Minutes of the May 24, 2009 NW NSTRA Membership Meeting

President Mike Stotts called the meeting to order at 1:59 p.m.

General statement; congratulating all participants and thanking all those present (approximately 15 members). Big congrats to the final two handlers awaiting the final hour – Mike Stotts and Diamond vs. Ray Middleton and Nike. Good Job!

Review of Minutes of May 23, 2008.

Motion to accept minutes by John Peacock; second by Janet Peacock.

No discussion; unanimous vote by all present.

Review of Treasurer’s Report – Jan 2008 – Dec 31 2008.

Motion to accept Treasurer’s Report by John Peacock; second by Phyllis Clark.

General discussion (brief); unanimous vote by all present. Editor’s note; as of May 15, 2009 our checking balance was $11,716.34. A complete balance sheet is available from our treasurer.

Old Business.

Trial Formats - general discussion is that most of the problems and difficulties have ironed themselves out.

New Business.

Dog of the Year (DOY) – The previous practice of selecting dogs to attend DOY has served the region well. (the HI Point system) Motion to “continue the previous practice of creating a list of dogs by alternating the NW Regional Trial Winners with the NW Region High Point Winners” by Ed Westbrook; second by Jack Richardson. Unanimous vote by all present.

Bid to host the 2009 Endurance Trial – General discussion of pros and cons. While we have a landowner and individuals desirous of this activity and the selection criteria is “wide-open” this year, it seems prudent to wait and submit a well-developed proposal for 2010. Motion to apply for 2010 by Davy Caven; second by Ron Park. More discussion on the need to describe significant amenities – benefits of a population center like Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. Discussion of various things Rich Eggleston should consider doing to the property in order to have an attractive proposal (water, “sewer” electricity, fencing). Attempt to amend motion; original motion withdrawn. New motion to “send a letter of intent in 2009 that NW desires to host in 2010 followed by proposal to host” by Paul McCawley; second by Jack Richardson. Unanimous vote by all present.

Election of officers order and structure - John Peacock raised the issue that the current system of electing Pres. and Treas. one year for two year terms followed by electing Vice President and Sec the next year for two year terms is not working. Original plan was to ensure historical knowledge and develop experience in the officer group by staggering terms. However, it seems that the vice president is only serving one year when elected because that individual is moving into the president’s position. The new president then appoints a VP for a year. Therefore, John suggests that the Pres and VP be elected for two year terms the same year. Then each serves two years. General discussion of what is allowable in the by-laws, what is necessary, what will work, pros and cons. Nance Ceccarelli suggested that this kind of change to by-laws and structure should really be noticed to all members and put to a vote. Jack Richardson suggested that rather than make a change today that the issue of officer sequencing be considered and studied and a proposal presented to the officers and board of directors within 1-2 months. Once approved by the officer and b.o.d. the proposal should go to the members by mail/email requiring a

vote. Any change would be effective following next year’s election. Motion to proceed as described by Jack Richardson; second by Ron Park. Unanimous vote by all present. Mike Stotts/Jack Richardson/Paul McCawley suggested and stated that John Peacock might take the lead on this and get the plan in place. John Peacock tacitly agreed.

Announcements –

Judging instructors must be reassigned to regions. Mike Stotts stated that he had to notify the national office of three names to be considered as judging instructors. Mike stated that he felt we should submit the same names as we have previously had. Motion to “submit the names of Mike Ouchida, James Shank, and Jerry Youmans as judging instructors” by Davy Caven; second by George Clark. Unanimous vote by those present.

Bird Planting issues during our trial - the bird planter should not be planting anything other than birds in the field. Jack Richardson requested that this issue be raised to the officers at the national level and that the NW Region go on record as not supporting this and any other unethical behavior that occurs by bird planters or trial officials turning a blind eye. Suggestion by (?) that additional language be added to the ‘bird planter’s creed.” All members present agreed that a letter from the NW be sent to the national office.

Elections for the offices of Vice President and Secretary –

Vice President: Ed Westbrook nominated by George Clark; second by Paul McCawley. Paul McCawley moved that the nominations for VP be closed; second by Jim Shank. Election of Ed Westbrook to a two-year term as VP is unanimous.

Secretary: Mike Ouchida nominated by Phyllis Clark; second by Nance Ceccarelli. Ron Park nominated Nance Ceccarelli; second by Paul McCawley. Davy Caven moved to close the nominations for Secretary; second by (?). Election of Mike Ouchida to a two-year term by vote of members present.

Board members: Mike Stotts named Rob Proctor to replace Ed Westbrook on Board. Issue of absentee board members Barry Wild and Jeff Funke raised; discussion that both should be replaced or resign. Mike Stotts stated he would speak with both.

Meeting was adjourned at 3:06 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nance Ceccarelli, NW Region Secretary, 2007-2009 (outgoing)

President: Ed Westbrook

Vice President:George Clark

Secretary: Mike Ouchida

Treasurer: Linda Johnson

Directors: Davy Caven, Paul Mc Cawley, Jerry Youmans,

Past President: Mike Stotts