Board Members Present
Liz Koh, Marc Cervellino, Stephanie Youngquist, DanThatte, Dana Shelley, H. Paul Davis, John Schwartz, David Merenbach, Geraldine MacDonald and Dianne Giancarlo.
Board Members not Present
Alex Narasin
Also Present
Paul Davis and Kevin O’Leary
M/S/P = Moved/Seconded/Passed
Call to Order
Liz Koh, President of the Board, served as Chair of the meeting, called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM and announced that a quorum of the Board members was present and that the meeting, having duly convened, was ready to proceed with business. Dianne Giancarlo served as Secretary of the meeting.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
Dianne G. announced that the minutes of the June 10, 2025 Board Meeting were distributed for approval via email.
Financials Update
Marc C. reported that table counts at weekly F2F games continue to grow since the last board meeting. Although we are above budgeted revenue, we are still operating at a loss and will incur a sizable loss for the year. For the first six months the Unit has greater revenue than projected due to Unit Sectionals, Celebrity Lectures, bridge classes at the club, table rents and interest income.
Proposal to increase table rent
Marc C. asked the Board to consider increasing the table rent that the Unit charges to Club Owners. The Unit has experienced a significant increase in Bridge Center rent in recent years. This trend will continue in the next few years and raising table rents will help to partially offset that. Additionally, the Unit has not increased table rents since 2019 although it was planning to do so just before Covid closed the Club. Club Owners have increased table fees over the past few years. The Board’s hardworking efforts to increase F2F table count was appreciated. The Board extensively discussed the proposal and agreed to revisit and vote on the issue soon.
Firecracker
Marc C. said that the tournament was a success. Allen Simon’s reservations system was very helpful. Financial results of the Firecracker will be discussed at next month’s BOD meeting. Players complained about old playing cards. He mentioned that there were some complaints about flies circulating in the air and that the carpet is dirty. The flies are probably coming from food in the kitchen, so Liz K. asked that we post a sign and try to make sure that doors to the outside are kept closed. The carpet was cleaned just a few months ago; Marc will ask Hygeia to spot clean the carpet.
Bylaws Amendments
Dianne G. reported that she distributed to the Board a full copy of the Bylaws marked to show amendments. Three Board members signed a petition to propose the amendment which was presented to the President. Liz K. then set a time and date for the Board to act on the amendment, which was the date of our regular July meeting. Dianne G. requested any final comments or questions on the Amended and Restated Constitution and Bylaws and the Amended and Restated Policy for Implementation of the Constitution and Bylaws. Having none, Dianne G. then asked for a motion to approve the amendments. M/S/P
Marc C. had suggested that we ask the Unit members to vote on the amendments on a Tuesday which is when we have the greatest number of players at a club game. Liz K. will set a time and date for a special meeting of the Unit members to approve the amendment and provide notice to members.
Status with IFES
Marc C. and Liz K. reported that discussions with the IFES are ongoing.
New Alan Cummings Lecture Series
Stephanie Y. reported that the next speaker for our Alan Cummings Lecture Series will be Frank Smoot on July 17.
Status on new initiatives (to increase F2F play)
Dana S. reported that Phil Abrahamson will teach a Swiss Team Boot Camp aimed at more beginner level players on two Wednesdays, August 13 and 20.
H. Paul Davis reported that he has some ideas for changing the format of the Pro-Am games (to teams) which could alleviate the need to find so many pros to play. Recent Pro-Am Pairs game on 6/19 was a great success.
Stephanie Y. reported that the special 50th anniversary event for the Club will be held on September 30. She has asked for people to send her any old photos and memories that they may have. Liz K. suggested using the event to fundraise for PBEF.
The Board meeting adjourned at 5:35 pm.