The meeting was called to order at 4 PM by Susan Griswold, President. Present were members Susan Griswold, David Crosley, Margot Livenspargar, Beverly Nuding, Alan Wolman, Steve Barasch, Kevin O’Leary, Valerie Baldwin, Henryk Szeynwald. Others attending: Elinor Tanck and Lori Spaeth.
A report on construction of the new quarters was given by Sue. The carpet that was selected earlier has been ordered. It will be upgraded with stain barrier and attached padding at no cost to us. Lori suggested that the food service area be covered with linoleum or tile rather than carpet as that is where most spillage occurs. Chairs were discussed, sat in, and one agreed upon. It will have a red cloth covering with stain barrier. The paint colors (two shade of grey) were shown. Construction is progressing. A move in date of late February may be possible. A meeting with the city for the final occupancy permit will occur on January 25. Parking is still an issue and the IFES and the Board are working to solve that problem. The noise problem seems to be a non-issue at this point. The Board authorized the President to give an additional construction loan of up to $50,000 to IFES, if needed, to be paid back by an extension of the reduction of rent of $3000 per month until the loan is paid off. A lien on the building to insure our money is a possibility. Signage was discussed and a plea will be put in the Kibitzer asking for someone to spearhead the sign project.
The minutes from the December Board meeting were approved.
The Kibitzer for February will be six pages.
The Treasurer reported $169,038 in the Unit Bridge Center account and $7368 in the Educational Fund account.
The License Agreement for the new Bridge Center is still under discussion.
Sue announced that Charlotte Carlson had volunteered to spearhead the Grand Opening. The order of mugs was reduced. The cups will read Bridge Center, Palo Alto Unit 503.
Steve said that the ACBL had accepted the time and schedule for the Firecracker Tournament. Valerie suggested that we have a large cork board for the Partnership Desk as they had in Monterey. This was approved by the Board.
The next Board meeting will be at 3:45 PM Tuesday, January 31, 2012.
Meeting adjourned at 5:35 PM