MIDWESTERN  SWIMMING
Board of Directors
Minutes
November 7, 2006

The meeting was called to order at 8:05 PM via conference call.  Those present were Holly Beeman, Gretchen Lindner, Jeanie Neal, Mary Kocsis, Jack Jackson, Betty Kooy, Mary Losee, Brian Jensen, Kelly Kunkel, Lynn Weaver, Bruce Schomberg, Jensen Henry, Mike Jacobsen, Peggy Speer, Al Johnson, David Nelson, Tom Beck and Jackie Berry.

Minutes:  The minutes of the September 5^th meeting were accepted as corrected.

Treasurer’s Report:  Mary Kocsis has the checks and will put the $30,000 into five or six laddered CDs at either First National or Security National, depending on the rates. Mike suggested that the CDs selected mature at six month intervals.  The remainder of the report deferred to Old Business.

Committee Reports:
Administrative Vice Chair:  No report.

Officials’ chair:  No report.

Age Group chair:  No report.

Senior Vice Chair:   Brian reported that proposals should be brought up in the January meeting to revise athlete reimbursements.  Lynn said that he and Lisa were still considering how the senior age group coach is voted on, including who can vote.

Registration Chair:  Betty reported that at this point eight clubs were registered for 2007.  There have been 319 new and 515 renewal athlete memberships so far.  There were 235 club transfers and 16 new to the LSC with 15 leaving.  There are 44 coaches, 47 official and 39 other memberships.  Al has checked 17 team manager data bases and all are clean. 
     Betty reported on the Colorado Springs meeting.  IMX, Virtual Club, Club Excellence and Build a Pool were conference topics.  Club leadership schools are for all and not just for new clubs; we should look at doing one in our LSC.  She recommenced all to check out the USAS web site for the parent CD which has lots of parent and club help.
      Four or five LSCs have piloted background checks. 
     Seventeen clubs now have a chance to qualify for discounts after coming to two HOD meetings.

Technical Chair:  Bruce reported that he talked to the committee members.  He is missing most of the coaches surveys turned in at the long course championship.  The athlete and spectator surveys commented mostly about the women’s bathroom, the weather, goody bags and the approval of 16 place scoring.
     Mary L. thanked Bruce for organizing the banquet and mentioned that several families had commented on how much they appreciated the program and the facilities.
     Bruce brought up the possibility of a $50 fee for parents and chaperones to ride the bus to the All Star meet.  Motion made to charge parents for the All Star trip. Seconded.  Discussion followed and was tabled until Old Business.

Safety Chair:  David reported that three accidents were reported in 2006, one of which was from short course this fall.

Motion to accept the reports. Seconded.  Passed.

Old Business:

     All Stars:  Mary L. stated that she, Betty and Patrick had come to an agreement regarding charges and this has been sent to Lori and Patrick.  A code of conduct will be included. It will be $150 per swimmer which includes breakfasts and suppers on Friday and Saturday. Motion to accept this price.  Seconded.  Discussion followed.  Motion carried.

     Finance chair, Mike Jacobson submitted the budget report. It is not in balance and we are assuming we will meet the budget for the last quarter.  The proposed budget, income from investment and interest were discussed.  All Star expenses are going up and the projected income will not cover the expenses.  The projected cost is $4000 for buses, $2500 for Action Accents, $1347 for registration fees, $5586 for hotel and some for pictures.  Mike asked what the group wanted to do? Revisit the number of buses, chaperones or rooms?  Much discussion followed.  Motion made that $25 be added for chaperones for a total of $75 rather than $50.  The amendment to the original motion was accepted.  Seconded.  Motion carried. 

      Mike continued his report with administrative costs including Betty’s phone and internet service.  Zone income and expenses were discussed.  Cost cutting measures were discussed including taking only one bus.  Mike went on to a new item, national convention. The budget was $3000, but $8500 was actually spent.  Discussion followed about the number of board member to attend and what expenses for which they should be responsible. All agreed that it was a very worthwhile experience.  Cutting down convention expenses was tabled until the January meeting. More discussion followed about balancing the budget.  Mike suggested moving $3900 excess from another area into the convention line to bring the it back up to the $8500 now and relook at the expenditures after All Stars.  Question called to accept the budget with the above stipulation.  Motion carried.  

New Business:

     Mary mentioned having the House of Delegates meeting via teleconference.  The House needs to approve.  Betty will send out an e-mail with the budget attached.  Board consensus approved that.

     Betty said we need to look at the award point system for Swimmer of the Year awards.  She submitted a list of qualifications and points.  Motion to accept the point system.  Seconded.  Discussion followed.  Motion carried.

     Discussion followed about coaching assistants on deck.  Lynn brought up some of the coaches concerns.  Mary L. charged him with polling the coaches and bringing back their opinions to the board. Mike voiced his desire to come up with a policy to enforce the rules without the fines.  Mary L. asked that this be tabled until the next meeting.

     Motion to adjourn. Seconded.  The next meeting will be in January, date and time to be announced. 

Submitted by GretchenLlindner, Secretary