CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Tim Edes called the meeting to order at 11:00 AM at the Marriott Hotel Boardroom, Bakersfield, CA.
ROLL CALL
Board Members Present: Tim Edes, Jessica Furui, Dave Gooding, Mark Hogan, Jim Ingram, Maria Nadauld (via conference call), Larry Phegley, Geoffrey Sargent, Mikki Feeney, David Brace
Board Members Absent: Steve Goldfield
Officers and Coordinators Present: Darby Brandli, Valerie Conejo, Montie Elston, Lucy Smith, John Hettinger, Bruno Brandli, Stan Allen, Ted Kuster, Vickie Frankel, John Erwin plus 20 members.
Acting Secretary: Charlene Sims
SETTING OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was approved with two changes.
APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 2016 BOARD MEETING MINUTES
The minutes of the November 20, 2016 were approved as written.
PERSONS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON UNAGENDIZED ITEMS
John Erwin wanted the board to know that when FDF tickets are ordered by mail, the purchaser does not need to include a SASE as long as an email address is provided. This will be published in the Bluegrass Breakdown and on the CBA website.
OLD BUSINESS
VP and Concert Policies:
A new Events/Concert policy was approved and will be published on the website.
Bylaws Review:
The board went over suggested changes to Articles 1 and 2 of the CBA bylaws as part of an overall update and review. All changes must be approved by the membership at the October election. The board agreed on the need to create a Policy and Procedures Manual.
Great 48 Update:
Slim Sims introduced Jack Pierce, Bakersfield Area VP, who is head of the Great 48 Hour Jam Team. He feels things are going well; he has a good team on the project and the Marriott Hotel has been very responsive. Jack is willing to do it again next year.
FDF Retrospective:
Festival Director David Brace asked to postpone this item to next meeting.
5-year Festival Plan Update:
The committee reported that they are on track to make a presentation at the February meeting.
Annual Report:
Treasurer Valerie Cornejo is continuing to work on the Annual Report. She wants to be able to communicate to members all of our accomplishments and the strategic planning of the association.
NEW BUSINESS
IBMA Report:
IBMA Liaison Lucy Smith submitted the final IBMA report which showed a net profit and expenses below budget. Lucy’s organization and leadership is much appreciated. She has agreed to continue in this role next year.
San Francisco Events Project:
Ted Kuster is the new Statewide Activities VP as well as the San Francisco Area VP. He is having a lot of success in the area, with more jams and younger, diverse attendance. They are out at “Sunday Streets” and want to get more involved with public events. Ted plans to have a flatbed truck with a bluegrass band at the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 25. He asked the board to serve as a fiscal sponsor to receive donations and provide proof of insurance, to which the board agreed.
Vern’s Stage Update:
There are currently 17-19 bands hired for Vern’s Stage. Vern’s Stage Coordinator Ron Esparza is working on the schedule.
Mercantile Trailer:
A small expense was approved to update the decals on the mercantile trailer.
Nevada County Fairgrounds Meeting:
FDF Festival Director David Brace has a meeting with the Fairgrounds on January 24 to start negotiating the contract. He asked for one other board member to join him. The Fairgrounds wants the CBA to open one day earlier but we would need to have personnel to collect the money.
Wintergrass:
A small expense was approved to reimburse Frank Solivan for his Wintergrass expenses. The board agreed not to sponsor a jam suite. The CBA has a large room at the event.
Modesto House Concert in February:
David Brace announced that there will be a house concert with Nu Blu in February.
REPORTS
Executive Committee Report:
The Executive Committee discussed one confidential item between meetings.
Membership Report:
Membership Coordinator Larry Phegley reported that membership numbers are starting to go up again. He is still looking into doing automatic membership renewals.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Valerie Cornejo provided updated financial reports. The paperwork is ready to be sent to John Green who prepares the CBA’s taxes. Valerie is working on the annual budget.
Music Camp Report:
Music Camp Liaison Geoff Sargent provided the final report. Overall, music camp was profitable. He wants to look at how to bring in new students from other locations if possible as well as other countries.
Youth Program Report:
Youth Program Coordinator Darby Brandli reported the following:
–The IBMA KOB selection process is proceeding.
–The Music Academy flyers have been published. She expects it to sell out quickly.
–There are two Kids Jams starting in Feb, one in Lincoln and one at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley.
–The Lending Library database is completed and has the information needed to retrieve instruments.
–The FDF Family comps is a good program. Most families who are comped become members.
–There may be kids’ workshops at the Spring Campout.
Area Activities VP Reports:
Lucy Smith (Butte County) – The board approved an event proposal for John Reischman and the JayBirds on March 15 in Chico.
Larry Phegley (South Bay/Monterey Bay) – The Boxcars will be at the Grange on Feb 25.
Mark Hogan (North Bay) – Everything is set for the Sonoma County Bluegrass & Folk Festival on March 11 in Sebastopol. Mark announced that this is his last year doing the Cloverdale Fiddle Festival. He will be giving up his California Showcase responsibilities as well in order to focus on other things.
John Hettinger (Sacramento) – There are about a dozen jams in the Sacramento area. John likes the new Event/Concert policy but made the point that he may need more flexibility with the timing.
President’s Report:
President Darby Brandli had no additional items to discuss.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Tim Edes wants the board to think about starting a membership drive, providing incentives and benefits to be a CBA member. An Area VP meeting today will discuss membership.
CONFIRM TIME AND PLACE FOR THE NEXT BOARD MEETING
Next meeting is set for 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at the Brandli home, 2106 9th Avenue, Oakland, CA.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Charlene Sims, Acting Board Secretary