CENTRAL OHIO BRIDGE ASSOCIATION

BOARD MINUTES

TUESAY, JANUARY 22, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m. at the Columbus Bridge Center in Columbus, Ohio, by President, Linda Rice.

Members present: Suman Agarwal, John Fleeman, Jeanne Griffin, Nancy Moore, Linda Rice, Cheryl Schneider. Absent: Pat Bacher, Bob Jiobu, Steve McCafferty, Russell Peffers, Kathryn Pyant, Lenore Smart

Secretary’s Report: Since we didn’t have a quorum for the second time in two months, it was decided to call Lenore Smart, who was recuperating at home from knee surgery, to get her vote when it was needed. We also contacted Bob Jiobu for his vote. The minutes for November and December were approved using this method, as well as all other votes taken at the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: Balance forward $33,101.00. Income for December: $7,084.97. Expenses: $4,337.83. Balance: $35,848.14. Prepaid Expenses for Haimerl Center rentals for 2008, 2009, 2010 and security deposits total $14,100.00. Total assets: $49,948.14. Cheryl moved to approve the Treasurer’s Reports for both November and December, John seconded, and all approved.

The surcharge of $1.00 per table at Sectional Tournaments to pay for the National Tournament in Louisville in 2010 was discussed. Since we did not increase the fees for the Winter Sectional, $211.50 had to be taken from profits for the surcharge. The Haimerl Center Contract was discussed. Deposit of $2,750 is due April 1, 2008 with balance of $3,750 due November 1, 2008. In 2011, the rent will increase to $8,000.

Cheryl made a motion to extend the CD that expires on February 3, 2008 for another 3 months, and John seconded. All approved.

Jeanne distributed the 2007-2008 Budget. Card dealing machine expense was changed from $5,000 to $4,000. Total Income: $29,910.00. Expenses: $34,560.00. Prepaids: $5,400.00. Net Gain of $750.00. Cheryl made a motion to approve, John seconded, and all agreed.

Corresponding Secretary: Plans for printing and distributing flyers for the Spring Sectional were discussed.

Unfinished Business:

COBA Money: Jeanne Griffin and Lenore Smart presented a list of suggestions for using excess COBA funds to the members.

Cheryl mentioned that she thinks the best thing the Unit has done for the clubs was to subsidize the NAP.

Whenever the clubs have a STAC Tournament, they are required to pay $2.25 per player to ACBL. The Columbus Bridge Club raises the fee from $7.00 to $9.00 to cover ACBL fees and absorbs the $.25. Suman made the motion, seconded by John, that we subsidize the clubs for the difference between what the clubs usually charge and the amount charged by ACBL. All agreed. Jeanne said that she would send a notice to other clubs that COBA would subsidize the surcharge. This program would begin immediately as the STAC Tournaments were currently being held the week of January 21-28.

Other suggestions on the list will be discussed at future meetings.

Awards Dinner: The date will be changed from April 27 to April 6 if there are no conflicting schedules. Cheryl will chair the award ceremony and contact the caterer. Suman made a motion to charge a $10.00 fee for dinner and two sessions of play. John seconded. All agreed.

Sectionals: Linda read a memo from Bob Jiobu on how successful the Winter Sectional was. Many comments were made about the excellent food (thanks Lenore). Discussion followed about the best way to direct participants to assigned sections. Suman and Linda will look into this. Complaints were also noted that players sneeze on cards, and how the club could promote proper sanitation was discussed.

Spring Sectional, March 28-30, 2008: John volunteered to discuss menu and preparation for the pancake breakfast with John Westinghouse. Suman, Linda, and Nancy volunteered to assist. Suman will take care of flyers.

Summer Sectional, June 20-22, 2008: Compact Knockouts to begin at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Saturday again, as in the Spring Sectional. Friday pair games to remain at 1:30 p.m. Discussion followed regarding separation of point range for A, B, C and D players. We decided to have a pizza party instead of the free picnic in June this year.

Card dealing machine: Suman will notify when available.

Sectional Info Sheet for New Players: Linda presented a sheet of information she had compiled about sectional tournaments that she thought would be good to post on our website, post in the club, and hand out at classes for new players. All agreed that this was a great idea.

Next meeting: February 12, 2008 at 5:30 at Columbus Bridge Center.

Suman moved the meeting be adjourned, seconded by John. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.

Respectively submitted: Nancy Moore, Recording Secretary