Board Minutes for January 17, 2004

The meeting was called to order by President Oscar House at 11:15 on January 17, 2004.

The Invocation was given by Mr. James Morrison.

Secretary Betsy Michael called the roll.  Present for the meeting was Wilburn Williams, James Morrison, Ross Campbell, Alice Haun, Elane Berry, Jake Jacobs, Bob Gullic, Clyde Creech, Oscar House, Barbara Fitch, Larry Street, Jeanne Key, Jim Morris, Joseph Livingston, Kenny Ailshie, Shannon Cotter, Jim Roberts, Ed Hiers, Rick Mullins, and Jimmy Lacy.  The board members absent were Randy Siniard, Gene Frye, and Joan Hart.  Their absences were excused.  President House was informed there was a quorum. 

President House then asked everyone to read over the minutes of the last meeting.  Motion was made to accept minute as they were stated by Ed Hiers.  It was seconded by Clyde Creech.  Motion was carried.

Under new business President House turn it over to Jake Jacobs for the Nominating Committee for 2004 officers.   The following persons were nominated for the positions indicated:

 The nominations were then opened to the floor.  The following were nominated:

            President                                                         Bob Gullic
            Senior Vice President                                    Jeanne Key
            Advisory                                                          Jim Roberts           

President House asked if nominations were closed.  Motion was made and seconded. It was carried.

The votes were cast and counted.  The 2004 Officers for the RHBAA are as follows:

            The dates were set for the board meetings.  They are as follows:

            Winter Meetings                     February 12, 2004 at 7:00 pm
                                                              February 13, 2004 at 1:00 pm
                                                              February 14, 2004 (if necessary)

            Spring Celebration                  April 22, 2004 at 7:00 am 

            Shelbyville Classic                   June 18, 2004 at 10:00 am

            Pro-Am Show                          August 21, 2004 at 9:00 am

            World Celebration                   September 21, 2004 at 7:00 am

A motion was made that the executive committee would meet immediately after the board meeting by Elane Berry.  It was seconded by Barbara Fitch.   The motion carried.

A motion was made by Ed Hiers to change the wording on Section 3.20 (Budget), page 14 in the rule book to state the treasurer shall prepare a detailed proposed budget for the association for each year and shall submit such proposed budget to the board of directors for its consideration prior to the annual membership meeting in February. It was seconded by Jake Jacobs.  After discussion, Mr. Ed Hiers withdrew him motion.

Mr. Wilburn Williams made a motion to insert “except geldings “on Article 6 Section 6.2 (Registration by Qualification), page 20. Discussion followed.  Motion was tabled till after treasurer’s report.

Mr. Clyde Creech under new business wanted to discuss the “Jim Court” rule.  He wanted the rules enforcement committee look into changing this rule with advisement from other committee heads.  Discussion followed. 

Mr. James Morrison discussed three things under new business.  They were related to the treasurer’s report.  The board needs to look at a plan to close the books in the breeders association.  A ten year plan is suggested.  The board needs to look at developing our own DQP program.  The board needs to have a committee appointed by the president to report back at the winter meetings on the decision we have made not to sign a contract with the National Horse Show Commission.  This committee needs to look at the pros and cons of this situation.  Discussion followed.  Jake Jacobs made a motion to appoint a committee about evaluating the decision about the National Horse Show Commission contract.  Motion was withdrawn.  Then President Oscar House appointed a committee.  The following people are on the committee:  James Morrison, Randy Siniard, Wilburn Williams, Jimmy Lacy, Jeanne Key, Larry Street, and Shannon Cotter.  They are to report at the winter meetings.  Discussion followed.

Mr. Rick Mullins gave his finding on refinancing of the current loan.  A handout that showed the current loan verses the new loan and how much money will be saved in the ten year period.  He went with AmSouth Bank.  A motion by Mr. Rick Mullins was made to go with AmSouth Bank loan for the amount of $785,600.  He stated the terms.  It was seconded by Larry Street.  The motion carried.  A second motion was made by Mr. Rick Mullins that the following resolutions by adopted.  He read the resolution.  (See Attachment 1)  Mr. Jim Roberts seconded the motion.  The motion was carried.

Discussion followed about the financial report, registrations, membership, etc.  President Oscar House stated that cuts are going to have to be made.  Mrs. Shannon Cotter stated she would get with Mrs. Melissa Taylor to get figures about getting an equine marketing specialist for guidance.

A discussion on having five important things that needs to be improved for the success on the racking horse industry.

The treasurer’s report was finished by Mr. Rick Mullins.  A request was made for a copy of the monthly financial report and a comparison of the current year and prior year to be given to board members.   A discussion followed.  A motion to accept the financial report as read was made by Mr. Clyde Creech and seconded by Jimmy Lacy.  The motion was carried.

A motion was made to amend the forty-five day rule in Article XX (Amendments of Bylaws) Section 20.1, page 125 by Ms. Elane Berry.  This is the “Jim Court” rule.  The motion is to change 45 days to 15 days prior to the membership meeting.  Mr. Jim Roberts motioned to closed discussion. Two-thirds majority passed.   Mr. Clyde Creech seconded the motion.  The motion carried.

A discussion on to amend Section 20.2 (By Board of Directors), page 125,  from amending bylaw being ratified by membership to change that it does not have to be ratified by membership along with notification of 15 day notice.  Nothing was resolved.  Meeting proceeded.

The motion by Mr. Wilburn Williams to insert “except geldings” on Article 6 Section 6.2 (Registration by Qualification), page 20, that was tabled, was reopened for discussion.  Ms. Elane Berry asked that she and Mr. Wilburn Williams bring this before the Breeder’s committee.   Ms. Elane Berry will report back to the board at the winter meetings.

HIO for the Spring and World Celebration was next.  Mr. Larry Street made the motion to stay with the National Horse Show Commission for the Spring and World Celebration.  It was seconded by Barbara Fitch.  Motion was carried.

Affiliation of Chain Racking Classes was brought before the board for discussion.  Mr. Clyde Creech made the motion that we can affiliate with the shows and they have to use our judges with the racking classes and their judges with the racking with chain classes.  Discussion followed.  Mr. Jake Jacobs made the motion to table this until the winter meetings and for President Oscar House to assign a committee to look into it. Ms. Elane Berry seconded the motion.  The motion was carried.  Discussion followed.  Mr. Clyde Creech withdrew his motion.  Mr. Clyde Creech made the motion that we can affiliate with shows that have chained performance gaited classes, but the RHBAA judges must judge the racking classes.  The motion was seconded by Jimmy Lacy.  The motion was carried.

Exhibitor Status was the next order of business.  Discussion followed.   Mr. James Morrison made the motion to go back to the “Jeanne Key” motion on June 16, 2000, that a Professional Show card fee to be $50.  That $25 will go to the Breeders Association and $25 will go to the Trainers Association.  It was seconded by Mrs. Shannon Cotter.  The motion carried.

Mr. James Morrison made motion to adjourn.  Mr. Clyde Creech seconded the motion.  The motion was carried.

The executive committee met after the board of directors meeting.