February  '10  Membership Meeting Minutes
 

Meeting Date: February 4, 2010

Attending Officers: Maureen Garcia, President; Pat Dumbacher, Secretary; Bobbie Mandell, Treasurer; Marie Jarc, Walt Fuller. Absent Jerry Balman.

The meeting was called to order by Maureen Garcia President. New members were recognized and welcomed.  Robert’s Rules of Order - Summary Version were passed out to present members.

Secretary’s Report: Pat Dumbacher announced that the January 2010 general meeting minutes are posted on the Grand Ceramics Website.  Also, several typed copies are available in the studio.  There were no additions or corrections to last month’s general meeting minutes.

Treasurer’s Report: Bobbie Mandell reported that the club has $14,488.52 in the checking account and $5,296.82 in savings f or a total of $19,785.34. Our net income for January is $6,962.99.  All membership dues and cubbie fees were deposited in 2010.  At the January meeting, a member questioned the practice of not depositing a class fee check until the day of the class.  Bobbie researched the alternatives to this practice.  At this time, she feels it is unfeasible to change the routine, it would skew the figures and also be additional paper work.  All checks received are recorded in the blue binger kept in the supply room.  The club does have a record even though they aren’t deposited until later.  She announced that if any member had any questions concerning the report that she would discuss it after the meeting.  A budget committee will be formed and create a 2010 budget for the club.  Gail Kretz made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and Lynn Guilani second it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Education: Penny Betcher asked that members pay the fee when signing up for a class.   She asks that members list suggestions on the interest sheet.  If a member cannot attend a class they must notify the instructor 7 days prior to the class for a full refund.  Teachers need to check that all doors are locked  before leaving the studio.

Kiln:  Lynn Shanrock reported that the air conditioning in the kiln room is not functioning properly and is interfering with the kiln firings.  Ceramic pieces will take longer to fire due to this situation.  She asks that when firing pieces be sure to clean the glaze of the bottoms.  Also, members should be familiar with the firing guidelines that are posted in the studio.

Glaze: Walt Fuller announced that the recently introduced Sierra Gold will continue being available for members’ use.  Presently, the glaze room sink is out of order.

Purchasing: Gail Kretz discussed the new supplies available at the studio. She received input from the instructors on the various tools needed for special clay classes.  A kit compiled of the necessary tools for classes is for sale.  Also, pieces of linoleum used for hand building and aluminum knives have been added to the inventory.  Additional wareboards have been ordered for members use in the studio. In the future, old inventory will be placed for sale and at that time members can sell their tools.  A date will be announced later.  Gail requests members to volunteer to be clay stackers especially in the summer months.

Raku:  Bob Mohr stated that raku is doing well.  Also, the foil sagar firings are so popular that an additional one will be added sometime after March 13.

Studio Sales:  Diane Niehof requests that when a member places his/her piece for sale in the studio please place it on the shelf behind the monitor’s desk.  She will decide where to set it on the shelves later.  Also, members should check their pieces for cracks and other imperfections. It is a member’s responsibility to mark whether the glaze is food safe or not.

Cleaning:  Steve Laughlin reported to the president that all is well with the cleaning crew.  He would like some additional volunteers for the summer months.

Old Business: Maureen announced the board is still pursuing the keyless lock entry. Also, the slab roller has been repaired.

New Business: Walt Fuller introduced the newly revised  members service policy. The year is divided into 4 quarters beginning in February.  A member must volunteer their services for 3 hours per quarter to be in good standing. All members must note their hours in the white book on the monitor’s desk. If a new member joins, then they need to volunteer twice in one quarter so that they are in good standing for the next quarter.  During the winter months there can be two monitors only after all spaces are filled; there will be a morning and afternoon monitor.   In the summer months, there will be only a morning monitor present. If a member is absent for a period they can bank hours for 1 quarter. As of January 2011, there will be no more exemptions. We will try the new policy for one year and evaluate its success at that time.

It was announced that any member that would like to sell their items in the March 13 craft sale please sign up in the studio.

Bob Mohr held a raffle giving the late Lew McCord’s donated ceramic pieces as prizes.  Bob Little donated a large platter that was also raffled off.

The meeting was adjourned

Respectfully submitted,

Pat Dumbacher, Secretary