PCD-CC Minutes 3/09

POLK COUNTY DEMOCRATS CENTRAL COMMITTEE MINUTES

March 3, 2009

Christ's Church * Monmouth, Oregon

Vice Chair Lani Kirby called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS:  Lani introduced Mayor John McArdle of Independence, our program speaker for the evening.  She also introduced John Maluski, Chair of the Marion County Democrats, and Cindy Kimball, also from the Marion County Democrats, who announced the MCD Annual Auction, invited Polk County Dems to attend and donate items for the silent auction, and explained the donation process.

PROGRAM:  Mayor John McArdle of Independence held an informal conversation with those attending about the vision for increased economic development in Independence; plans for improving infrastructure, particularly roads; and joint projects between Independence and Monmouth that are benefiting both communities, such as the Minet Cable project.  The information he provided was encouraging and his comments were well received by those who attended.  

PRESENT FOR THE BUSINESS MEETING:  Officers:  Lani Kirby (Vice Chair), Fred Brown (Treasurer), and Beth Fleisher (Secretary).  Lisanne Pearcy, Kathy Smits, Jackie Pierce, Ron Dodge, Clay Morod, Rob Breyer, Sue Olmstead, Timothe Seelbach and Peter Wells also attended.

AGENDA:  Lisanne moved that the Agenda be accepted; seconded; Motion passed.

MINUTES:   Minutes of the February 3, 2009 Central Committee Meeting were presented for approval.  Kathy Smits moved they be approved; seconded; Motion passed.

FINANCIAL REPORT: Treasurer Fred Brown reported that he does not have the books from Linda Williams yet, so is unable to provide a report at this time.   He announced that he has purchased a table for the Marion County Auction and has tickets available for purchase.  He also reminded everyone of the Pentacle Theater Fundraiser on Wednesday, July 15^th, with tickets $20.00 each.  Ticket packets will be available at the next CC Meeting, and he will attend the Marion County CC Meeting to advertise the event.

STANDING COMMITTEES

AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

• Beth reported on Standing Committees and the important opportunities for PC Dems to serve on these critical working committees for the good of the organization.  She explained that having a functioning Standing Committee structure is crucial if:
  
  • we want to be prepared to run the various fundraisers and fair events over the summer months,
  • and if we want to have things in place to be effective for Democratic candidates in the next election cycle.
• She challenged members to commit to five (5) hours of volunteerism for PC Dems each month, and discussed some of the specific opportunities.
• She encouraged each person to invite friends, family and neighbors to the CC Meetings and to get involved.
• Beth also explained that the EC had been directed by the February CC Meeting to implement the EC proposal of shortening the business meeting portion of the monthly CC Meetings, allowing more time for the program/speaker and also for a 15-minute break between the program and the business meeting.  However, in order to do that and still move forward with the business of the organization, the Standing Committees need to be populated and then function on an ongoing basis to thoroughly consider, discuss, and make proposals on items in their respective arenas, which will then be brought to the CC Meeting in BRIEF FORM for approval
• Vice Chair Lani Kirby explained about the signup sheets for each Standing Committee and each fundraiser and event that were hung around the room, with marking pens attached, so that everyone could sign up for those events they wanted to volunteer for.  (Thanks to Lani for making all of the posters and putting them up!)
• The last 15 minutes of the Meeting will be utilized for signups.

FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPORT:  Sue Olmstead reported on the meeting of the 5^th Congressional District Committee. 

• Committee Vacancies:
  
  • There is a delegate needed for the Finance Committee.
  • There is also a delegate needed for the Rules Committee. 
  • A Second Alternate isneeded for the Platform and Resolutions Committee.
• 5^th Congressional District needs funds.
  
  • Asked each county democratic party to give $50-$100.

After discussion, the group decided by consensus to table action on the request for funds until the April CC Meeting.

PROCESS AND RULES COMMITTEE:  Lisanne Pearcy reported that the Process and Rules Committee was working on some changes and proposed rules, and would probably be able to bring those before the CC at the May meeting.

ELECTION OF CHAIR:  Lani announced that there would be an Election held for Chair of the Polk County Democrats at the April meeting. 

• She explained that Alan Holland, Acting Chair, had requested of the Executive Committee that an election now be held, which was postponed previously because there were no volunteers for Chair and no nominations made. 
• Alan has continued to serve because of the Bylaws' provision that the prior officer is to continue to serve until a new officer is elected. 
• Lani further explained that Alan has said if no one else wants to serve as Chair, he would be willing to continue; however, if someone else would like to serve as Chair, he would be happy to turn the reins over to him or her. 
• She encouraged anyone interested in the position of Chair to attend the April CC meeting, and for those present to let missing members know about the election.

DPO DAYS OF ACTION PROJECT:  Beth proposed a Food Canvassing Project to support local food banks be undertaken as one of the DPO Days of Action projects by PC Dems.  This project would be ongoing, and would take place each month, EXCEPT FOR months in which the Highway Cleanup Project takes place.

• This project would include two main thrusts:
  
  • Door-to-door canvassing
  • Donation collection locations, possibly at local grocery stores or other locations.

After discussion, it was decided by consensus to table this matter for the April CC Meeting.

CARPOOLING:  Lani discussed the need for carpooling for the CC Meetings, stating that some members were unable to drive at night to attend the meetings when they were not in their own city, and even sometimes when they were.  She asked that all members be sensitive to those who might appreciate a ride to the meetings, and to offer.  She also encouraged anyone who would like a ride to let one of the Executive Committee officers know and it would be arranged.

The meeting was suspended at 8:45 pm to allow members to sign up for Standing Committees, fundraisers and events.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Submitted by:

Beth A. Fleisher, Secretary