Key West Cultural Preservation Society, Inc.
Board Meeting Minutes
September 23, 2015

Call to order 10:00 a.m.

Roll called by Antonio.  Ron Lane, Antonio Rodriguez, Greg G, Don Sullivan, Susan Schaal, Jase Anderson

Mike S. not present

Additions to agenda reviewed.  Sign ups to speak.

Approval of Board Minutes from 9-9-15:  Greg moved to accept, Antonio seconded.  All in favor, none opposed.

Treasurer’s report:  Dave said we have $62k in bank, reflecting the cashing of outstanding checks from the last meeting.  Susan told Dave the City wants copy of our insurance, Dave will take care of.  Moved to approve by Ron.   Susan seconded.  All in favor. 

Pier Managers report – none

Performer’s committee – none

PC Report – Susan move to accept, Ron seconded.  All in favor

Previous Meeting – called on Coconut Painters & Henna.   Ferazu (brought translator).  Discussion on disapproval of Henna tattoos, asking for a reconsideration of only 1 person doing henna tattoos.  Don said the Board feels Henna tattoos are over represented already.  Don reviewed a letter received by Ferazu that he’s threatening a lawsuit.  Board not pleased.  Susan moved to uphold the Board’s decision from last meeting.  Greg seconded.  Don asked for comment.  Ryan said we had always had multiple henna.  Don said there are more items to jury people for in what they do and how we have it.  We have Alyssa and Terry on the pier already.    The board already feels it’s represented on the pier.  Greg commented the letter threatening lawsuit is the problem.  Susan commented we have to look at it from a visitor perspective, would like Board to take into consideration that it’s how we look to visitors.  Don called on Ryan.  Ryan said it’s important to do what the overall membership wants us to do – we had caps for many years.  We over turned the caps to generate revenue.  We have an obligation to support local cottage industry and should open the doors to all artists.  Susan’s motion is to uphold the boards decision now.  Don asked that we keep her motion, and that after we get some SOP changes this year and with strength of PC rebuilding, Board would invite them to rejury next year.  All in favor of Susan’s motion to uphold the decision after we have the PC up to speed  and SOP changes.  All in favor with 1 abstaining, 1 opposed.    Antonio moved to approve, Ron seconded.  They can re-jury next year with no additional jury fee paid.

Susan proposed to add Debbie Graffeo to the PC.  Greg seconded.  All in favor.  None opposed.

Discussion on changes to SOP.  Ryan asked to look at list of the existing rules but rearranged to make it easier.  Ryan is suggested we work towards a rearrangement of rules to make it more cohesive, just  basic housekeeping.  This doesn’t change any rules but asked to put a change in food carts with more specifications.  Don would like committee to entertain the idea of putting a change in to not affect your neighbor.  Such as things/materials flying out, no odors, painting affecting others products, noise, etc.  Vigourous discussion of implications of imposing such rule.  Comments on behalf of PC, trying to fix and trying to work as best we can and sort out the “duplicate” ruling.  Don stated we have something (the Sunset Celebration) that’s worked for 30 years, it’s going on despite itself and it’s never been successfully replicated elsewhere in the States.  We have an event and we have to protect the event the best we can.  Antonio spoke on other issues – cost of set up, parking fees, etc. that are issues.  It’s hard to encourage new people with the costs.  It would be nice to get reduced parking, etc.  Continued discussion.  OJ said we need to find balance between being protective of our product and being welcoming to new artists, more discussion on welcoming in people.  OJ said we have to straighten out the PC process.  Ryan commented we have to be accepting of even our competitors.  Ryan wants an open market concept and let each vendor compete against even if there are duplicate products.  David asked what we juried on – authenticity, originality, exact duplication, etc.  Susan comments that people going through the PC process have commented they get a lot of negative comments and that has to stop.  Hector commented that being part of the organization for a year gives the impression that it gives someone a year to figure out who to protect once they get onto PC.   Susan said the rule was not that intention, it was because it gives someone who may be new to arts and crafts some exposure and experience.  Further discussion on how to get the rules clear and get PC together.  Antonio believes in bringing all in with the example that in a mall there’s more than one shoe store.  OJ asked why Henna didn’t get on, Board feels they are over represented.  OJ said they should get on, it’s a different style.  Linda suggested anonymous survey of the membership to see how the event should go.  Hector spoke on his experience with this type of event all over, his experience is that it should be more open.

Discussion finished.

Chair asked Linda McCall to write a letter to Miranda Knox regarding her dismissal from the pier.  There was an agreement in place after past altercations, she has violated it and the Board is revoking her privilege to work on the pier.  CC of the letter to Maria Radcliff and Marilyn Walbarger at the City.   Susan made motion to send letter and dismiss her, Greg seconded.  All in favor.  (Note, the letter was signed by Don Sullivan and sent to two addresses on file for Miranda with individual cc’s to City on 9.25.15, mailed by Linda McCall)

Dave asked one additional item for new Business to discuss:  Jordan Smith from Broadway Internet (another wifi internet service provider) called him.    Jordan said our current company that came in and made presentation (Blue Pineapple) is providing service on an illegal bandwith and that he was going to complain to the FCC for violations and we could be liable.  It was done friendly, not as a threat just as a “heads up, there’s a problem”.  It’s probably advisable to have Blue Pineapple Group remove the antennae and service.    We’re back onto AT&T DSL for connection.

Ryan presented a list of Board rulings that he wants to post.  Board OK with it.  Ryan to put on Facebook.

Don moved to adjourn, Greg seconded at 11:02 p.m.