General Board Meeting, Reno-Nevada, November 4, 1999

I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

II. OFFICER'S REPORTS

Vice President's Report: Vice President Jim Elder included the USA Website Committee's report in his presentation. Jim explained the new streamlined site Gamini Gunaratna has designed, which is easier to navigate and maintain. The website is offering basic online information to our members and also attracting new members interested in our organization. Along with online advertising, Amazon.com referral fees and reduced long distance phone calls from the USA Office, the website is generating income. The goals for the website committee are to become more efficient in updating the site with club trials and contact information. The other goal of the committee is to provide online coverage at every National Event.

Secretary's Report: Interim Secretary Ann Marie Chaffin reported that at President, Mike Hamilton's request and the Executive Board's approval, she took over the Secretary's position, and all is running smoothly.

Treasurer's Report: Treasurer Paul DiNenna reported that the organization is sound. He has worked out a payment plan and we are on a current basis with all of our creditors. All items of expense are under budget. Paul then discussed the handouts that were given to each delegate:

• Approved 2000 Budget
• Internal Statement thru 6-30-99
• Auditor's Report ending 6-30-99
• Management recommendation letter from the auditors.

Thanks to Kelly Hope, USA Office Manager, we are now able to share information between computers at the Office. Paul strongly suggested that we continue to use e-mail when communicating with the Office to save on telephone bills.

We do not have an accurate count of the membership, the membership is based on the number of magazines that are mailed.

Director of Judges Report: Director of Judges Mark Przybylski reported that Al Govednik is now approved to judge National Events. Mark has also been hearing good reports from around the country about our newest judges, Ann Marie Chaffin, Carla Griffith, and Glenn Stephenson. There are now 5 apprentice judges; Nikki Banfield should be coming up for vote next year. Mark then deferred the remainder of his report to New Business.

III. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Editorial Committee: Chair Donna Rednour expressed appreciation to the authors. Cheryl Morris has been hired as the art director. We have had an increase in the amount of mailed, "Schutzhund USA", from 4652 to 5015. The committee has changed the layout of the magazine making it more user friendly. They have also added the AWDF section. Poly bagging has helped decrease the amount of damaged magazines. Donna requested to be notified if the area code for the club contact changes.

Board of Inquiry: Chair Dena McGowan reported that the committee dealt with one case last year, William Seltzer vs. Wayne Simanovich. The BOI voted not to hear this case. The $75 filing fee will be returned to William Seltzer. There are 3 pending cases with the Board of Inquiry.

Breed Advisory Committee: Chair Johannes Grewe gave an extensive presentation detailing the contents of his handout. It covered all aspects of breeding including: Sieger Show, breed warden, tattoeers, USA/SV dual registration, HD and DNA programs. Johannes also presented recommendations regarding all of the above and the COAPA championship, which will be voted on during New Business. Lee Weirick is putting our own breed survey book together.

Budget Committee: Included in Treasurer's Report Bylaws Committee: Due to lack of quorum, Chair John Koerner deferred his report to New Business.

Handler's Committee: No representative. Mike Hamilton recommended that this committee disband as a non-functioning committee, due to inactivity.

Helper's Committee: Representative Mark Chaffin reported on the success of the first helper seminar, conducted at the Nationals in Reno. He also added that members of the committee are available to do club seminars at cost.

Judge's Committee: Chair Mark Przybylski reported that Karen McIntyre was dropped from the apprentice confirmation judges program due to inactivity and the inability to produce paperwork. The committee recommends that if she would like to re-enter the program, she must judge 3 more confirmation shows including the Sieger Show.

Judges for 2000 National Events: The 2000 German Shepherd Dog Championship will be held in St. Joseph, Missouri. April 1 and 2 and possibly March 31 if there are 36 or more entries. Al Govednik will judge tracking. Mike Hamilton will do the stadium judging and if there are over 30 dogs, Mike Caputo will judge obedience.

North American Championship will be held in Austin, Texas on April 27 and 28. Mark Przybylski will judge tracking. George Shumaker, obedience and FH, Willie Pope will judge protection.

Nationals will be held in Madison, Wisconsin on October 20-22. Tracking will be judged by Mark Przybylski. Obedience-Georg zum Felde, Protection - Doug Deacon

Nominating Committee: Representative Lyle Roetemeyer deferred report to New Business.

Special Committee: Historical Committee: Kay Koerner, reported on the progress of the National, North American, Sieger Show, and WUSV Championships scrapbooks that she has organized. She requested information from clubs regarding their first trials.

Attorney's Report: USA's attorney, Frank Susman reported his observations and recommendations:

• The Bylaws are too burdensome and crippling, they need to be revised.
• We need to update our computer systems to share information.

Frank Susman also reported that Paul Meloy has sued the organization for breech of contract. His employment contract had no performance standards. Paul Meloy has recently filed a motion to amend his suit, adding an additional individual defendant, Paul DiNenna. Paul Meloy claims that Mr. DiNenna has defamed him. Frank Susman reported that with the resignation of the prior office manager, we have eliminated expenses, which is a savings of $100,000 a year.

It appears a cash withdrawal of just under $10,000 was taken on a credit card under the organization's name. Frequent visits to restaurants were also on this card. This lawsuit could take as long as 2-3 years to settle. A counter suit may be filed for damages suffered by the organization. Frank Susman's report was followed by a question and answer period.

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

11:20 am Lunch Break

1:10pm Roll Call taken by Ann Marie Caffin.
Due to lack of a quorum, President Mike Hamilton opened the Meeting as an Executive Board Meeting.

Roll Call: 15 Executive Board members present.
Motion by Mike Hamilton to adjourn Executive Board Meeting, seconded by Kay Koerner. VOTE: PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

1:15pm Call to order. Roll Call taken by Ann Marie Chaffin. 65 delegates

V. BY-LAW CHANGES

Addition: Article VI, Section 1.c
(iii) All actions of the board shall be reported as minutes. A printed copy of the minutes will be mailed within Sixty (60) days of the meeting to all clubs and Executive Board. It will be sent by mail or electronic mail to any individual member of USA at that member's request. A copy of the minutes shall be published promptly in the association's official publication and internet web site.

Article VI, Section 2.e
From:
All actions of the Board shall be reported as minutes. A printed copy of the minutes will be mailed within 120 days of the meeting to all clubs and will be sent to any individual member of USA at that member's request. The General Board of Directors may rescind or modify an action of the Executive Board.

To:
All actions of the Board shall be reported as minutes. A printed copy of the minutes will be mailed within 60 days of the meeting to all clubs and will be sent by mail or electronic mail to any individual member of USA at that member's request. A copy of the minutes shall be published in the association's official publication and internet web site. The General Board of Directors may rescind or modify any action of the Executive Board. Discussion, VOTE: 62 Yes, 3 Opposed, 0 Abstentions Motion Passed

Motion by John Koerner, seconded by Kay Koerner

Article VI, Section l.d.
From:
d. Quorum
In order for any business to be conducted a quorum must be present. A quorum shall be deemed to be present if 25% of all full member clubs in good standing and at least three (3) USA Officers are present. The formula: USA Full member clubs in good standing divided by four (4) plus at least one (3) USA Officers shall be used to establish the number required for a quorum.

To:
d. Quorum
In order for any business to be conducted a quorum must be present. A quorum shall be deemed to be present if 20% of all full member clubs in good standing and at least three (3) USA Officers are present. The formula: USA Full member clubs in good standing divided by five (5) plus at least three (3) USA Officers shall be used to establish the number required for quorum.
VOTE: 64 Yes, 0 Opposed, 1 Abstained Motion Passed
By-Law Changes to be continued after Elections

VI. ELECTIONS

Breed Advisor Committee: 3 Positions open. The Nominating Committee nominated Karen Henkel and Michelle Scarberry. Nominations from the floor: Patsy Hamilton nominated Lee Weirick, Rita Ledda nominated Johannes Grewe, Willi Ortner nominated Julia Priest. Donna Rednour closed nominations. Karen Henkel, Lee Weirick, Johaness Grewe, and Julia Priest spoke briefly. Nia Cottrell read a note from Michelle Scarberry.
VOTE: Johannes Grewe 51, Karen Henkel 41, Lee Weirick 31, Julia Priest 24, Michelle Scarberry 20.

National Events Committee: 4 positions open. The Nominating Committee nominated Michelle Scarberry and Jan R. Vos-Flores. Nominations from the floor: Laurel Carle, Mary Belt nominated John Oliver, Donna Rednour nominated Tim Cruiser, Donna Rednour and Willi Ortner both declined the nomination. Mike Hamilton closed the nominations. Jan Flores, Tim Curiser, Laurel Carl, and John Oliver spoke briefly, Nia Cottrell read a note from Michelle Scarberry.
VOTE: Tim Cruiser 54, Laurel Carle 52, Jan Flores 51, John Oliver 40, Michelle Scarberry 28.
This committee elects its chairperson.

Nominating Committee: 5 positions open. The nominating committee nominated Jan Flores. Nominations from the floor: Dena McGowan nominated Lyle Roetemeyer, Julia Grayson nominated Nia Cottrell, Egon Vollrath nominated Rita Ledda, Dena McGowan nominated Vickie Bartley, Karen Henkel nominated Ron Harris, John Oliver nominated Debbie Zappia, Rita Ledda nominated John Koerner. Rita Ledda declined the nomination. Julia Grayson closed the nominations.
VOTE: Lyle Roetemeyer 46, John Koerner 43, Debbie Zappia 41, Vickie Bartley 39, Jan Flores 38, Ron Harris 37, Nia Cottrell 22.

Board of Inquiry: 2nd Alternate. Willi Ortner nominated Julia Priest, other nominees were, Rita Ledda, and John Koerner
VOTE: John Koerner 36, Julia Grayson 16, Rita Ledda 8.

Judges Committee: 2 positions from members at large. John Oliver nominated Egon Vollrath, Mark Przybylski nominated Lyle Roetemeyer, other nominees were Willi Ortner and Jerry Carle.
VOTE: Egon Vollrath 40, Willi Ortner 37, Lyle Roetemeyer 24, Jerry Carle 15

2:30pm Break
2:50pm Call to order
Roll Call taken by Ann Marie Chaffin: 64 delegates.

VII. BY-LAW Changes Continued

Article X Section 2.f
From:
The World Championship Committee

To:
The USA International German Shepherd Dog Championship Committee
Discussion VOTE: 63 Yes, 1 Opposed, 0 Abstentions Motion Passed

Motion by John Koerner, seconded by Kay Koerner.
Addition:
Article IV Section l.e
e. Youth Membership
This membership is available to person 18 years of age or younger. It is intended to create interest in the objectives of USA among young people. Dues and privileges of membership shall be determined by the General Board. Youth Members shall not be eligible to hold office or serve on any committee except as specially determined by the Board. Parental or guardian consent is required
Discussion VOTE: 62 Yes, 0 Opposed, 2 Abstained Motion Passed

3:15pm add 1 more delegate Total 65

Motion by John Koerner, seconded by Charles Norton
Adding Lifetime Membership Category to bylaws.
Discussion regarding the inclusion of cost to bylaws.
VOTE: 63 Yes, 2 Opposed 0 Abstentions Motion Passed

Motion by John Koerner, seconded by Jim Elder
Delete the Executive Director Section in its entirety from bylaws
Amendment to motion by Charles Norton, seconded by Dena McGowan to change the word conformation to breed events.
VOTE: 65 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions Amendment Passed
VOTE, to delete Executive Director Section, 65 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions Motion Passed

Motion by John Koerner, seconded by Diane Madigan
Add the Webmaster as a paid position Article 1 Section 3.b
Discussion VOTE: 57 Yes, 6 Opposed, 1 Abstained Motion Passed

Motion by Nia Cottrell, seconded by David Puzzo,
Adding Vote by E-mail Article VI Section 2.g. (iii)
Discussion VOTE: 65 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions Motion Passes Unanimously

The By-Law Changes are Included as an Attachment 1

VIII. New Business Arising from Reports

Breed Advisory Committee: Chair Johannes Grewe discussed 2.5 COAPA Championship from the committee's handout, Mike Hamilton appointed Ricardo Carbajal as USA's representative at COAPA's 2000 annual meeting.

Motion by Tim Cruiser, seconded by Nia Cottrell. The highest qualifying, top scoring GSD team under the WUSV Qualifiers and the FCI Qualifier Team have the opportunity, sanctioned by USA to participate at the COAPA Event, not funded by USA.
(4:20pm 1 delegate left, total 64)
Discussion VOTE: 60 Yes, 0 Opposed, 4 Abstained MOTION PASSED

Motion by Lyle Roetemeyer, Seconded by Janet Mountjoy, The Breed Advisory Committee will elect their chairperson, that will also serve as the National Head Breedwarden.
VOTE: 63Yes, 1 Opposed, 0 Abstentions MOTION PASSED

Judge's Committee: Motion by Mark Przybylski, to approve the judges for the following events:
GSD Championship, Tracking-Al Govednik, Stadium-Mike Hamilton, if over 30 dogs, Mike Caputo will do Obedience VOTE: 64 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions, Motion Passes Unanimously.
North American Championship, Tracking-Mark Przybylski, Obedience-and FH-George Shumaker, Protection-Willie Pope.
VOTE: 64 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions, Motion Passes Unanimously.

USA Nationals, Tracking-Mark Przybylski, Obedience-Georg zum Felde, Protection-Doug Deacon
VOTE: 63 YES, 1 Opposed, 0 Abstentions, Motion Passes Unanimously.

Motion by Mark Przybylski, seconded by Nia Cottrell. You must be a USA member to purchase a USA scorebook. Effective immediately after the publication in the Jan/Feb 2000 issue of Schutzhund USA.
VOTE: 61 Yes, 3 Opposed, 0 Abstentions, Motion Passed

Motion by Mark Przybylski, seconded by Nia Cottrell. Delete the rule that states that people living in the same household cannot lay tracks or do helper work. This will only include club trials and not championships. Effective immediately after the publication in the Jan/Feb 2000 issue of Schutzhund USA
VOTE: 62, 1 Opposed, 1 Abstained, Motion Passed

Helpers Committee: Motion on Agenda by Gary Parks, seconded by Al Milner to change wording:
FROM:
"The selection of helpers for National Events will consist of the Regional Director, Director of Judges and (a member of the) Handlers' Committee.

TO:
The selection of helpers for National events will consist of the Regional Director, Director of Judges, and a member of the Helpers' Committee
VOTE: 64 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions, Motion Passed Unanimously

IX. Other New Business:

Motion on Agenda by Peggy Park, seconded by Ann Marie Chaffin, to accept trial Authorizations sent by E-mail or fax.
VOTE: 64 Yes, 0 Opposed, 0 Abstentions, Motion Passed Unanimously

Newly elected secretary, Diane Madigan asked that all committee chairpersons provide her with a copy of their reports.

Discussion involving Dave Rednour, and Willi Ortner regarding judging at international events. Will be taken under advisement.

Mike Hamilton expressed thanks to Stephanie Dunion, our International Liaison, for her help in securing Lufthansa, once again, as a USA Sponser.

Motion to adjourn by Dena McGowan, seconded by Mark Przybylski.

Meeting adjourned at 5:10pm.

To the best of my knowledge, these minutes are an accurate record of the proceedings of this meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Madigan

The following sections of the USA Bylaws were approved at the General Board meeting held on November 4, 1999 at Reno Nevada.

Article X section 2.f

TO:
f. The USA International German Shepherd Dog Championship Committee
It is the duty of this committee to recommend rules for the selection of a team to represent USA at the World Schutzhund III Championship for German Shepherd Dogs. ……

ARTICLE IV Section 1: TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
Add paragraph d:
d. Lifetime Membership
Lifetime members shall be provided with an official membership card and shall receive a subscription to the association's publication. Lifetime members shall also receive a National Events Pass, which shall admit such members to all of the association's National Events including the Sieger Show, National Championship, USA German Shepherd Dog Championship, and North American Championship. The names of all Lifetime members shall be published in an annual issue of the association's publication.
A Lifetime Membership shall be an individual membership. Lifetime Members are subject to the same USA rules and bylaws provisions as members in other classifications. The Lifetime Membership and/or National Events Pass are non-transferable, and shall terminate upon the death of the member." Lifetime Memberships shall be available for limited periods determined by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV
SECTION 2: RULES FOR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
Change last sentence of paragraph 2(a) to read:

TO: a. Annual dues
The General Board of Directors shall establish the amount of dues for all types of membership. Honorary members shall be exempt from annual dues. Dues shall be honored for one (1) year from the date of origin, except in the case of Lifetime Memberships. Lifetime Membership dues are payable in a one-time lump sum and shall be honored for the natural life of each Lifetime Member, who shall pay no further dues to the association. Lifetime Members remain responsible for payment of applicable local club dues.

Add to paragraph 2(c):
TO:
c. Resignation
Any member of USA may resign from the association at any time and shall be deleted from the membership list. Resignations must be submitted to the Treasurer in writing. There shall be no refund of dues or payment, in full, or on a pro-rata basis, upon the resignation of any Lifetime Member from the association. Upon resignation from the association, the name of a resigning Lifetime Member shall not appear in the association's publication among the roster of Lifetime Members.

I. YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
ADD:
Article IV Section 1.e
e. Youth Membership
This membership is available to person 18 years of age or younger. It is intended to create interest in the objectives of USA among the young people. Dues and privileges of membership shall be determined by the General Board. Youth Members shall not be eligible to hold office or serve on any committee except as specially determined by the Board. Parental or guardian consent is required.

Article VII Section 3.a
TO:
a. President
The President is the Chief Administrative Officer and legal head of USA. The President exercises supervision over the association and it activities and employees. The President is responsible for handling relations between USA and external associations and represents USA in public, presides at business meetings and has the authority to carry out the will of the organization. The President serves as chairman of the Board of Directors. The President shall be an advisory member of all committees except for the Board of Inquiry and the Nominating Committee. The President shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining records of; all trials, German Shepherd dog breed surveys, the German Shepherd dog Breed registry, and German Shepherd dog breed shows. The president shall also be responsible for compiling and maintaining records of individual accomplishments of all dogs entered in USA sanctioned events and may be given responsibility for additional duties and/or records by the Board of Directors. The President shall make or cause to be made a duplicate set of records, which will be kept at a location designated by the Board of Directors. He/she shall be responsible for the distribution of, to clubs and individuals, and for the collection of fees (if any) for all necessary forms for trials, breed surveys, breed registry, breed events, etc. The President employs and manages all the paid staff for USA.

DELETE THE FOLLOWING SECTION IN ITS ENTIRETY

The Executive Director is responsible for employing and managing all paid staff for USA. The Executive Director under the general direction of the Board shall handle relations between USA and external organizations and represent USA in meetings with other organizations.

The Executive director is authorized to sign letters and documents necessary to carry out the will of the organization. He/she may sign bank drafts and checks within the budget restraints on behalf of the organization.

The Executive Director is a non-voting position on any Board or Committee however the individual serving in the role of Executive Director still maintains his or her voting rights as an individual member of the association. The Executive Director may act in an advisory manner to all committees except the Board of Inquiry and the Nominating Committee.

The Executive Director shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining records of all trials, German Shepherd Dog Breed Surveys, The German Shepherd Dog Breed registry, and German Shepherd Dog conformation shows that are sanctioned by the association. The Executive Director shall be responsible for compiling and maintaining records of individual accomplishments of all dogs entered in events sanctioned by the associations and may be given responsibility for additional duties and/or records by the Board. The Executive Director will make or cause to be made a duplicate set of all records which will be kept at a location designated by the Board of Directors, The Executive Director will be responsible for the distribution of all necessary forms and materials required for sanctioned trials, breed surveys, conformation events, membership, breed registry, etc. to member clubs and individual members and for the collection of fees (if any) for same.

ADDING VOTE BY E-MAIL
Article VI Section 2.g.(iii)

TO:
(iii) In lieu of calling a special meeting, members of the Executive Board of Directors may be polled by mail or electronic communication ballot. Two (2) weeks shall be allowed for the return of ballots before closing the vote. Complete and factual information on the subject(s) to be voted on must be supplied with each ballot. Balloting by telephone is prohibited.

PREPARATION OF MINUTES
ADD THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH

Article VI, Section 1, c.
(iii) All actions of the board shall be reported as minutes. A printed copy of the minutes will be mailed within Sixty (60) days of the meeting to all clubs and Executive Board. It will be sent by mail or electronic mail to any individual member of USA at that member's request. A copy of the minutes shall be published promptly in the association's official publication and internet web site.
Article VI Section 2.e

TO:
All actions of the Board shall be reported as minutes. A printed copy of the minutes will be mailed within 60 days of the meeting to all clubs and will be sent by mail or electronic mail to any individual member of USA at that member's request. A copy of the minutes shall be published in the association's official publication and internet web site. The General Board of Directors may rescind or modify an action of the Executive board.

ADD THE WEBMASTER AS A PAID POSITION
Article 1 Section 3.b
TO:
Except for the Editor of the association's official publication and the Webmaster, no member may derive any income from the association. Persons who, in the course of official duties or in service to the association, incur expenses may apply to the Treasurer for reimbursement of these expenses.

QUORUM
Article VI, Section 1,d
d. Quorum
In order for any business to be conducted, a quorum must be present. A quorum shall be deemed to be present if 20% of all full member clubs in good standing and at least three (3) USA Officers are present. The formula: USA Full member clubs in good standing divided by five (5) plus at least three (3) USA Officers shall be used to establish the number required for a quorum.

[END]