Minutes

Board of Directors Meeting

20 November 2006

Members present:

Donna McGuire, president

Jack Miles, vice president

Dick Nelson, secretary

Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

Shiela Sonnenshein

Mary Rupert

The meeting was called to order by Jack Miles, vice president, in the temporary absence of the president.

Fivecoat-Campbell moved approval of the minutes of the last meeting, 14 August 2006. Rupert seconded. Passed on voice vote.

Awards Committee report presented by McGuire for committee chair C.J. Janovy. The committee is still looking for a speaker, but other planning is on track. The awards banquet will be held June 9.

Announcements by McGuire:

Lisa Waterman Gray has tendered her resignation. A replacement is not necessary, since bylaws amendments adopted in June eliminate the position at the end of the current term.

Bahtiyar Kurambaev , who received a $150 stipend to attend a student conference, “Covering Politics and Elections,” presented a report on his participation. He also presented a written report (See attached.)

Rupert reported on program ideas (see attached).

Rupert suggested a training or refresher “boot camp” in basic skills.

It was suggested that we try to determine what the membership wants. But Miles suggested that surveys don't work. He argued that if we decide we want to do it, just do it. Miles suggested a program on what the Missouri and Kansas Press Associations are doing to strengthen sunshine laws. Rupert suggested an audit of how Kansas City area governments stack up on sunshine laws, but acknowledged it would be a big job. A program in conjunctuion wih the National Conference of Editorial Writers September 26-27 was suggested.

In further discussion of a sunshine law forum, the members agreed it should be held in early January at the latest. Miles agreed to arrange the program on either January 6^th or 13th.

An ethics forum, possibly focusing on KCTV news-gathering techniques, also was discussed.

The board discussed reviving happy hours.

McGuire announced that the next board meeting would be in early January.

Miles moved to adjourn. Sonnenshein seconded. Adjourned on voice vote.