MARIN COUNTY CHAPTER, CALIFORNIA GRAND JURORS ASSOCIATION

(Minutes of the Membership Meeting March 16, 2006)

Meeting Called to Order by President Haxton at 9:35 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors room in the Marin County Civic Center.

Attendees: -- Bob Abeling, Dennis Brown, Gene Dyer, Ted Freeman, Owen Haxton, Ron Lucas, Betty Mattea, Catherine McKown, Irwin Taranto, Walt Johnson, Stu Brown, Jack Olive, and Shelly Wolff

Agenda: - the agenda was approved.

Minutes: - The minutes of the February 16 meeting were approved.

Comments from chapter members: -- None

Reports of chapter officers: - Irwin Taranto, the treasurer, announced the association has $5,226.46.

Betty Mattea reported that Richard Lessig died. Owen and Bob Abeling indicated that one can get information on obituaries on the IJ web site. Owen also reminded us that the CGJA conference, which will be held in Redding had a registration fee of $50 that then was increased to $70. Because of opposition, this might go back down to $50, but this is uncertain. Last year's conference lost $3000.

Public Relations: Bob Abeling reported on the public relations committee. A videotape will be made of the panel discussion to be held on March 22. He indicated that the tape will be made available for our archives. In addition, we will be able to transfer the material on the show to our web site. Information on the television panel will be presented in the IJ. He also indicated that we can give $200 to the Soroptimists, as we have the last two tapings.

2005/2006 Foreperson’s report:: - Catherine McKown, who is the foreperson of the sitting grand jury presented her report, (appendix I).

Election Committee: -Ted Freeman reported that one person has indicated a willingness to be the president, the Treasurer's position is covered, Ted will continue on the board and others can apply. He indicated that the positions of Secretary and Vice President are to be filled. One person has indicated a willingness to serve in one of these positions, and Ted is looking for people willing to fill the other.

Social committee: - Irwin reported in that our social will take place on Wednesday, May 24 at Marin Joe's in Corte Madera. Don is looking for a speaker. This social will be for chapter members only

Owen reported on the CGJA conference in Redding October 19 - 20: - We had agreed that if Chris Godley was invited to speak at the meeting, the Marin County Grand Juror’s Association would pay up to $300 for his reasonable expenses. Because he is a county employee, the county will pay for his travel. The association then will pay only $20 for his lunch. We will add the $280 leftover to the $400 previously passed to help those chapter members who want to attend the meeting to pay their registration fees.

Liaison with CGJA and presidents of other CGJA chapters: -The letter from the San Mateo County Grand Jury Association regarding the necessity of dual membership in both the county Association and the CGJA in order to vote even on local matters was brought up. Owen indicated that he thought that people in the chapter would be happier if they were allowed to vote in local matters, and also that they then would be more likely to join the CGJA. After discussion, a committee consisting of Ted, Stu, Gene, and perhaps Wes, if he is available, was set up to study the San Mateo letter and make a recommendation to the MCGJA

Orientation: - Irwin, who is in charge, indicated that Mary Jane Burke will speak on day six. The orientation will be given to the new grand jury on July 11, 12, and 13 in the first week, and on July 18, 19, and 20 in the second week.

Speakers program: Lowell was not at the meeting, but it was pointed out that in April, Mary Jane Burke will speak and in May, Farhard Mansourian will speak.

Membership: - in April Owen will send out e-mail reminding people about the dues. Irwin indicated that by using e-mail, and if people submit their dues promptly, the association saves 50 cents per person in mailing costs.

Compliance: - Stu Brown tried to contact Hunter numerous times to discuss how we will proceed with helping with compliance issues. Hunter did not return the calls. (Maybe this was his way of giving an answer). Actually Hunter will be retiring soon and will be temporarily replaced by Clarissa Daniel. Stu will telephone Matt Hymel to try to find out who will replace Don Hunter.

Member’s comments: Ted indicated that he has a copy of the CGJA training manual that people can see. Irwin indicated that the previous version can be found on the Web at www.CGJA .org

Adjourned at 10:43 AM

Sheldon Wolff

Secretary