ASPA Board Meeting Minutes
Date November 6th, 2008
Call to Order at 11:07 a.m.


  1. The meeting was called to order at 12:04 pm on November 6, 2008. In attendance: Steve Daniels, Barbara Minor, Chandra Commuri, Robert Phipps, Elena Acosta.
  2. There were no minutes to approve or reports from officers or committees.
  3. November 20 luncheon - Ideas for the November luncheon topic were discussed, as the original speaker, on city disincorporation, will be unable to make that date.
    1. Michael Turnipseed from the Kern Taxpayers Association on the Governor's tax proposal, local implications
    2. Tom Corson, Executive Director of the Kern County Network for Children on the business partnership with AERA, the Children's Report Card, or leadership strategies for challenging times.
    3. It was M/S and the motion passed to have Barbara contact Tom Corson and have the event at Bill Lee's.
  4. Scholarship Plans - It was decided to hold the scholarship essay contest in January when students are back in school. Essay questions need to be developed. Other ideas about funding the scholarships:
    1. Use the net raffle proceeds for the year as the amount of funds available for scholarships. This could possibly result in $150 - $200 for scholarship funds.
    2. Give several smaller scholarships instead of one for $1000 to one winner in order to encourage participatoin, i.e., $300, $200, and $100.
    3. Increase revenue by increasing the buy-in for the drawing and/or having a 50/50 drawing.
    4. Reduce expenses by eliminating the gift card as compensation for the speakers. A certificate or other less expensive form of appreciation for speakers could be used along with their free lunch.
  5. Holiday Party - December 11th, 2008 - Robert volunteered to contact Maxwell's for this event.
  6. Nonprofit (IRS 501(c)3 Status) - Chandra Commuri led the discussion:
    1. Pros: Helps raise more funds, protects officers from liability, fewer reporting and accounting requirements for NPOs that earn less than $25,000 per year.
    2. Some compliance procedures may require amendments to the bi-laws, i.e., Conflict of Interest policy statement, procedure for voting by e-mail, etc.
    3. Barbara offered to work with Chandra; Chandra will obtain a quote on Directors and Officers Insurance.
  7. The meeting was adjourned at 1:04pm.