Cultural Preservation Society, Inc.

Board Meeting Minutes

July 23, 2003

Key West Library

Board Members present:

Isaac Valdes, Chairman

Ann Summers, Vice Chairman

Antonio Rodriguez, Treasurer

Sabrina Liguori, Secretary

Jan Nelson

Joyce Straitton

Isaac called the meeting to order at 10:12 a.m.

Isaac opened the meeting by advising all of the members that Dave Van Hulst has resigned from the Board of Directors. Isaac asked him to put it in written format and Dave advised that he did not have to. Isaac asked the other members to confirm moving Joyce Strattion from Board Alternate to Board Member. Sabrina made the motion to make Joyce a Board member, with a second by Jan. All member voted in the affirmative. After the vote was taken there was a discussion about writing a letter to Dave Van Hulst thanking him for working with our organization and giving his time and energy to make things better.

Isaac called for the Secretary’s report. All members had read the minutes of the last meeting and Annie made a motion to accept the minutes as read, seconded by Jan, all in favor. Passed.

Isaac calls for the PC report. Susanne Buxton advised that Steve Kurstin was not able to attend and she would be reading the minutes of the last PC meeting and taking any questions that needed to be asked. Susanne read the minutes of the meeting and provided the Secretary with a copy of those minutes. Since Dave Van Hulst did not appear as requested by the PC, the PC will write another letter advising him that he has to be in compliance with the Guidelines before he can set up. At this time Isaac advised Susanne that the PC will no longer be involved in the Dave issues, the Board will handle them. He further advised the Pier Manager that Dave could not set up again until he appears before the Board. The Board will hold a special meeting if Dave requests one so he will not lose a lot of time from work. Susanne states that all artist are going to receive letters advising them that they must have original art work on their tables if they want to sell prints. PC will draft letter and send to the artists.

Isaac asks Susanne how many jewelry people will be allowed. There were 53 vendors on the pier last night, including food, and 14 of them were jewelry. Susanne said that PC did not want to get into the cap discussion at this time since it is such a hot issue and would take a long time.

Jan makes a motion to accept the PC report, Joyce seconds, passed, all in favor.

Isaac calls for the Treasurer’s report. Antonio stated that he went by the Bank and that our gross amount in the account at this time is $35,363.71. This includes all outstanding checks. Dave Del Rosso has spoken with Antonio regarding all of the fees the bank charges us. The discussion ended with Antonio being advised to check out some other Banks and what their fee’s are and report back to the Board. Perhaps we will change Banks if we can find a better, less expensive one. Susanne brought up the subject of a number of our members having difficulty getting CPS checks cashed. It is decided that Isaac and Antonio will go by the Bank and find out exactly what the problem is and try to get it corrected. Jan states she would like to see some of our money put in CD’s to earn a little interest.

Jan makes a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, Joyce seconds, passed, all in favor.

There are no performers or agents in attendance at the meeting. A short discussion was held regarding Rondini and his radio. He is playing the radio even when he is not performing. Pete will handle this. The Board will handle a problem with Pepe’s band playing to loud. They will discuss this with John Jones at their meeting next Tuesday.

Isaac calls for the Pier Managers report. Pete brings us the issue of the vendors getting approval on their own for credit card sales. The company that handles our business is charging $ .95 for each charge that is approved at the stand rather than by our Pier Manager. It is discussed and decided that a stamp will be made (Pre-Approved) and will be stamped on all slips the vendors turn in and obtained their own approval. H&R Block will be instructed to withhold the $ .95 from that vendors check so CPS will not be footing the bill for the money. Antonio will handle this issue.

A motion is made to accept the Pier Managers report by Annie, seconded by Sabrina. Passed, all in favor.

Old Business:

Isaac asks Annie to chair the meeting since he has a conflict on the next item for discussion. We want to get a 24 hour ATM installed by the Kiosk. Keys Armor Express has been contacted and could handle this for us. They would own the machine, repair it, keep it supplied with funds and we would receive a share of each fee for CPS. It is suggested that we discuss this with the City to be sure they have no objections. Antonio will handle discussions with Keys Armor Express since Isaac works part time for them and feels it would be in conflict.

Isaac returns to chairing the meeting. Pete asks Isaac what the status of a storage shed is? Isaac advises that we need to go to Sears and purchase a large plastic one for around $200. Jan makes a motion to fund the purchase, Sabrina seconds, passed, all in favor. Pete then advises the Board that all the items in the first aid kit have been stolen. After a brief discussion it is decided that a new kit with a lock on it be purchased and stocked. Keys will be made for the Board members so it can be opened in an emergency. A discussion was also held regarding a lock on the door of the kiosk to keep people out when the PM is not there.

John Rojas and Natalie Maslov were in attendance and asked to be recognized. They just wanted it to be on record that they have been on the Pier for over a year and want to be considered for Regular status when an opening becomes available. They don’t mind waiting their turn but want to be sure no one jumps in ahead of them. They are assured by the Board that before any new regulars are made they will research and make sure where everyone stands on day counts.

A discussion is held regarding sending flower to Commission Anthony. It is decided that The Trinity Christian Church and The Boys and Girls Club will each be sent a $50 check in memory of Commissioner Anthony. Antonio will see this gets done.

New Business:

Annie again takes over the duties of the Chair. Isaac asks that his partnership with Davmar be reinstated and be as it was before the last Board Meeting. Since so many questions have arisen regarding Davmar’s status he would like ask the Board to return the partnership to what it was. Davmar will begin buying the Key nightly in order to record her days on the pier and work her way up to regular. In the meantime they will both set up in one booth selling photo’s and dog attire. Jan makes a motion to restore the partnership and is seconded by Annie. All in favor, passed.

Isaac takes charge of the Chair again.

JoAnn Hassman brings up the subject of our garbage containers at the Pier. The city has painted them all black since graffiti has been appearing on them. She would like the artists to paint them again and for CPS to pay for the paint.

Jan brings up the subject of a Guideline Change regarding the loss of status when taking on a new partner. She would like to see the loss of status removed from the Guidelines. Additional wordage would be needed to protect others on the pier from being jumped over in seniority by the new partner. This will be put on the General Membership agenda. Barb Winko advises that we must be very careful so we do not let partners become agents for the owners. Susanne suggests we need to get a Guideline committee started so the guidelines can be amended before the new lease is signed. Joyce suggests that no board members serve on this committee. After much discussion it is decided that all this has been done in the past and that Sabrina has all the paper work. Isaac and Sabrina will handle the revisions and present them to the General Membership for approval.

Wink asks if anyone is concerned about the Mole pier being closed for six months. Even though nothing has been written about the subject it is obvious that the Cruise ships will dock somewhere. Will that be at Sunset? Probably. Discussions need to be held with the city regarding this issue.

Pete advises that CPS needs to get the public involved in our lease and cruise ship issues. Antonio states that we also need to get the word out that community programs can come to Mallory to work for special events and such.

Meeting is adjourned at 11:35 a.m.

Note: Next General Membership meeting is scheduled for August 25, 2003 at the Library.