Board members in attendance: Phyllis Gates, Cathy Kenny, Marilynn Pysher, Loren Reich, Janalyn Travis-Messer, Stephanie Zinger. Absent: Ann Brunswick

Non-Board members in attendance: Myra Peskowitz, Meddi Shaw

Guests: Giovanna Ketcham, Jean Lawless, Paulette Van Vranken

The business meeting was convened at 4:07 p.m. at the Center Firehouse.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the meetings held on August 14, 2007, and on September 30, 2007, were unanimously approved.

Membership: Membership Chair Phyllis Gates introduced several new and potential members: Giovanna Ketcham, Jean Lawless and Paulette Van Vranken.

There was some discussion about whether to run an ad in The Reporter soliciting new memberships. Ms. Gates indicated this post-election period might be an ideal climate in which to do so. It was agreed to table the idea and take it up for consideration again perhaps in conjunction with the annual meeting (May/June 2008). Ms. Lawless recommended that might also be an excellent time of year to try to attract teen memberships.

The idea of perhaps sending voter registration forms along with a birthday card to teens turning 18 was discussed. Because of privacy issues, that was not deemed appropriate. However, Ms. Lawless suggested including such form with a graduation card, and Ms. Ketcham suggested holding a graduation luncheon/ meeting with youth members. It was agreed that Dr. Brunswick would work on and develop this idea.

Ms. Gates solicited input on a new membership directory and the format that the profiles would take. She suggested sending members a copy of this year’s profile and asking them to change/edit them as they wished for the 2008 version. Ms. Pysher suggested a more consistent format be used, whereby key information for all participants would be requested (education, work experience, etc.). Ms. Kenny stated it would be “invaluable” to know the profession for each individual as a potential resource for current and future LWVSI activities and agreed with Ms. Pysher that “steering” responses might work better. Ms. Zinger disagreed, indicating the text would be “too static.” Ms. Gates suggested allowing members to write what they wish about themselves and recommended the new directory be published in time for the annual meeting.

Ms. Gates distributed a list of members who had renewed their memberships and those that are still pending. Ms. Travis-Messer reported that membership rosters are due in to the National League by January 31, 2008, to make the national database and explained that the fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30. Some discussion ensued about when memberships are ideally paid so as to garner maximization of benefits in a fiscal year. There was also an explanation provided on the apportionment of dues to the National and local leagues, as well as a slight difference in our accounting of contributors versus paid members (i.e., the LWVSI has been counting contributors amongst its roster of members, but they are not recognized by the National League as such – thus, our books show 103 members versus the 88 on the National League’s records). Ms. Gates stated she would send out a reminder to those members who have not yet paid their dues by early January so as to try to make the January 31 deadline. Ms. Travis-Messer recommended sending out these notices before year end 2007 so that contributors may take advantage of a tax deduction.

Organizational Issues: As Chair of the Nominating Committee, Ms. Pysher announced that Ms. Kenny has agreed to serve as President on an interim basis and that Ms. Gates has agreed to serve as Vice President until the elections at the annual meeting. Both were approved. Ms. Kenny, who has been serving as Chair of Voter Services, requested someone take over that role. Ms. Travis-Messer stated that the Secretary’s position and the Voter Services Chair will be up for election at the 2008 annual meeting (N.B. contrary to what stated during the meeting, the Vice President’s term will be up for election in June 2009).

Ms. Kenny stated her intent to focus on getting back to the “core business” of the League and affirmed her plans to re-read the LWVSI’s mission. She asserted her belief that the Vice President should treat that position as a training ground and be prepared to jump into the President’s slot should there ever be such need. Ms. Gates suggested Ms. Georgiana Ketcham be encouraged to continue working on Membership as she has been doing.

Ms. Kenny stated that because she is a weekender meetings will have to be held on weekends. Ms. Zinger raised a question regarding insurance coverage which the Center Firehouse management have requested; it was recommended she contact Ms. Stephanie Lopez of the State LWV at Stephanie@lwvny.org. Ms. Zinger also indicated the Firehouse management would prefer knowing the LWVSI meeting schedule in advance, if possible, with which Ms. Kenny agreed. It was determined that the next meeting would be held on Saturday, January 12, at 9:30 a.m. Some discussion ensued about the venue: Ms. Shaw offered her home, but Ms. Travis-Messer reminded the Board that, in accordance with LWV by-laws and in keeping with the League’s strict adherence to openness and transparency, meetings must be held in a public place. Various options were mentioned, including the Library, the Chequit Restaurant, etc.

Ms. Kenny requested some thought be given to the types of meetings/fora the LWVSI should like to sponsor. She has already reached out to newly elected Town Supervisor Jim Dougherty.

With regard to LWVSI representation at county, state and national meetings, Ms. Kenny suggested Ms. Travis-Messer be relieved of her role as Treasurer so that she may act as liaison. The latter indicated that role normally falls under the purview of the President and stated that the State Board Report (“SBR”) also goes to the President for appropriate dissemination. Ms. Kenny replied that her schedule will not permit her to perform that function and requested Ms. Travis-Messer take it on. Ms. Travis-Messer indicated she would retain the position of Treasurer until the post is up for election in 2009 and would disseminate the SBR.

Observer Corps: Ms. Gates stated the Observer Corps notes have evoked an “incredible response” and go very far in promoting transparency in government. There are currently some 225 recipients, including about half the LWVSI membership and all Town Board members, who receive it as a courtesy. Ms. Shaw enquired how one goes about getting added to the list – Ms. Gates replied that interested parties should send her an email. It has been recommended that these notes be posted on the LWVSI website, which she will look into. Mr. Bill Friedman, former President Betsy Jacobson’s husband, has begun recruiting a group of financial analysts who have volunteered to provide their expertise in addressing those Town issues pertaining to budget, land acquisition, capital budgets, etc., which Mr. Friedman has volunteered editing. Ms. Gates, who distributed the current listing of volunteers in the Observer Corps, indicated she would warmly welcome additional volunteers. Her hope is to have enough Corps members so that each person would only have to do it once or twice a month.

Memorial Tree: Ms. Zinger has conferred with Mr. Friedman about the choice of tree to be purchased by the LWVSI and planted in honour/memory of Ms. Jacobson (flowering pear, cherry or dogwood). She contacted Doroski’s Nursery which quoted her $119 for a small (7-8 foot) tree and $250 for a larger tree – either of which could be planted this Autumn. Ms. Van Vranken recommended she also contact Shelter Island Gardens. Mr. Friedman has offered to defray part of the cost. Ms. Zinger will research the cost of a plaque; Ms. Travis-Messer suggested she contact the Shelter Island Historical Society to see who they have used. Various options were discussed with regard to placement of the tree, and it was agreed the most suitable place would be the Center Firehouse grounds. The purchase of a larger tree was approved.

Town Budget Analysis: Ms. Travis-Messer confirmed that Mr. Peter Munson has agreed to take over this role performed by Ms. Jacobson in the past.

Voter Services: Ms. Kenny stated she felt the work of the LWVSI during this past election season in some measure contributed to the 62% voter turnout and 300+ absentee ballots. Among the initiatives undertaken were three Reporter articles authored by Ms. Kenny, registration tables on several occasions outside the IGA and visits to every town association by Misses Jacobson and Kenny. On behalf of Dr. Brunswick, Ms. Kenny summarized the content of the “comments” forms handed out at the two public debates sponsored by the LWVSI and the Shelter Island Association – all but two attendees felt they were good or very good. She thanked Ms. Travis-Messer for her assistance, as well as Ms. Gates and Ms. Shaw. Ms. Kenny reported the idea of holding two separate fora was very well received. With regard to the school microphones with which there were some problems Ms. Gates suggested the LWVSI seek out a grant of some sort to purchase its own mics. Ms. Shaw reported she had received some feedback indicating a preference for holding the debates on a Sunday rather than a Saturday. Ms. Kenny replied that was her feeling, as well. She indicated the Shelter Island Association provided “invaluable” assistance and named Ms. Joanne Robotti and Arthur Barnett as being of particular help.

There was some discussion about the closing comments made by Highway Superintendent candidate Gerry Siller which some felt went against the fair campaign pledge mandated by each of the candidates participating in the debates. Although it was determined that he had not violated the pledge, Ms. Kenny reported she conducted some research into the process for having such a violation adjudicated and explained that there is a formal process brought before a review committee which renders an opinion and issues a press release on its findings.

Ms. Travis-Messer reported she served as an invited Moderator for the Town of Southold debate for which she received a $250 donation to the LWVSI. There were concerns about adherence to fair campaign pledges there, too. She also acted as an election poll watcher at the Mattituck Parks District for which there was no charge because she acted on behalf of the citizens of the Hamlet of Mattituck (contrary to what asserted by one of the candidates who maintains he had invited her to participate – Ms. Travis-Messer indicated she would be writing a letter to the Editor contesting his assertion as well as affirming that that individual was campaigning within 100 feet of a polling place, which runs contrary to electioneering rules).

Treasurer’s Report: Ms. Travis-Messer reported she had not yet had a chance to balance the checkbook, but that the register reads a balance of $3,122.50 (versus $3,900 as per the bank statement). A listing of the checks paid out and received was provided.

(At this juncture, Misses Van Vranken and Lawless left the meeting.)

Youth & Education Committee: In light of Dr. Brunswick’s absence, a report was remanded to the next meeting.

Know Your Town: Ms. Reich stated her draft was reviewed by Ms. Travis-Messer and that she was almost finished incorporating her suggested changes/ editions. Ms. Kenny requested Ms. Reich draft a letter to potential sponsors, indicating a suggested contribution of $100. Ms. Travis-Messer recommended sending a similar letter to the Observer Corps minutes recipients, requesting a suggested contribution of $25. Checks are to be made out to “LWVNYSEF.” Deadline for receipt of donations is December 31 and a goal of a Spring 2008 distribution was agreed upon. Ideally, enough funds would be collected to distribute a copy of KYT to each and every mailbox holder on Shelter Island. It was recommended that when Ms. Frederica Merck run her ad in The Reporter on KYT, it mention the fact that donations toward its publishing are tax deductible.

Speaker Forum for Spring: In light of Ms. Tullia Limarzi’s absence, this topic was remanded to the next meeting.

Communications: Ms. Gates reported having received a complaint from a LWVSI member about an advocacy report/action alert issued by the National League.

Stationery: Ms. Gates reported having received a quotation from North Fork Press for stationery, as follows: $117.93 for 100 letterhead sheets and $143.40 for 100 #10 envelopes. Ms. Zinger suggested trying The Ink Spot printers in Southold. Ms. Gates indicated Mr. Sam Lebowitz has offered to print a small quantity of coloured letterhead on his home printer. It was therefore agreed to hold off getting them professionally printed for the time being.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 p.m.

 

Prepared by Adam Gaus
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Updated June 10, 2008