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Roll Call: Michelle Olsen • Lisa Pruka • Sally Davis • Kelly Hagstrand • Terri Clingerman • Wayne Koutsky • Jo Roach
Members Absent: Claudia Frank
Call to order: 5:02 pm PST by Michelle Olsen
1. Recording Secretary’s
Report: Jo Roach
Motion to approve the May 2008 board meeting minutes by Kelly Hagstrand, Second
by Terri Clingerman, In Favor – Unanimous.
2. Corresponding Secretary’s Report: Terri Clingerman
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Letter to Michelle from Emily Langley complaining about a possible harassment email from another member. Michelle advised on how to bring formal charges if she wishes, but pointed out that the email may not have come from whom Emily thought.
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AKC Correspondence
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A letter reminding BCSA that AKC licensed and member clubs may not hold events sanctioned for registries/other organizations other than AKC. Doing so may result in a penalty, up to being expelled from AKC membership. Clubs may request an exemption for events if they are not contrary to the best interest of AKC and the sport of purebred dogs. The letter notes that AKC approval is not required for versatility or performance activities developed by AKC Parent Clubs and sponsored by such clubs unless they are held as a special attraction at an AKC event.
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Applications for agility trials held in OH on June 28 & 29 are approved.
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The judging panels for the following events have been approved:
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#2008507011 (Monday A course ducks at the national)
#2008507012 (Monday B course sheep at the national)
#2008507017 (Tuesday B course sheep at the national)
#2008507018 (Tuesday A course ducks at the national)
#2008507019 (Tuesday A course sheep at the national)
#2008507021 (Wednesday A course ducks and HT/PT at the national) -
A letter saying that the club, members, or the general population (including the owner) can nominate dogs for AKC’s “ACE” award (Award of Canine Excellence). Dogs must be purebred or registerable, and have performed some exemplary act (large or small) that has significantly benefited an individual or community. One award will be given in each of these categories: Law Enforcement, Search & Rescue, Therapy, Service, and Companion Dog. Each winner will receive $1000 cash, an engraved sterling silver medallion, and their names will be engraved on the ACE Awards plaque at AKC headquarters in NYC. Dogs receiving honorable mention will be awarded a bronze medallion. All entrants will receive a Certificate of Recognition. To nominate a dog, send the following: • a non-returnable, clear color photograph of the dog • a 500 word or less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence • the dog’s call name, registered name if applicable, breed, age and sex • owner’s-0nominator’s name(s), address, phone number, and email The deadline is June 30. Send to: Ronald N. Rella – ACE Awards 2008 American Kennel Club 260 Madison Ave., 4th Floor New York, NY 10016
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Other Correspondence
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Received a letter asking for help finding a BC in Utah, replied with information from the website.
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Received an email from Kelly Whiteman, saying she was pleased that the 2011 national specialty will be held in Oregon.
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Received an email asking for help with medical expenses due to a congenital problem, explained that BCSA doesn’t fund individual dogs.
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Received a request for info on who to contact regarding vendors for the 2008 national, forwarded Laura’s email address.
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Received a request for more info on attending the 2008 national, replied with our website.
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Received a DVD from Nestle Purina that has excerpts from the AKC/AKC Canine Health Foundation’s Breeders Symposium held at the University of Pennsylvania.
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3. Treasurer’s Report: Wayne Koutsky
3.1. General Account Balances
Last month:
$62,399.61
This month:
Checking balance:
$ 1,312.37
Savings (Money Market) balance:
$36,341.72
Health balance:
$ 5,021.95
Rescue balance:
$12,897.76
Total:
$55,573.80
3.2. May 2008 Income and Expenses
Income:
Borderlines Advertising
$570.00
Borderlines Back Issues
$25.00
Investment Interest
$75.99
Specialty Agility Seminar
$475.00
Prior Specialty
$75.00
Membership Dues
$380.00
Other Income
$37.86
Restricted Fund Rescue Donation
$10.00
Total Income:
$1,648.85
Expenses:
AKC other expenses
$62.10
AKC other meetings
$55.34
Bank Charge
$38.00
Board Meetings
$59.44
BCSA Sponsored Trails
$200.00
Borderlines Printing
$3,160.79
Specialty Agility
$304.00
Misc.
$198.55
Postage/Mailings
$10.20
Website (Apr/May)
$1,000.00
Total Expenses
$5,088.42
4. Interim Business Transacted by E-Mail
4.1. Board Votes
Motion 2008-19 made by Lisa Pruka to approve a supported entry at the Freeport Rockford IL Kennel Club show on September 27 & 28 with a possible sweepstakes on Sept 28. Second – Kelly Hagstrand, In Favor – Unanimous
Motion 2008-20 made by Lisa Pruka to add Paige O'Donnell and Megan Harrison to the list of approved Judges Education mentors. Second – Jo Roach, In FavorUnanimous
4.2. New Member Applications
The following new membership applications were approved:
Tinna Brown (Port Monmouth, NJ)
Sponsor – Angela RoeschKolter Freeland (Candler, NC)
Sponsor – Kat FerruzzaLiz Hunter (Fenton, MO)
Sponsor – Kathy SoursMichelle Rhodes (Coahoma, TX)
Sponsor – Judy WilsonPeggy Timm (Wadsworth, IL)
Sponsor – Lisa PrukaMotion to approve the new applications by Wayne Koutsky, Second – Kelly Hagstrand, In FavorUnanimous
5.
Committee Business/Reports:
We have all of our main committee positions filled!
Yeah! This is a FIRST for us!
5.1. Stockdog Focus
Maintain emphasis on the unique working style of the Border Collie. Promote interest in herding amongst dog owners and advertise stockdog usefulness to farmers/ranchers. Continually “raise the bar” on herding excellence, promote best-practice training methods. Discourage genetic drift away from core purpose and history of the breed’s development.5.1.1. Herding: Claudia Frank
Claudia has asked for ideas for her committee to work on. Claudia is going to develop an Introduction to Herding course as part of the new “Border Collie U”. The board discussed other ideas:
Develop more resources on our website to help people find information about trained dogs and sources for training. This information would be mainly geared towards those that use stockdogs in their everyday lives.
Develop a herding mentor program so members can connect with experienced herding people in their area to learn more about herding.
Claudia’s herding chairman report:
Work specified for committee: Maintenance of the BCSA Herding Instinct Program including sending out certificates during the year and notifying the "BL" editor of those that have passed. The certificates for those passing at the National are given out at the event and their names are included in the next "BL" publication. I try to keep articles going to the web site and "BL". And, keep the Board updated on the herding scene.
2008 National Specialty: I will be helping with the Herding Instinct Tests and working on the calculations for the Versatile Stockdog Award.
AKC Herding Advisory Committee: Almost all suggestions have been reviewed by the AKC staff and only minor changes made from their suggestions. I would like to get the items before the AKC Board, especially the National Herding Championship which has its format completed.
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. Members can be added to this committee if needed.
5.2. Public Education
Assist pet owners, budding dog fanciers, new breeders and junior handlers; engage them in the future of the breed.5.2.1. General Education: Catherine Swain
Catherine is doing the final edit of the “Do you want to breed your dog” document. She has decided to split it into multiple pamphlets for ease of reading.
Catherine and Casey have been doing some brainstorming on the breed university concept (“Border Collie U”) and are coming up with some great ideas:
We will base our courses on the speakers and hopefully get material from the speakers themselves to post to the University. We should follow the same format or organizational style for each course; make it a 'workbook' style so that participants can bring the 'workbook' with them to the seminar if the like.
Ideas for seminars:
- Genetics 101
- Health related
- Genetic Diseases/Tests and how to use them in a breeding program
- Orthopedic Health
- The Canine Athlete/conditioning
- Structure5.2.2. Historian: Mickey Bruzek
No report.5.2.3. Juniors: Caitlin Kane
A BIG thank you to Caitlin for volunteering to chair this committee!!! Here is what Caitlin has been working on this month:
We had a new junior member who was looking for a sponsor and Kat Ferruzza has volunteered to be her sponsor.
I am looking to lower the age restriction for junior membership so we can accommodate the younger handlers. [From the board – this would require a by-laws change. For now, younger juniors can join as part of a household membership.]
I posted an announcement for volunteers to reach out to juniors at shows near them; I got one response. I also got permission from a local club by my house to set up a booth at the conformation show in July.
There are updates on the website about a junior article for each issue of Borderlines and about the upcoming junior issue.
I've talked to Michelle Olsen about the scholarship and I am going to compile her suggestions to put together the guidelines.
5.2.4. Website: Ann Shaw
2008 Specialty: More pages activated.
Ran into problem in setting up PayPal. Still working on it.
Regular site maintenance and page updates.
5.3. Fancier Fellowship
Encourage camaraderie and good sportsmanship, sponsor events & competitions, support affiliate clubs, “bridge the gap” between political factions for the best interest of the breed.5.3.1. Affiliate Clubs: Emily Fish
Nothing to report.5.3.2. Agility Trial in February (Pennsylvania): Denise Thomas
No report.5.3.3. Agility Trial in June (Michigan): Denise Teal
No report.5.3.4. Borderlines: Donna Brooks Brisbin
The next issue of Borderlines will be published by Bear Associates. Donna is still trying to get the last issue with Paper and Ink finished but has struggled with technical difficulties and staff shortages on Paper and Ink’s end.5.3.5. Membership: Kathy Sours
June new member applications forwarded to the board for approval.5.3.6. National Specialty Steering Committee: Megan Harrison & Julie Bosier
A specialty chair contract has been finalized and sent to all current specialty chairs.5.3.7. Specialty – 2008: Laura Tomaszewski
So far, not very many people have signed up for the obedience seminar. If you are planning to attend, please sign up now so the seminar doesn’t have to be cancelled!
Still working on getting the premium list and general information booklet finished up and to the printer.
Laura still needs volunteers so please check out the committee webpage and volunteer!
http://www.bordercolliesociety.com/2008spec/08co_ctrl.htm5.3.8. Specialty – 2009: Lisa Pruka and Paige O'Donnell
Looking for another host hotel as the Olympia Hotel’s contract was proving to be too expensive.
The specialty logo is being designed by Jeanne Hagen-Santiago.
5.3.9. Specialty – 2010: Julie Bosier and Megan Harrison
No report.5.3.10. Specialty – 2011: Emily Fish and April Bruce
Due to the way that Emily has to book the fairgrounds, we need to finalize the schedule before a contract can be written up. The board suggested that we follow the general 2007/2008 schedule except that we hold the tracking tests on the Sunday before the rest of the specialty to reduce conflicts. We would like to see an Excellent only agility trial held on Wednesday if financially feasible. With the trial being held indoors, we can hold this trial later in the afternoon so we don’t conflict herding and we won’t have to worry about running out of daylight.5.3.11. Versatility: Tashia Lund
Tashia will continue to process the versatility award applications and send out the pins. Sally Davis will be printing and sending out the certificates. Sally is going to work on developing a new certificate design.5.4. Breeding Evolution
Breeder & buyer education, guidance, mentoring, registry maintenance, breeding excellence recognition. Broaden influence to more than just members.5.4.1. Border Recorder: Carol Clark
Carol would like to reprint some of the original Border Recorder in the new version. Lisa suggested that Carol check with Nancy Keller who wrote much of the information in the original.5.4.2. Breeding Excellence Recognition Committee: Kim Sykes
Kim and Lisa discussed the breeder recognition program. They also discussed how to better manage the ROM section on the website and decided not to update the Noteworthy page anymore. With the development of the Border Recorder, they would like to see the Noteworthy dogs/bitches included in the Recorder.5.4.3. Futurity Committee: April Bruce
April has posted the nomination information to the website for 2009. The policy outlining the futurities for 2010 and forward (to include herding, conformation and combined) will be posted for member comment5.4.4. Judges Education: Linn Klingel
Upcoming presentation requests:
July, 2008: Omaha: Linn
A new sub-committee has been formed to refresh our current JE presentation. Refresh ideas include: adding photos, adding a summary collage, adding a streaming video illustrating movement (working trot and show ring trot), and perhaps an illustrated standard. A new DVD will be created and distributed to current judges. Core team members of this new sub-committee are Linn Klingel, Kelly Whiteman, Lisa Pruka, Dr. Robert Tainsh, Megan Harrison, Angel Duffy and Paige O’Donnell.
5.4.5. Judges Selection Process: Sonja Donaldson
The bios for the judges nominated for the 2009 specialty have been posted on the website.
Next month we will begin the nomination process for the 2010 specialty.
5.5. Population Management
Approach zero unwanted dogs. Reduce demand, educate buyers on whether the breed is right for them, improve how dogs are placed, “right” breeders produce more, “wrong” breeders produce less, rescue (a short-term stopgap).5.5.1. Breeder Referral: Karen Herceg
Karen will monitor membership status of breeders who advertise on the AKC website.5.5.2. Rescue Committee: Carol Wesenberg
No report.5.6. AKC Community
Invest in our “dog fancier family”, support protection of dog owners’ rights, stay engaged in AKC governance, contribute to AKC programs, leverage shared breed club knowledge & power.5.6.1. AKC Delegate Business: Claudia Frank
AKC Herding-Earthdog-Coursing Committee: There is an opening on this committee due to the resignation of a current member. I sent in my bio requesting consideration for the opening. Most of the work of this committee is involved with herding.5.6.2. AKC Gazette Columnist: Gerianne Darnell/Terri Clingerman
Gerianne just sent in her last column; new columnist is Terri Clingerman.5.6.3. Legislative Committee: Linda Baron
No report.5.7. Health and Welfare
Further research on disease cause and cure. Propagate knowledge on health, feeding, care, husbandry and training.5.7.1. Health: Cecilia Lamb
No report.5.8. General Club Administration
These committees manage club infrastructure tasks that aren’t directly related to our mission statement, but are necessary for the operation of the organization.5.8.1. BCSA Announce & Suggestion Box: Nancy Little
As of June 3, 2008 there are 368 subscribers to BCSA_Announce. There were no messages received in the Suggestion Box since my last report (May 1, 2008).5.8.2. BCSA Online Fundraising Store with Ivars: Carol Wesenberg
No report.5.8.3. Finance Committee: Beth Bartholomew
No report.
6. Old Business
6.1. Business Continuity
The board continued this discussion from last month. Wayne and Beth will come up with a procedure in the event that the treasurer becomes incapacitated. Our treasurer is bonded and the president is a co-signer on our bank accounts. We will add this “backing up” of information to our year end committee review to insure that information is not lost. Back up copies of information can be sent to the recording secretary to archive.6.2. AKC Sportsmanship Medallion
Nominations are still being accepted. We will choose a winner at our September meeting.6.3. Short Term Goals
Budget is our main focus.
7. New Business
7.1. Leadership Planning – Longer Term
In an ideal world, board members serve mostly in oversight/advisory roles; they have a degree of separation from all projects to see the big picture, and have both responsibility for and authority over all committee chairs. We haven’t always had the luxury of enough volunteers to delegate all club projects, but this should be a goal to work towards.Board members are responsible for:
Motivating committee volunteers to work on club projects and to deliver completion on time
Monitoring committees activities to ensure they are aligned with club goals
Managing committees to ensure they adhere to budgetary restrictions, club policies etc
Serving as a second level of review, to catch mistakes and problems in proposals, to be the “final word” on decisions when there is controversy
In extreme cases, discipline, if committee members go too far astray
Dismissing and replacing committee members who show they cannot work within the framework of the club or are failing at their commitments.
When board members also hold major committee chair positions, this can create potential for conflict in several areas:
Perception of a small “clique” that is overly-controlling of club affairs, this fosters ill will with the membership
Lack of diverse opinions, inadequate review and oversight of projects- not enough “pairs of eyes”
Awkwardness if a disciplinary situation arises—how does the board address management problems when one of their own is failing to perform as others expected?
Overburdened club leadership, which can lead to burnout, poor execution of projects, stressful relations between board members.
If a key person resigns due to overload, and leaves multiple major duties unfilled, this creates major disruption in club function.
The President has a special role, in that they are “stuck with” being the bad guy, the final authority, the deliverer of bad news, the enforcer of board decisions, etc. It seems especially important that this person not be embedded in other major roles, they need to be detached.
We open ourselves up to risk when we allow volunteers to possibly over-commit themselves, and we create stagnation from the same small crew “running everything.” We’ve had much better luck in recent years as we’ve been able to spread the load across many more people. In the past, our board has had to cope with many, many performance problems with committee chairs, including many sudden resignations due to burn out and stress. It’s best when the board can discuss, privately, with a high level of frankness what the problem is, and what to do about it, before addressing it with the committee members and the membership. If committee members are ON the board, it’s hard to conduct honest discussion because of fear of offending somebody, and it puts committee members “in the middle” between their committee and the board.
We have some impending overlaps in major club duties with the 2009 slate:
a. Lisa and Paige both taking on new board roles while simultaneously managing our first “away” specialty in 2009
b. Megan being VP and responsible for overseeing all committees, while also planning 2010 specialty with Julie.
c. Terri will be Gazette editor, BL contributor, and Corresponding Secretary
d. Ann will be Treasurer and also Webmaster, and holds a paid position with the club.
e. Michelle and Jo will likely be heavily involved in the 2011 specialty, but that won’t gear up until this term is almost over, so this is a smaller example.The board discussed the following questions:
Does this create a conflict in board oversight of committee chairs?
If some board members feel that one of these chairs is failing to perform, how will this be openly discussed and addressed?
Should we consider finding different volunteers to head-up these major roles, to free board members up to focus on “just being board members”?
Possible solutions were suggested for a couple of these problems, such as having the president be the signer on the checks for any payments made to the treasurer, and lengthening out the specialty planning timeline line, to hopefully make it easier for board members who are also specialty chairs. After discussion was held, no motion was made to require 2009 board candidates to choose between board roles and their other major roles held, so position assignments currently remain unchanged. A future motion could be considered that would require that future board members may not serve in major committee chair roles during their board terms, but such a motion was not tendered at this time.
7.2. Suggestion Box Submissions/Input from Membership
No submissions.7.3. Date of Next meeting
Wednesday, July 9, 2008, 5:00 PM PDT7.4. Adjournment
Adjournment motion at 6:49 PM by Wayne Koutsky
Second: Terri Clingerman
In Favor: Unanimous
Page Updated 07.26.2008