 |
Dalmatian Club of America
Board of Governors Meeting Minutes
March 1, 2008 - Chapparral Suites Hotel - Scottsdale, CA
|
 |
I. CALL TO ORDER
The first quarter meeting of the Dalmatian Club of America Board of Governors was called to
order at 8:40 PM MST on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the Chaparral Suites Hotel, Scottsdale, AZ by the President,
Dr. J. Charles Garvin. DCA Governors present, in addition to Dr. Garvin, were Mr. Kenneth Berg, Mrs. Sharon Boyd,
Mr. John Cramer, Mrs. Meg Ispas-Hennessey, Dr. Mary-Lynn Jensen via conference call, Dr. Irvin B. Krukenkamp,
Mrs. Diana Skibinski, and Mrs. Sheila Wymore, as well as AKC Delegate Mr. James W. Smith.
II. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the fourth quarter meeting on December 2, 2007 were previously reviewed by
the board via electronic mail. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to accept the minutes as reviewed. Seconded by
Mrs. Hennessey, the motion was approved.
III. REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS
President - Charlie Garvin.
President Garvin welcomed the newly elected board members and acknowledged Betty Pirs’ work for
the DCA. President Garvin shared that there was a 23% increase in the number of Dalmatian AKC registrations in
2007 with our popularity rank increasing from 85 to 77. He noted that Disney is releasing the Platinum Edition
DVD of the original animated 101 Dalmatians movie on March 4.
Another issue of great concern for our Dalmatian club is the nature of the discussion of the low uric acid
project. The discussion on the DCA list had to be closed, just as it had on ShowDals when the discussion got
out of control. Nevertheless, data and information still needs to be gathered and shared; we need to make sure
our membership is fully informed, and we need to continually assess their opinions and encourage their
involvement. The challenge now is how to move forward in a constructive manner despite the potentially
controversial and divisive nature of the issue.
We will also discuss at this meeting the pre-proposal for a Prospective Clinical Trial of LUA/HUA Descendants.
DCA and DCAF had been notified that the AKC Canine Health Foundation is soliciting pre-proposals so they can
anticipate what formal proposals will be forthcoming, and work with the researchers to fine-tune any draft
proposals. If, after discussion and any possible modifications, the Board approves this, it will be forwarded
to AKC-CHF for their consideration. It would be valuable to get their independent opinion on such a project,
and their reviews can provide helpful feedback and critique. Realistically, if AKC-CHF approves this, they are
certain to come back to DCA and DCAF and ask for a large portion of the required funding. We will want our
decision making to be consistent, should that time arise.
This is also an important time to thank all the members of the board for their dedication, talent, and
efforts during this sometimes-difficult time. Let us continue to demonstrate our commitment to the Dalmatian
breed and the Dalmatian Club of America.
Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Boyd.
Mrs. Boyd presented a two-page written report in which she related having responded to many
requests of inquiry and telephone calls since the last meeting of the board on December 2, 2007. Mrs. Boyd
responded to these various letters, calls, and emails of inquiry received from the public and membership on
such subjects as specialty matters, diet, registration, deafness, health issues, address changes, membership
applications and dues. Other Secretarial activities included, but were not limited to, the receipt and sending
of correspondence relating to the 2008 DCA specialty; the handling of various correspondence relating to numerous
DCA matters; and the preparation of the 2007 ballot.
The AKC Lifetime Achievement nominations were discussed for the areas of companion events, conformation, and
performance. Mrs. Boyd was requested to forward our choice of Mr. Bill Speck for Performance and Mr. Ken Nagler
for companion events.
Treasurer - Meg Ispas-Hennessey
Mrs. Hennessey presented a four-part report to the board in which she summarized the financial
standing of the club, the specialty, and the status of other activities for which she is responsible.
- Mrs. Hennessey itemized the financial reports.
- Account Balances, Fiscal Year End 2007 and Year to Date. Mrs. Hennessey presented a review of
all Account Balances for the year end; as of December 31, 2007 the total in Bank, Asset and Investment
was $84,735.87. Account Balances from January 1, 2008 through February 19, 2008 totaled $84,847.19.
- Income and Expense Statements, Fiscal Year End 2007 and Year to Date. Income from January 1,
2007, through December 31, 2007, was $149,753.91 and expenses were $137,262.97 for an overall total of
net loss of $12,490.04. Income and Expense Statements from January 1, 2008 through February 19, 2008
showed income of $9,647.46 and expense of $14,654.14, for a net loss of $5,006.68 year to date.
- Current financial standings for the 2008 My Old Kentucky Home Specialty were reviewed with
income to date of $18,460.00 and expenses of $8,186.77 with a current net total of $10,273.23.
- Mrs. Hennessey reported the membership booklet is currently being proofed. A complete membership
listing was passed out to all board members.
IV. REPORT OF THE AKC DELEGATE
AKC Delegate - James Smith.
Mr. Smith reported the AKC annual meeting is next week and shared an AKC proposal where a dog’s name may be
changed once prior to winning an AKC award. Mr. Smith also reported the AKC/Eukanuba 2009 National Dog Show
will have winners classes.
Mrs. Wymore made a motion to approve the Officers and Delegate reports. Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski, the
motion was approved unanimously.
V. ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND DELEGATE
- President Garvin turned over the meeting to Vice President Skibinski who opened the floor to nominations
for the office of president. Mrs. Boyd nominated Dr. Garvin for the office of president; seconded by Mrs.
Wymore. There being no further nominations, Mrs. Skibinski made a motion that nominations be closed and that the
secretary cast a unanimous ballot for Dr. Garvin as president. Seconded by Mrs. Wymore the motion passed.
- President Garvin then entertained nominations for the position of vice-president. Mrs. Hennessey
nominated Mrs. Skibinski for the office of vice-president; Mrs. Skibinski declined. Mrs. Boyd nominated Mrs.
Wymore for the office of Vice President; seconded by Mrs. Skibinski. There being no further nominations, Dr.
Krukenkamp made a motion that the nominations be closed and the secretary cast a unanimous ballot for Mrs.
Wymore as Vice-President. Seconded by Mr. Berg the motion passed.
- President Garvin entertained nominations for the position of recording secretary. Mrs. Boyd nominated
Mrs. Skibinski for the office of recording secretary; seconded by Mrs. Wymore. There being no further
nominations, Mrs. Hennessey made a motion that the nominations be closed and the secretary cast a unanimous
ballot for Mrs. Skibinski as Recording Secretary. Seconded by Mr. Cramer the motion passed.
- President Garvin entertained nominations for the position of corresponding secretary. Mrs. Skibinski
nominated Mrs. Boyd for the office of corresponding secretary; seconded by Mrs. Hennessey. There being no
further nominations, Mr. Cramer made a motion that the nominations be closed and the secretary cast a unanimous
ballot for Mrs. Boyd as Corresponding Secretary. Seconded by Mrs. Wymore the motion passed.
- President Garvin entertained nominations for the position of treasurer. Mrs. Skibinski nominated Mrs.
Hennessey for the office of treasurer; seconded by Mrs. Wymore. There being no further nominations, Mrs. Wymore
made a motion that the nominations be closed and the secretary cast a unanimous ballot for Mrs. Hennessey as
Treasurer. Seconded by Mr. Cramer the motion passed.
- President Garvin entertained nominations for the position of AKC Delegate. Mrs. Skibinski nominated Mr.
James Smith for the position of AKC Delegate; seconded by Mrs. Boyd. There being no further nominations, Mr. Cramer
made a motion that the nominations be closed and the secretary cast a unanimous ballot for Mr. James Smith as
Delegate. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey the motion passed.
VI. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Charles Garvin
1. Ethics - Edward Flock
Mr. Flock submitted a written report regarding ongoing issues that involve a person who resigned their DCA
membership. Mr. Flock and will attempt to coordinate action with the AKC on several of these complaints.
2. Legislative Liaison – Marie Fiore.
No action required.
3. Public Relations - Julie Lux.
No action required.
4. Web Page - Julia Soukup.
Ms. Soukup submitted a written report to the board of Web site activities, including additions to both the
DCA and Spotter web sites plus detailed email list administration. Ms. Soukup also reported on projects in
process. There were approximately 26 additions to the web site. There are two projects in process.
B. Diana Skibinski
- DCARE - Diana Skibinski.
Mrs. Skibinski submitted a written report requesting guidance on placement of the new reimbursement policy
for the website. A statement of the policy will be sent to all board members for approval. Mrs. Skibinski noted
DCARE was mentioned in the Dalmatian Profile in the March 2008 Dog Fancy magazine. Also, DCA was invited to
help pilot the revision project of the Indefinite Listing Privilege Program (ILP).
- Membership - Mary Widder.
Mrs. Widder submitted a written list of names to be considered for membership. Mrs. Skibinski read the list
of 15 names to the board. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to approve the membership of all 15 candidates. Seconded
by Mr. Berg, motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Widder inquired as to how long a member’s application needed to be
kept. Mr. Berg made a motion to add to the Standing Rules that DCA Membership keep applications for three years.
Seconded by Mrs. Wymore, the motion passed unanimously.
- Standard - Barbara Greenspan.
No action required.
C. Sharon Boyd
- Specialty Steering - Edward Flock.
Mr. Flock submitted a written statement reporting the DCA 2008 National Specialty is completely on track and
well organized.
- Specialty Show Committee
- DCA Specialty 2008, 4/25 – 5/1, Ft. Mitchell, KY – Jennifer Cramer, Chair.
Mrs. Cramer submitted a written report that stated everything is on schedule with no issues. Trophy
donations are up, premium list will be mailed out the week of March 3rd due to corrections needed from the
board meeting, and reservations as of February 15th at the Drawbridge Inn are at 521 and we need only 480 to
get the London Hall and meeting rooms at no cost. In an Addendum to Mrs. Cramer’s report, she notes that an
Agility site for the national in 2009 was needed and after a great amount of searching it will be at an
excellent site in Lee Summit, MO. An agility site for 2010 needs to be secured as soon as a Show Chairman is
named. Mrs. Cramer suggests they contact Douglas County 4-H Fair Grounds as soon as possible. Equipment will
have to be rented.
- DCA Specialty 2009, 4/2 - 4/8, Lawrence, KS - Sheila Wymore, Chair.
Mrs. Wymore submitted a written report stating committee chair positions are complete and one more committee
coordinator needs to be assigned. A 4/4 tracking test will be held at Smithville Reservoir. The test will be
open to Dalmatians and then all breeds. An agility site for 2009 has been secured thanks to the efforts of
John and Jennifer Cramer. Permission was granted to pursue a site for 2010. Mrs. Wymore discussed the
advantages/disadvantages of Coal Creek Stables for the road trial with Peggy Strupp and some safety issues will
be addressed when we return there in 2009. Michelle Collingwood and Kimberley Hess are preparing a selection of
items and some of them will be available for purchase at the 2008 specialty. Meg Hennessey has Laurel Allen as
a chair, Marcia Givens as a Co-chair. Trophies will be chosen by the time of this year’s show so a sign up book
can be passed around. All committee coordinators and committee chairs will be updated with a new timeline for
the 2009 show since it will be Held three weeks earlier than this year’s specialty.
- April 1 -7, 2010 Lawrence, Kansas.
Mrs. Wymore graciously agreed to chair 2010 stating a chair and a site for 2011 will be needed. An email
telling of basic needs will be sent out to the membership and regional clubs asking if they have input for a
site in 2011. The show committee is seeking suggestions and manpower. The Specialty Steering committee concept
will be modified after the 2008 Specialty.
- Top Twenty – John Cramer.
Mr. Cramer submitted a written report noting the rules for Top 20 have been updated and put on the website.
The Top 20 Event is on schedule, judges secured and exhibitors letters have been sent out with all catalog
information plus music due back by March 15th.
- DCA Digital Media - Irvin Krukenkamp.
Dr. Krukenkamp reported the Newsletters for 2008 National Specialty are pre-formatted and there will be
changes for 2009. The committee plans to video the specialty and prepare a composite DVD. He requested the
cost of the DVD series be raised to $50.00 with preorders at $40.00. Dr. Krukenkamp and June Krukenkamp are to
be recognized for funds and time donated to create the newsletter and DVD by recognition in the DCA Spotter.
Orders for the Betty Garvin Lecture DVDs now total 190. Dr. Murphy’s presentation will be recorded pending a
signed release to be handled by Jen Cramer, 2008 Specialty Show Chair. The Dalmatian Club of America: The
Early Years 1905-1950 by Susan Brooksbank has been converted to DVD and streaming flash video. It will be
offered on the website for $10.00 with teasers placed on the website plus sold at the specialty. Mrs.
Hennessey made a motion that DCA make available a DVD on The Early Years 1905-1950 and it will be at the
introductory rate of $10.00 payable to DCA with the production done by Dr. Krukenkamp and Mrs. Krukenkamp.
Seconded by Mrs. Wymore. Motion passed unanimously. Dr. Krukenkamp has digitally encoded “The Dalmatian
Slide Show” and it could be distributed as a PDF file or a CD. Mr. Berg made a motion to have the “AKC
Dalmatian Slide Show” available as a PDF file from the website. Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski. Motion passed
unanimously. This file will be sent to Julia Soukup to place on the website and a CD for Cheryl Steinmetz,
Historian. A proposal has been put together by the Color Video Committee Chair Michele Wrath for the recording
of a new Color Video addressing the Tri-color judging issue. This excellent proposal has 4 modules and would be
a 20 minute video. The board recommended the committee structure a 5th module addressing genetics for breeders,
and cautioned the committee to utilize the approved language and pictures from the DCA Illustrated Standard.
D. Sheila Wymore
- AKC Gazette - Sharon Boyd.
Mrs. Boyd submitted a written report noting the next deadline for the column submission is March 5 and an
article will be sent.
- Historian - Cheryl Steinmetz.
No action required.
- The Spotter - Paula Olcott.
Mrs. Olcott submitted a written report indicating the data pulls for Top Spots from AKC for 2007 were
received. Discussion of the CHIC Health Testing subsidy for Spotter ads and the eight educational pages were
discussed. DCA needs to request funds from DCAF each quarter to cover these expenses. The Spotter staff was
discussed and a three tiered process considered. A job description will be discussed with Paula along with some
names of volunteers to increase the Spotter staff.
E. Meg Hennessey
- Awards & Trophys - Laura Lightholder.
Ms. Lightholder reported that trophy sponsorship for the 2008 show is progressing as usual. Pitchers will
not be offered at the 2009 specialty. Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Given will have the trophy book at the specialty for
pledges.
- Membership Education - Sue MacMillan
Ms. MacMillan submitted a written report noting Cathy Nogar, Nan Dittrick and Deby Harber wish to stay on as
committee members. She would like to add two new members to her committee Linda McSherry and Cheryl Bryant.
Mrs. Hennessey made a motion to add Linda McSherry and Cheryl Bryant to the Membership Education Committee.
Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. MacMillan has set up a Yahoo Group for this
committee. They plan on dealing with the on-line members’ handbook/manual, contracts and the lending library.
An inventory of VHS tapes in the lending library is needed to determine if converting to DVD is possible.
- Purina Pro Club Challenge - Meg Hennessey.
Mrs. Hennessey submitted a written report stating three clubs participated in the weight circle contest:
Houston 5,016, Chicago 938 and Indianapolis 663 for a total of 6,617 circles. 65,966 points were redeemed for a
total of $630.00. Amount due to Houston: $236.00; Chicago: $22.33; and Indianapolis: $15.78; with a net for DCAF
at $355.89. This program will be advertised in the Spotter, placed on the website and continued for another year,
with a starting date of June 1, 2008. The Purina Program will be shared at the Regional Clubs’ meeting and at
the General Membership meeting. Breeder Futurity Pins will be sent out before the specialty.
F. Ken Berg
- Futurity - Steven E. Nielsen.
Mr. Nielsen submitted an optimistic written report showing 127 nominated litters with a 13% increase over
2007. Currently there are 309 pups nominated, this compared to 194 in 2007 and 204 in 2006. The Onofrio Futurity
fee per entry is $5.85. Mr. Nielsen shared a concern over the low number of CHIC Dalmatians that have been
added in the last 12 months. To help members understand how to attain a CHIC Number, a description of how to
get one will be placed in the Top Twenty catalog. Also, Education Membership Chair Sue MacMillan will be
requested to write an article for the Spotter on how to get a CHIC Number. Mr. Berg made a motion that the
Top Twenty catalog emphasize the Top 20 Dogs’ CHIC numbers this year with next year forward showing only CHIC
numbers on the data page, noting health testing may always be in placed in the comment section. Seconded by
Mrs. Hennessey. Motion passed unanimously.
- Judges Education - Elaine Lindhorst.
No action required.
- Public Education - Joanne Nash.
Mrs. Nash submitted a written report showing this committee continues a monthly rotation of answering
emails. They have worked with Scott Facey and Dr. Krukenkamp on a revision of the deafness statement and wait
for further direction from the board. The board would like to review the draft of the deafness statement at the
next board meeting.
G. Mary-Lynn Jensen
- Breeder Referral - Jackie Quinn
Dr. Jensen shared that Mrs. Quinn has introduced herself to those serving on this committee and has shared
information with them about how this committee functions. The board discussed breeder referral patterns and
actions which created a need for some revisions in the committee structure. These revisions were discussed and
approved. The New England area will now be the Northeast area. Ann Mastroianni will receive a letter noting
this change, thanking for her work on breeder referral, thus relieving her of her duties. Mr. Berg made a
motion to approve either Linda McSherry or Susan Haviland for a breeder referral position in the Northeast area.
Seconded by Dr. Krukenkamp, motion passed unanimously.
- Performance Events - Rick Miller.
- Agility - Holly Waldrop.
No action required.
- Obedience - Lynn Luikart.
No action required.
- Road Trials - Peggy Strupp.
Mrs. Strupp submitted a written report stating two requests for trials have been received.
Dr. Jensen
made a motion to approve these two trials, one by Highlander Hoofbeats of Caribou County, Idaho on July 12,
2008 and the other a Coaching Companion Test only to be held by the Central Carolina Dalmatian Club on
September 27, 2008. Seconded by Mr. Cramer the motion passed unanimously. This committee requested UKC
registered Dalmatians be allowed to compete in Dalmatian Road Trials. After much discussion, it was decided
further research and discussion is needed at upcoming board meetings.
H. Irv Krukenkamp
- Health and Research - Dr. Krukenkamp.
Dr. Krukenkamp submitted a written report covering numerous topics regarding Health and Research.
- Health Clinics - Danielle Levangie, Director.
Danielle Levangie has plans for 2009 DCA Health Clinics. This committee will utilize DCA’s website to
encourage volunteer sign up, donations, and submission of applications for participating dogs. A budget will
be ready for the next board meeting. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to approve Becky Lufts and Cheryl Jodts
as members of the Health Committee for 2009. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey, motion passed unanimously.
- Seizures/Epilepsy - Marion Mitchell, Director.
Mrs. Mitchell’s article has been published in the Spotter.
- Canine Orthopedics - Beth Bauer DVM, Director.
An informational piece on PennHip and OFA has been received for the Spotter.
- LUA - Dennis Trout, Director.
This committee has developed, coded, and released the LUA Descendants website. Multiple articles concerning
the Low Uric Acid Project were written, submitted, and published. The LUA Showcase Event at the national
specialty has been coordinated through several conference calls. Further information can be found on the DCA
website and the DCA premium list. A list of participating LUA Descendants for the showcase event has been
received and forwarded to the show chair. The “Parade of LUA Dogs” event will immediately follow Sweepstakes on
Sunday. A gated informational LUA Descendants’ booth will be in the London Hall Lobby from 9:00am to 3:00pm
Monday through Wednesday.
- Dr. Krukenkamp continues to distribute the Betty Garvin 2007 Lectures DVD. This committee would like to
consider the opportunity to work with the Canine Health Foundation on a new Dalmatian Health Survey. The board
discussed this possibility and mentioned the last health survey was in 2001. It was noted that the Canine Health
Foundation has models that can be used to form a new survey. An article on Canine Breed-Specific Risks of
Frequently Diagnosed Diseases at Veterinary Teaching Hospitals by C. Richard Dorn, DVM, MPH was reviewed.
- Statistics - Robert VonMayr.
No action required.
I. John Cramer
- Junior Showmanship - Mary Miller.
No action required.
- Regional Club Council - Karen Linsky.
No action required.
- Standing Rules - Michelle Wrath.
No action required.
Mrs. Wymore made a motion to approve the reports of the Standing Committees. Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski,
the motion was approved.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Review of “List of Things to Do.”
President Garvin led a discussion reviewing the “Things to Do” from the last meeting, covering the items
that were each board member’s responsibility to handle after the last meeting.
- ROM - ROMX.
The Registry of Merit (ROM) and Registry of Merit Excellent (ROMX) Program was discussed. The board
recommended a list of all historical qualifying ROM/ROMX candidates through December 31, 2007 be created. This
list will be used to grandfather qualifying sires and dams to begin this program. Dr. Krukenkamp will notify
Robert VonMayr as to the statistics needed. The board would like to have enough information at the next board
meeting to approve this concept.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
- AKC-CHF Pre-Proposal.
Dr. Krukenkamp detailed history forming the basis for the Prospective Clinical Trial of Low Uric Acid (LUA)
and High Uric Acid (HUA) Descendants of the Dalmatian Pointer Cross. This document proposes studying LUA, HUA
and AKC Dalmatians in a rigorous manner over a period of time with Irvin B. Krukenkamp, M.D. as Principal
Investigator. AKC is currently seeking pre-proposals to review with a deadline of Monday, March 3, 2008. If
favorably reviewed, a more detailed document will need to be developed. The board discussed differing aspects
of this Prospective Clinical Trial and also noted the importance of sharing the proposal at the DCA Annual
General Membership Meeting. Dr. Jensen made a motion to submit the pre-proposal of the Prospective Clinical
Trial to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation for review. Seconded by Mr. Cramer, the motion passed
by majority.
- Discussion Strategies for LUA Project.
Strategies for discussing the LUA Project at the DCA Annual General Membership Meeting were addressed.
It was decided after the close of the annual general membership meeting, a time for questions or comments will
be allowed. This is in the interest of gaining insight into what information the membership still needs.
Answers must not be expected on the spot. This time period, with a two minute limit per speaker, will continue
as long as it is not abused.
- Under executive session, the board considered a potential conflict of interest issue involving a board
member. This will be discussed further.
IX. NEXT MEETING
The second quarter meeting of the DCA Board of Governors will be on Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Fort
Mitchell, KY, commencing at 8:00 AM EDT. Future meeting dates will be determined at the April meeting.
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Mrs. Hennessey made a motion that the meeting be adjourned at 5:10 PM MST. Seconded by
Mrs. Skibinski, the motion was approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Skibinski
DCA Recording Secretary
|
