Nevada Chess, Inc. - Annual Members Meeting

Minutes of the Meeting Held March 15th, 2003
CCSN, Bldg D, Room 219

The meeting was called to order by President Allen Magruder at 2:58 pm.

First, a review of the last members meeting was discussed.  This included the application of non-profit status by Nevada Chess and Chris Bird is handling this.  Also, the list of Directors to the Nevada Secretary of State was 2 years late and this has been updated, with fines paid.

The Budget was discussed.  The budget balance for fiscal 2002 was $1320.  For fiscal 2003, for at least the first 9 months, income was $956, while expense totaled about $1375.  With this deficit in mind, a motion was raised and seconded to raise the dues to $12 a year for 2004.  Greg Niemi proposed an amendment to raise the dues to $15.  In the discussion that followed, the member's dues offset the cost of the bulletin, the State Scholastic pays for the $300 stipend to the Denker candidate and the State Champion's expense is paid by the gifts received (i.e. Ken Sims and Reno Chess Club).  Members were in favor of an increase in the dues, but an informal poll indicated a 50-50 split on whether it should be $12 or $15.  A proposal was made that a subcommittee be created to analyze both increases and advise on which increase should take effect in 2004.  A further motion was made that the Denker contribution be standardized at  50% of the Nevada Chess income from the State Scholastic, with a $200 minimum.  The motion passed.

On behalf of the current State Champion, Jerome Weikel, Allen Magruder started a discussion regarding the prizes awarded to the State Champion and runner-up.  It was felt that the Nevada State Championship has lost some of its prestige with small prizes.  It was also felt that the qualification procedure also lacks prestige, funding and standardization.  In the discussion, it was determined Nevada Chess needs to take control of the qualifiers in order to raise funds for the State Championship and to even incorporate the idea of Class Championships.  The motion was made to form a subcommittee to look into improving the State Championship qualifiers.  This passed.

Next Norm Harvey made the motion that the Board call another Membership meeting to amend the Bylaws by late May.  Chris Bird suggested another subcommittee be formed to look at Norm's drafts and to make any necessary changes.  The proposed Bylaws will then be published in the April Bulletin and a membership meeting be scheduled for approximately 28 days after the Bulletin goes out.  This passed.

Next, the ballots for Election 2003 were opened, verified, and counted.  19 Ballots were received and 18 were verified (one lacked a signature).  Votes tallied were as follows, Dan Conver 14, Allen Magruder 13, Brad Zentmyer 12, Greg Niemi 6, Charles Hatherill 6.  Since three take office, Magruder and Conver continue as directors.  Zentmyer replaces Hatherill for 2-year term. With this, the meeting was adjourned.

At 4:30 pm, the Board of Directors, with a quorum present (excluding only Ron Gentil) met to discuss Officer placement.  John Trivett proposed the following slate, Chris Bird President, Dan Conver Vice President, Brad Zentmyer Secretary and Allen Magruder Treasurer.  Zentmyer refused the Secretary position so Trivett agreed to continue and the officers were officially placed unanimously.  John Trivett pointed out that he actively solicited for nominations from Northern Nevada and that since none were forthcoming, one of the other ballot candidates, Niemi or Hatherill be appointed by the President until the 2004 election.  Under advisement of the Board, as per the Bylaws, President Chris Bird appointed Charles Hatherill to serve the one-year term.