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Minutes of the August 3, 2009 Executive Committee Meeting

In Attendance:

A quorum was present.

Alan Coxie, Heidi Stewart, Mae Creadick, Suzannah Plemmons, James Ellis, Jason Peltz, Bill Christy, Peter Kanipe, Cindy Holman, Tikkun Gottschalk, Michael Drye, Ingrid Friesen, Courtney Booth and Jason Gast

Approval of Minutes:

Minutes from the June 1, 2009 meeting were approved. Mr. Peltz moved for approval of the minutes, Mr. Kanipe seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report:

Ms. Plemmons presented the Treasurer’s Report. The 28th JDB ended the fiscal year 2008-2009 in good shape. Ms. Stewart and Ms. Plemmons explained dues and non-dues accounts for newcomers.

Ms. Plemmons also presented the proposed budget for 2009-2010. Ms. Plemmons explained changes for the next fiscal year. Ms. Plemmons used the former budget as a template and added additional expenses including potential funds needed for portraits of retiring judges and funds for CLE. Ms. Plemmons explained the reduced cost in the proposed budget for Bar lunches given the new venue and the reduced number of members in attendance.

The committee discussed postponing a final vote on the proposed 2009-2010 budget pending further review. Ms. Stewart suggested a final vote via e-mail.

Mr. Christy moved to continue the 2008-2009 budget for one more month, Ms. Holman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Committee Reports:

Pro Bono:

Mr. Ellis reported that Pisgah Legal Services is seeking the Committee’s support for Pro Bono Week in October 2009. Ms. Friesen moved that the Bar sponsor and show support for Pro Bono Week, Ms. Holman seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

Task Force Reports:

Programs:

Mr. Christy is soliciting new ideas for Bar lunch programs. He will present a tentative schedule for programs at the next EC meeting.

E-News and Communications:

Ms. Holman led the discussion, explaining to newcomers that Bar Briefs are now distributed quarterly and E-News is sent out weekly. Ms. Holman explained the beginning of legal swap meet. It was proposed that classified ads be posted once per month, as long as the ad benefits a 28th JDB attorney. At this time classified ads are not being posted on-line. The next Bar Brief is due in September 2009.

Other Business:

Office Space

Ms. Stewart reported that the Bar is currently leasing office space from Jay Watson. The lease will expire in September 2009 and Mr. Watson is considering not renewing. The Bar needs to look for alternate office space for the Bar Administrator. Ms. Creadick suggested posting the Bar’s need for office space in the next weekly e-news classified ad space. Office space at Pisgah Legal Services is still currently available.

Bar Cares

Ms. Stewart explained the Bar Cares program, which for 97 cents/month provides attorneys access to a network of therapists for telephone consultations. There was general consensus that this would be a valuable member benefit for the 28th JDB. Ms. Stewart will revisit this program and report back to the EC.

Judge Payne Retirement/ Portrait

Ms. Creadick reported the plan for a possible ceremony and presentation of portraits for Judge Payne and Judge Thornburg upon their retirement this year. The dimension and style of the portraits has been determined, and the EC located three potential artists that are ready to submit bids. The EC recently discovered that a committee is already in place for a portrait of retiring Judge Thornburg, and an artist has been selected. However the Thornburg committee is seeking assistance from the EC for fundraising. Ms. Holman reported that there is a history of our local Bar raising funds, starting with the larger firms, for portraits of retiring judges. Mr. Gottschalk and Mr. Kanipe suggested that given the larger district covered by Judge Thornburg, other bars should share the burden of fundraising. There was general consensus on this point from the committee. Ms. Holman stated she was investigating fundraising for Judge Payne’s portrait through CLE.

The following committee members volunteered to investigate a portrait for Judge Thornburg: Ms. Creadick, Mr. Coxie, Mr. Peltz and Mr. Tate (nominated by Peltz).

The following committee members volunteered to investigate a portrait for Judge Payne: Ms. Creadick, Ms. Holman, Ms. Stewart and Ms. Booth.

Monthly Luncheon and Holiday Party

The Venue has been selected for Bar lunches, beginning September 2009. Ms. Stewart reviewed a bid from The Venue for the Bar’s holiday party. There was discussion that the bid appeared reasonable, and we should as always bill alcohol to the non-dues account. Mr. Gottschalk suggested postponing a vote on the approval of The Venue for the Bar holiday party until after we’ve had one bar lunch meeting there. The EC agreed to put the location for the December 5, 2009 holiday party on hold.

CLE Program

Ms. Holman reported that the CLE being offered by the 28th JDB, “Surviving the Crash,” has been rescheduled for August 27, 2009. Videos CLE sessions are also available. Pisgah Legal Services has offered their conference room for the video CLEs. There was discussion regarding the Bar underwriting the cost of the CLE expenses for “Surviving the Crash” to better serve members of the Bar. Mr. Peltz suggested the issue be tabled until we have finalized our 2009-2010 budget.

Wills for Heroes

Ms. Stewart explained the Wills for Heroes project in which local attorneys provide free Wills to law enforcement and fire fighters. Mr. Coxie volunteered to investigate this program.

Baseball Game/ Tourists

Mr. Drye explained the option for the Bar to reserve space and gather as a group at the Tourist’s ball game. There was discussion of e-mailing attorneys through E-News a proposed informal gathering at a future ball game.

Action Steps:

1. A final 2009-2010 budget will be submitted to the EC for a vote.

2. Mr. Christy will present a tentative schedule for upcoming programs; the EC will direct to Mr. Christy any individuals with ideas for Bar lunch programs.

3. A classified ad will be posted in E-News for office space needed for the Bar Administrator, and Ms. Stewart will investigate the status on the current office space.

4. Ms. Stewart will revisit the Bar Cares program and report back to the EC.

5. Ms. Holman will investigate CLE fundraising for the Judge Payne portrait.

6. Mr. Coxie will investigate the Wills for Heroes Program and report back to the EC.

7. The next Bar Brief newsletter is due in September 2009.

Next Meeting:

The next regular EC meeting will be ________ at _____________.

There being no further information coming before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. These minutes are respectfully submitted on the ___ day of ________, 20__.

_______________________

M. Mae Creadick

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