City Club of Eugene
Board Meeting Minutes
7/27/2023
Attendees: Andrew Kalloch (President), Kathryn Adair (Treasurer), Sandy Smalley (Secretary), Kaarin Knudson (Past-president), Randi Bowers-Payne (Managing Director), Thomas Hiura, Ingrid Kessler, Marilyn Milne, Miles Pendleton, Ralph Pledger and Marti Ravits.
Absent: Sally Bell
Motion to approve minutes from last meeting passed.
President’s Report:
Andrew Kalloch Andrew lead with a discussion of our conflicts policy. Volunteers and the Board should be aware of any conflicts and step back if necessary. Our goal is impartiality and we should avoid any appearance of bias. There was a discussion about whether donating to a political candidate and then participating in a program with that candidate counts as bias. A motion was made and passed that our policy should be amended to read “where apparent” before the need to recuse. We are looking to occasionally move our fora outside the Maple Room. We are scheduled to meet at the Arcimoto factory on Sept. 22. Other venues were suggested: Mims house and garden, Peterson Barn, Bethel School, Willamette High School, Kalapuya High School, River Road Annex and Square One Village. Perhaps this is best done as a social event, not a forum. Andrew will take this back to the Program Committee. Andrew is encouraging people to stay behind after a program to engage in conversations. There may be cookies.
Treasurer’s Report:
Kathryn Adair We are halfway to our fundraising goal of $20,000. Postcards with an appeal to donate still haven’t been sent. Now is a good time to replace our bookkeeper. He is making mistakes and is already over budget. Kathryn and Randi feel they can manage our finances on Quickbooks without employing a bookkeeper. We have a paid intern for the summer. We will be sunsetting our club cell phone. The only way for the public to contact us is through our website email. Randi has provided her personal cell phone number for Board members. There was a discussion about sustaining the work of City Club with only volunteers. The next generation is unlikely to step up without compensation of some kind.
Managing Director’s Report:
Randi Bowers-Payne Randi will be hosting a fun event where Board members will write fundraising letters on Aug. 22, 23 or 24. Please RSVP to her.
Committee Reports
Membership Committee: Ralph Pledger Continuing our discussion of the benefits of membership: Social events for members only. Ralph will chair, find a venue and email current members with an invitation.There will be no cost to the Club. Can only members ask questions of our speakers? This is an ongoing issue. We want City Club to be inclusive. Does this accomplish that? Once again tabled for future discussion. Outreach to nonmembers: Suggestions were to place posters at community gathering places (Campbell Center, Ya-Po-ah Terrace, Cascade Manor) and announcements in newsletters (Downtown Eugene, Inn at the 5th). We will need to amend our bylaws to reflect changes in membership policy, especially regarding payment of dues.
Media Committee: Marilyn Milne Marilyn worked with our intern, Evan, on language for tomorrow’s program. The Club is already on Instagram and Facebook. With Thomas’ help, we are now on Apple. She is still working on Google and iHeart.
Meeting was adjourned.
