UNAPPROVED
American Contract Bridge League
Minnesota Gopher Unit 103
Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, August 20, 2020
via Zoom
On line were: Warren Nelson, Larry Huiras, Kathy Beckman, Amy Dutton, Sue Greenberg, Keith
Thompson, Connie Nelson, Matt Belau, Lance Chamberlain, and Patti Huiras
Meeting was called to order by President Warren Nelson at 10:00 am.
Minutes of the June 18th meeting were presented and a motion to accept was made by Connie, secondby Matt, unanimously approved.
Financial Report for the period ending June 30 was presented and a motion to accept was made by Sue, Second by Kathy, unanimously approved.
Old Business:
On-Line Bylaws Vote and Election of Board
Larry reported the results of the election (attached):
Eligible voting membership 968. Total ballots received 158.
1. Proposed Bylaws adopted (For 143, Against 5, and 10 abstentions)
Sue moved to ratify the results, seconded by Amy, unanimously approved.
2. Slate of Board Members approved (with 1 Write-in vote and 7 abstentions)
Connie moved to ratify the results, seconded by Keith, unanimously approved.
There was some discussion about new elections on-line again in the future. The cost was
minimal for the on-line election, and there was some cost for the ballots that had to be mailed.
Warren complimented Larry on a job well done.
2020 Awards: Sue got all the awards and certificates mailed. Cost was around $150 for the
mailings. Sue is proposing that the Awards Banquet for next year be April 24th (4th Sat. in
April). 2nd option was May 2, but that might be in conflict with GNTs.
Annual Calendar of Events: The Board had received an email with a list of all the events for the
next year by month as well as a summary of the Tournaments. This was well received by the
Board. A couple of changes were made to the items as presented. Patti will send out a copy of
what is proposed for the next year to each Tournament Chair and/or responsible person and
then send a monthly calendar each month to the Board
New District Director: All the Board members received an email to vote. There was a discussion
about the number of votes from each unit (based on the number of Directors and not on the
membership). Warren will follow-up with the ACBL to find out the details on this. Connie was
concerned about having time to discuss the vote prior to voting. The deadline for voting is Sept.
15.
New Business:
Resumption of Club and Tournament Activities. Warren had reported that the Unit had lost 7
people this year, but the numbers for the Unit were up. Larry reported that the ACBL has
reported membership is down 2.8%. This is due in part to no "in-person" club games so no new
people are coming in.
Kathy reported on the Twin City Bridge Center being sold. They will be closing Sept. 1. Teri
wants to continue teaching at Community Centers, etc. She wants to continue her chat groups.
Keith asked about the status of the Minneapolis sanctions. Kathy said they are keeping the
sanctions and their Board is meeting on the 25th to discuss what they want to do about another
location. The Fall tournament is in question at this time.
GNT Qualification: After some questions and comments, a motion was made by Amy, second by
Connie and unanimously approved that the 2019 GNT qualifiers will be allowed to advance to
the next GNT game whenever that takes place, pending ACBL approval.
Election of Officers and Appointments: Connie proposed and Kathy second, a motion to reelect the current Board -- Warren President, Sue Vice President and the Directors, with Larry as
a Non-Voting Board Member, Lance as Financial Advisor and Patti as Secretary. Unanimously
approved.
Reaching out to the Members who are not on BBO.
There was a a discussion about loosing people that are not playing on BBO. Why aren't they
playing? Keith thought that some people don't have access to a computer and possibly they
could go to the St. Paul Bridge Center. Larry suggested Keith contact Larry M on the Board.
Connie thought some people may not have internet and therefore cannot afford to play. Sue
talked about the Rochester club (Medcitybridge.com) putting up videos (Matt will forward a link
to the Board) to help people get on BBO. Connie would like to survey the membership (perhaps
Larry can do something like for the election) to see why people aren't on BBO. Warren talked
about the special games Duluth was offering for people to sign on and play in a special game.
This was tabled for the time, but should be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Next Meetings: October 15 at 10 am via Zoom
December 17 at 10 am via Zoom
Motion to adjourn made by Sue, second by Kathy. Unanimously approved.
Submitted by Patti Huiras, Secretary
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