[SJAAboard] August 16th Minutes

[Greg Claytor]

Ok.  This is called a learning curve.  Not to self, no attachments.

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August 16, 2008 - SJAA Board Meeting Minutes
- Greg Claytor
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Board Member in Attendance:
Robert Armstrong
Rob Hawley
Rich Neuschaefer
Lee Hoglan (Optometrist Extraordinary. Cheap plug because I like him, use 
him and cause we need to make this fun again damnit)
Gordon Reade
Mark Wagner

Board Members Absent:
Craig Scull (He must be a pirate. I wish my name was that Cool) Vote by 
Proxy through Rob Hawley.

Club Members in Attendance:
Greg Claytor
Steven Nelson

Meeting brought to order by Rob Hawley

Rob introduced the following motion on behalf on Craig, The Pirate, Scull:

"I'm sorry I cannot be here. I propose that the discussion tonight focus 
exclusively on the content and merit of the two proposals presented, and NOT 
on the 'process' by which the proposals were created, which although also 
important, is second priority to the time-sensitive decisions that need to 
be made tonight."

Motion Seconded by Gordon
Motion was, more or less, unanimously denied after discussion.

Rob mad a motion to defer approving last months minutes until next month.
Motion seconded by Robert Armstrong
Motion passed unanimously.

Mark Wagner and Rich Neuschaefer were offered and accepted 30 uninterrupted 
minutes to present their proposal.

Mark read and rebutted a document prepared and delivered by Rob Hawley by 
email. (I can't locate or reference it)

Mark and Rich disagree with Rob's interpretation of the City of San Jose's 
requirements.  They mentioned that Rob's CPA was too conservative and that 
the AACCSV (The Arab American Cultural Center of Silicon Valley) would be 
engaging in activities that Rob doesn't want the SJAA engaging in.  Rich 
mentioned the AACCSV charges $100 or a class in Arabic.  He and Mark 
defended the SJAAs ability to conduct a swap meet and use those funds to 
support club expenses as it provides astronomy activities or the San Jose 
residents.  This was in contrast to Rob's CPA who advised against it.

Mark and Rich recommended submitting a proposal for securing both building 1 
and 2 at Hogue Park and sharing them with the AACCSV as SJAA sees fit.

Mark characterized Rob's approach as trying to preserve what we have now, 
while not allowing for expansion of programs offered to SJAA members or San 
Jose residents.  ATMing (mirror grinding and testing requiring water were 
mentioned), loaner scope storage, school teacher training program space and 
storage of SJAA membership files, which are currently being stored at Rich 
Neuschaefer home.

Mark pointed out that the City of San Jose's RFP includes a 90 (ninety) day 
notice to quit by either party.

Robert pointed out that an SJAA advantage has always been that it operates 
on a shoestring budget, is informal and simple allowing flexibility.

Mark countered with "If we aren't growing then we're dying."  Mark stated 
that we should preclude bringing in any competition (AACCSV), that we are in 
a strong position on our own, that we have an established position at Hogue 
since ~1992.

Robert began to explore the idea of using building 1 and part of building 2.

Rob Hawley made a motion

Rob stated he forgot to call a vote on Jim's Calendar and made a motion to 
do so.  Gordon seconded the motion.
The motion carried with Rob, Robert, Mark, Gordon and Craig (by proxy) in 
favor.  Rich voted against.

Rob Hawley started his 30 minute presentation

Rob stated that his proposal was essentially complete, had been reviewed by 
a CPA, offered protection for the club by separating Hogue and non-Hogue 
books and some club activities.  He stated that this approach would 
eliminate the need for SJAA to provide an independent financial review of 
SJAA books required by the City RFP.  He mentioned that the AACCSV would 
agree not to compete for building 1 use that might conflict with SJAA star 
parties and club meetings through 2012.  He also stated that the SJAA was in 
a stronger position to win City approval by cooperating with the AACCSV than 
it would be on it's own.

Robert asked if it would be possible to ask for some space in building 2. 
Rob didn't think the AACCSV would agree.  Rob referenced his proposal and 
stated "This is as close to a slam dunk as possible."  Mark asked if Rob had 
spoken with Carol of the AACCSV to explore shared use of building 2 and Rob 
answered no.

Rob moved to approve the MOA

Rob moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the SJAA and 
the AACCSV.  Gordon seconded the motion.  Rob opened the topic for 
discussion.

Robert then moved to amend item 2 of the MOA: Approach the AACCSV to explore 
use of building 2 in it's entirety or share use of it.  Rob seconded the 
motion.  The motion carried with Rob, Robert, Mark, Gordon and Craig (by 
proxy) in favor.  Rich voted against.

Robert moved to accept Rob's financial model

Robert moved to accept Rob's financial model as written to accompany any 
proposal for submission to the City.  Gordon seconded the motion.  The 
motion carried with Rob, Robert, Gordon and Craig (by proxy) in favor.  Mark 
and Rich voted against.

Someone moved that the board convene again

Someone moved that the board convene again on or before Thursday, August 
21st, 2008.  Someone seconded it.  It was discussed and decided that Rob 
would reserve Hogue for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to 
facilitate the meeting, allowing for exploratory discussions with the AACCSV 
to occur prior to the board meeting again.  The motion carried with Rob, 
Robert, Gordon Craig (by proxy), Mark and Rich in favor.