FCA Annual Meeting Sunday, August 31, 2008 St. Petersburg, Florida

The meeting began at 1:15 p.m.

 In Attendance 

Andrew Scherman, Harvey Lerman, Kevin Ledzian, Paul Leggett, Robert Forman, Willard Taylor, Michael Sperber, Daren Dillinger, Jon Haskel.

Statements

 Robert Forman and Michael Sperber each made a statement about their positions and intentions as board members.

 President’s Report 

Andrew Scherman reported that the FCA was doing well financially, including $2000 from this weekend’s tournament.  He wants to spend less money on GM events and more on helping schools, coaches, college students, etc. 

2008 State Tournament

 Attendance was down and reasons were discussed, including the economy and being sandwiched between two other tournaments. 

2009 State Tournament

 Blas Lugo may submit a bid to combine the state tournament with his annual fall Miami tournament.  Jon Haskel may submit a bid if Blas doesn’t. 

Jon Haskel moved to authorize Andrew to discuss this with Blas.  Michael Sperber seconded.  The motion was tabled.

 Treasurer’s Report 

Kevin Ledzian discussed financial issues.  The current balance is approximately $31,000, about the same as it was a year ago.  He moved the account from Bank of America to Regions.

 Events

The Robson-Ludwig match was discussed.  Nothing is happening currently.

 FSCL 

Jon Haskel announced the next SuperStates on February 6-8, 2009, at the Miami Mart.  There will be regionals prior to this event.  There will be an All-Stars Tournament in May. 

There was been additional funding of $3000 (3 loans of $1000 each) to the FSCL.  Stipends have been paid for the Denker and Polgar tournaments.

The annual payment of $3000 to the FCA is due January 1, 2009.  Jon Haskel moved to allow this payment to be made on February 28, 2009, with the written modification that the FCA will be paid first, before repayment of other loans (“first lien status”).  Harvey Lerman seconded.  The motion passed unanimnously.

 Scholastic Committee 

Andrew Scherman provided a handout with information about the FSCL’s current status and suggested the FCA create a scholastic committee to be in place should the FSCL be unable to continue. 

Andrew Scherman moved to create a scholastic committee.  Robert Forman seconded.  After discussion, Jon Haskel called for a vote.  Willard Taylor seconded.  The vote was 1 in favor, and 8 opposed.   Paul Leggett said, “The FCA board is the scholastic committee.” 

New Business

 Jon Haskel described state delegates to the USCF who had no intention of attending meetings.  He moved to give priority to those who have a possibility of attending.  Daren Dillinger seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.  Jon Haskel will contact future potential nominees to determine their intentions. 

Board Elections

 Daren Dillinger made a motion regarding the proxy votes, but it was withdrawn. 

The board discussed ways to improve the election in future years, including votes by mail, eliminating nominations from the floor, and eliminating proxy votes.  Any election change would be handled by the board as a bylaws amendment with advance notice.  A committee was appointed to handle this:  Kevin Ledzian, chair, Paul Leggett and Michael Sperber.

 Grand Prix

Jon Haskel moved to continue the Grand Prix another year with the same prizes, subject to finding someone to run it.  Robert Forman seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

If it becomes necessary to pay someone to run the Grand Prix, the board will vote again.

 Membership 

The content, editing and approval of the FloridaChess President’s letter were discussed.  Andrew Scherman offered to distribute the letter to the board prior to publication.  Robert Forman moved to add a disclaimer similar to that in Chess Life.  Michael Sperber seconded.  The motion passed 8-0 with one abstention (Lerman).

 Contact Information

 Harvey Lerman asked everyone to send contact information to him.

Adjournment

Willard Taylor moved to adjourn the meeting.  The motion passed.  The meeting was adjourned at  3:00.

Minutes submitted by

Diane Drutowski, FCA member