GDCA Board Minutes

GDCA Board Meeting
January 26, 2008, Henderson, Nevada.
MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 AM by President Linda Ridder.

In attendance were:
Members - Linda Ridder, Jean Highlands, Sue Davis Shaw, Lourdes Carvajal, Dianne Powers, Dave Miller, Jane Chopson, Tom Sandenaw, Paul Hardiman, Chuck Crawford, Jane Trieber, Rita Suddarth
Guest - Carol Grossman

Linda welcomed new Board members Jane Chopson and Rita Suddarth.

MOTION
To excuse the absences of Lynda Moriarty, Joe Longo, Warren Benoit and Cindy Harwin.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Recording Secretary
MOTION
To approve the minutes of the October 2007 meeting as presented.
Moved: Jean Highlands 2nd: Lourdes Carvajal

Corresponding Secretary
Linda reported for Lynda Moriarty that the vote on the standard changes did not pass.

Treasurer’s Report
Jean Highlands explained her report and informed the board that the tax forms are done and submitted to the IRS. She asked how much of her report should be published in the bulletin and the consensus was to publish just the summary. Jean was commended on providing a clear, easy to read report.

MOTION
To approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Dave Miller

Affiliate Representative’s Report
Dianne discussed two items with the board.
1. The by laws of the Great Dane Club of Oklahoma have been reviewed and approved by a committee appointed by Dianne. They can now be published for membership.


MOTION
To add the Great Dane Club of Oklahoma to the list of applicants to be published in the next bulletin.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Chuck Crawford

2. Illini Club By Laws were tabled until this meeting so that a policy can be developed on the issue of affiliate by laws that are more restrictive than the parent club. This was discussed and will be brought up for action under Old Business.

AKC Delegate
Tom reported that:
• The group realignment is not a dead issue. Anyone wishing input should contact John Neilson at AKC.
• AKC is now checking the breeder classified advertising on their site for accuracy, checking on the claims of club membership. Therefore, club membership must be up to date with the AKC. Also, each Parent Club will receive a questionnaire to assist on-line buyers.
• In general, AKC is having trouble getting officers from Parent Clubs in a timely manner.
• AKC now has a site locator for specialties.
• Tom reported on the using of armbands for info on attendees and the positive impact that attendees have on the local economy.
• The amateur owner handler class was approved, effective January 2009.
• The next delegates’ meeting will be in April.

Futurity
Dave reported on 118 litters nominated to date and a total puppy entry of 177. He reported that this year he is keeping track of how many puppies of each color are nominated.

Judges Education
The mentor list has been sent to AKC but is not on the web site yet.
Jane was unable to get to Cleveland for Judges Education, so Linda Ridder filled in. Approximately 24 took advantage of judges education at the national, 14 in Seattle, and 40 in Cleveland.

The illustrated standard was discussed and the fact that we need something that is judge-friendly and useable, lightweight and easily carried.

The educational CD was discussed, and Jane will discuss the cost with Fay Strauss. A letter from Margaret Shappard was read regarding errors in the Dog Judges Assn. quick reference guide for all breeds. As a result, the following motion was made

MOTION
That Jane Trieber, as Judges Education Chair, write to the DJAA (Dog Judges Assn. of America) regarding omissions in their listing of the Great Dane standard and the changes we would like them to make.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Also a note will be put on the website regarding the mistakes and omissions in the DJAA document.

Judges Selection
Linda reported her disappointment with the South Central Division’s lack of appointing an accountant for the upcoming judges vote. This will be brought up under National Specialty reports.

Membership
In Lynda’s absence, Linda Ridder presented the applicants for membership.

MOTION
To vote into membership:
Jessi Wruk
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Kathy Munyan
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Tom Sandenaw

Kim Felix
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Dianne Powers

Margo Jean Bauman
Moved: Jean Highlands 2nd: Jane Trieber

Allison Paxton
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Jane Trieber

Mark & Mandy Robinson
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Doris Bryan
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Rita Suddarth

Adam Protos
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Lourdes Carvajal

Nancy O’Connor
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Jane Trieber

Linda DeVincent
Moved: Jane Trieber 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Candy Gebhardt
Moved: Jean Highlands 2nd: Jane Trieber

Clyde Morris
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Rescue
There was a discussion regarding the various rescue groups and how grants from independent rescues are approved. This process needs to be clarified.

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they approve the following four rescue grants as recommended by Rescue Chairman Mary Barnett Reed:
Great Dane Club of the Mid-South (1) $500.
Great Dane Club of the Mid-South (2) 500.
Illini Great Dane Club (1) 500.
Illini Great Dane Club (2) 500.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Dave Miller

MOTION
That the board not consider the rescue grant application of Etosha Rescue at this time, as recommended by Mary Barnett Reed.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Tom Sandenaw

It was mentioned that the Great Dane Rescue of Northern California is a sponsor of anti-dog legislation. It was suggested that the Great Dane Club of Northern California write a letter to Mary Barnett Reed apprising her of the situation.

Standard Committee
Lourdes has been in contact with Bob Edison but has not yet appointed her committee. There was a discussion about the illustrated standard and the wishes of the membership, which seems to be to return to the original Gauthier drawings. Lourdes will check with Norvel to see if there is a letter giving permission to use the drawings. She discussed her ideas for the direction of the illustrated standard. She will put a committee together and notify the board. The board discussed the possibility of using Photoshop to lift the colors and place them on a generic dog.

Internet
Nancy Lerch’s report was read, citing 30,768 web site visits in December, normally a slow month. Nancy mentioned a new Junior Showmanship photo album that is up and running, and she would like affiliate clubs to submit their specialty, match and seminar information.

Breeders Education
Linda read an email from Kathy Varian outlining her ideas, including an internet “In My Opinion”, as well as ideas for breeders and exhibitors at the national.

Charitable Trust
Lourdes presented her year-end report and reported on a bequest from Eva Robinson. She reported that they had made their final payment to the Harl. Gene Project. Keith Murphy is continuing the project. She had his final report, which will be placed on the web site, and we will inform the membership that Dr. Murphy has found the funds to continue the research.

National Specialty Coordinator
Futurity Alliance Contract
Carol Grossman joined the group and requested a vote on the Purina alliance. She reported that the program will continue, but the dollar figures will be lower because the program did not generate the sales that they expected. Purina will now donate $15 for each finished champion instead of $25. The program will be reevaluated after 2010.
After reviewing the contract, the following motion was made.

MOTION
To approve the Purina Alliance Agreement pending Purina’s acceptance of the changes.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Dave Miller

Carol discussed her concerns regarding the 2010 specialty, and her further concerns that she has had no response from their division chair.

MOTION
To direct Carol Grossman, National Specialty Chairman, to write a letter to the South Central Division Chair and South Central Affiliate Clubs regarding their failure to secure an accountant and their failure to meet milestones. Carol will also notify them that their continued failure to meet milestones could jeopardize their opportunity to host the 2010 national specialty.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Correspondence from National Specialty vendors was read and discussed.

Legislative
Tom Sandenaw reported that he continues to forward AKC press releases. He spoke with the AKC director of legislation regarding the dog legislation enacted in Louisville, which took effect in January of 2007. The Louisville club has brought suit and there has been an assurance that the city will not enforce this legislation against people coming in for dog shows. The AKC position is that clubs make their own call. There were pros and cons regarding considering the Louisville site for the national. Lynda Moriarty was contacted by phone to discuss the two sites under consideration.

Linda will contact Joe Longo and report to him that the board has every confidence in his judgment.

Trophy
Debbie Sandenaw emailed her report to Tom and he gave a detailed report for her. She is very happy with the trophy vendors, and stressed that it is essential that each division trophy chair inventory the trophies. Tom suggested that Debbie write up a detailed outline for division trophy chairs. There was a discussion of trophy issues and billing.

Yearbook
Rita has emailed Lora regarding the printer and the formatting. She is currently gathering data. She will need help getting letters out to those who have finished dogs in 2007. Ideas were discussed on how to improve the yearbook – suggestions to add candid photos from the last year’s national, to accept advertising, to add a producer section, a vendor section, etc. Rita will come up with some category ideas. Jane Chopson and Dave Miller volunteered to help Rita. Linda Ridder suggested a page or two on Juniors.

MOTION
To start accepting advertisements for the yearbook.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd Dave Miller

Lourdes asked if there was a better way to award our veterans in the veteran classes at the national. There was a discussion but no decision was made.

Old Business
PAC – Tom has made an inquiry to the AKC and asked that a discussion be put off to the next meeting.
Emergency Committee – It was determined that, with the speed in which we can discuss issues over the internet, this committee is not necessary.
Illini By Laws – The issue of an affiliate having by laws that are more restrictive than the parent club was discussed, as well as the fact that there is no policy in place to deal with such as issue. As the result, the following motion was made.

MOTION
The policy of the Great Dane Club of America regarding constitution and by-laws of affiliate clubs shall be as follows: The constitution of affiliates must include the following language:

The objects of the Club shall be:
A. To encourage and promote the quality in breeding of purebred Great Danes and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
B. To encourage the membership to a lifetime responsibility for their Great Danes, their Dane's offspring and to the education of others as all are necessary for the protection and advancement of the breed.
C. To urge members and breeders to accept the standard of the breed as approved by the American Kennel Club as the only standard of excellence by which Great Danes shall be judged and to encourage the study of the standard by breeders, judges, dog show committees and others interested in the advancement of the breed.
D. To do all in its power to protect and advance the interests of the breed and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows, field trials, and obedience trails.
E. To conduct sanctioned matches, specialty shows, obedience trials and other events for which the club is eligible under the Rules and Regulations of the American Kennel Club, and to generate publicity on any matter affecting the welfare of the breed.
F. To encourage dedication to the health and welfare of the breed.
G. To encourage the membership to participate in, promote and support Great Dane rescue
H. To disseminate and promote the ideals and objectives of the GDCA Charitable Trust.

In no case shall the by laws of an affiliate club be more restrictive than those of the GDCA unless the exception has been approved by the GDCA Board of Directors. An exception request shall only be forwarded to the GDCA Board if approved by 2/3rds of the voting affiliate membership present and in good standing and must be accompanied by a detailed record of the club vote and outcome.

If an affiliate club desires to request an exception, the club should detail the requested exemptions and the reasons it is thought to benefit the club, the members and the breed.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Paul Hardiman

Dianne will contact the Illini Club to notify them of this motion and let them know how to proceed should they wish to pursue the issue further.

Bonding of the Treasurer
Jean Highlands reported on recent changes in the requirements to be bonded and there was a discussion of the cost. Dianne will put it out on the Parent Club Yahoo Group to see how other clubs handle this situation.

As general information, Jean asked if any judges at our national are paid a fee. Her reason for asking is because she has learned that if we pay a judge $600 in fees, a 1099 must be filed. It was decided to simply delete that option.

MOTION
To delete from the National Specialty Rules & Regulations the option that a judge may request a fee rather than expenses.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Tom Sandenaw

Jean distributed a list of members who have not paid their dues to date.

Jane Trieber asked for direction in the matter of the educational CD’s. The board would need to see the contract before a decision is made, and the GDCA would need to have ownership and the copyright of the document when it is done. It may be advantageous to pay to have it developed and then produce it ourselves.

Breeder List
There was a discussion of how to deal with complaints regarding non-GDCA members. The issue was discussed. At the least, there needs to be a disclaimer on the web site similar to: The GDCA does not take action or get involved in disputes with puppy buyers. Another idea is to link affiliate web sites for breeder referrals, rather than have affiliate members listed on the web site or to highlight GDCA members’ names. We also need a boilerplate letter to respond to complaints. This will be discussed further at the next meeting.

MOTION
To adjourn the meeting
Moved: Sue Davis Shaw 2nd: Jane Trieber

The next meeting will be held on Saturday, April 19th, with the location to be determined.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Davis Shaw
Recording Secretary

The following motions were made, seconded and approved by electronic vote.

January 29, 2008
MOTION
To donate $200 to the Charitable Trust in memory of Nancy-Carroll Draper, a past President and GDCA member for over 50 years.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

February 19, 2008
MOTION
To approve Terri Holle as South Central Division Chair.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: Sue Davis Shaw

MOTION
To approve Karen Schuller as South Central Show Chair.
Moved: Lourdes
Carvajal 2nd: Sue Davis Shaw
March 6, 2008

MOTION
The GDCA Board & Directors charter the current Standards Committee to accomplish the following:
• The scope is limited to produce, in print, an Illustrated Standard. The objective of the Committee is to focus solely on this project through completion.
• The final product is subject to the GDCA Board & Directors approval
• The Illustrated Standard will incorporate the unabridged, unedited text of the current written Official Standard for the Great Dane.
• The illustrations will be only those produced by Donald Gautier in the original Illustrated Standard. No other illustrations are to be substituted. No modifications to Donald Gautier’s drawings will be approved other than to enhance definition.
• No photographs are to be used.
• The Committee is given latitude and flexibility in terms of format & Font type. Text must be legible.
• The final version must lend itself to transfer to electronic media.

A Proposal including: budget, timelines, and deliverables should be presented to the GDCA Board & Directors for final approval prior to the Board meeting at the 2008 National. If these items are prepared and finalized between Board meetings, the Board may approve the Proposal by electronic communication.”
Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: David Miller

March 9, 2008
To authorized Paul Hardiman to proceed with 
the firm of Fenwick & West to resolve the copyright issue. Further that Paul will use his 
judgment regarding the expense.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd: Cindy Harwin
March 15, 2008
MOTION
That the next meeting (April 19, 2008) of the GDCA 
Board & Directors be held in Columbus, OH.
Moved: Paul
Hardiman 2nd: Rita Suddarth
April 11, 2008
MOTION
That we make a donation in Margaret Suddarth's memory ($100.00) to the Women’s Marine Association Scholarship Fund.
Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd: Jane Chopson

 

Board Minute Archives

Top of this page