Lawrence Sister Cities Advisory Board
Minutes of the January 12, 2005 Regular Meeting
Present: Nancy Bjorge, Stuart Boley, Kathleen Hodge, Linda Hyler, Sheila Immel, Jon Josserand, Bill Keel, Graham Kreicker, Gina Ross, Bob Schumm, Andrew Tsubaki
Absent: Michael Kennedy, Beth Reiber, Karen Swisher
Kreicker called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm.
Ross moved to approve the minutes of the Dec.8, 2004 meeting. Seconded by Tsubaki and passed unanimously.
Treasurer Boley reviewed those monthly and annual reports that the Board members had previously received via e-mail from our bookkeeping service, Office Helpline. .He mentioned that, in the future, the reports would be e-mailed in advance so that members could have ample time to review them prior to the meeting. Schumm moved that the Treasurer’s report be approved. Seconded by Keel and passed unanimously.
After reviewing the auditor’s compilation for 2004, Boley ask if we wanted to immediately proceed with preparation of our 990 tax form for 2004, or if we wanted to wait a month. After discussion Schumm moved to have Lowenthal, Singleton, Webb & Wilson start now. Seconded by Immel and passed unanimously.
The subject of the penalties for late filing of our 990 tax forms for 2001 and 2002 was discussed. The penalty payments are due on January 17th and neither we nor Pat Webb have heard back from the IRS in regard to the appeal letter she mailed to them on January 3rd. Should we pay now and hope for a refund or not pay and hope the appeal goes in our favor? Boley recused himself from voting on the issue. Schumm moved that we do not pay the penalty and wait to see how our appeal goes. Seconded by Ross and passed with ten in favor of waiting and none against.
Tsubaki reported on the delegate trip to Japan. Thirteen have plans to go. Additional letters have been sent to the School Board members, selected teachers and to members of Kansas International. Andrew will also contact all those who participated in the K.U. Continuing Education classes on our Sister Cities history and current activities; and do a mailing to all our active members. We have a Feb.10th deadline for reservations. Kreicker will contact Commissioner Highberger about his participation.
Schumm reported that Mayor Rundle had referred to him a man that wanted us to pick a city on the rim of the Indian Ocean as a new Sister City to which we could send tsunami relief. Members agreed that the spirit of the request was sincerely charitable; but, also agreed that it was not a feasible idea. Schumm will advise the gentleman of our decision and the reasons for it.
Bjorge turned in a copy of the invoice for shipping the artwork from Eutin to Lawrence following the exhibit last summer, along with a letter requesting reimbursement to the library in Eutin. Schumm moved that we pay the bill. Seconded by Josserand and passed unanimously. Kreicker will verify the circumstances and amount with Frank Baron.
Keel gave a wrap-up report on the six scholarships awarded by the Scholarship Committee for travel to Eutin and Hiratsuka this summer.
Hodge reported that all dues notices for 2005 had been sent, except for about 50 that will go out this week.
Members briefly discussed the budget for 2005 in light of the spread sheet that Stuart has
provided to all members. To be a realistic planning tool and spending guide, our budget needs to be revised and refined. Topic tabled until our next meeting which the members decided will be on the regularly scheduled date of Wednesday, Feb.9th.
Kreicker called the meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.