BCFFPA Annual General Meeting
May 27, 2006
Kelowna BC
1.
Meeting called to order at 10:10 AM
2.
Welcoming Remarks were given by President Sheila Durnford
3.
Introductions
Introduction of Board Members, Staff, the Parliamentarian, John Noonan, Life and Honourary
members, Sheila and Phil Durnford, and Betty Davis, Michael Egilson of the CYO, Ed Berry of the
PGT, the eight Ministry staff present, as well as the staff from all provincial foster parent support
agencies, the Adoptive Families Association, Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents and Teresa
Lum of the BC Youth in Care Network.
4.
Keynote Address – Mark Sieben ADM
Assistant Deputy Minister Mark Sieben was introduced by Sheila Durnford as the Keynote Speaker.
a.
Mark stated the positive networking and sharing of experiences taking place as very
positive.
b.
There are also many challenges being faced at this time, several of which are in the news.
What gets the most media attention does not truly reflect the reality of the day-to-day
services offered. It is important to take note of the successes.
c.
With regard to budgets, Mark acknowledged that the last few years have been difficult
and he is aware that Foster Parents feel those cuts in a very real sense. It is expected
that more dollars will be available going forward, and mileage increase and increased
discretionary spending for social workers are already in place.
d.
Another form of challenge is the ever-evolving leadership within MCFD. He is hopeful that
continuity will be in place now. Minister Hagen has done his fair share of dealing with
tough times through the last years. He has learned the business very well and is very
good at working with both cabinet and treasury. Mark stated his hope that he will be
working with the Minister for a long time.
e.
With the new Deputy Minister, there is a new vision and commitment. She will be in that
position for a period of time and will involve Aboriginal Communities more fully than in the
past in view of the overwhelming need for services provided to this group. She has stated
a number of times that if we have policy or mechanisms in place that work well for MCFD
but not for Children and Foster Parents then the system does not work. She wants to
reflect the needs of those at the service delivery level. Common purposes really need to
speak to the needs of foster parents and the children we serve.
f.
As the Provincial Director of Child Welfare under the CF&CS Act, Mark serves as parent
to approximately 9,100 children and youth in the care of MCFD in BC. He shares that
parental role with the Directors of Child Welfare in the five regions. Being the Director is
perhaps the loneliest job in the world. The Directors cap is one he wears with pride due to
his dealings with Foster Parents and Ministry Staff and he is pleased to serve in that
capacity.
g.
The many challenges faced bind Foster Parents and MCFD together at the end of the day.
Those relationships are what he values most. Hopefully those relationships show a
steady improvement going forward. That is what really needs to be paid attention to.
He asked those present to celebrate this day and this gathering. He presented Sheila
Durnford with a gift from the ministry and made the following address:
The Ministry would like to acknowledge the work of Sheila Durnford as she steps down from the
position of President of the BCFFPA today.
As many of you know, Sheila and Phil began fostering in 1989, and soon became members of the
BCFFPA. Sheila joined the BCFFPA board in 1992. Over the last 14 years Sheila has held a
number of positions on the board executive including Vice-President and President for the last 2
years.
Sheila’s energy, passion and dedication to foster care have been a driving force in her work. Her
great sense of humour and optimism has no doubt helped her to keep going when the going got
tough. And there have been times when the situation has been very tough.
But Sheila never gave up the cause, her commitment to the provincial role of the BCFFPA meant to
her that giving up was not an option. Solutions must be found and Sheila was always prepared to
work tirelessly to do so, while still being a dedicated foster parent to teenagers.
In fact the last 5 years have been quite the journey, but Sheila has always been up for the task.
She just loves a challenge, and the words “no” or “not possible” are just not in her vocabulary.
Between 2002-2004, Sheila, working as Vice-President with past President, Frank Hetherington
and the board, took the organization from the brink of extinction back to survival. This was no
mean feat and took a great deal of difficult negotiations, problem solving and challenging
presentations both within the organization and with funding partners (the ministry).
Over the last 2 years during her time as President, Sheila along with the other members of the
board and the diligent work of the BCFFPA staff have taken the organization from survival to total
re-design, with a new structure, mission, vision and goals. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes,
the BCFFPA is once again a much transformed, vibrant and grounded organization, well prepared
to be the voice of foster parents throughout the province.
The Annual Reports over the last few years tell you more about the outstanding work that has been
achieved under Sheila’s leadership. While undergoing internal transformation and development,
Sheila and the board maintained their advocacy role on behalf of foster parents keeping the
ministry on its toes about the issues of most importance to foster parents.
Sheila was presented a gift and a thank you from MCFD Division as she leaves the Presidency of
the BCFFPA. .
5.
Housekeeping
The President turned over the chairmanship to the Parliamentarian John Noonan. John addressed
housekeeping issues
a.
Notice of Meeting was duly given through the BCFFPA InfoLetter and the Web Site.
b.
A quorum was achieved with 56 voting members present (25 required)
c.
The agenda was accepted (Paul Filiatrault moved and carried)
d.
The rules of order were read and accepted by the assembly (2/3+ approval achieved)
e.
Members of the scrutineering team included Ellaine Ashby-BCFFPA Operations Manager,
Claude Cuff-BCFFPA VC Delegate, Jack Legebokow-MCFD, and Brian Tipper-Auditor.
6.
President’s Report
Since the last AGM we continue to be a membership driven, credible, proactive organization. The
following are part of the many accomplishments of the BCFFPA over the past year.
-
Mileage rate increases for foster parents is a positive step in the right direction
-
Relief/Respite payments have been clarified as per diem not calendar days
-
Length of time to receive payment for providing respite is being worked on
-
The 60 day notice for modification of contracts has been clarified in the Caregiver Support
Services Standards which will be released soon
-
The relationship between the BCFFPA and MCFD continues to be very positive at the
provincial level.
-
There is an increased general awareness of foster parenting among the general public, the
government and the media. BCFFPA and foster parents have been recognized several times
in the legislature as well as in the budget speech. One statement that shows we are being
recognized is during a discussion in the legislature with the opposition critic, Minister Hagen
stated ”It is more reasonable, I think, to turn to the association which represents them (f.p’s) to
say, “okay, so is this an issue? What do you think, is the Ministry right? Is the Ministry wrong?
Usually Sheila tells me very specifically if we’re moving in the wrong direction” end quote”
-
We will be hosting the Canadian Foster Family Association in 2007 in conjunction with our 40th
Anniversary celebrations. I would encourage you to join the CFFA, as they receive no funding.
There are applications in the packages.
These successes reflect the huge strides taken toward being a membership driven, credible,
proactive organization. We have moved forward in advocating for our foster parents and with the
professionalism that we have shown, we are being taken very seriously. We are not only being
listened to, but HEARD.
As you are aware, I am not running for another term. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to
assist in the many positive changes we have seen over the past few years. I know there are still
changes to work towards but every success is a change in the right direction.
It truly has been a great privilege and honor for me to serve as your President for the past two
years. I look forward to continuing on the BCFFPA Board of Directors as the CFFA Delegate.
Thanks to all of you – the foster parents, the board, the office staff, the ministry, agencies, partners,
all the many others who I have had the great fortune of meeting and working with over the past two
years, as President of the BCFFPA.
Mark, please convey my sincere thanks to Minister Hagen for taking the time to meet with myself
and other board members.
I encourage you all to take time to read the annual report where you will find written reports from
myself and the rest of the board. As well there are two surveys included in this years report; a
national and a provincial report.
7.
Recognition
Honorary Life Membership presented by Sheila Durnford
– President to Melanie and Paul
Filiatrault
This is awarded to foster parents who have been nominated and selected by the BCFFPA Board of
Directors. One Honorary Life Membership may be awarded each year at the AGM. Selection is
based on at least 5 years service to the Federation at the local, regional or provincial level and in
recognition of a long lasting contribution, which has benefited the Provincial Organization.
Melanie and Paul Filiatrault were introduced as the recipients.
Melanie and Paul have fostered for 18 ½ years, with Melanie being involved with the Provincial
board at the local, regional and provincial levels since 1990. She has held the positions of
Regional Representative, Director of Childcare, Provincial Secretary, and Director of the both the
Aboriginal Ad Hoc, and Multicultural Committees. She has served as Provincial Vice President for
the past two years.
Over the years Melanie has remained active at her regional level and is always there to assist her
region in striving to improve things for foster parents and ministry children and youth in care.
Paul too has given of this time by being there for Melanie and holding down the fort with a house
full of children, while Melanie attended meetings. Paul also assisted with a presentation to the
Ministry in 2000 when the provincial funding was cut 100%. Paul put together a very professional
power-point presentation with his expertise, and the Federations determination, to secure some
funding. We were successful. Thank you again Paul!
It is with great pleasure that I present you Melanie and you Paul with the Honorary Life
Membership.
8.
Treasurer’s Report
Lyn York – Treasurer introduced Brian Tipper CA to present the audit to the membership.
The auditors report was read to the assembly. Jan Chapman moved that the auditors report be
accepted. The motion was carried
Lyn York moved that Brian Tipper Inc be appointed auditors for the 2006/07 fiscal year. The
motion was carried.
9.
Nominees
The Nominees, Melanie Filiatrault running for President, and Willy Neal, running for Vice President,
were introduced and speeches were made.
The question was asked of the Parliamentarian that, as there is only one person running for each
position, why is there a vote. John Noonan explained that due to the wording of our bylaws there is
a need for a ballot vote regardless of how many candidates run for each position. The assembly
has the right to vote no if they do not agree with a nominee.
The assembly broke for lunch and voting.
10.
New Business
Ed Berry PGT
Jay Chalke the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC sends his greetings. He has recently been
appointed again to a six year term.
Many may not know who or what the PGT is. The PGT is trustee to 12,000 children holding 170 M
dollars in trust for those children.
The PGT advocate to and monitor more than 3000 legal proceedings involving minors. The office
more importantly is the Guardian of Estate for 5600 children in continuing care of MCFD
The Guardian of Estate protects the legal and financial interest of children in care and advances
legal claims on behalf of those children.
To that end I want to discuss an issue of significant concern to both the PGT and Foster Parents.
The Public Guardian and Trustee’s experience in acting as guardian of estate has disclosed that
one of the most common causes of action in the hands of children and youth in care of the
Province is a claim for damages for injuries and loss arising from sexual assault or physical abuse.
In some cases, the wrongful acts at issue occurred while the child was in care of the Province or
where the Province knew or ought to have known that the child or youth in care was at risk.
Historically, the Public Guardian and Trustee did not advance claims for damages for sexual
assault or physical abuse on behalf of children for whom it acted as guardian of estate. Relying on
legal advice to the effect that damages in such cases could not be effectively assessed until a
victim of abuse or assault reached adulthood, the Public Guardian and Trustee instituted a policy of
providing advice to a child at the age of majority and prior to discharge about the potential civil
claim which the child could then advance independently at a later date. However, in October 2003,
the Supreme Court of Canada released its decisions in the trilogy of cases, K.L.B. v. British
Columbia, 2003 S.C.C. 51, M.B. v. British Columbia, 2003 S.C.C. 53 and E.D.G. v. Hamer, 2003
S.C.C. 52, which caused the Public Guardian and Trustee to revise its policy concerning the pursuit
of claims for abuse or sexual assault on behalf of child clients.
The trilogy of cases concerned government and school board liability for harm caused to children in
their care, particularly in circumstances where harm was not caused by the fault of a government
actor. In these cases, the court confirmed that government will be directly liable in negligence
where it has been negligent in its duties of placement and supervision judged on a standard of a
“prudent parent at the time”. However, absent its own negligence, government will not be
vicariously liable for the actions of foster parent tortfeasors. In the cases of K.L.B. and M.B., the
court found that the relationship between foster parents and government was not sufficiently close
so as to give rise to vicarious liability on the part of government for the wrongful acts of the foster
parents. The court found that foster parents must operate independently of day to day state control
if they are to meet the goals of foster care and that, accordingly, their actions are too far removed
from government for them to be reasonably perceived as acting on account of government. The
court similarly found that with respect to the wrongful acts of a foster parent, the doctrine of non-
delegable duty did not apply to impose liability on government for the wrongful acts of an
independent contractor.
The practical impact of the trilogy on the Public Guardian and Trustee child clients who have claims
arising from sexual assault and physical abuse while in care of the Province is that such children
will not be able to look to the deep pockets of government to recover damages in cases where
government has not been independently negligent in carrying out its duties. Accordingly, as
guardian of estate, the Public Guardian and Trustee must now act early to identify which of its child
clients may have viable claims for damages for sexual assault or physical abuse and to investigate
the circumstances of each claim to identify defendants who have assets against which a judgment
could be satisfied if obtained.
This means that we are looking at the insurance and assets of the Foster Parent to satisfy the
claim.
I don’t want to be an alarmist, but this means that negligent acts whether intentional or not, will
need to be pursued. Where successful, the judgment will be against your personal assets.
The PGT recently took a position in our submission to the Honourable Ted Hughes that the
government of BC should either legislatively reverse the impact of the Trilogy to acknowledge the
responsibility of government in the circumstances or create a fund to satisfy these claims.
I want to end on a positive note and tell you about a tangible benefit to you in your care of our
children.
In conjunction with Family Services of Greater Vancouver, the PGT developed a booklet for youth
on Financial Literacy called. “Dollars and Sense” We are hoping that this will improve the
outcomes for youth transitioning to adulthood. Copies are available.
We will be meeting with your executive to develop an implementation plan. Your input would help
us in our success.
A question was asked as to whether assets could be frozen if a case comes forward. Ed did not
think so, and in any event it is the courts that would do that not the PGT.
Clarification given was:
The government is no longer automatically liable for penalties paid in lawsuits where the foster
parent looses. Foster Parents liability for injuries to a child has not changed substantially. If a
person commits a criminal act which harms a child, there is no insurance coverage for the claims, if
the person is found guilty.
Those present felt that this is a serious issue, and asked the BCFFPA to look into it and report back
to the members.
Ed is also a foster parent, and does not feel that the risk is significant, if foster parents do their job
well and with thoughtfulness,
Mark Sieben and Legal Services will look into the trilogy and will meet with the BCFFPA President
around what this means.
Paul Jenkinson – BCSWA – Chairperson - Child Welfare and Family Committee
I would like to begin my address by thanking the BCFFPA Executive for extending an invitation to
the British Columbia Association of Social Workers to share this time together with you. BCASW
President Rob Hart, Executive Director Linda Korbin and the entire membership of the Child
Welfare and Family Committee extend our warmest greetings to you, the foster parents who
provide safe, nurturing homes for vulnerable children who have been neglected and abused by
their natural families. The BCASW salutes each and every one of you who take on both the care of
the children and who work for their “best interests” while they are in your home. The BCASW
recognizes the investment in time and emotions that you make in each child. There are very few
occupations where one is called upon to provide comfort to children whether, newborns infants,
toddlers; school aged children or those about to graduate. There are fewer who because of the
nature of the work also ask you to grieve over the fate of drug addicted newborns or bow your
heads in silence when faced with the death of a teen who has run away from a group home. The
job of foster parent contains both great emotional fulfillment and tremendous emotional cost. This is
no ordinary job and it requires both exceptional individuals and a strong organization to provide
voice to your expertise, voice to the children’s experience and advocacy for issues identified by
foster parents. The British Columbia Association recognizes the BCFFPA as that organization.
Those who are involved in the child welfare system understand that there are a series of elephant/
mouse relationships that are at work in that system. Professional social workers in the employee of
the Ministry for Children and Family Development often speak of this relationship noting that they
practice with a certain amount of trepidation , mice in the presence of a rather large elephant ( the
Ministry as an institution) which may lurch this way or that or if asleep may wake up, shift its weight
and may, inadvertently, harm or help those who happen to be close by. The mice in this situation
may be the social workers or it may be the children. Foster parents have also shared that they
sometimes feel like the mouse in the presence of an elephant in their relationship with the Ministry.
There is an understanding among the mice, that is the social workers and the foster parents that
the elephant may be friendly, supportive (or not) but in all cases the elephant is large, powerful with
the potential for good or harm to all the mice (including the children). This is the nature of elephants
and this is the nature of institutions.
In the past five years it has become apparent that the Ministry as an institution is also a “slightly
larger mouse” but a mouse no less when it is in the presence of that rather huge elephant known
as government. The Ministry as elephant soon becomes the Ministry as mouse when the true
elephant, government directs that children be protected and then cuts budgets, social work staff
and fails to provide foster parents with adequate compensation or resources for the children.
Organizations like the BCASW, the BCFFPA as well as senior MCFD bureaucrats need to work
together to let that larger elephant know that the best interests of children, not government budgets
or ideology must guide the provision of all child protection services in BC.
The BCASW, Child Welfare and Family Committee continues to reach out to all of the other parties
involved in the protection of “at risk children” in British Columbia. The BCASW recognizes that
foster parents, community partners, MCFD front-line social workers and senior bureaucrats must
rally together to provide government with an honest assessment of what resources are needed to
keep children safe in BC.
As part of this effort the BCASW submission to the Ted Hughes “BC. Children and Youth Review”
included a section noting several foster care issues. After documenting several foster care
concerns the BCASW recommended that:
MCFD and the BCFFPA conduct a one year review of the “real costs” of providing foster care
and that the findings of this study become the basis for the MCFD foster care budget.
That the foster care system providers receive a cost of living increase for the period covered
from the last increase to the present time.
That the foster care services expected from the monthly stipend be reviewed and made
uniform and that subsequent expectations of foster care providers be fully funded.
The BCASW also called for a review of the funding arrangements for the 8700 “at risk children”, in
the underground foster care system, those provided safety in the homes of their relatives.
There is a lot of work to be done on behalf of neglected and abused children in BC. To do this work
effectively everyone in the child welfare system needs to organize together in various efforts to
move government to act responsibly. I would like to suggest that the government’s adequate
provision of services to children be treated as human rights issue. I look forward to a future day in
child protection where the children are central to every decision that is made and where there is no
one still involved who carries the illusion that they represent the powerful elephant, no need for
anyone to feel like a mouse and equal and respectful relationships among all the organizations
involved.
The BCASW honors the BCFFPA for the work that its members have done in the past, the care
that they are providing presently and the leadership that this association will provide in the future.
I am looking forward to hearing the expertise of foster parents during the one hour Listening
Session scheduled right after today’s AGM. The BCASW Listening Tour is comprised of BCASW
sponsored consultations with social workers, community agencies, foster parent and others
involved with at risk children and their families. The tour focuses not only on concerns but on the
exemplary work of child welfare practitioners. I hope to see many of you later at the Listening
Sessions.
Again I want to thank you for the kindness of your invitation to the BCASW to participate in your
annual general meeting. Thank you.
Martin Wright – MCFD – BC Government Act Now Program
The Act Now Program looks at ways to improve the health and well being of all children in the
continuing care of the ministry. Evidence has also come forward from the McCreary Foundation
regarding information that CIC’s are 5 times more likely to be hospitalized and twice as likely to
have diagnosed conditions.
More information will be available through the BCFFPA web site.
Motions from the Floor
01/AGM/06:MSC: (Jan Chapman) The BCFFPA Board of Directors develop a Foster Parents
Bill of Rights and legislate those rights. Carried
02/AGM/06: MSC: The BCFFPA Board of Directors consider the (13) thirteen resolutions
submitted by the Greater Kamloops Local of the BCFFPA as circulated. Carried
i.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate for two weeks of vacation pay per year in addition to
the 3 days per month of relief currently received.
ii.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate for cost of living adjustment yearly for the
maintenance portion of pay for children in care.
iii.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate for service payment increase yearly to be tied to
years of service and cost of living.
iv.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate for Foster Parents to be exempt from Provincial
Sales Tax for all purchases.
v.
We the BCFFPA resolve to recruit and hire a Professional negotiator to work full time for
the BCFFPA. This will enable time for the negotiator to become familiar and expert with
Ministry and BCFFPA policies and financial systems and head a negotiation team for the
BCFFPA for the next five years.
vi.
We the BCFFPA resolve to establish that the Ministry of Children and Families recognize
and conduct themselves with the belief that children need competent, kind, empowering,
long term parenting in all cases; that MCFD and BCFFPA work together to establish and
maintain foster parenting for children.
vii.
We the BCFFPA resolve that children should only be placed in Group Home type settings,
short term (under 3 months) and as a last resort only.
viii.
We the BCFFPA resolve that MCFD change the current bed specific contracts to be in
effect for the duration of the contract without modification or adjustment unless the
intention is never to fill the bed again or both parties agree to dissolve or decrease the
number of beds within the contract.
ix.
We the BCFFPA resolve that MCFD use child specific contracts for periods of 3 years or
less and bed specific contracts for periods of more than three years.
x.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate with MCFD for a pension plan for foster parents with
a vestment of 5 years.
xi.
We the BCFFPA resolve to negotiate with MCFD for a more inclusive medical and dental
plan for foster families.
xii.
We the BCFFPA resolve to develop a response system using a positive approach to
establish a “response action” for those instances when contractual obligations are not
being met. Example: what can we expect to have happen when Protocol investigations
are running longer than the stated 30 days?
xiii.
We the BCFFPA resolve to develop formalized advocacy for foster parents who want
advocacy during a Protocol.
03/AGM/06: MSC: (Heather Bayes) Provincial Board of the BCFFPA grant funds as based on
budgetary considerations. Carried
Discussion: In view of the limited funding the provincial organization has it was questioned how
the provincial will fund this.
It was clarified that it will be based on budget considerations so is simply a request
04/AGM/06: MSC: (Helen Hofer) Move that BCFFPA lobby the ministry so that when children
in care are placed on the adoption list, foster parents are allowed to actively seek adoptive
parents in conjunction with the ministry for their children in care and that confidentiality
issues are reexamined in regards to letting people know that the children are up for
adoption. This will speed the process and move children towards permanency. Carried
Discussion: It is clarified that the process for getting children adopted is too long partially due to
workers not always being available to pursue the issue. Children continue to languish in care for
far too long. The process should move forward even when workers are away sick or on vacation
for long periods of time.
05/AGM/06:MSC: (Lorraine Daley) BCFFPA take the necessary steps to ensure that no
smoking be allowed in foster homes or in vehicles that transport foster children. Carried
06/AGM/06: MSD: (Kula Zervos) The Board of Directors revisit the election procedures to
have the mail in ballots returned to a 3rd part to be counted (i.e. Accountant). Defeated
Discussion: This would require a revision to the Bylaws
07/AGM/06: MSC: (Wendy Sutherland) BCFFPA approach MCFD to institute a confidential
annual review for foster parents to evaluate MCFD staff on a yearly basis. Carried
Discussion: Although it was clarified that most social workers are meeting the needs of their
clients, it was suggested that an annual review may be the first step into resolving the issue. This
needs to be developed provincially. One individual felt that any member of the public was able to
take an issue forward regarding a social worker, however the members felt that they are not the
general public and deserve the same input into evaluations that all social workers are allowed in
evaluation of foster parents.
08/AGM/06: MSC: (Marcy Perron) BCFFPA explore ways and means so that all newborns will
have a plan to return to parents or adoption by the age of one year. Carried
09/AGM/06: MSC: (Sheila Davis) Whereas Social Workers in BC are asked to prepare an
evaluation on the quality of service in foster homes, we ask that the BCFFPA assure that the
foster parents receive a copy of this placement feedback and are allowed to respond to it.
Carried
10/AGM/06: MSC: (Patricia Youson) Move that the Financial Statements be part of the AGM
package and handed out to members the day before the AGM. Carried
11/AGM/06: MSD: (Bonnie Thompson) I move that BCFFPA explore ways and means to have
mixed level contracts be allowed for all foster parents in BC to allow for consistency and
fairness to all. Defeated
Discussion: The reason for this motion is that the levels system has strayed from the original
intent.
12/AGM/06: MSC: (Jan Chapman) The BCFFPA Board of Directors begin discussions with
MCFD regarding full participation in the redevelopment of the Foster Parent Education
Program. Carried
Discussion: Annette Harding supported the motion and reiterated that the Federation can expect
to be a full participant in the redevelopment program, as per the working group model set out at the
Caregiver Support Framework partnership table.
13/AGM/06: MSC: (Sheila Davis) BCFFPA prepare an information form for foster parents to
give feedback to the child’s social worker on the quality of service received. Carried
14/AGM/06: MSC: (Jan Chapman) The BCFFPA Board of Directors begin discussion with
MCFD with regard to the reinstatement of the Support Worker and Advocacy Program and
reinstatement of the full funding required to deliver the services provincially. Carried
11.
Closing
Election Results
Melanie Filiatrault
97/104 Yes
7/104 NO
Willy Neal
95/104 Yes
9/104 No
Melanie Filiatrault elected President
Willy Neal elected Vice President
Motion to destroy the ballots – MSC – carried
Announcements regarding the Listening Tour meeting and the banquet were made
Meeting adjourned at 3:55 PM
