Long Beach Recreation Dog Park Assn.: Board Meeting Sept. 7, 2000

THE LONG BEACH RECREATION DOG PARK ASSN.
Summary of BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGULAR MEETING: Sept. 7, 2000

Action Items

1. Secretary Jim Walters reported that he has received the board's past minutes from past secretary Barbara Lefforge, but that many are missing. Notes on the past minutes:

Mr. Walters reported that there are two sets of minutes for a June 25, 1998, meeting. All minutes in the secretary's book have now been indexed by subject. Mr. Walters also reported no correspondence for the month.

2. Gerry Facon brought to the attention of the treasurer that the California secretary of state now requires all nonprofit organizations on extended reporting (i.e. assets or revenue under $25,000) to file Form RRF-1 annually -- by Jan. 15. Miriam Yarden said that she had not been advised by the state to do so, but would contact the State Franchise Tax Board and the IRS to determine what papers the association must file for Tax Year 2000. After further discussion about accounting procedures, it was suggested that the board consider having an accountant review the organization's record-keeping practices; Joan Shamitz said that she would also consult her sister, a bookkeeper, for information on the matter.

Old Business

1. Jim Knutson reported that the Aug. 23 meeting with Terry Lortz and David Ashman over the proposed city code changes pertaining to the Dog Park and the small-dog park was constructive and well-attended. Mr. Knutson said that he would contact the Department of Parks and Recreation to find out where the proposals are in the legislative pipeline. He noted that the posts for the north-side location of the small-dog park have been removed as expected, but that no work has begun on the east-side location.

2. Gerry Facon reported that the committee looking into the organization's bylaws has concluded that the original documents dated July 15, 1996, and drawn up by attorney Henry Warshaw are the only ones on file with the California secretary of state. The committee advised the board to write a new set of bylaws and bring them before the general membership for its approval. Mr. Facon suggested that the board use the best of its two sets of bylaws and those of several other organizations to cobble a new set.

MOTION by Joan Shamitz; second by Jim Walters to establish a committee to revise the association's bylaws and submit that proposal to the board by the next meeting. Approved, 7-0.

The committee will be made up of Ms. Shamitz, Mr. Facon, Jim Knutson and Miriam Yarden. Panel members will mull over their ideas over the coming week while Mr. Knutson attempts to contact the city to reserve a room the following week in which the committee can meet.

New Business

1. Miriam Yarden gave Jim Walters the names of five new members who joined in August: This brings the association's membership total to 93. After some discussion, the board deemed it appropriate for the organization to acknowledge new members and donations, not only to foster good will, but to provide contributors with documentation for their taxes. It was noted that the board used to welcome members with bandannas and the current issue of the newsletter, but none of the bandannas are left and the newsletter is in limbo. Plans for a welcome package were undertaken some time ago but not completed. It was agreed that this would be a task for one of the planned standing committees. In the meantime, Mr. Walters will compose and mail out welcome letters to the above new members.

2. In maintenance matters, Jim Knutson reported that the southeast quadrant of new sprinklers is not functioning and that he will contact the Department of Parks and Recreation about it. He will also the leak in the center of the south fence bring to the department's attention. Jim Walters brought to the board's attention that the post for the inside west gate is rusting through at the bottom and will need to be replaced. Gerry Facon suggested that the board ask the Department of Parks and Recreation to replace it at the same time it installs the small-dog park. Mr. Knutson said he would ask.

In case the city turns down the association's request, Joan Shamitz said the board could contact Lee's Fencing, the city-approved company the association has used in the past. It was agreed that board members would survey the park over the next few weeks for other fencing problems in case Lee's would have to be contacted.

It was agreed that board members will catalogue their maintenance calls to the Department of Parks and Recreation each month and forward them to Mr. Walters to have them included in the organization's records.

August calls to the Department of Parks and Recreation
When	By	Problem	Result
Saturday, Aug. 12, 11:15 a.m.	Walters	Called to report large eucalyptus branch down at the east end of park.	Call returned by Oscar within 10 minutes. Branch sawed up and removed by Monday.
Saturday, Aug. 17, 11:20 a.m.	Walters	Called to report a eucalyptus branch down at the east end and asked that a 2-foot stump next to the exit gate be removed.	Call returned within 10 minutes by Oscar. Stump removed; branch removed from the park by Monday.
Sunday, Aug. 25, 10:30 a.m.	Walters	Hailed a ranger to report a misplaced padlock was blocking the latch of the west gate.	Ranger's name not noted; gate was mistakenly locked.
Tuesday, Aug. 29, 10:40 a.m.	Walters	Called to report a misplaced padlock was blocking the latch of the ease exit gate, that the outside west gate was locked and off its hinges.	Emmie took the call. Crew arrived Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. to remedy the problems.

Board members weighed the pros and cons of inviting someone from the Department of Parks and Recreation to attend board meetings. While some members said the gesture would create good will with the city and perhaps streamline maintenance solution, others said they didn't want the department involved in the association's internal affairs.

MOTION by Mr. Facon, second by Ms. Shamitz to invite a representative of the city Department of Parks and Recreation to attend future board meetings.
Approved, 6-1: Bailey, Facon, Hovanian, Knutson, Shamitz, Walters voted yea; Yarden voted nay.

It was agreed that this invitation would be extended by Mr. Knutson at the same time he contacts the Department of Parks and Recreation, above.

3. Guest Sandy Facon, representing the Friends of the Long Beach Animal Shelter, invited the association to take part in the Walk for the Animals fund-raiser, Nov. 5 at Rainbow Lagoon Park. Due to the lateness of the hour, the board tabled the matter until its next meeting. However, it was agreed that if flyers and postage are provided by the Friends that the association would mail the flyers to our members.

Action Items

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

1. Miriam Yarden is to contact the State Franchise Tax Board and the IRS to determine which papers the association is to file for Tax Year 2000.

2. Jim Walters is to compose and mail welcome letters to five new members.

3. The four-member bylaw committee is to present a proposed set of bylaws to the board.

4. Members are to report their fencing survey results to Joan Shamitz.

Place: Gerry Facon's home	Time: 7-9 p.m.
Board members and officers present: Becky Bailey, Gerry Facon, Gary Hovanian, Jim Knutson, Joan Shamitz, Jim Walters, Miriam Yarden.
Board members and officers absent: Barbara McPherson, Rae Steiner	Others attending: Sandy Facon
Last meeting's minutes: MOTION for approval by Gerry Facon; second by Joan Shamitz. Approved, 7-0.
Treasurer's report: Balance of $1,462.76 (plus other donations, new memberships) No expenses since July 20.