kalona Days: June 19 & 20; Parade June 20th; contact Chamber for more information
4. Riverside Trekfest June 26-27
5. Wellman: July 4th Parade
6. Ainsworth: Tractor Parade: August 22-23 contact person is Paul Tobin 657-2509
7. Washington Christmas Parade Nov. 27
*Do we want to have floats/presence in any all of these?
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Other County Activities:
8. Relay for life June 13th Washington Square noon to midnight--do we want to have a team?
9. Washington County Fair July 20-23 (set up on July 19th and tear down on July 24th) we will need booth setters for three afternoon/evenings--scheduled at July meeting
10. RAGBRAI July 23 join with Jefferson County Democrats and hold a watermelon/water/ice cream(?) stand in Brighton-- (half the cost/work and half the profit)
11. The Wall That Heals a replica of the Vietnam memorial wall will be in Richland end of July (July 30-Aug. 2)--opening ceremonies last week in July (?).
12. Fund Raiser for Becky Schmitz--perhaps a picnic in Sunset Park for families; she would arrange for a main speaker. We would furnish the food and sell tickets. This would be her major fundraiser from Washington County this year. It would be good if we could raise at least $1000 for her. July/August timeframe
13. September??? Pony Farm in Fairfield will be the kick-off Fund Raiser/Announcement of Becky's Re-election campaign
14. October 18th Washington County Democrats' Fund Raiser noon at 4-H blg. Washington Fair Grounds--speaker suggestions? Silent auction with event? We need to raise mega-bucks for next year's activities.
Washington County Democrats
Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
Minutes of May Meeting
The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 with 23 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 “America the Beautiful”.
Minutes of the last meeting were provided in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog. Motion was made by Bob Spenner and seconded by Mimi Jacoby, 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 $1,686.86 and will be filed for audit.
The Treasurer gave a membership report. We had 61 households who have paid their 2009 dues. Membership written report will be filed for record.
The Chairperson called for reports from the standing committees, as follows:
Affirmative Action – Kathleen Salazar, Chairperson – It was 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 – Harold provided an events and activities listing. This sheet is attached for your review. The group was asked to vote on the Democratic Groups participation in the parades, events and activities. The group voted for participation in the following parades:
Ridiculous Day: June 6, Kalona Day: June 20, Riverside Trekfest: June 27, Wellman 4th: July 4th, all other the group opted not to have a presence at.
The group voted to have or participate in the following activities:
All activities the Washington County Democrats will have a presence at or participate in. Candidate fundraisers will be subject to date determinations and RAGBRAI information will be finalized after a meeting, which the Jefferson County representative will attend.
Veterans Caucus – Terry Phillips, Chairperson – Terry talked briefly about the veterans group possibly finding a woman representative on their commission.
Old Business:
Mimi Jacoby and Shirley Pfeiffer, presented completed quilt blocks pursuant to last months request.
Doris Parks indicated that she planned on making the cake quilt block.
The Chairperson presented a brief description of the executive breakfast with the Jefferson County executive committee. Becky Schmitz was present and Larry Marek was unable to attend.
The Chairperson called for other old business and finding none moved to new Business.
New Business:
The Chairperson introduced Jennifer Tuttle, a representative of SEIU group Change that Works. She talked briefly about the Health Care debate in Congress and the agenda. She passed out material to the group on the SEIU stance on the issue. I am providing an attachment to the minutes, of the SEIU material.
The Chairperson indicated that there had been some inquiry about changing the meeting date from the 2nd Tuesday of the month to the first Tuesday of the month. After a short discussion, Terry Philips made a motion, with a second by Bob Spenner to make the change to the first Tuesday of the month. The motion failed and the meeting time would remain the second Tuesday of every month.
The Chairperson presented to the group the political questions as follows:
“Under some circumstances, is it OK to use torture?” The general consensus of the group was that it was not OK.
Should we hold the Bush administration accountable and investigate and prosecute members of the administration for war crimes? The group was mixed on the levels of action on the issue, but most wanted the administration investigated.
The group was encouraged to discuss the political issues further after the close of the meeting.
At the request of the Chair, an Executive meeting was scheduled for June 7th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Frakes residence.
It was noted by the Chair that Becky Schmitz is holding a Veteran’s Listening Post across the district on Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, and the nearest meeting is at the Fairfield Public Library at 11:00 a.m.
For your information: Contact information for Senator Schmitz directly is: Home phone: 641-472-2341 and her E-mail address is: becky.schmitz@legis.state.ia.us
It was further indicated that the Second District would next meet at the Riverside Methodist Church, on Sunday, May 17th at 1:00 p.m.
The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, June 9th, 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. Kay and Dave Ciha and Peter Morrison were in charge of the refreshments and treats. Members were encouraged to sign up to bring treats at future meetings.
The Chair called for any other business and finding none the meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter G. Morrison, Secretary
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Minutes of April, 2009
April Minutes
Minutes of April Meeting
The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 with 26 members present. The Chairperson Louise Frakes called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “America”.
Minutes of the last meeting were provided in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog. Motion was made by Tom Antosiak and seconded by Ferd Marie, 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 $1,642.86 and will be filed for audit.
The Treasurer gave a membership report. We had 57 households who have paid their 2009 dues. Membership written report will be filed for record.
The Chairperson called for reports from the standing committees, as follows:
Affirmative Action – Kathleen Salazar, Chairperson – It was noted that Kathleen was not present and no written report was available.
Platform – Matt Schaeffer, Chairperson – It was noted that Matt was not present but Harold Frakes did received an e-mail from Matt and read same to the group.
Candidate Development – Rose Jaynes, Chairperson – Rose gave a short report, indicating that Supervisors for area 2 & 3 will be up for re-election in 2010 and that we need to find candidates for those supervisor positions. We also need to support Barb Edmondson for County Attorney, as that position will be up for election in 2010.
Community Events – Harold Frakes, Chairperson – Harold reported that individuals would be assigned to organize each of the various parades this summer. Also, it was noted that October 18th, 2009 would be the annual fund raising dinner and that we needed at least 200 people in attendance. He also noted that June 19 there was a scheduled cake quilt at the Kalona Days event and that the Washington County Democrats should participate. Marily Whitenack and Doris Parks were recommended as possible persons to contact.
Veterans Caucus – Terry Phillips, Chairperson – It was noted that Terry was not present and that no report was available.
Old Business:
The Chairperson Indicated that the materials owned by the Washington County Democrats have been moved to the Frakes basement. Some additional material may be elsewhere and an attempt is being made to locate that material.
Harold Frakes indicated that he was working on the Web site and that the Executive Committee had paid the past due fee balance and transferred ownership to the Washington County Democrats.
Report of the Audit Committee, was made by Kay Ciha in the absence of Diane Schaeffer and Shirley Pfeiffer who were not in attendance. The committee found no problem with the previous years accounting.
All members of the committee attended the 2nd District meeting from Washington County. Harold Frakes noted that the group was doing a quilt construction, and needed two blocks from Washington. It was recommended that a committee of Mimi Jacobson, Doris Parks, Shirley Pfeiffer and Robin Plattenberger work on this project .
The Chairperson Called for other old business and finding none moved to new Business.
New Business:
Harold Frakes reported that the Viet Nam wall was coming to Richland. He noted that the cost of the event was about $5,000.00 and that donations were being sought. Bob Spenner moved that the Washington County Democrats give $100.00 toward the project. Motion was 2nd by Tom Antosiak. Motion passed.
The Chairperson Noted that Iowa is reported to be the 2nd happiest state in the union next to Nebraska.
The Chairperson announced that there would be a Legislative Briefing on Saturday, April 18th, 2009, from 10:00 am until noon, on the second floor courtroom in the Washington County Courthouse located on West Main Street. Becky Schmidt our area State Senator and Larry Marek our State Representative will be in attendance to answer questions, in addition to providing reports.
Legislative Issues were again presented by Harold Frakes and the Chair, asked people to take a stand on their feelings. A conscientious attempt was made to discern the feelings of the group on the following political issues:
1. The Iowa 700 Million Bonding issue for infrastructure, resulted in a majority of those present in favor of the issue.
2. On the Federal Tax deductibility issue again resulted in a majority of those present in favor of the issue.
3. The proposed constitutional amendment to override the recent Supreme Court of Iowa decision of discrimination on the issue of gays and lesbian marriage. A majority of those present were opposed to having such a constitutional amendment.
The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, May 12th, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the Halcyon House.
Members were invited to stay for “coffee and treats” and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned. Dave and Tami Schweitzer & Harold and Louise Frakes were in charge of the coffee and treats. Members were encouraged to sign up to bring treats at future meetings.
The Chair called for any other business and finding none the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter G. Morrison, Secretary
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March Minutes
Minutes of March and Re-Organizational Meeting
The Washington County Democrats met at the Day Lounge at Halcyon House on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 with 27 members present. In the absence of the Chair and Vice Chair, Past Chair John Greener called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and singing “God Bless America”.
Minutes of the last meeting were provided in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog.
Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report, and written copies were provided to the group, said report reflected a balance of $1,332.62 and will be filed for audit.
The Treasurer gave a membership report. We had 43 households who have paid their 2009 dues. Membership written report will be filed for record.
The nomination committee was asked to provide the group with recommendations for officer positions and chairperson positions of the various committees.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Louise Frakes for Chairperson. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that she be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Louise Frakes be elected to the position of Chairperson for the ensuing term.
Louise Frakes immediately took the position of Chairperson pursuant to previous guidelines and provisions. Louise noted that in the previous minutes, the name of Jay Santana had been offered by the nomination committee for the position of Chair but that he had recently indicated that he would not be able to serve for personal reasons. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Dave Schweitzer for Vice-Chairperson. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that he be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Dave Schweitzer be elected to the position of Vice-Chairperson for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Peter Morrison for Secretary. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that he be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Peter Morrison be elected to the position of Secretary for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. Member made the recommendation of Kay Ciha for Treasurer. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that she be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Kay Ciha be elected to the position of Treasurer for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of the following persons for Second District Central Committee: Harold Frakes, Doris Parks and Steve Maxon. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that they be the nominees. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Harold Frakes, Doris Parks and Steve Maxon be elected to the position of members of the Second District Central Committee for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Terry Philips asked that committees have the opportunity to meet and recommend chairpersons. The issue was discussed and the constitution was read regarding the issue. The Chair, based upon her interpretation of the constitutional provisions ruled the matter out of order and suggested that if anyone had problems with the constitutional procedures that they take it upon themselves to recommend a change in the constitution at the appropriate time designated for constitutional changes and amendments.
The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Katherine Salazar for Chairperson of the Affirmative Action Committee. Motion was made and seconded that she be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that Katherine Salazar be elected to the position of Chairperson of the Affirmative Action Committee for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Matt Schaeffer for Chairperson of the Platform Committee. Motion was made and seconded that he be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that Matt Schaeffer be elected to the position of Chairperson of the Platform Committee for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Rose Jaynes for Chairperson of the Candidate Development Committee. Motion was made and seconded that she be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that Rose Jaynes be elected to the position of Chairperson of the Candidate Development Committee for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Harold Frakes for Chairperson of the Community Events Committee. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that he be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that Harold Frakes be elected to the position of Chairperson of the Community Events Committee for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Tami Schweitzer for Chairperson of the County Convention Committee for Arrangements. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that she be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Tami Schweitzer be elected to the position of Chairperson of the County Convention Committee for Arrangements for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of John Stellmach for Chairperson of the County Convention Committee for Rules. Motion was made and seconded that he be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that John Stellmach be elected to the position of Chairperson of the County Convention Committee for Rules for the ensuing term. The Chair asked the Nomination committee to proceed.
Diane Schaeffer, Nominations Comm. member made the recommendation of Diane Schaeffer for Chairperson of the County Convention Committee for Credentials. Motion was made by Diane Schaeffer and seconded that she be a nominee. Nominations were requested from the floor and finding none, motion was made and seconded that Diane Schaeffer be elected to the position of Chairperson of the County Convention Committee for Credentials for the ensuing term.
The Chair then made an announcement of new committee members as follows:
Affirmative Action Committee
Katherine Salazar, Chair.
Carol Ray
Shirley Pfeiffer
Matt Schaeffer
Mike Mitchel
Susan Mitchel
Platform Committee
Matt Schaeffer, Chair.
Steve Maxon
Doris Park
Bonnie Bannister
Richard Gilmore
Margaret Marie
Jan Gallagher
Candidate Development
Rose Jaynes, Chair.
Terry Philips
Merle Hagie
Joann Zager
Kay Ciha
Rodney Stogdill
Community Events
Harold Frakes, Chair.
John Greener
Diane Schaeffer
Tamra Schrock
Tom Antosiak
Dave & Tami Schweitzer
Bob Spenner
The chair. Called for a report of the Veterans Caucus. The Caucus chair called for and was given 5 minutes to organize, then presented a short report by chairmen Terry Phillips. Terry Philips had been chosen chairman.
No other caucus group made any presentation when requested from the Chair.
The Chair called for old business, including a report of the audit committee.
Kay Ciha indicated that the audit committee had been unable to meet but would try to meet in the future. The chair noted that no other old business had been brought to her attention and none was offered from the floor.
New Business: The Chair noted that we now should appoint a budget committee and stated that the following persons are hereby appointed to the budget committee: Kay Ciha, Treasurer as Chairperson, also Diane Shaffer and Rich Gilmore. It was noted that the Budget committee would be making a 2-year budget that will be presented in May.
The Chair noted that we now should appoint a rapid response committee and stated that the following persons are hereby appointed to the rapid response committee: Harold Frakes, Matt Schaeffer and John Stellmach. The committee will respond to legislative issues.
It was noted by Sandra Johnson, that there was scheduled a 2nd District Meeting on March 21st, 2009 in Riverside, Iowa at the Trinity Church, to be held at 1:00 p.m. and would be a pot luck.
A conscientious attempt was made to discern the feelings of the group on the following political issues:
1. Choice of Dr. – employee related accident
2. Fair Share
3. Prevailing Wage
4. Scope of Bargaining
5. Gender Equity
Harold Frakes gave a brief explanation of each legislative issue and John Stellmach encouraged everyone to contact Senator Schmitz and Representative Marek on these issues.
The Chair noted that there would be a short meeting of new officers and chair people after adjournment.
The Chair indicated that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, April 14th, 7:00 p.m. at the Halcyon House.
Members were invited to stay for “coffee and cookies” and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned. Ione Burham was in charge of the coffee and treats.
The Chair called for any other business and finding none the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter G. Morrison, Secretary