Meeting called to order at 1:25 p.m. All Officers Present except Holliday (excused).
Pres. Vries. swears in Alaunde Copley-Woods as a DMA Board Member (effective 6/1/14) to finish out the term expiring 3/31/15 of recently resigned Board Member Lloyd Bowen.
Minutes of 5/27 Bd. Meeting are approved. Blomster/Bland. Copley-Woods abstains.
President Vriesenga reports that the IEB will not be meeting with 2 CSO committee members and Vries. in advance of the LCC and PCC meetings in Reno NV in mid-July, citing processes which have to play out between the AFM and CSO [see 5/27 Minutes].
Pres. Vries. reports that DMA attorney Joe Goldhammer will be retiring from the law firm of Buescher, Kelman & Perera. The Bd. makes a recommendation to keep Mr. Goldhammer as the DMA attorney.
M/Bland, S/Troy to approve a request from DMA member/Denver Municipal Band (DMB) Music Director/Conductor Gerald Endsley (via email correspondence with Vries.) for a continuation of the special scale [see 6/17/13 Minutes] of $68 per concert (3 hours or less) for the DMB musicians for the 2014 Summer Season. Engagements contracted through MPTF will include an AFM & EPF minimum pension contribution. This scale does not apply to engagements utilizing small ensembles which would be compensated through Tromba Enterprises. Motion carries. Blomster and Mares abstain.
Pres. Vries. gives the Bd. an update regarding ongoing Diamond Empire Band issues [see 4/14, 5/12 and 5/27 Minutes]. A motion is made by Weaver, seconded by Bland to approve an expense of $500 [and an additional $500 via email poll on 6/6] for DMA member/lawyer Steve Posner to research this issue and draft a cease and desist letter to Michael McClintock and Kevin Crosby (Co-Directors of the International Musicians League). Other affected AFM Locals will be contacted on this issue. For: Weaver, Mares, Bland, Blomster and Troy. Against: Copley-Woods. Motion passes.
M/Troy, S/Weaver to renew the Union Liability Insurance policy with Ulico/Alterra for the term 6/29/14-15 at a premium of $1631 with a $100,000 limit of liability and a $2500 deductible. Motion carries.
The Bd. makes a recommendation to place the following items on the agenda of the 6/30 General Membership Meeting: Recognition of Lloyd Bowen's many years of service to the DMA; Reconfiguration of salaries-compensation package for the Pres., V-P and S/T; 1-3-5 year plans for the DMA.
Bd. member Troy (Chair, 1-3-5 Year DMA Plan committee) reports that he will soon compile individual committee ideas and craft a plan. The focus will be on completion of Year 1 (through 12/31/14). A 3 year plan will be discussed thereafter including what would be desirable and then a contingency plan. He will report at the next Bd. meeting.
Pres. Vries. and Troy discuss MPTF State allocations and distributions.
The Bd. makes a recommendation to cover any minimal dental expense up to $100 (in excess of what would be paid by MusiCares) for member Tony Rodriguez.
Pres. Vries. informs the Bd. that there will be a MusiCares hearing clinic (8/4) and a dental clinic (8/18) at the DMA.
The Bd. receives copies of the CSO Steward Report (5/19-6/1).
The meeting is adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Board Minutes - June 30, 2014
Meeting called to order at 3:35 p.m. All Officers Present.
Minutes of 6/5 Bd. Meeting are approved as amended. Blomster/Troy. Holliday abstains.
Pres. Vriesenga furnishes the Bd. with copies of a cease and desist letter from DMA member/lawyer Steve Posner (the Posner Law Firm) to Michael McClintock and Kevin Crosby (Co-Directors of the International Musicians League) [see 4/14, 5/12, 5/27 and 6/5 Minutes].
Sec-Treas Mares presents financial information: the DMA Profit/Loss stmt. for the period Jan.-May'14 (net loss of $6693 vs. net loss of $9921 for the same period in '13); the DMA Profit/Loss Budget vs. Actual stmt. for the period Jan.-May'14 (budget net loss of $7654 vs. actual net loss of $6693); Mutual Securities, Inc. May stmt. (value of $114,146 vs. $117,060 in Apr.) and the Schwab May stmt. (value of $257,915 vs. $253,716 in Apr.).
Mares reports on information recently obtained regarding the value of the DMA building. The actual valuation (from the property tax statement -2013 real estate tax due in 2014) was $860,000. A broker opinion of value (6/25/14) from Newmark GKF determined that the DMA building could be sold for between $1 and $1.1 million.
The Bd. makes a recommendation to increase the monthly compensation packages for the President ($720), Vice-President ($360) and the S/T ($720).
Mares reports that Blomster and Troy have audited the DMA credit card statements (COSTCO American Express and AFM MasterCard) for the period Dec'13.-May'14.
The Bd. approves a change in member status to Inactive Life for Sam Gill.
The meeting is adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
General Membership Meeting Minutes - June 30, 2014
Meeting called to order at 5:45 p.m. All Officers Present.
Ten (10) members in good standing plus Board present along with Guest, John Veit. A quorum is not present.
President Vriesenga thanks everyone for attending the meeting and introduces Hank Troy (Board member/Chair, 3-Year Operational Plan Committee), who requests member input in advance of a meeting of the committee within the next several weeks. The guiding principles of the committee will be how to best serve members; how to keep costs down; what can the future look like for the DMA.
Board member Ron Bland discusses a compensation package for the President, Vice-President and S/T. For the next General Membership Meeting, the Board will discuss the compensation package and present a proposal for salary increases and adjustments for the 3 titled officers, which will result in substantial cost-savings to the DMA. In the short-term, there will be a small stipend for the 3 titled officers which will not increase overall DMA expenses.
Recently retired DMA Board member/Vice-President Lloyd Bowen is presented with a plaque which reads: "Presented to Lloyd Bowen on June 30, 2014 by the members of the Denver Musicians Association. In recognition of your musicianship, both as a performer and bandleader. For your dedicated service as a DMA Officer and Vice-President and your membership in the AFM since 1946."
Pres. Vries. informs the Body of 2 upcoming MusiCares events to be held at the DMA: 1) 8/4/14 from 10am-2pm (Free hearing screenings & custom earplugs for music professionals); 2) 8/18/14 from 9am-5pm (Denver Musicians Dental Clinic).
The meeting is adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Adolph R Mares
Board Minutes - July 14, 2014
Meeting called to order at 1:25 p.m. All Officers Present except Bland (excused).
Minutes of 6/30 Bd. Meeting are approved as amended. Holliday/Troy.
President Vriesenga updates the Bd. on CSO/AFM negotiations. He recently received a call from AFM President Hair regarding CSO recording issues. The Bd. is furnished with copies of a 7/11 letter from the CSA legal counsel to the AFM Counsel. He will keep the Bd. apprised of further developments.
Sec-Treas Mares presents financial information: the DMA Profit/Loss stmt. for the period Jan.-June'14 (net loss of $12,880 vs. net loss of $38,310 for the same period in '13); the DMA Profit/Loss Budget vs. Actual stmt. for the period Jan.-June'14 (budget net loss of $21,886 vs. actual net loss of $12,880); Mutual Securities, Inc. June stmt. (value of $116,724 vs. $114,146 in May) and the Schwab June stmt. (value of $261,754 vs. $257,915 in May). Mares reports that the Strategies LLC 2nd quarter '14 management fee of $654 was deducted from the Schwab account. Sec-Treas Mares also reports on the Strategies LLC 2nd qtr '14 report.
Bd. member Blomster presents an Inside the Orchestra/Junior Symphony Guild contract negotiation committee report. Two main issues are under discussion with management: 1) Intellectual property rights and a branding issue; 2) compensation for the musicians. He will report on further developments.
Vries. reports that there will be a meeting of the Theatre Committee on Monday August 4, 2014. He will be in attendance at the meeting as the Union representative.
The Bd. discusses a proposal from member Marta Burton regarding a seminar to be held at the DMA on assembling musical group marketing packets including bios, pictures, demos, etc. The seminar would be scheduled on Thursday September 4th from 6:30-8pm for DMA members ($5) and non-members ($25) with a maximum of 25 participants. A motion is made by Blomster, seconded by Gloria to approve a DMA expenditure up to $200, including credit card fees, to sponsor a one-time seminar on 9/4/14 at the DMA. For: Vriesenga, Weaver, Blomster Holliday and Troy. Against: Mares and Copley-Woods. Motion carries.
The Bd. receives copies of the CSO Steward Report (6/30-7/13).
The meeting is adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Board Minutes - July 30, 2014
Meeting called to order at 2:25 p.m. All Officers Present except Blomster (excused).
Minutes of 7/14 Bd. Meeting are approved. Holliday/Troy. Bland abstains.
President Vriesenga updates the Bd. on CSA/AFM negotiations. He furnishes the Bd. with copies of a CSA media proposal to the AFM. He will keep the Bd. apprised of further developments.
Pres. Vries. distributes a Denver Post article (7/24) reporting that the City of Denver is contemplating a plan to raze Boettcher Concert Hall and construct an outdoor amphitheater in its place at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Pres. Vries. and VP Weaver update the Bd. regarding the DMA website.
A motion is made by Bland, seconded by Holliday to grant a 1.5% scale waiver for the Denver Center Theatere Company September 2014 production of Molly Brown. For: Weaver, Mares, Bland, Holiday and Troy. Against: Copley-Woods. Motion passes.
A motion is made by Holliday, seconded by Copley-Woods that the DMA refund member Cora Crisman $123 for overpayment of dues paid online. The DMA will also pay the 1st quarter '15 dues for Ms Crisman. Motion carries.
Pres. Vries. reports on a Denver Center Attractions Committee meeting held at the DMA offices on 7/29. The committee is comprised of: Art Bouton, Mark Foster, Jim Gray, Terry Sawchuk and Steve Simpson.
The Bd. receives copies of the CSO Steward Report (7/14-7/27).
The meeting is adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Board Minutes - August 11, 2014
Meeting called to order at 10:10 a.m. All Officers Present.
Minutes of 7/30 Bd. Meeting are approved. Holliday/Bland. Blomster abstains.
President Vriesenga updates the Bd. regarding the AFM/CSA media negotiations. Meetings between CSA representatives and the CSO Orchestra Committee (along with AFM SSD representatives Jay Blumenthal and Debbie Newmark) are scheduled for 8/20 & 21 in Denver. Vries. will apprise the Bd. of the results of the meetings.
A motion is made by Blomster, seconded by Holliday to approve the following RESOLUTION (as amended) by Pres. Vries.: RESOLUTION - $1000 pre-authorization for office expenditures -WHEREAS, modest expenditures for purchase of necessary office supplies, software and contract services are a managerial duties of DMA's principal officers and staff, and WHEREAS, DMA bylaws establish no pre-authorized minimum or maximum for office expenditures that occur between meetings of the board of directors, and WHEREAS, the only limit on expenditures referenced in the Bylaws is a requirement for a co-signer on all checks in excess of $300, and WHEREAS, non-existent guidelines for office and operational expenditures has resulted in a cumbersome and costly process of board oversight, therefore be it RESOLVED, that any TWO of the DMA's principal officers - have board authorization to spend up to $1,000 on office systems, tools and software as deemed necessary. All such expenditures shall be properly accounted and explained at each, subsequent board meeting. Motion carries. Weaver abstains.
A motion is made by Blomster, seconded by Holliday to approve the following RESOLUTION by Pres. Vries: Resolution - Office Protocol and Decision-Making
WHEREAS, Robert's Rules of Order respects the right of the minority to be heard on all questions, but ultimately gives the right of the majority to govern the organization, and
WHEREAS, the DMA currently has three principal officers who are encouraged to seek consensus and unanimity whenever possible, and WHEREAS, consensus may be all that is attainable in some examples, therefore be it RESOLVED, that any matters of dispute arising over day-to-day office management or board-authorized expenditures shall be resolved by a consensus of opinion between the President, Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer. Motion carries.
Sec-Treas Mares presents financial information: the DMA Profit/Loss stmt. for the period Jan.-July'14 (net loss of $23,165 vs. net loss of $47,299 for the same period in '13); the DMA Profit/Loss Budget vs. Actual stmt. for the period Jan.-July'14 (budget net loss of $30,594 vs. actual net loss of $23,165); Mutual Securities, Inc. July stmt. (value of $114,718 vs. $116,724 in June) and the Schwab July stmt. (value of $256,977 vs. $261,754 in June). Mares also reports on a 5k transfer (8/8) from Schwab to the Bank of Denver for operating.
Bd. member Troy (Chair, 1-3 year planning committee) reports on goals for the 1st year: complete transition from InTune to aMember; define structure of Officers/Staff; letter sent by 9/30 to recapture expelled members; plan to recruit new members by end of October; create a 3 year budget by end of November.
Vries. reports on a recent Denver Center Attractions Theatre Committee meeting.
A motion is made by Bland, seconded by Holliday to contribute $250 for DALF Community Support Programs. Motion carries.
The Bd. receives copies of the CSO Steward Report (7/28-8/3).
The meeting is adjourned at 11:50 a.m.
Board Minutes - August 25, 2014
Meeting called to order at 1:30 p.m. All Officers Present except Blomster (excused).
Minutes of 8/11 Bd. Meeting are approved. Holliday Bland.
President Vriesenga updates the Board regarding CSA/AFM negotiations. Meetings between CSA representatives and the CSO Orchestra Committee (along with AFM SSD representatives Jay Blumenthal and Debbie Newmark) were scheduled for 8/20 & 21 in Denver but discussions got off to a disappointing start on the morning of the 20th and the rest of the meetings were cancelled. Vries. will apprise the Bd. of future developments.
Mares reports on a 15k transfer (8/14) from Schwab to the Bank of Denver for operating and a 5k partial payment (8/18) on the B. of Denver FastDraw account.
Bd. member Troy (Chair, 1-3 year planning committee) reports on a meeting held earlier today: the compilation of job descriptions of the Pres., VP and the S/T; DMA Bylaw amendments pertaining to the duties of the Pres., VP and S/T to be presented at the 9/29/14 General Membership Meeting.
DMA webmaster Jeff Anttila appears before the Bd. to present a website status report. After discussion, Mr. Anttila is excused from the meeting.
A motion is made by Holliday, seconded by Bland that the DMA pay a $1000 death benefit claim submitted by Judith Fredericksen, wife of deceased (5/24) DMA Life member Jack Fredericksen. Motion passes unanimously.
The Bd. receives copies of 2 emails from AFM Pres. Hair: (8/20) announcing that a Successor Commercial Announcements Agreement and New Videogame Agreement have been ratified by AFM member-musicians eligible to participate in the ratification process; (8/21) blasting an NFL Super Bowl halftime kickback scheme.
The meeting is adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Board Minutes - September 8, 2014
Meeting called to order at 1:25 p.m. All Officers Present.
Minutes of 8/25 Bd. Meeting are approved. Holliday/Bland. Blomster abstains.
DMA member Dick Weissman appears before the Board to discuss 2 Limited Pressing recording projects: one in November (Denver CO) and the other in December (Denver CO and Portland OR). A motion is made by Holliday, seconded by Blomster to approve the recording rates. Motion carries. Bland abstains.
David Halseth (President), Larisa Knafelc (Associate) and Christine (Investment Analyst) from Strategies LLC appear before the Bd. to report on the DMA Investment Portfolio. As of 4/1 the portfolio was valued at $252,394. On 7/1 the portfolio was valued at $261,754. After discussion, the 3 guests are excused from the meeting.
Pres. Vries. reports that Jeff Anttila was paid $400 on 9/2 for aMember custom programming-reporting plugin work.
Vries. reports that the Denver Center Attractions agreement was ratified by a 19-0 vote (out of 31 eligible voters). The 3-year agreement includes a 4% wage increase the first year and a 2% wage increase in years 2 and 3.
Vries. reports on the 9/4 seminar (Workshop for Creatives) hosted by Marta Burton and Chris Loffelmacher [see 7/14 Minutes].
The Bd. makes a recommendation to approve a $500 DMA website design proposal submitted by Bill Sterling (Web Strategist) with emphasis on bands and ensembles; increased blogging capabilities and improved visual impact of the site.
Sec-Treas Mares presents financial information: Mutual Securities, Inc. Aug stmt. (value of $115,136 vs. $114,718 in July) and the Schwab Aug stmt. (value of $240,375 vs. $256,977 in July).
A motion is made by Bland, seconded by Holliday to increase the Steward pay to $50 per weekly report (or 1 report per 30 day period in the case of the Junior Symphony Guild), effective 9/15/14. Motion carries.
The Bd. makes a recommendation approve a $200 expenditure (which will be reimbursed) on dental work for Tony Rodriguez on 9/10.
The meeting is adjourned at 3:35 p.m.
Board Minutes - September 29, 2014
Meeting called to order at 3:35 p.m. All Officers Present except Copley-Woods (excused).
Minutes of 9/8 Bd. Meeting are approved. Blomster/Holliday.
DMA Member Purnell Steen and Sid Harriott (producer/manager) appear before the Board to report on an employment issue with the Warwick Hotel. They were in negotiations for a 12-week engagement and, due to a change in management, a contract was never signed. Management engaged another group which was compensated below scale wages. After discussion, member Steen and Mr. Harriott are excused from the meeting. The Board makes a recommendation that the DMA will notify the musical community via the email bulletin as to the anti-DMA wage position of the Warwick Hotel management.
Pres. Vriesenga reports on the AFM/Colorado Symphony Association negotiations. Last week he spoke with AFM Pres. Hair who said that in October, he will send out Matt Comerford (ICSOM Board member), Jay Blumenthal (AFM SSD Director) and Debbie Newmark (AFM Director of Symphonic Media) to meet with the CSO Orchestra Committee. Vries. will apprise the Bd. of further developments.
Sec-Treas Mares presents financial information: the DMA Profit/Loss stmt. for the period Jan.-Aug.'14 (net loss of $38,268 vs. net loss of $64,081 for the same period in '13); the DMA Profit/Loss Budget vs. Actual stmt. for the period Jan.-Aug.'14 (budget net loss of $31,525 vs. actual net loss of $38,268).
Bd. member Blomster reports that the Inside the Orchestra (Junior Symphony Guild) Master Agreement with the DMA was ratified by a 19-0 margin (out of 31 eligible voters).The 1 year agreement (9/1/14-8/31/15) includes a 1.8% increase in compensation.
The Board reviews the agenda for tonight's General Membership Meeting. 3 ballot templates are reviewed and approved: Ballot 1 (Duties of Officers), Ballot 2 (Duties of the Board of Directors) and Ballot 3 (Salaries and Remuneration).
The Bd. receives copies of the BPO Steward Report (9/9-14), the CSO Steward Report (9/8-21) and a 9/17 AFM Press Release regarding AFM support for the Film Incentive Reform Act of 2014.
The meeting is adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
General Membership Meeting Minutes - September 29, 2014
Meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. All Officers Present except Bland and Copley-Woods (both excused).
Twenty-nine (29) members in good standing plus six (6) Board members present totaling 35 members. A quorum is present.
President Vriesenga thanks everyone for attending the meeting and introduces Board members Hank Troy and Thomas Blomster, who will Co-Chair the meeting as there are salary proposals impacting the 3 Titled Officers [see 6/30 General Membership Meeting Minutes]. Previous to this meeting, all members were notified as to the rationale for increased compensation for the 3 Titled Officers embodied in the DMA Bylaw proposals: Due to administrative and legal requirements and increasing premiums on the employee benefits package, the DMA has discontinued health benefit plans effective 7/1/14. This action was approved and adopted by the body present at our 6/30/14 General Membership Meeting. In consideration of this loss the board proposal includes increased compensation for the 3 titled officers (President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer).
3 Ballots are distributed to all members present at the meeting. Co-Chair Troy reads Ballot 1 (Duties of Officers) to the Body: Amending DMA Bylaws ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 1. Duties of the President-Part B; M/S/A to amend the language in New Part K as follows: To lead in the identification and pursuit of possible areas of reorganization and structural improvement; New Parts L and M. Section 2. Duties of the Vice President-Parts C and D. Section 3. Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer-Part A, New Parts H and I. Co-Chair Troy reads Ballot 2 (Duties of the Board of Directors) to the Body: Amending DMA Bylaws ARTICLE III - DUTIES OF OFFICERS Section 4. Duties of the Board of Directors-Part B, Part C, Part F, Part H, Part I; M/S/A to add a New Part J as follows: Shall have the responsibility to review annually the job performance of DMA's principal officers. Co-Chair Troy reads Ballot 3 (Salaries and Remuneration) to the Body: Amending DMA Bylaws ARTICLE IV - SALARIES AND REMUNERATION Section 2, Section 3, Section 4, Section 5 and Section 6. After protracted discussion, Co-Chair Troy excuses himself from the meeting due to a previously schedule engagement. Co-Chair Blomster assumes the Chair of the meeting. All members present vote on the 3 ballots and place them in the ballot box. Co-Chair Blomster appoints members Holliday and Carter as judges to count the ballots. The results of the balloting are: Ballot 1 (Duties of Officers) Yes: 25; No: 3; Ballot 2 (Duties of the Board of Directors) Yes: 28; No: 4; Ballot 3 (Salaries and Remuneration) Yes: 24; No: 7. [NOTE: All approved DMA Bylaw changes will be effective 10/1/14].
During discussion, several members made suggestions which the Board will take under advisement: Setting Board meetings at the same day/time each month; Tracking daily/weekly hours worked by the 3 Titled Officers.
The meeting is adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Adolph R Mares
Thursday March 26, 2015 - Final day for official ballots to be returned to the designated DMA Post Office Box.
Board Minutes - June 5, 2014
Piano legend Joe Bonner, who worked with giants from the jazz world on over 40 albums, passed away in Denver on Nov. 20. The coroner reported he died in his sleep from heart disease. He was 66.
James "Jimmy" Trujillo passed away October 29, 2014. Jimmy was host of KUVO's Salsa Con Jazz and Monday's Night Beat. Jimmy was known for his long tenure with Conjunto Colores, J.T., as his friends call him, has played with many greats in all types of music, such as jazz vocalist Leon Thomas, keyboardist Richard Kermode (Janis