Date/Place: Tuesday January 23. Montiko's Grille and
Pizzeria on 2989 Arden Way, Sacramento, at about 7:00 PM
Hrant opened the meeting at 7:30 PM - he was delayed. Not having the agenda,
he started the meeting by memory. Attendance was large and perhaps the
largest we have ever had for a regular club meeting. Perhaps 20+ people were
present, and some 15 NSXs were present plus others with other cars.
Treasurer's Report - Fritz - it was emailed to all by Fritz
and is incorporated by reference. It should be attached to these minutes
Update to current Treasury: current balance $4,741.48
Update to national club's designation of who is Sacto Chapter member -
currently there are 43 members and many who have requested to be part of the
Sacto Chapter designation have not been assigned such as Lito, Joseph,
Steve, Armando, Bill ...... Tom noted that individuals should sent him and
ken Sax a post again to get this activated.
Update re NSXCA's Board request to change Tax ID. Fritz response was read
which noted that there was no valid reason to do so and he will file CA FTB
Form 3500 to get the tax exemption for our current Tax ID number.
NSXCA - NW/Board Activities - Tom
Update - Board activities and finances: (a) The Board discussed how to make
the NSXCA website more interactive; (b) noted that NSXPO 2006 lost about $2K
or was it $6K? out of about $100K budget; and the Comptech SC auction is
still pending given Comptech doesn't have one in stock; (d) discussed the
formation of NSX-CA and noted that the NSXCA club apparently had not
filed for trademark rights (contrary to posts by the national club
secretary/attorney) and hence would not invest resources to file a legal
challenge; (e) and noted the Board believed the request for Tax ID as being
necessary to file consolidated tax returns; and (f) the Board was going to
review the idea of having club tools similar to Sacto Chapter; and (g) and
the Board was looking ways to market itself and let people know what are the
advantages of becoming an NSXCA member.
Update - NW Regional activities; and how to coordinate and or communicate
with other regions/chapters and members; Tom noted that the lists were shut
down per his previous post notice and the noted that the Board thanked Ken
Sax for his effort in doing so. The members present made a motion and it
carried with no objection that the Sacramento Chapter wanted the Board to
reinstate the national list as that was part of an essential feature (Hrant
noted the IRS rules) of a national club. Few commented that Hrant should
take over the administration of the national list; all chuckled at the
thought! Tom will take this to the Board as a request. More on this in next
para.
Update - How to discuss issues affecting Bylaws with membership at large
- this still remains unanswered or not addressed by the Board. Tom noted
that at this time there was no other forum that to go through except for
the Regional Reps, or directly to the Board with such requests,
acknowledging that the membership at large would not be privy to such
deliberations affecting club policy and bylaws. This became even more
pertinent when Hrant noted that the national club secretary had not
returned his phone call message of some 6-7 weeks ago, nor his recent
e-mails. Hrant also asked if the Board had published (a) minutes of its
meeting - Tom said no and it was never an issue (Hrant noted
requirements of a tax exempt organization); (b) if the Board had
published its finances, Tom noted that the NSX Driver's last edition
included such a report; (c) if the Board had an audit committee or an
independent auditor as specified in NSXCA's bylaws, and Tom noted there
was no audit committee and to his knowledge there never was an
independent auditor - though the club uses a tax return company to files
its taxes. (f) Hrant also asked if the Board addressed the misconduct of
Ken Sax by shutting the lists down without due process or input from the
membership at large, Tom noted the Board thanked Ken for his services
even though (this according to NSXCA's website link), Ken Sax has never
been identified or designated as an authorized administrator of the
lists.
(copy of IRS rules received from the Board re tax exempt social
clubs was attached)
Old Business - Hrant/others
Charity donation
- history where such donations were done in the past with little
objection but delegating the final judgment to club officers after input was
received.
- posts by members - Hrant noted that many recent list posts by very few
were accusatory and lacked due diligence and assumes things without first
verifying matters. This was poisoning the club unnecessarily because some
wanted to continue personal feuds. An exchange ensued where private e-mails
were introduced again assuming such e-mail was posted to the entire list
thus once again undermining the spirit of club membership. Hrant noted
deliberations, discourse, or even criticism founded on factual information
was welcome but outburst posts based on alleged assertions were not.
Coordination with Bay for scheduling activities; Shane's resignation and
posts on Prime
Tom's Resignation and post - Hrant made a few comments regarding Tom's
resignation to which Tom responded, and others jumped in with side bars.
Hrant again noted the contributions that Tom had made and he is always
welcome to join as an officer.
Hrant noted that Shane had helped the Bay area folks in the past but
unfortunately his resignation post on Prime was stirred some finger
pointing; he explained the offers made by Carlos at the Athenian club
meeting which was validated by Gary's post as well.
- election process - Hrant explained how Steve and Fritz were formally
elected by club members with full disclosure, due process and prior notice
to either the membership or the national Board in case of Fritz on an
interim basis - who was later approved by the club members.
- nominations for a new club secretary - it was opened to all. Hrant
also noted Fritz' idea to have January designated the month for nominations
for all officers with February club meeting being the election month. After
a brief discussion, it was decided that members present at the February
meeting would be voting the new club officers as it gave those who actively
participated and cared about the club more of a say than those who are
members on paper but never have attended a club meeting/function.
- Sacramento e-mail list administrator - not addressed
NSX-CA update - Hrant explained the reason why the club was formed as well
as the goals and objectives reassuring several times that this was
complimentary to the national organization and filling a void that the
national club was refusing to address
- track programs - not discussed
- statewide meet this spring - Hrant noted a social weekend at San Luis
Obispo or perhaps a track event in May in Las Vegas as an opportunity to
have all NSX owners in California meet under any auspices (NSXCA/NSX-CA).
Other suggestions were solicited and hopefully the will be posted on the
lists.
The direction that the club is taking - Hrant noted the cantankerous nature
of recent club posts and some club meetings on almost every decision made by
the club president with unnecessary micro managerial challenges by one or
two members was not conducive to club esprit the corps especially since too
much of prima donna attitude was prevailing. Many members commented that the
club was disintegrating to becoming non-functional with side politics and
trivial arguments among a few members.
- Member posts - Early part of the meeting, Al took strenuous objections
to being the party singled out for such negative posts and wanted to discuss
the issue further but he it was tabled till the agenda. Al declined to take
the issue up again after the election of previous officers were discussed.
- Member participation - many commented that their lack of posts on the
e-mail lists were more of one where they didn't particularly see an issue
for objection, or didn't care to be involved. Tom noted that it could be due
to the current leadership.
- New leadership - Hrant noted that perhaps it was best with January
being the month for nomination that new leadership come on board. He
resigned and noted that Steve also offered his resignation. Hrant noted that
the NSXCA-Sacramento Chapter was the most active, efficient, productive,
solvent and put the most profitable NSXPO ever, and wished all the
membership his best as they pursue a new direction.
With Tom's resignation of last month, the club currently has only one
official Officer: Fritz Frey who holds the elected post of club Treasurer.
All those who want to volunteer or nominate fellow members for a position,
please post to the Sacramento e-mail lists. And it would be nice if you add
some positive attributes as to how this individual will contribute in a
positive way, with fiduciary responsibilities in check, and a great PR
personality as this is key for the growth of this club and keeping the
sponsors coming ;-)
New Business - A suggestion was made to
have a brake bleeding day; watch the posts on the e-mail list
Next Meeting: Date/Place - not sure what was decided.
Hrant Kouyoumdjian. NSX-T 98
NSXCA Sacramento Chapter, Member #495