Board Minutes 2022-08-24

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Board Minutes 2022-08-24

The meeting was called to order at 1:00 pm by President Beryl Cole. This was a hybrid meeting – in-person at Shaarei Shalom and via Zoom. Those in attendance: Beryl Cole, John Cole, Cindy Potter Taylor, Barbara Nowak, Glenn Segal, Ina Getzoff, Allan Huss, Mona Morris, Dennis Rice, Joel Sisitsky, Andy Wakshul, Walter Rosenthal, Larry Schulman, Eric Sharenow

Beryl asked if the June 22^nd minutes were read. It was asked if the payment of $125 per month to Temple was voted on. Dennis said yes, this was done by email and Beryl confirmed.

Minutes were then approved by all.

Treasurer’s Report: Larry Schulman

Larry reported that the June and July financial reports were emailed to the Board.

As of June 30, 2002, there was a balance of $26,856, $13,798 in Reserve, a $62 expense and no income. Larry made a motion to approve, Mona seconded and all approved.

As of July 30, 2022, there was a balance of $26,886, $13,798 in Reserve, $30 deposit. Larry made a motion to approve and all approved.

Larry suggested that the Reserve Account, mainly grant funds,  be used for the library expenses rather than taking it from the routine operating budget. He suggested the computer that will be bought could also be taken from the Reserve Account. Beryl will be buying a PC laptop and monitor. It was pointed out that some Board members have excess equipment, a Windows 11 computer and perhaps that could be donated rather than purchasing one.

Larry told John that the financial reports should be in the Administration section of the website for the Board to review. He also indicated that not having new members last year means that we are drawing down from the Reserve and that could affect cash flow next year. It was asked what we do with the money when a Life Member passes away. Larry said the money remains in Reserve but there hasn’t been good record keeping of who has passed away. Cindy said that in the Directory there is an asterisk by those members who have died.

Lastly, Larry suggested putting some money into a CD to get more interest. A motion to move $10,000 was approved.

Nominating Committee – Dennis Rice

Dennis indicated that the two positions to be filled, Programming and Treasurer, are now up to Beryl to fill these positions. However, Dennis will make recommendations. Allan Huss made a motion to extend Larry’s tenure until a successor is found. Approved

Membership Report – VP Joel Sisitsky

As of 8/22/2022, there are 64 renewals, 18 family memberships and 63 life members with a total of 145 members.

Walter Rosenthal said that we need to broaden the membership and we only got members in the past year between March and June when people who join get a two-year membership. John said that we need to monitor more closely those who are new or renewals but unfortunately Pay Pal does not have a place to account for that.

Special Educational Programs – Vice President Eric Sharenow

Eric raised two issues. The first concerned Policies & Procedures. He recommends a separate file on topics discussed to serve as a quick reference. Secondly, he would like a presentation on embedding information on documents.

Walter Rosenthal reported that as of October 1^st, we will be advertising in 6-8 communities to increase membership. The ads will run through the season, approximately 5-6 months. He has a budget that was approved of $1500 to spend on the advertising. The important part of it though is to track results. He said that within each ad, there will be our website, an email address and a phone number. He will be emailing the Board the list of communities and if anyone has another suggestion, please contact Walter.

John Cole said that as a resident of a community, people can submit flyers that can be shown on the Access Television for the individual community. John has the flyer and will be glad to email it to anyone who can make use of this feature.

John is also concerned about Constant Contact (CC) and how they bounce or suspend people. Bounced emails are those email addresses that are not accepted by the target recipient and there are many root causes of this. John will be working with Constant Contact to resolve these issues.

Good & Welfare – Beryl reported that Marilyn Lane is in the hospital. Mona said that we had already voted to select a gift for Board members who are ill and to spend at least $35.

Security – Glenn Segal reported that a copy of the Security Report was sent to all Board Members. It mainly focuses on knowing the exits and steps to take in case of an active shooter. John suggested a Tuesday meeting to address security and then report back to the board. Mona suggested that Board members watch the CNN documentary, “Hate in America.”

Library – Cindy and Barbara cleaned up the library and report that it looks great. The next step is to check the software. Barbara asked if she could buy books that are helpful and pertinent and if there is a maximum amount she can spend. Eric will check the Policies & Procedures but Larry didn’t think there would be a problem for small amounts. All Board meetings will now be held in the Temple Library so Larry said he has to re-negotiate the contract with South County Civic Center because the monthly cost included two hours for Board meetings.

Old Business – Beryl said she is still trying to contact Indian Spring and is getting no return calls. We still have the $500 which we would like to be transferred to 2024 or use for a smaller venue and snacks rather than a meal. Mona suggested a reception for members as a way of welcoming them back from the Covid years.

Beryl also announced that thank-you notes were sent to 3 people – two who paid more than the Annual dues and one benefactor.

Eric brought up the continuing discussion regarding insurance and asked Allan Huss to comment regarding purchasing D&O insurance (Directors & Officers Liability Insurance.) He said the first question to ask is what would we get sued for? We are in a litigious society so it’s always possible. Mona and Ina brought up cases of people falling or if an officer acts or says something inappropriate to a member.

This insurance would pay for the cost of defense only, not indemnity payments. He also advised that the annual premium be less than 5% of the budget. Beryl received a quote for $387.60 per year for a $500,000 coverage so Larry said that would be less than 5%. There is no deductible and no cap meaning that if the lawyers needed to spend more than $500,000 on a case, they would at no extra expense.

Beryl was asked to get a policy in writing and it would be discussed at the next meeting.

Larry asked that the $125/mo. to the Temple that was approved by email be ratified at a Board meeting. It was approved. Note to clarify: Ratifying is done at a regular meeting after a motion is made in an emergency situation.

New Business –

The general meeting on Wednesday, September 14^th will be hybrid. Mona and Mark Jacobson will do the Brick Wall and make a presentation. The speaker is Jennifer Mendelsohn. Walter, Dennis, John and Beryl will be at South County to register people. Beryl just wants to be sure that all necessary forms are there, pencils, etc. Mona said that the Covid protocol calls for all those who are coming in person be paid members and have registered in advance. Guests are not allowed in person at the first meeting but guests virtually are allowed. She described a green and orange system at the check-in tables. Green is for those paid and registered in advance and orange is for those members who have not yet paid. As of now, only 12 people have registered to be in person. Forty-seven have signed up. John Cole said that on September 8^th, he will go to South County to test the audio system.

Eric complemented the new logo.

Allan reported on Scattered Seeds. He would like all articles in by September 15^th and he hopes to have it out by Yom Kippur. He said that there were excellent speakers at the IAJGS Conference and we should investigate bringing some of them down here to address the members. Next year’s conference will be in London from July 30^th to August 3^rd. Beryl, Mona and Allan will talk about programs following the Board meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 2:41 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Gelpey, Secretary, JGSPBC

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