Old Business

Vice President Bob Erwin called the meeting to order at 5:50 pm. Those present included Bob and Sue Erwin, Judy Biegner, George Cundy, Arlene Roberti, Bill Lang, David Prentiss, Brenda Iemma, Nancy O’Donnell and Maureen Johnson.

The minutes from the last meeting were presented and accepted.

Treasurer’s report was presented by Bob and was accepted.

Bob reported that the sectional held in September at Buttonwoods made a profit of around $500. The Gala was discussed. Nancy O’Donnell reported only 19 responses so far. The board decided to wait until at least Tuesday October 16, 2005 to decide on canceling. (Post-meeting note: On Thursday, Nancy reported the count near 60.) Hospitality was discussed for the Gala. We are looking for volunteers to bring snacks. Bob asked for help in moving the tables from Buttonwoods to Foxwoods for the gala. Bill Niemi has volunteered his truck but we still need someone to load and unload tables.

New Business

Unit 145 leadership was discussed. Board members were concerned with the effectiveness of the unit leadership. A follow-up meeting was scheduled to address this issue on October 30th.

The new location at Buttonwoods was discussed. Effective 1 July, the hourly rate increased from $25 per hour to $30 per hour in their new rate schedule. In September, we were notified that the rate for Sunday would be $40 per hour, based on the union rates. The old rates were honored for the September sectional but will increase at the January one. The new cost will be around $750-$800 per weekend. We had close to a 50% increase in turnout for the new location. It was felt that with all the positive feedback we got from participants, along with the increase in attendance, that we will continue using that sight for the near future. Based on the number of tables, we will be assigned a second tournament director for Saturday pairs games at future sectionals. It was decided that a pizza and salad buffet will replace the individual pizza orders for Sunday’s Swiss event.

Bob requested the board approve the purchase of 18 more card tables and 10 sets of bid boxes due to the increase in attendance. It was voted on and approved unanimously.

Bob talked about some positions he would like to fill. They are:

Tournament Director
Publicity Coordinator
Vice President or President depending on results of John’s impeachment.
Two more Board Members.

There was a discussion on investing some of the Unit’s money in a CD. We discussed the legalities of this and have decided that as a non-profit organization, we cannot legally invest this money.

Bob Erwin thanked us all for coming and the meeting was adjourned at 6:45pm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Maureen Johnson

Secretary