GDCA Board Minutes

GDCA Board Meeting
October 20-26, 2006
MINUTES

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 AM by President Linda Ridder. 

Board Members present: Lynda Moriarty, Joe Longo, Chuck Crawford, Dianne Powers, Cindy Harwin, Dale Desjardins, Dave Miller, Pookie Kostuk, Tom Sandenaw, Lourdes Carvajal, Kathy Varian, Jane Chopson, Sid Levin, Sue Davis Shaw, Linda Ridder

Guests present: Kathryn Netser, Conley Netser, Don Carmody, Mary Lee Williams, Lynn Brown-Quick, Jean Highlands, Willie Crawford, Diane Taylor, Jane Treiber

All motions are unanimous unless otherwise noted.

Secretary’s Minutes
MOTION:
To approve the minutes of the August 16, 2006 meeting as presented.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Kathy Varian

Corresponding Secretary’s Report
Lynda reviewed many items of correspondence, including an a-mail from u.ship.com, Tennessee Valley Kennel Club, Lehigh Valley newsletter, Purina, and Clumber Spaniel Club of America, to name a few. There was also correspondence from AKC regarding the Great Dane Club of Oklahoma, regarding completion of their sanctioned B match.

Treasurer’s Report
Sid reviewed his Treasurer’s Report with the board.

MOTION:
To approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd: Dianne Powers

Affiliate Representative’s Report
Dianne recommended approval of revised by-laws from Alamo, Mid-South, and Tucson. She is working with two other clubs whose revisions are nearly completed, and she recommended that they be approved by electronic vote.

MOTION
To approve the by-laws of the Great Dane Club of Alamo, the Great Dane Club of the Mid-South, and the Great Dane Club of Tucson.
Moved: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: David Miller

Dianne recommended an Educational Grant for the Great Dane Club of Cincinnati.

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund an Educational Grant in the amount of $1,000. to the Great Dane Club of Greater Cincinnati.

Moved: Sid Levin 2nd: Chuck Crawford

Dianne also reported that Tom Sandenaw is working with AKC regarding Wolverine’s Specialty and that Oklahoma has their B status. She has sent them an application for affiliation.

AKC Delegate
Tom Sandenaw reported that, after he sent the note to AKC regarding Petland, he received a 30-minute phone call from Dennis Sprung, who is the President and CEO of AKC. Mr. Sprung gave Tom his cell phone and home phone numbers as well as his number at AKC. The issue regarding holding specialty shows following an all-breed show will go to the October AKC board meeting and may result in either limiting the number of dogs or limiting the hours. In either case, he does not anticipate any changes taking place before January.

Futurity
Dave Miller recommended changes to simplify the Futurity entry process. As a result of his report, the following motion was made:

MOTION
To accept the changes to the Futurity rules as recommended by Futurity Chairman David Miller, which are:
1. Change forms to one instead of two.
2. Revise the website so that these forms can be downloaded into Word, Works, or Word Pad and be executable from there. 
3. Change the due date for final entries from the first Friday in September to the third Friday in August.
Moved: Joe Longo 2nd: Jane Chopson

Dave also reported on the final entry numbers for the 2006 futurity.

Judges Selection
Lynn Brown Quick reported that the recent judging had a few more votes and had more participation from the affiliate clubs. She suggested that affiliate clubs be reminded to notify the GDCA when they have a new secretary. In some cases when the CPA receives votes, they don’t match up with the club information that they have been given. Judges for 2008 will be: Intersex – Dale Tarbox; Dogs – Don Carmody; Bitches – Dana Cline; Futurity – Sue Mahaney and Georgia Hymen.

This is the first year that the top vote getter had a choice of assignment and the process worked well. She mentioned changing her procedure to ask finalists the best way to contact them so as to expedite the acceptance process. As soon as she has the schedule for 2008 she will get the contracts out.

There was a discussion of whether finalists should be notified if not chosen. It was decided that we will not notify those who weren’t chosen, but the names of those who were chosen should go on the web site as soon as possible.

MOTION
When judges have been chosen and the judges selection chairman has received their signed agreements, the names should be posted on the website immediately.
Motion: Lourdes Carvajal 2nd: David Miller

Junior Showmanship
Jessie gave Lourdes a scholarship application from Scott Dalane to present to the board. As a result, the following motion was made:

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund a scholarship in the amount of $1,000. to Scott Dalane.
Moved: Joe Longo 2nd: Susan Shaw

National Specialties
2008 – Joe reported that the contract is signed and the rooms will be $89 per night, the city park in back will be completed, and 20,000 square feet of sod will be installed. He spoke of the difficulty of finding a site that is dog friendly, people friendly and under $100 per night. He said that there will be plus and minuses with every location. He spoke of the importance of consistency from year to year with sponsors and vendors.
2009 – Dave reported that they had a division meeting three weeks ago. He has several locations under consideration and he reported on the pluses and minuses of each location. 

Jane suggested that each board member needs to educate the fancy regarding how hard it is to find these dog friendly locations to fit our growing needs. The board may need to rethink how the national is run and perhaps rethink the timing of our national (in regards to the week of the year). Linda Ridder requested that one of the division chairs write an article explaining the difficulties so that we may share it with the membership.

Rescue
Pookie presented Mary Barnett Reed’s rescue report.

MOTION
To recommend to the Charitable Trust that they fund the following Rescue Grants as recommended by Mary Barnett Reed:
1. Great Dane Club of New England (1) $486.75
2. Great Dane Club of Las Vegas (2) $457.38
3, Great Dane Angel Network (1) $500.00
4. Great Dane Angel Network (2) $500.00
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd: Jane Chopson

Internet
Nancy Lerch reported on the tremendous growth and hits on the web site. She reported that the Charitable Trust Gift Gallery should add further to the popularity and asked that Dianne send gift gallery information to affiliate clubs.

Standard
There was a discussion of the Standard Committee recommended changes to the standard. As a result, the following motions were made:

MOTION
To approve the following color standard for the mantle:
The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; a white chest; four white feet; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white tipped black tail. A small white marking on the blanket is acceptable as is a white chest which may extend under the brisket and across the abdomen. Black skull with white muzzle; white blaze is optional. Should have a whole white collar, a small break is acceptable but a whole white collar is preferred.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd: Susan Shaw
This motion was later amended.

MOTION
To approve the language for a change in the standard of forequarters, brindle and the commentary as follows:
Under forequarters, change to: “the height from the elbow to the ground is slightly more than from the elbow to the top of the withers”
Under brindle, change to: “with a black mask”

Add commentary beginning with “Any variance in color…to read…When judging the Great Dane it is important to remember that this breed has color disqualifications and not ‘marking’ disqualifications. Any color other than that set forth above would result in disqualification. Any deviation of markings outside the range of acceptable limits (most often seen in black and white colored dogs) would be penalized to the degree of deviation.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Sid Levin

Charitable Trust
Lourdes reported that there are items on a silent auction running all week as well as items being raffled.

Corporate Sponsors 
Joe suggested changes to the corporate sponsor contract. He will present a new form at the next meeting.

Legislative
Tom discussed developing a list of regional representatives. He has asked for names of people in all parts of the country that he may contact regarding specific legislation in their area. Dianne asked him to present something at the affiliate delegates meeting. She will also include it in her mailing.

Trophies
Tom reported for Debbie. She is considering a change in the handling of the trophies. Trophies will be shipped directly to the division chair and she will upgrade the old trophies.

Yearbook 
Sid reported that the yearbooks are in.

Old Business
Board members were asked to think of names of people for the breeders education program and it will be revisited at the Friday session.

The board entered into a brief executive session. 

Membership
There was discussion of the timing of the publication of the recent applicants. As a result, the following motion was made:

MOTION
Upon reflection of our motion to waive the 45-day rule for one time only, the Board has decided to reverse our waiver and adhere to the 45-day period for comments on pending members. The pending members will be voted on electronically after the comment period and upon receiving the membership committee report, which will be to the Board by November 5th.
Moved: Jane Chopson 2nd: Dianne Powers

The meeting was suspended and continued on October 19th.
Members Present: Susan Shaw, Linda Ridder, Cindy Harwin, Tom Sandenaw, Pookie Kostuk, Joe Longo, Lynda Moriarty, Chuck Crawford, Dale Desjardins, Warren Benoit

Guests Present: Jean Highlands, Jane Treiber, Paul Hardiman, Mary Barnett Reed, Carol Grossman

Old Business
Breeders Education – There was discussion of the importance of breeder education programs at the national. It was mentioned that Ralph Graff gives very good seminars. Ralph will be approached about developing guidelines and forming a committee. The importance of information being available on the internet was discussed and perhaps rotating articles or having a question of the month.

There was discussion of the new AKC mentor program, which takes effect on January 1st.

MOTION
That Ralph Graff be named chairman of Breeders’ Education Committee and that Judy Harrington be named liaison of mentors for the AKC program, subject to their approval.
Moved: David Miller 2nd: Lourdes Carvajal

Rescue
Mary Barnett Reed reported that the rescue booth had taken in over $10,000 so far. She reported that less than 50% of affiliate clubs now do rescue. She attributed that to the high cost of insurance for rescue. Asking the Charitable Trust to subsidize the rescue insurance was discussed and will be brought for a vote when the new board is in place. Mary will develop an application form. Mary also reported on the rescue numbers for the past year.

Health and Research 
Dr. Neil O’Sullivan reported on current projects, including the Phenome Project which gathers DNA on geriatric normal Great Danes. There will be a detailed data base which will be very valuable to researchers. Neil will ask for a vote of support for this project at the January board meeting. He also discussed the mantle standard from a technical point of view. Mantle is a pattern that is not under rigorous genetic controls on the degree of expression of white on the collar, back, and legs. Neil feels that the collar is being over emphasized. 

Neil also reported that the Harl. Gene Project is about ¼ through the process. He also reported on the increasing incidence of IBD, inflammatory bowel disease and that the GI lab at Texas A & M has developed a screening tool to test for leaky bowels. He reported that the Addison’s project needs more participation. Neil spoke about the Rabies Double Blind Research Project being done by Dr. Jean Dodds and the importance of contributing to this important project.

National Specialty
Carol Grossman reported: 
2007 – North East - On target and brochures will be available on Saturday
2008 – Central - Contracts signed and 90% of the committees are set
2009 – South East - There are 4 locations under consideration.
2010 – South Central - Justin Whedby is the new Division Chairman
2011 – Western – Carol had a nomination for division chairman.

Carol suggested that we add to the Top 20 Rules and Regulations that the Top 20 not be held on the same night as the Futurity.

The meeting was suspended and continued on October 20th. No attendance was taken.

Judy Harrington joined the meeting and addressed the issue of the standard. Comment was made that breed type is most important. Judy responded that type is the combination of the total package. Warren commented that Judy and Bob had put a great deal of thought in developing the new wording for the standard. Because Judy judges other breeds, she sees how some of the other standards may be misleading to those judges outside a breed. That helps us understand how the all-rounders are thinking about our breed. Judy encouraged everyone to go back and explain the process to other members and breeders.

Tom suggested that, in light of the discussion, that the former motion approving the mantle standard could come back on the floor to have this board examine the use of the word ‘small’. Move to address the standard as it pertains to the mantle and amend by striking the word small. Point of order: Whoever made the motion that passed can amend the motion since it is in the same meeting. The word preferred will stay. 

MOTION
To take the word ‘small’ out of the verbiage that we approved for the mantle standard.
Moved: Cindy Harwin 2nd: Dave Miller
6 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention
This motion was later withdrawn.

Regarding Mentors for the breed, Cindy reported that Judy Harrington and Tootie Longo were willing to serve as mentors.

MOTION
That the board recommend to the Charitable Trust that they approve an additional grant to affiliate clubs to subsidize rescue insurance for affiliate clubs only in the amount of $500.
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd: Joe Longo

Joe Longo spoke with Judy Harrington about her organizing the mentor program and she is unable to do that. Linda suggested having someone from each division serve on the committee with someone to organize them. Perhaps the chairman of each division could make recommendations for people to serve on a list. We also need to set up criteria. Perhaps Judy could recommend someone that she has worked with to be the chairman. Linda will talk to Judy about the program and get back to the board.

There was a discussion regarding the next meeting location. Linda suggested San Diego. We have also been invited back to Tucson, although it is more difficult to get there. New Orleans was also suggested. This will be decided by email when the date is determined.

Linda commented that, when a board member cannot attend a meeting, they should receive a packet of materials distributed.

The next meeting of the Board will be held on January 20.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan Davis Shaw
Recording Secretary


Electronic votes:

The following votes were unanimous unless otherwise stated:

October 30, 2006
MOTION
To authorize the recording secretary to spend up to $250.00 for the purchase of a recorder to be the property of the GDCA and to move from recording secretary to recording secretary as that position changes.
Moved: Pookie Kostuk 2nd: Lynda Moriarty

October 31, 2006
MOTION
To donate $100 to the Charitable Trust in memory of Amos Kauffman.
Moved: Lynda Moriarty 2nd: Lourdes Carvajal

November 1, 2006
MOTION
To amend the motion of October16 regarding the mantle color standard. The new wording shall read:
Under Mantle, change to:
The color shall be black and white with a solid black blanket extending over the body; black skull with white muzzle, white blaze is optional; a white chest; four white feet; white on part or whole of forelegs and hind legs; white-tipped black tail. A small white marking on the blanket is acceptable. The white chest may extend under the brisket and across the abdomen. Should have a whole white collar, a break is acceptable but a whole white collar is preferred.
Moved: Tom Sandenaw 2nd: Susan Shaw
Motion passed with one abstention

November 8, 2006
MOTION
To vote the following applicants into membership.
Lesa Bastow 
Bruce & Debbie Bent 
Linda Dalton 
Lynda J. Dedrick 
Sandra & Neal Dickens 
Eileen Ann Edelblute 
Karrie M. Franks 
Rachel Helgager (Junior Member) 
Robin Helgager 
Carol Ives 
Lynne Hemingway 
Hadley & Tuesday James 
Christina Kallay 
Debra M. & Robert S. King 
Karen McCance 
Kim McCauley 
Dan & Brandy Massey 
Robin Mohrmann 
Julie Narzisi 
Rachel Rich 
Angelia M. & Brent R. Smith 

Moved: Paul Hardiman 2nd: Cindy Harwin 

November 15, 2006
MOTION
To hold the next GDCA Board meeting in San Diego on Jan. 20th.
Motion: Lynda Moriarty 2nd: Tom Sandenaw

Yes votes: 9
No Votes: 1
The motion passes.

November 28, 2006
MOTION
That we post the following on the GDCA website:

"With the holidays and cold weather coming rescues have a greater need in their efforts to help homeless Great Danes. What better way to celebrate the season than to give a gift that will help a Great Dane. You may do so through a donation to our Charitable Trust (insert link here) designated to Rescue, which will help Great Danes all over the country. Or click on our list of rescue groups on the GDCA web site (insert link here) and help a local rescue.

Happy Holidays to all and to this breed that we all love and honor."

I would ask that we insert the links to the rescue list and the Trust to make it as easy as possible to donate $$

Moved: Dianne Powers 2nd: Pookie Kostuk


November 28, 2006
MOTION
To reimburse Jean Highlands for the purchase of a printer.

Moved: Lynda Moriarty 2nd: Lourdes Carvajal

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