Coastal Bend Texas Democratic Women

Monthly Membership Meeting Minutes

January 27, 2009

Gloria Caceres called the meeting to order and welcomed guests.  She introduced Dr. Wes Stafford, a local allergist, who presented a program on the health dangers posed by the pollution expected to be generated by the Las Brisas power plant.  Dr. Stafford and Dr. Silverman, a local cardiologist, conducted a question and answer session afterward.

Stacey Barrera presented the minutes.  A motion with second passed to accept the minutes.  Barbara Cline gave the treasurer’s report and the 2008 annual report. 

Esther Martinez gave the Membership Committee report and reminded members that it is time to renew memberships for 2009.  Ann Smith gave the Communications Committee report.  She announced there was a new style for the newsletter and that the committee is working on a membership directory.  She encouraged members to attend the TDW State Convention, to be held in Austin from February 27 through March 1, 2009. 

Susan Reeves gave the Executive Committee Meeting report.  She said that a Nominating Committee had not been appointed at the last meeting to present its recommendations for new officers, as required by the By-Laws.  To correct the oversight, the Executive Committee recommended that the election of officers be delayed until the February meeting, and that a Nomination Committee comprised of Susan Reeves, Gail Blanpied, and Stacey Barrera be appointed.  A motion was made with second.  Under discussion, Esther Martinez stated that the proper procedure would be to take nominations from the floor for the Nominations Committee.  After further discussion, the motion passed by a majority, but not unanimously. 

Under New Business, Gloria announced that the TDW State Convention will be held on February 27 and 28 at the Wyndham Hotel in Austin.  TDW will be honored by the Texas Legislature, which has declared Friday, February 27, as TDW Day.  She encouraged members to come early and visit the Capitol for the ceremony.  Gloria also announced that Coastal Bend TDW election of officers will be held at the next monthly membership meeting.  There was some discussion about what type of program to present, and several members expressed a desire to have a meet and greet for City Council candidates.  Gloria said the next meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, at the La Retama Library. 

A motion then passed to adjourn the meeting.