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Dalmatian Club of America
Board of Governors Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2005
O'Hare Hilton Hotel - Chicago, Illinois
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I. CALL TO ORDER
The fourth quarter meeting of the Dalmatian Club of America Board of Governors was called
to order at 2:55 PM EST on Saturday, December 5, 2005, at the O’Hare Hilton Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, by the
President, Dr. J. Charles Garvin. DCA Governors present, in addition to President Garvin, were Mrs. Eva Berg,
Mr. C.E. Flock, Jr., Mr. Rick Miller, Mrs. Betty Pirs, Mr. Hal Shorr, Mrs. Diana Skibinski, Ms. Nancy Werhane,
and Mrs. Sheila Wymore, as well as Treasurer Meg Ispas-Hennessey and AKC Delegate Mr. James W. Smith.
II. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the third quarter meeting on September 25, 2005, were previously reviewed
by the board and approved by a majority of the board members via electronic mail.
Mr. Flock made a motion that the minutes of this meeting should be ratified as they stand. Seconded by
Mrs. Berg, the motion passed unanimously.
III. REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS
President - Charlie Garvin.
President Garvin stated there are several issues of importance facing the board at the
meeting today, some of them potentially controversial. He noted that they present an organizational challenge
to the board to handle them appropriately. He encouraged the board not to avoid controversy but to manage it
effectively for the welfare of the breed and the club by approaching it with perspective planning. This board
needs to clarify its goals and identify for the membership what we are trying to achieve both in the short
term and in the long term. Critical to this end is effective two-way communication between the membership
and the board.
Recording Secretary - Mrs. Sheila Wymore.
Mrs. Wymore had no remarks.
Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Boyd.
Mrs. Boyd was unable to attend due to a previous commitment, but presented a written report
in which she related having responded to many requests of inquiry and telephone calls since the last meeting
of the board on September 25, 2005. Other Secretarial activities included, but were not limited to, writing
letters relating to issues regarding board requests and actions taken on September 25, 2005; the receipt of
and sending of correspondence relating to AKC matters relevant to the submission of specialty show
applications; the handling of various correspondence relating to numerous separate DCA matters including
contacting the next top five judges from the master ballot for the 2008 specialty and commissioning the
nominating committee chair and members. Mrs. Boyd answered various letters of inquiry received from the
public and members of the DCA regarding both membership matters and matters relating to Dalmatian care.
Mrs. Boyd requested the board's permission to continue using the current provider of services for delivery
of DCA medallions to regional clubs. She is able to track delivery within that provider's information and
using the records of the Treasurer as well. The board agreed to let the corresponding secretary find an
efficient and effective way of delivering the medallions and receiving confirmation of their receipt.
In the secretary’s absence, Mrs. Skibinski will keep track of the “To Do” list and email it to everyone
as a reminder.
Treasurer - Meg Ispas-Hennessey
Mrs. Hennessey presented a four-part report to the board.
- Mrs. Hennessey itemized the financial reports.
- Account Balances, Third Quarter and Year to Date. Mrs. Hennessey presented a review of all
Account Balances for the third quarter of 2005; as of September 30, 2005 the total in Bank, Asset
and Investment was $92,752.46. Account Balances from January 1, 2005 through December 1, 2005
totaled $83,254.04.
- Income and Expense Statements, Third Quarter and Year to Date. Income from July 1, 2005, through
September 30, 2005, was $29,178.45 and expenses were $21,471.22 for a net income of $7,707.33. Income and
Expense Statements from January 1, 2005, through December 2, 2005; Income was $165,381.35 and Expenses were
$165,743.08, with a net loss of $361.73 year to date.
- Current financial standings for the 2006 Run for the Roses Specialty were reviewed. The budget
for 2006 was in a negative status of $6,657.60, with minimal income reported to offset early expenses.
- Mrs. Hennessey also reported Spotter income and expense figures with a previous year
comparison and a cost per member figure. The board discussed potential cost-cutting options.
Mrs. Berg made a motion that we send out postcards to the judges receiving complimentary issues of
the Spotter to assess their continued interest in receiving the magazine. Seconded by Mr. Miller, the
motion passed unanimously.
- Mrs. Hennessey had three bids for our insurance renewal, all quoting for the same amount of coverage.
We renewed with Sportsman's Insurance whose bid came in the lowest.
- Mrs. Hennessey reported a list of approximately 43 members who were resigned, deceased, or delinquent
in their dues payments and will be dropped from the membership as of this date leaving us with a total of
924 members. She also presented a rough draft of the membership booklet to the board requesting they examine
it at their earliest convenience for corrections, additions and/or omissions.
IV. REPORT OF THE AKC DELEGATE
Mr. Miller made a motion to approve the Officers' reports. Seconded by Mr. Flock, the
motion passed unanimously.
V. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Charles Garvin
1. Ethics - Edward Flock
Mr. Flock reported that there are no new issues at this time. Dr. Garvin reported on the
current standing with the AKC and the DCA of a member previously brought before the ethics committee. Board
discussion ensued.
2. Legislative Liaison – Marie Fiore
No report.
3. Public Relations - Julie Lux.
No report.
4. Web Page - Julia Soukup.
Ms. Soukup submitted a written report to the board of Web site activities, including additions and works
in progress. Ms. Soukup requested board approval to lower the price of Spotter ads to be put on the web site
from the current $30 per ad to $10 per ad. She has the support of the Spotter editor on this, and reiterates
that labor procedure is not intensive now and does not require the higher price. Mrs. Berg made a motion
to lower the price of Spotter web site advertising to $10 per ad (per quarter), for a trial period of one
year. Seconded by Mr. Flock, the motion passed.
Mrs. Strupp has requested that the names of the previous Road Trial winners be posted on the web site
along with those of other performance winners. The board concurred with this request.
B. Edward Flock
1. Junior Showmanship - Mary Miller.
Mr. Flock presented Ms. Miller’s report requesting that the board establish a stipend for the AKC/Eukanuba
National Championship show with the same requirements as for the Westminster stipend. She suggested a
$1000.00 maximum distribution with an individual junior not to receive more than $250.00 per competition. The
junior must, of course, compete at the show with a Dalmatian.
Mr. Flock made a motion that the Dalmatian Club of America will establish a stipend for the AKC/Eukanuba
National Championship Show of $250, representing up to $1000 annually, to be awarded in the amount of $250 to
each junior member of the DCA who qualifies for and competes at the AKC/Eukanuba Show showing a Dalmatian, and
that a timely application for the stipend will be the responsibility of the Junior, and should more than four
Juniors qualify and show, the $1000 will then be divided equally among them. Seconded by Ms. Werhane, the
motion passed unanimously.
The board’s intent was that this stipend will be the same as the existing stipend awarded to junior DCA
members showing at the Westminster Kennel Club Show. The board's further intent is that both stipends should
be well advertised to the Junior members.
2. DCA Archival Photographer - Irvin Krukenkamp.
Mr. Krukenkamp submitted a report stating no action requested.
3. Specialty Steering - Edward Flock.
- a. Mr. Flock and Mr. Miller presented a potential addition to the Standing Rules regarding
the selection of performance/ companion judges for the national specialty. Discussion followed regarding
several ambiguous points in the rule and it was referred back to committee for clarification.
- DCA Specialty 2006, 4/28 – 5/3, Ft. Mitchell, KY – Jennifer Cramer. Mr. Flock was commissioned with
the task of perusing Mrs. Cramer's extensive report on the 2005 DCA National Specialty and returning to the
board with recommendations for changes to the 2006 specialty. The recommendations included show schedule,
premium list/superintendent issues, ring surface changes, vendor space, welcome party, and lunch concessions.
4. DCA Specialty Show Committee 2005-2007 – Jennifer Cramer.
Mrs. Cramer's report included many of the points discussed above regarding changes, as well. Her report
continued by discussing the nominees for Sweepstakes, and the Performance/Companion events judges now under
contract. Mrs. Cramer also discussed Gail Riggins' efforts on behalf of the performance fund and on obtaining
additional corporate sponsors for performance trophies.
5. DCA Specialty Show Committee 2008 - Dave Galloway.
Mr. Galloway submitted a report indicating a tentative schedule of events, as well as committee chairs
willing to serve for the 2008 specialty show. He will begin working to replace those chairs who wish to
resign following the 2007 specialty.
6. Top Twenty – Kenneth Berg.
Mr. Berg presented a brief report to the board stating that all was in order to date for the 2006
competition.
C. Sheila Wymore
- AKC Gazette - Elaine Gewirtz.
No report. No report. Mrs. Wymore noted that the column deadline of December 6th was coming up with no
report from Mrs. Gewirtz about whether a column had been submitted, and the nature of its contents.
- The Spotter – Paula Olcott.
Mrs. Olcott submitted a written report with respect to decisions she had made regarding articles for the
Spotter. The board concurred with those decisions..
D. Eva Berg
1. Futurity - Steven E. Nielsen.
No report.
2. Judges Education - Elaine Lindhorst.
No report.
3. Public Education ? Joanne Nash.
Mrs. Nash thanked the board for approval of Jeffrey Gillespie to the committee and reported that her
committee continues to field questions about the breed from the public. They are continuing work on a
statement regarding unilaterally hearing Dalmatians and should have it prepared in time for the February
board meeting.
E. Rick Miller
1. Breeder Referral - Karen Wissinger.
No report.
2. Performance Events - Donna Truitt.
No action required.
- Agility - a. Holly Waldrop.
Ms. Waldrop’s committee is working with assistant show chair David Galloway to increase the amount of
trophy support and participation in the agility event. Her committee is also looking at ways to encourage
non-members to join DCA, as well as ideas to increase support for those new to the sport.
- Obedience - Lynn Luikhart.
No action required.
- Road Trials - Peggy Ann Strupp.
Mrs. Strupp requested that the board approve the appointment of Lorie McCrone to the committee to fill
the vacancy created by the resignation of Kathy Vande Logt. Mr. Flock made a motion to approve the
appointment of Ms. McCrone to the road trial committee. Seconded by Mrs. Wymore, the motion passed.
The road trial committee presented a list of changes to the road trial regulations. The board discussed
the changes as presented. Mr. Miller made a motion to approve the changes to the Road Trial Regulations as
submitted by the committee. Seconded by Mr. Flock, the motion passed.
- Tracking - Tom Hacholski.
Mr. Hacholski reported that Shelby Acres Farm will not be available to us this year, and he has received
permission to hold the trial at Bernheim Forest, just south of Louisville. He is checking the site and will
report back to the board.
3. Regional Club Council - Karen Linsky.
No report.
4. Standing Rules - Michele Wrath.
No report. The board was emailed a file with the most current edition of the Standing Rules for their
reference.
F. Betty Pirs
1. Health and Research – Betty Pirs.
A complete report was presented to the board by Mrs. Hennessey from the AKC-CHF Parent Club Conference in
November, covering the most salient points of the conference and citing some hints and tips received.
The Epilepsy Study group reported that the interview is complete for the Spotter and will be published.
They also reported that for epilepsy week, Tibbie Dell has placed an item to be printed in Heloise's Helpful
Hints, a syndicated column.
The subject of potential Spotter advertising discounts for Dalmatians who have obtained health clearance
was revisited. Sheila and Betty will define the criteria that will determine the level of discount.
2. Statistics - Robert VonMayr.
No action required.
H. Hal Shorr
- Centennial Committee – Hal Shorr.
No action required.
- Historian – Cheryl Steinmetz.
No action required.
H. Diana Skibinski
- DCARE – Kathy McCoubrey.
Mrs. McCoubrey reported her concern about the dogs left homeless by Hurricane Katrina. Given the enormity
of the disaster, it was to be expected that the various groups working to rescue both animals and humans
would occasionally be at cross-purposes. There was no blanket policy in place to guide rescue groups and
individuals in this disaster. Mrs. McCoubrey suggested that DCARE should establish policy to guide in such a
situation after getting input and feedback from groups and individuals directly involved in Katrina rescue
efforts. Mrs. Gilda Turner has provided DCA with many points of concern that need to be addressed and AKC-CAR
has already taken steps to address the problems that occurred due to lack of planning and forethought. Mrs.
Skibinski will work with Mrs. McCoubrey; they will also contact Mrs. Turner and come back with
recommendations for updates, changes, and a definition of what actions we should take the next time a
disaster strikes.
In addition, Mrs. Skibinski expressed her concern over some of the wording on the DCA web site regarding
"DCA Rescue". She also thought that perhaps we were not getting requests for funding due to the length and
complexity of the application and the fact that it could not be downloaded directly from the web site. Mrs.
Skibinski is to examine these two aspects of concern and report back to the board with her recommendations.
- Membership – Mary Widder.
Ms. Widder submitted a written list of names to be considered for membership. Mrs. Skibinski read the list
of 4 names to the board. Mr. Shorr made a motion to approve the membership of all 4 candidates. Seconded
by Ms. Werhane, the motion passed unanimously.
- Standard – Barbara Greenspan.
No action required.
I. Nancy Werhane
- Awards and Trophies - Laura Lightholder
No action required.
- Membership Education - Lori Finlayson.
No action required.
- Purina Parent Club Partnership Program – Bob Ekle.
No action required.
Mrs. Berg made a motion to approve the reports of the Standing Committees. Seconded by Mr. Shorr, the
motion passed unanimously.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Review of "List of Things to Do"
1. Review of “List of Things to Do.” President Garvin led a discussion reviewing the “Things to Do” from
the last meeting, reviewing the items that were each board member’s responsibility to handle after the last
meeting. Members of the board evaluated and discussed the status of each. No action was required by the board.
- Logo Update.
Dr. Garvin presented the previously approved logo, in its new format.
- Nominating Committee.
The slate of candidates as chosen by the nominating committee was announced and they are: Mrs. Sharon Boyd,
TX; Dr. J. Charles Garvin, OH; Mrs. Meg Ispas-Hennessey, IL; Dr. Irvin Krukenkamp, NY; Ms. Stephanie Podejko,
NY; and Mr. Hal Shorr, OR. These names will be forwarded to Mrs. Boyd so that she may prepare the ballot for
mailing to the membership.
- Judges' Ballot.
Dr. Garvin and Mr. Smith researched club archives for balloting procedures as approved and adopted by the
membership. Clarification is needed, in the form of a complete statement in the Standing Rules, regarding the
procedure for judge selection, both for the master ballot and for individual national specialties.
Mr. Flock made a motion that a statement relating to the master ballot and to the correct process for
electing judges will become a Standing Rule and will be stated as Policy as follows:
- The DCA Secretary will be solely responsible for the procurement of the conformation judges
for the DCA National Specialty, and the Secretary’s duties include, but are not limited to, the development
and evaluation of the master ballot and the yearly ballots, the contacting the judges relating to all matters
in regard to their hiring and having responsibility for all judging contracts.
- The Secretary will prepare a Master Ballot for the identification of and the election of judges for
the DCA National Specialty in a continuing rotation of three-year cycles. The master ballot will include the
names of all judges that are eligible, or becoming eligible, during that three-year period according to other
applicable Standing Rules.
- The Secretary will mail the Master Ballot to all DCA members in a timely manner, according to other
applicable Standing Rules.
- Members will be asked on the Master Ballot to vote for judges that they would be willing to show under,
as many or as few as they would like. For each Yearly Specialty Ballot, the members will be asked to vote for
the one judge who they would most want to judge our National Specialty.
- For each year of the rotation, the Secretary will contact the five (5) candidates receiving the
highest number of votes from the Master Ballot and ascertain each judge’s willingness and availability to
judge the DCA National Specialty according to all applicable Standing Rules. This process will continue until
a ballot of five (5) confirmed judges is complete. The Secretary will mail this yearly ballot to all DCA
members in a timely manner, according to other applicable Standing Rules.
- Note that in years two and three, there may be judges listed on the yearly ballot that had also been
on a previous yearly ballot but not elected for that year. Also, previously excluded judges may become
eligible for the yearly ballot if their time limit exclusion has expired, or if other factors which made them
previously ineligible no longer apply.
- DCA members will vote for one name only on the yearly ballot. Two judges will be selected for each
year from the ballots voted upon by the membership. The judge receiving the highest number of votes will
judge Best of Breed inter-sex competition. The judge receiving the second highest number of votes will
choose the sex of the class competition exhibits that this judge prefers. The first placed judge will then
judge the other sex of the class competition exhibits. The second placed judge will judge all offered
non-regular class judging.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
- Backcross Project
The board discussed information that came to its attention relating to a continuation of the
Dalmatian-Pointer cross breeding project that occurred in the early 1980’s. This project was an attempt to
eliminate the gene for Dalmatian uric acid through genetic mingling with the Pointer, which does not carry
the gene. Certain individuals have perpetuated the continued crossing of descendants of the original cross
breeding by repeatedly breeding to Dalmatians. The board understood that this experiment is now at the eighth
back-cross breeding, with the goal being to breed dogs free of the gene for uric acid formation.
Very extensive board discussion occurred attempting to define the present and future ramifications of this
project. President Garvin presented a complete history of events in the 1980’s to the board. He discussed the
immense division of opinion and positions that came about between the board and DCA members, as well as
between different factions of the membership themselves. President Garvin then reviewed the results of a
1984 mail ballot to the membership regarding this issue. The results showed the majority of DCA members
opposed the registration of the resultant offspring of the experimental breeding and opposed the continued
research into further experimental breeding along these lines.
The board then discussed the importance of at one time both carefully leading the DCA in further
investigation of this issue and keeping the membership fully informed of all aspects of this project. The
board reviewed several major concerns. Among them are: a careful evaluation of the historical and current
issues relating to the project, the current status of the back-crossed progeny and their uric acid genetics,
recent relevant scientific advances in genetics as it relates to the back-crossing concept and realistic
projections of future genetic intervention techniques. President Garvin will write a message in The Spotter,
Volume 35, Number 4, to explain to the membership certain issues relating to the project.
The board directed Mrs. Berg to begin investigations on behalf of the DCA Foundation, the most important
of which is to present to the board a scientific protocol written and lead by a fully accredited scientific
researcher bearing credentials in genetic research. The board directed Mrs. Berg to assure that the protocol
addressed all aspects of any proposed research, its future, length of time and its costs. The board
recognized that the questions surrounding this back-cross project are many and will take extensive time to
fully investigate and answer so that the membership can be fully informed. The board discussed providing for
a comment period, held under civil and reasonable conditions, at the next DCA Annual Meeting on May 1, 2006.
VIII. FUTURE MEETINGS
The first quarter meeting of the DCA Board of Governors will be on Sunday, February
26, 2006, in Chicago, Illinois, commencing at 8:00 AM CST.
The second quarter meeting will be on Saturday, April 29, 2006, in Ft. Mitchell, KY, commencing at 8:00
AM EDT.
IX. ANNOUNCEMENTS
X. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Miller made a motion that the meeting be adjourned at 9:00 PM CST. Seconded by
Mrs. Skibinski, the motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Wymore
DCA Recording Secretary
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