ACBL Unit 503 Minutes, Tuesday March 2nd, 2010
Present were Mike Atherton, Terry Lancaster, Phyllis Gaffney, Eric Mayefsky, Susan Griswold , Steve Barasch, John Mattis, Lu Isaacs, and Grant Spaeth. Alan Cummings, Alan Templeton, Betsy Steele, and Elinor Tanck also attended while Jeannette McNeil and David Wheeler were absent.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bridge Center Rehab, Status Report – Alan Templeton, Alan Cummings, and Mike Atherton reported that following a February 12th meeting with consultants, there have been no further discussion between the parties. After almost 13 months of negotiations, it appears unlikely that we will see any progress on this matter. They strongly recommended that the Unit change its focus and investigate all options regarding the Bridge Center.
ADMINISTRATIVE:
February’s Minutes were approved.
Kibitzer Report – Elinor indicated that the March issue will contain 6 pages and 350 copies will be printed. In February there were 25 extra issues printed for new members and in January there was a surplus of 50 copies.
Treasurer’s Report – The Bridge Center ended February with cash of $29K, up from $27.7K at the end of January. There were no significant differences in the income and expenses for the two months of 2010. The Bridge Unit ended February with $71.7K in cash. There was a net loss of $7K for the month. The loss was primarily due to $5K of course materials for the Intermediate Class and $1K for the publication of the Membership Directory. The Education fund is at $2K, roughly equal to the balance at 12/31/09.
Unit Games Report – The Monday Night 199 Average Swiss games have been a success, averaging over 10 tables per evening. The February IMP Pair game was lightly attended, probably due to the President Day Regional in Burlingame. Don’t wait too long: The 1st Peninsula Challenge sign-up sheet, located on the front wall of the Bridge Center is filling up quickly and the first match is planned for Saturday, April 24th.
ITEMS INITIATED BY BOARD MEMBERS:
Dealing Machine – John Mattis stated his concern is that if we move to a larger facility, there would be room to include both Sherie’s and Walter’s games. These games would be welcomed to help pay for the rent. The Unit increased the table fees in July to help build up a reserve for the potential move. All of the games held at the Bridge Center are contributing to this reserve. However, Sherie’s and Walter’s games have contributed zero. The other directors don’t believe this is fair.
John has also suggested on numerous occasions that all of the board members should play at the bridge center, but this has fallen on deafened ears. The other directors that he has spoken with feel the same way. He wants the Board to promote the Bridge Center and set an example by playing there on all days instead of at other off site locations.
Game Results – Eric presented an example of a new format for posting game results using an inexpensive shareware program called Bridge Composer. He will do further research on game results and how best to incorporate this software program in the posting process.
Computer Projector and Screen – The recent purchase of a computer projector and screen for use by teachers and lecturers should be a welcome addition to the Bridge Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:40PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Lancaster
Secretary