THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
Summary of BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING: Aug. 3, 2000

Old Business

1. Due to some confusion over signs posted at the park over the closure to accommodate a fly- casting tournament, clarification was provided and the park will reopen Sunday, Aug. 6.

2. Discussions related to the new city proposal for the "little dog park" resulted in the following agreements: (a) the city has put forth a proposal along the east end of the park which appears to address concerns related to the safety of small dogs entering the park, (b) as a result, the board will not ask for a $199 reimbursement for fencing donated for the former proposal along the north side, and (c) the board will monitor the progress of the city's plan and offer suggestions where needed.
Of prime concern in this area were ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. It was further agreed, however, that this is a city responsibility, and the association would pay particular attention to this matter as the city's plan evolves.

3. Jim Knutson provided an update on the sprinkler system retrofit to gain better coverage. It appears that the installed sprinkler heads, although they work, need smaller orifices, which are not readily available. Mr. Knutson will explore alternative sources of supply.

4. Joan Shamitz brought up park-user Jim Keating's continued complaints about the legality of the association's bylaws and imposition of membership dues. As a result of a lengthy discussion, there appeared to be confusion regarding: (a) the original bylaws being for a previous association--thus nullifying some of Mr. Keating's claims, (b) if the current bylaws follow state law for a for-profit corporation rather than a nonprofit organization, (c) why the current bylaws were referred to as "amendments" if the original bylaws did not apply, and (d) the effective date of the current bylaws, as they were submitted to the California Secretary of State's office in 1997 but not approved until recently.
The board agreed that Jim Knutson, Gerry Facon and Ms. Shamitz should conduct an analysis and present their findings and recommendations to the board as soon as possible. Bylaws from other nonprofit organizations will be used to help guide the study group's deliberations.
Mr. Knutson will contact Ms. Shamitz and Mr. Facon to begin this effort before the next board meeting and will report their progress at same.

5. The upcoming Yard Sale. The details are as follows:

When: Saturday Aug. 5, from 6 a.m. to whenever
Where: Jim Knutson's home, Long Beach
Volunteers: Anyone interested in helping the day before or the day of the sale may contact Mr. Knutson
Unsold items: To be picked up by the Salvation Army

New Business

1. As a result of three new board members being elected, Joan Shamitz recommended the election of new board officers. After appropriate discussion, nominations and voting, the following board members were elected for 2000-01:

President: Jim Knutson	Treasurer: Miriam Yarden
Vice President: Joan Shamitz	Secretary: Jim Walters

2. Following the new elections there was a lengthy discussion on other positions currently held by board members. The focus of this discussion was how we may want to restructure current assignments for the current program director has assumed the responsibility for many functions and has become overwhelmed in the process while other board members have few assignments.
As a result, the tasks were briefly discussed as candidates for other board members to fill:

Parks Department and city liaison
Fund-raising and special events
Education
Public information (newsletter, flyers, the Bark Board, etc.)
Parliamentarian
Community relations (news media, inter-agency efforts, etc.)
Health and safety
Grounds and security (cleanup projects, etc.)

Due to time constraints and the fact that these areas needed further discussion, it was agreed that we would make this an agenda item for the board's next meeting, Sept. 7.

Action Items

The following action items were noted and should be taken care of prior to the next meeting:

1. Barbara Lefforge to give minutes and other materials kept by the past secretary to Jim Walters.

2. Jim Knutson is to call a special meeting with Joan Shamitz and Gerry Facon to review the bylaws. The meeting is to be held as soon as possible, but before the next board meeting.

3. Barbara McPherson is to give members roster and other data needed by the new secretary to Jim Walters.

--JIM WALTERS, Secretary Aug. 7, 2000