MARIN COUNTY CHAPTER, CALIFORNIA GRAND JURORS’ ASSOCIATION

(Minutes of the Membership Meeting July 11, 2005)

Meeting Called to Order by President Haxton at !0:00 AM in the Board of Supervisor’s chamber

Attendees: --  Bob Abeling, Dennis Brown, Stu Brown, Regina Carey, Nick Clark, Ted Freeman, Don Graff, L. E. Haines, Owen Haxton, Joan Holmes, Bob Johnson, Albert Lozano, Ron Lucas, Betty Mattea, Jack Olive, Lowell Smith, Irwin Taranto, and Sheldon Wolff.

Agenda -- The agenda was accepted with no changes.

Minutes --The minutes of the June 13th meeting were approved after the words “It was suggested” were changed to “Taranto suggested” in the section dealing with the proposal to change the bylaws.

Comments from chapter members -- In comments from the membership, Betty Mattea mentioned that a memorial gathering for Peter Matthes, Grand Jury 2003-2004 and 2004-2005, was held on Saturday,and was very well done.

Presidents report and announcements -- Owen Haxton reported on the suggestion that the MCCGA have a joint social with the sitting Grand Jury. Betty conferred with several forepersons, who thought it should not occur right now. The Association then discussed what might be appropriate. Comments ranged from it was a good idea, to that it should occur at the end of the current Grand Jury’s term before they disperse, to that it would be too late to be useful by then. They do have some contact with the Association because of the training. Owen stated that we will ascertain what the current Grand Jury prefers. Then he will contact Lowell and Don about it.

Treasurer’s report -- The Treasurer, Irwin Taranto, reported that he had received all of the material, but had not had time to analyze it. He would have an analysis and full report at the next meeting. He indicated that he had not received information from the CGJA about who are active, i.e., dues paying members. Therefore suggested that until we hear, supporting members be allowed to vote. Nick raised idea that we should be independent of CGJA on matters of who is allowed to vote; we are a semi-independent organization.

2005/2006 foreperson’s report -- Catherine McKown the forelady of the current Grand Jury could not be present because she was proofing the annual summary that the IJ publishes. She sent word through Shelly that the training was going very well. She transmitted particular praise for Betty, Irwin, and Stu.

Proposal to amend bylaws -- On the issue of changing the bylaws to allow uncontested positions to be elected by acclamation, Nick presented the opinion that we should stick with mail ballots because there might be write in candidates. A counter argument was that there was ample time for other possible candidates to come forth, and we didn’t have to go through the mail ballot in such cases. A motion to stop discussion was passed 8-5. Then a motion to accept the amended bylaw was passed 12-4. This will now be sent to the membership by Betty, who will be helped by Bob Abeling and Dennis Brown.

Archivist -- Owen suggests that material for the archives be sent by email to him. He will collate the material and put it on a disc, which will then be sent to Wes for him to massage.

Membership – Owen appointed chair of the committee by the board. The membership approved the appointment. The board will suggest additional members.

Orientation/Training – Betty indicated that all was going well. Irwin pointed out that an excellent job was done by Dennis Fisco, the mayor of Mill Valley, who most likely will now be invited next year as well.

Excellence in government – Don Graff reported that the committee was inactive this year. Wes reportedly does not want to be involved any more other than in an advisory capacity. Lowell and Ted volunteered to join the committee.

Compliance -- Mike Casey was not present.

Public relations – Bob Abeling is on chapter public relations committee. He also takes part in the CGJA public relations committee. It, however, combined with the statewide membership committee. Bob wants to be off of the statewide combined committee until the state straightens out the situation. Then he would be willing to stay on the public relations committee. He is willing to stay on the combined committee until the situation is clarified.

Liaison – Owen went to the statewide Chapter presidents meeting. I t had been pointed out that most of the talk was carried out by people who weren’t chapter presidents. Owen will contact Lewi to suggest that he restore this to a meeting of the presidents.

Excellence in reporting --. Betty pointed out that Val Garfield had nominated the IJ. This was done independently of the chapter. Val is a member of the CGJA and so it is appropriate for her to act as she did.

Work plan – This is a working document and will change periodically.

Annual project --. Owen noted that we help work on CGJA annual projects. We don’t need to generate  an independent chapter project. He’ll check with Lewi. Actually the CGJA spends most of its time on bylaws and haven’t spent much time on an annual project.

Members comments – It was pointed out that there was an article in the SF Chronicle about the SF Grand jury being unhappy about lack of compliance with their recommendations.

Adjourned at 11:10 AM

There will be an August meeting

Sheldon Wolff

Secretary