December 2020 Minutes

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I.          Introductory Remarks from President Lindberg

• Call to order
• Introductions
  • Mr. Anderson introduced Ms. Alexandra Griffin, new associate at Anderson Law Firm.
  • President Lindberg introduced Zoe Cantu, our special guest for the evening.

 
II.        Guest Speaker: Zoe Cantu

• How to make a Bourbon Mary!

 
III.       Board Announcements

• Recognition to President ex Officio Hagen
  • Thank you for your service.
• Presentation of Treasurer’s Report
  • Mr. Anderson moved to approve.
  • Mr. Godwin seconded the motion.
  • Motion approved unanimously.
• Presentation of November Minutes
  • Referee Baker moved to approve.
  • Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.
  • Motion approved unanimously.
• Reminder to pay dues
  • Those who haven’t paid in full by 12/18 will be removed from the roster.

 
IV.       New Business

• Ugly Sweater Contest!
  • First round: tie between Ms. Whalen and Referee Baker.
  • Final round: Referee Baker wins for “having most appalling outfit.”
• Results of first vote to increase scholarship
  • Approved by 72% of the 65 members who voted.  47 for, 18 against.
  • Discussion of scholarship increase.
    • Ms. DiFiore presented rationale for increasing scholarship awards.
      • This isn’t an either/or contest between scholarships and LAOC.
      • We are able to do both.
    • Mr. Novack explained financial ability to pay for this year.
      • We’ve only spent $1000 so far this year.
      • We have plenty of reserves to continue this year even if things move forward.
      • We would have spent this much already on other things and still have funds for LAOC.
    • Referee Baker
      • Opposed because of special role between OCBA and LAOC.
      • Doesn’t think scholarship increase is sustainable.
      • There’s a difference between helping two people and dealing with 200% increase in people who need civil legal services.
      • LAOC needs the money as much or as more now.
      • Wants to amend vote to include language that restricts increase to one year.
    • Mr. Lipford
      • Opposed because of special role LAOC plays in our county.
      • He runs SMRLS in eleven counties; Olmsted is the only bar he doesn’t ask for money.
    • Ms. Dobson
      • In favor.
      • Concerned about sustainability.
      • Hopes that $2500 in future years can be part dues, part individual or firm donations.
    • Ms. Plante
      • In favor.
      • Ms. Johnson unable to attend tonight, but communicated she is in favor; her thoughts are consistent with Ms. Dobson’s.
      • Point of clarification: LAOC hasn’t made request yet; they are welcome to do so if/when they need money.
      • Point of clarification: bylaws don’t provide for change of voting issue midway through voting process.
    • Ms. Griffin
      • In favor.
      • Wants to make sure we make a meaningful contribution in whatever we undertake as a group.
      • She would like to see us to do that with LAOC, too.
    • Ms. DiFiore
      • Each expenditure goes before membership every year, so no reason to amend current issue before membership.
    • Mr. Anderson
      • In favor.
      • Each expenditure goes before membership every year, so no reason to amend current issue before membership.

• Results of vote to appoint Mr. T. Adkins
  • 100% in favor.
  • Welcome to the Board, Terry!  Thank you for your willingness to serve!
• Changes to pandemic OCBA business
  • Email voting necessary to continue engaging in our business during pandemic.
• Bylaws update
  • Among other things, seeking to clarify and formalize grant request process.
  • Hoping to have at least some preliminary proposals at January meeting.
• Overview of January 14, 2021 meeting
  • Guest is Referee Baker, who will discuss HRO’s and OFP’s.
  • Meeting will be via Zoom and begin @ 5:30 p.m.

 
V.        Adjournment

• Mr. Anderson made motion to adjourn.
• Mr. J. Adkins seconded the motion.
• Meeting adjourned.

 
 
Present: Ms. Lindberg, Ms. DiFiore, Mr. Novack, Ms. Plante, Ms. Dobson, Mr. T. Adkins, Mr. J. Adkins, Mr. Anderson, Ref. Baker, Mr. Godwin, Ms. Griffin, Mr. Lampman, Mr. Lipford, Ms. McLaughlin, Mr. Suhler, Ms. Whalen