BOARD MEETING MINUTES - DECEMBER 3, 2007
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Roll Call: Michelle Olsen • Lisa Pruka • Sally Davis • Kelly Hagstrand • Terri Clingerman • Wayne Koutsky • Jo Roach

Members Absent: Claudia Frank • Denise Teal

Call to order: 5:01 pm PST by Michelle Olsen

1. Delegate Business:

  • Nothing new to report.

2. Recording Secretary’s Report: Jo Roach

  • November 2007 Minutes approved:
    Motion: Terri Clingerman
    Second: Sally Davis
    In Favor: Unanimous

3. Corresponding Secretary’s Report: Terri Clingerman

  • Thank you note from Neena VanCamp for the national specialty judging assignment and hospitality.

  • Answered AKC's survey regarding the possible International Obedience Invitational, with the same answer that we gave them back in March (that we are in favor of the concept but that we think exercises from other organizations should be included, and also that it should be titling so all AKC exhibitors could participate).

  • Event #2007507021 (the tracking dog test at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #2007507022 (the tracking dog excellent test at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #2007507015 (Friday agility at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #2007507019 (Wednesday agility at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #2007507011 (Thursday agility at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #2007507017 (Friday rally at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Events #2007507005, #2007507007, #2007507008 (Monday herding at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Events #2007507009, #2007507010, #2007507013 (Tuesday herding at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Events #2007507016, #2007507014 (Wednesday herding at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #2007507006 (Saturday conformation and obedience at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • Event #20075070126 (Sunday conformation and obedience at the national) has been processed and closed out by AKC.

  • BCSA's AKC dues of $25 are due by 1/1/08, forwarded that info to the Treasurer.

  • Received an email from Plush Puppy, asking to be a vendor for the 2008 national. Forwarded that to the chairs (Denise Teal and Linda Koutsky.

  • Sent the 2008 specialty judges voting results to Nancy to be posted on BC-Announce.

  • Received a question on how to subscribe to Borderlines if not a member, replied that the check should still be sent to Kathy Sours.

  • Was asked if BCSA has a scholarship program, replied that we don't.

  • Received a request from a high school student for BC information for a school project, replied with a list of likely articles from our website and some herding information.

  • Received a request from a high school student for BC rescue information for a school project, replied with links to our website.

  • Received an inquiry about registering a dog bought in the U.S to a foreign registry, replied with advice to check with their kennel club's regulations.

  • Received an email from Purina, reminding us about how members can participate in there Purina Parent Club Partnership by sending in weight circles from Purina dog food. BCSA earns funds from Purina for health and
    rescue when members do that. Forwarded it to BC-Announce.

  • Received questions and comments regarding the board's announcement regarding conformation judging in 2008 from Lisa Weeks, Kelly Whiteman, Arthur Sorkin, Kathy Flynn, Carol Clark, Arthur Sorkin, Trish Eifert, Kathy Hightshoe, and Sonja Donaldson. Replied with answers to their questions.

  • Received an inquiry about buying ACE shirts, referred the person to Nancie Mages who has the remaining ones.

  • Received a note from a BCSA member about her dog missing from the new titles list. Asked Ann to add the dog to the new title section on the website.

  • Received an inquiry about donating to BCSA in memory of a deceased dog, suggested donating to a BC rescue group and forwarded the name of the BCSA rescue chair.

  • Notified Kelly Whiteman that the board voted electronically during November to approve her judging conformation at the 2008 BCSA national.

  • Received an inquiry about BCs and what they're like to live with from a junior, replied to the questions and referenced our website for more information.

  • Received a question as to when the conformation results from the 2007 national will be on the website. That's still TBD, but the results are available on AKC's website, under Events.

4. Treasurer’s Report: Wayne Koutsky

4.1. General Account Balances

Last month: $86,546

This month:
Checking balance: $6,687
Savings (Money Market) balance: $47,683
Health balance: $7,269
Rescue balance: $16,320
Total: $77,959

4.2. 2007 Specialty Income/Expenses
Income: This month: $64,299 Last month: $66,142
Expenses: This month: $52,394 Last month: $49,704

5. Interim Business Transacted by E-Mail

5.1. Board Votes
Motion 2007-07 made on November 15 by Jo Roach to hire Kelly Whiteman as the conformation judge for the 2008 National Specialty. Second Terri Clingerman, In Favor: Wayne Koutsky, Lisa Pruka. Abstain: Sally Davis, Kelly Hagstrand, Denise Teal.

5.2. New Member Applications
The following new membership applications were approved:

  • Kurt Lubben (Scottville, MI)
    Sponsor: Carol Richardson

  • Richard and Terri Rashid (Redmond, WA)
    Sponsor: Karen Moureaux

  • Kay Scott (Arlington, TX)
    Sponsor: Marla Bull

  • Ellen and David Shanahan (Lenox, MA)
    Sponsor: Jessica Scavetta

  • Jessica Zabron (Hamburg, NY)
    Sponsor: Junior Membership

  • Motion: Kelly Hagstrand
    Second: Wayne Koutsky
    In Favor: Unanimous

6. Committee Business/Reports:

6.1. Committee Review
Lisa will be sending a reminder letter to all committee volunteers, asking if they want to continue and what their goals are for 2008.

6.2. General Committee Productivity Project
The health committee will be featured in the next issue of Borderlines.

6.3. Advertising Manager (Club) Volunteer Needed
This committee is being retired.

6.4. Affiliate Clubs: Emily Fish
I have a question that has been brought up by the affiliate club committee about insurance. The question lies in what kind of insurance does BCSA have? Is there a possibility to give an affiliate club a discounted rate? Or somehow back into BCSA's insurance, so the affiliate club doesn't have to pay a high premium? This discussion came about as several affiliate clubs feel they aren't able to afford insurance and yet some venues are requiring the clubs to have insurance in order to hold matches or events. Any opinions or places to go to help the affiliate clubs out would be much appreciated!
Also, another committee update that is somewhat involved in our committee is the name change for Mid Atlantic Border Collie Club to the Bay Colony Border Collie Club. This may already be on the agenda but thought I would mention it in our committee report.
The board discussed Emily’s insurance question. Lisa has already sent Emily information about an insurance company used by one of her dog clubs. Michelle will also send more Emily insurance company information. Affiliate clubs are encouraged to secure their own insurance policies.

6.5. Agility Trial in Feb: Pennsylvania: Karen Herceg
No report.

6.6. Agility Trial in June: Michigan: Denise Teal
No report.

6.7. AKC Gazette Columnist: Gerianne Darnell
I am working on a two-part article in the Gazette featuring the first two Border Collie QUAD Champions.

6.8. BCSA Announce & Suggestion Box: Nancy Little

  • As of November 28th, 2007 there are 370 subscribers.

  • There were 3 messages received in the Suggestion Box since my last report. (September 30th, 2007).

6.9. BCSA Merchandise Manager for Ivars Account:
No report.

6.10. Border Recorder: Volunteer Needed

6.11. Borderlines:

  • Sally Davis has offered to assume the Denise Teal’s Borderlines duties. Sally will contact Donna Brisbin who has volunteered to help with the proofreading and editing of Borderlines.

  • The board continued its discussion on ways to cut costs related to the production of Borderlines. Ideas include: cutting the number of issues to four per year (realizing that would mean expanding each issue), permanently discontinuing the ad policy, and producing the same number of issues but cutting back on the content of each issue.

  • We will post a survey on the website to solicit ideas and suggestions from the membership about what they would like to see happen with Borderlines.

6.12. Breeder Referral: Karen Herceg
No report.

6.13. Finance Committee: Beth Bartholomew
Nothing to report.

6.14. Futurity Committee: Volunteer Needed

6.15. General Education: Donna Mallory
“Do I really want to breed my dog?” document has been submitted to the board for comments. The board likes the document but has requested that some information about temperament be added.

6.16. Health: Cecilia Lamb
Cecelia Lamb is the new chair. She and Casey are working on figuring out a direction for the committee.

6.16.1. CHIC: Cecilia has contacted them.

6.15.2. Health Survey: Casey’s survey has over 250 responses. Lisa will talk to Casey about setting a deadline for the survey responses.

6.15.3 AKC/CHF Canine Health Conference: 10/19-21 in St. Louis: Lori Mauger (BCSA member & HEF board member) attended on our behalf. Lori has completed a 6+ page summary of the conference which will appear in the Dec/Jan Borderlines issue.

6.15.4 AKC CHF: The CHF requested that we consider funding two BC specific studies, one on the “Genetic Analysis of Noise Phobia in Border Collies” and one on the “Genetic Determinants of Canine Epilepsy in the Border Collie and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.” Last month we voted to donate $2500 to each study and Michelle has sent donation instructions to CHF.

6.17. Herding: Claudia Frank

  • I think we can consider an "Excellent" level to the "Stockdog of Distinction" Award. This would include herding championships in AKC, AHBA, ASCA plus 20 points from Open field competition as described in the current SOD qualifications. Two new dog/handler teams have completed the requirements for this award. According to Denise Teal they are Susan Rhodes and Bill and Chuck Hoffman and Ginn.
  • The board discussed this proposal and expressed concern about requiring the ASCA herding championship since it requires work on ducks and cattle, which are not our breed's primary purpose. Additionally, we have some concerns that at times ASCA judging in recent years has erred on the side of rewarding herding styles that we do not want to encourage in our breed (e.g. high-contact, ranch-style work, versus quiet, strong-eye work). We do not want to exclude ASCA but we don’t want to require it either. We will propose to Claudia that the only additional requirement for the Excellent level be the 20 open field points, to really put the focus on testing dogs in the area for which our breed is specialized.
  • The SOD award will now be included in the duties of the Herding committee.
  • Denise Teal tabulated the Versatile Stockdog Award at the National Specialty. This was a new award for this year. It was very well received and I'd encourage the next Specialty Chairman to include it among the herding events (I asked if she had any changes she would suggest – after fielding some complaints from people who didn’t get into everything so felt they were at a disadvantage).
  • Denise Teal took entries for the National Specialty Herding Instinct Testing. About 40 dogs passed and 3 did not pass. The judge was Joyce Norris who did a super job. The dog names and owners have been sent to the Borderlines for inclusion in the next issue.
  • I am always open to suggestions as to what could be done to increase membership involvement in herding and to maintain the awareness for the need to maintain the BC as a THE top stockdog. If you think there is something we can do please let me know.

6.18. Historian: Mickey Bruzek
I am trying to get info from the AKC right now. I also am collecting history on the BC leading up to the formation of the BCSA. It is slow progress and I haven't devoted as much time as I should have but I am "kickin it up a notch" as they say in New Orleans! I would also like to put an ad in Borderlines to get back copies of the magazine and any contacts that would have historical info to share to email me.

6.19. Juniors: Mary Beth Overmyer & Linda Follis

  • No report.

  • The board would like to see a scholarship program started.

6.20. Judges Education: Linnea Klingel

  • Mailed out 212 CD's to approved judges. Have gotten very nice, thoughtful feedback and appreciation on the CD, the judges concerns and the board’s mission statement!

  • Upcoming presentation requests:

    • February 2008: Linn at Westminster – Linn needs dogs/handlers (will be reimbursed for parking and gas).

    • Feb 21-24, 2008 Advanced Judges Institute in conjunction with IKC in Chicago – dogs/handlers have been arranged.

    • Spring 2008: California, Art Sorkin will present
      July 2008: Omaha, NE – Linn will present

6.21. Judges Selection Process: Sonja Donaldson Chair

  • We are waiting for 2009 chairs to begin the selection process.

  • Sonja will be posting a notice on the website to solicit comments from the membership on the current JS process.

  • Sonja has notified the judges of the 2008 JS voting results.

6.22. Legislative Liaison: Linda Baron
No report.

6.23. Membership: Kathy Sours
December new member applications were forwarded to the board for approval.

6.24. National Specialty Steering Committee: Megan Harrison & Julie Bosier
The board reviewed the specialty hosting bid application form that Denise put together and discussed several areas that need clarification. Michelle will forward the form to Megan and Julie for their input.

6.25. Nominating Committee Procedure: Karen Herceg
No report.

6.26. Recruitment: Volunteer Needed

6.27. ROM: Kim Sykes
Kim is now getting the New Titles file along with Ann Shaw, and Ann is putting the information on the website. Kim received a request for information about top producers; Lisa is helping her gather this information which will include OTCH, HC and MACH producers as well as CH.

6.28. Rescue Liaison: Carol Wesenberg

  • I have been working with Ann on getting the rescue area updated on the website. Here is what has taken place so far:
    • I contacted some rescues in September that are not on the current rescue listing to see if they would like to be included on the contact list using the email letter reviewed/approved by Megan.
    • I also asked them to respond indicating their interest in participating in the monthly feature rescue dog posting.
    • I created a tracking spreadsheet system to record rescue group information and to manage the feature dog rotation.
    • Requested updates to the rescue contact list – completed by Ann.
    • We had two rescue dogs featured so far, for the months of October and November.
    • Ann has been GREAT to work with on the web postings! Received some suggestions from first rescue group and feature dog postings modified accordingly.
    • Noted some issues with giving rescues enough time to prepare their information. November didn’t allow enough time, probably needed to give a different group their slot and moved them to another month. Will modify processes as needed to make things smoother in the future.
    • I already contacted the December feature rescue to ensure they have time to prepare their write up and photos.
    • I requested feedback from the October highlighted group and asked them for any suggestions – will do the same for November.
  • Future plans include:
    • Verify the original information on the Contact List to make sure it is still current for each rescue noted.
    • Do a second follow up with the rescue groups I contacted that I haven’t heard from yet to see if they would like to be added to the Contact List.
    • Follow up to get more of the listed rescues signed up for the Monthly Feature Dog program.
      Plan a follow up email or survey of rescues on the Contact List to see what types of things that they would appreciate help with/have suggestions for etc. in the future.
    • Come up with a plan to highlight the grant opportunity to rescues – possibly through another email – thinking to do on this yet!

6.29. Specialty – 2008: Linda Koutsky

  • Denise has resigned from co-chairing this event. Linda has confirmed she will continue with her commitment.

  • The obedience seminar is being cancelled because Linda needed to scale back now that she’s the sole specialty chair.

  • Linda has booked the Holiday Inn as the host hotel to resolve quality and interface issues we had with the Diamond Inn. Participants can, of course, stay wherever they choose.

  • Linda has suggested canceling the BC Social event due to declining attendance. The Parade of Champions will be scheduled for another time during the specialty week. The board agreed with this suggestion.

  • Michelle has suggested including deadlines in the photographer and show secretary contracts in regard to providing results and win photos for publication in Borderlines and on the website.

6.30. Specialty – 2009: Volunteer Needed
At our next meeting, the board will decide on a date for canceling this event should no one volunteer to chair it.

6.31. Specialty – 2010: Julie Bosier & Megan Harrison

  • Sally Davis motioned to approve Julie and Megan as co-chairs for the 2010 specialty, Wayne Koutsky seconded the motion, and the board voted unanimously in favor of the motion.

  • Julie and Megan have already booked Purina and they will be sending the dates to Ann to be posted on the website.

6.32. Versatility: Tashia Lund

  • My goal is to have all applications printed and sent by the end of the month of December.

  • I have an email from someone who wants the board to look at the tracking title requirements. She states there are no intermediate tracking title and wants to know why the TD isn't a part of the VX. Does anyone on the board do tracking or familiar with tracking?

  • The board discussed the question about tracking and decided no changes were needed.

6.33. Website: Ann Shaw

  • Set up e-mail voting forms for Specialty judges and Specialty Logo Photo Contest.

  • Completed review of web pages except older minutes pages and older Specialty pages.

  • Removed BCSA Store and designed Ivars shopping bag icon.

  • Regular site maintenance and page updates.

  • Set up on-line Health Survey.

  • Continuous updating of 2007 Specialty results.

  • Activating and updating 2008 Specialty pages.

  • Repaired 2003 National Specialty Win Shots for all venues.

  • Regular site maintenance and page updates.

7. Old Business

7.1. Bylaws revision & Membership Dues Increase
We will include these ideas in the membership survey that will be posted on the website.

7.2. Vision 2008 – Long Term Goal Setting
We will discuss this topic further once feedback from the membership has been received.

7.3. Goals

  • Two areas of focus we’ve identified for this year:
    • Herding video for judges education.
    • Health survey out this year – Done!

8. New Business

8.1. Denise Teal Resignation

Denise Teal has resigned from the BCSA Board of Directors – “I have decided to resign my position as Past President of BCSA. This decision is not made lightly or rashly. I find my time even more divided and stretched. I have been asked by my undergraduate alma mater to serve on their foundation board and think my time will be better spent there.”

Wayne Koutsky motioned to accept Denise’s resignation.
Second – Terri Clingerman
In favor – Unanimous

The board has reluctantly accepted Denise's resignation. We would like to thank her for the many years of outstanding service she has given to the BCSA.

8.2. BCCGLA Specialty Show Approval Request

Terri Clingerman motioned that we approve the BCCGLA’s request for their Sixth Specialty Show and Obedience Trial on Thursday, May 22, 2008.
Second – Lisa Pruka
In favor - Unanimous

8.3. Suggestion Box Submissions/Input from Membership
A letter from Linda Koutsky with several complaints about the BCSA board of directors.

8.4. Date of Next meeting
Monday, January 7, 2008, 5:00 PM PST

8.5. Adjournment
Adjournment motion at: 6:36 PM by Lisa Pruka
Second: Sally Davis
In Favor: Unanimous

Page Updated 01.19.2008

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