Present: Ed Fire, Kathy Kolcaba, Debbie Thomas, Elliott Berenson, Diana Nazelli, Ray DiCarlo, Judy Kramer, Bill Rowe, George Lupone, Lori Zaim, Fran Dryer, Becky Thomas, Lynne Rustad
I. Call to Order. Meeting called to order @ 10:07am.
II. Approval of minutes of March 20 Membership Meeting. Approved with a minor change.
III. Treasurer's Report: Kathy Kolcaba. At the end of the first quarter our balance was $10,981.31. After paying rent & utilities ($408) and a membership deposit ($155) our current balance is $10,727.38. Two successful fundraisers have contributed to our healthy balance.
IV. Membership Report: Kathy Kolcaba and Lori Zaim. 135 individuals and 101 memberships.
V. Membership Committee Report: George Lupone. One more membership meeting will take place to assess our status.
VI. Advocacy Committee Report: Becky Thomas.
• We will ask for a membership vote to approve our proposed agenda for the upcoming year.
• An email was sent asking members to contact their legislators supporting the Fair Elections Act.
• Susan Alcorn has issued an invitation to join her at the City Club on Friday, April 23rd for a discussion of sustainable food ($15.00).
• Jennifer Brunner & Lee Fisher will speak from The City Club today (4/13) at 12:39 (WCPN).
• Reception for Jennifer Brunner this afternoon in Solon.
• The movie Fresh (Michael Pollan) will be shown at Noon at the Solon Theater on April 24th.
• Drop off any unwanted electronics at the Whole Foods on Chagrin Blvd, on April 17th.
• Senator Voinovich voted to eliminate the filibuster. He was one of only four Republicans to end the Republican led filibuster to deny an extension of Unemployment Insurance benefits. The bill was then passed and signed into law by President Obama. Voinovich deserves credit for recognizing the pain and suffering many thousands of long-term unemployed Americans are forced to go through.
• The Steering Committee will recommend supporting State Issue 1 and Cuyahoga Issue 15 in the May primary.
VII. Education Committee Report: Judy Kramer, Jana Theis, Claire Rahn, Bill Rowe.
• Greg Coleridge to speak April 17.
• The Family. June 12th led by Bill Rowe & Jana Theis
• Financial Reform May 15 (Pat Moore).
• Diane Nazelli will send a press release of upcoming events to the CVTimes
VIII. Old Business:
A. Repairs to Office, Renewal of Lease and Renewal of Liability Insurance Policy: Ed Fire. The new lease is identical to last year’s. Lights and drawers have been repaired. More discussion about paint v. wallpaper. Judy will take over discussion & negotiations with Kristen (from Shibley Mgmt). The liability policy (Insurance Diversified) is up for renewal ($500). The policy will be reviewed to determine what it covers.
B. Discussion on Implementation of Membership Meeting Focus Group Items:
1. 2010 Elections.
a. May 4th Primary Election. The Steering Committee will recommend to the membership that we support State Issue 1 and Cuyahoga County Issue 15.
2. The Economy.
3. Sustainability and Food
4. Campaign Finance Reform.
5. Continuing Health Care Reform.
C. Discuss plans for June 19 Membership Meeting.
D. Report on new Coffee Party organization: Judy Kramer. There has been an active group meeting at the Borders in La Place. Each group met with their congressman. A new meeting (14th district) has been started in Solon. The Coffee Party is interested in Civility, Campaign Finance Reform, & Financial Reform.
E. May 14-15 Relay for Life: Lori Zaim. The Relay starts @ 6pm on Friday and runs through noon on Saturday. Our team, Answer to Cancer, will walk the track at Chagrin Falls H.S for the entire 18 hours. To sign up for the team, purchase luminaries or to make a donation contact Lori.
IX. New Business:
A. Discuss Dennis Raymond's idea of conducting an updated survey of our Patriots for Change membership. We will consider conducting a survey of the membership in 2011. The priorities have been set for the 2010 year already.
B. "March to Fulfill the Dream:" Ray DiCarlo. Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign will stop in Cleveland (June 5,6,7&8) on its march from New Orleans to Detroit. Ray will provide information on how we can help the cause.
C. Coalition of Labor Union (CLUW) May 22 Cleveland Conference: Ed Fire. The AFL-CIO will hold the first annual event. Speakers will include Marcia Fudge, Betty Sutton, Free breakfast and lunch.
D. Other new Business
• Lynne Rustad has created a new P4C brochure with color pictures. Diana Nazelli’s family business will cover the printing costs.
• Blossom time – We will look into an application to participate in the parade.
• We decided that all non-member guest speakers should be offered a $50 honorarium.
X. Adjournment. 11:45
