TSDA B/D MEETING, DECEMBER 28, 2002

ABILENE, TX.

 Directors present:          E.B. Raley, Francis Raley, Richard Belvin, Carl Larsen, Wayne Elmore, Chris Thomson, Susan Carpenter, Red Oliver.

Director no present:       Jimmy Walker 

1.       President, E.B. Raley called meeting to order at 10:07 AM.

2.      The Directors were asked to review minutes of past meetings.  Richard Belvin moved to accept the minutes as printed, second by Carl Larsen. Unanimously passed.

3.       Francis Raley presented the Treasurer's report, dated January 1 thru December 18, 2002, checking account balance $1,209.76, savings account $2,919.29, total of $4,129.04.  Designated Cattledog fund, $1,648.66 - general fund $2,480.38.  Francis asked and received permission to open a Cattledog Fund checking account separate from the TSDA general fund in order to keep more efficient records.  The cattledog account will be opened with a balance of $1,648.66.  It was agreed that all TSDA/TSCA memberships income will be deposited into the general fund to help off set the cost of general operating expenses. 

4.       In other action Texas Cattle Dog Association was formed and is now an affiliate of TSDA which allows funds to be maintained in separate accounts, also allowing checks payable to TCDA.  Chris Thomson moved to accept the DBA Certificate, Susan moved to amend motion to read "the option to review DBA certificate after a ten years", seconded by Wayne Elmore. Unanimously passed. The Board believes this is proper and sec'y-treasure can better account for and distribute funds.  The Board emphasizes funds will be maintained separate while prorata sharing of operating expenses.  Funds will be kept separate with each entirety standing on its own revenues without crossover sharing.  Texas Cattledog Association is the assumed name for an affiliate of the parent TSDA and will be guided by the same constitution and By-laws administrated by the same Board of Directors.

5.       As usual the Board reviewed Finals trials .  Constructive criticism always renews efforts to improve.  It was generally agreed that 2002 Sheepdog Finals, Big Lake, ranked high on quality with few suggestions for improvement.  With only the second attempt, to produce a Cattledog Finals, which was held in Abilene it was generally agreed that it went well while making note of changes for improvement.  Expectation is that about the same format will be used for Finals 2003.

6.      Carl Larsen will be in charge of a TSDA/TSCA information booth at the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show  on Feb. 1& 2^nd.  Francis moved to grant Carl permission to purchase banner and supplies for the booth, second Chris Thomson. Unanimously passed.

7.      Wayne Elmore moved for TSDA to pay motel expenses for Carl at Ft. Worth, second by Chris Thomson. Unanimously passed.

8.      Director Susan Carpenter volunteered to update Association brochure to include its now affiliate - TCDA.  The Board labored with the idea of best way to utilize brochures as these represent considerable expense.

9.      Discussion of trophies left the Board undecided.  General feeling is that expensive trophies are not as effective as in past and should be replaced with a better program.  No action.

10.  After a discussion of the 2003 Triple Crown trials Wayne moved for the 72 Ranch, Bluebonnet and Brady Sheepdog trials to be the 2003 trials, second by Chris Thomson. Unanimously passed. 

11.  The Directors realizing the Triple Crown should be designated earlier in the year, Carl Larsen moved for the 2004 trial season the Warm Up, Ft. Stockton and Del Rio Sheepdog trials to be the Triple Crown Trials, second by Red Oliver.  Motion passed.

12.  Susan Carpenter attended meeting as newly elected Director replacing resignee Leo Woodbury.  She brought concerns of members/competitors .  These were reviewed and discussed.  The Board continues to review valid concerns at anytime and strongly recommended volunteers to accept lead to better inform membership.  Volunteers are always needed and willingly accepted at all trials included Finals.  One concern brought to the Board was the qualification and participation of judges.  This also has been a concern of the Directors and encourage any suggestion from the membership. 

13.  Cattledog rules were opened for discussion.  The Nursery qualifying will follow USBCHA Nursery rules - found at www.usbcha.com.  Wayne Elmore moved to add a Novice Class, which will be a "no payback class" (cattle charge and Association fees only).  May earn lifetime points of 23 before advancing to the Pro-Novice class.  If a Pro-Novice dog is bought by a Novice handler it may be moved to the Novice class, after 15 points is earned must advance back to the Pro-Novice class, second by Red Oliver. Unanimously passed. 

14.  Francis reported poinsettias were sent to personnel at Big Lake who were instrumental in arrangements for Finals.  They were Danny Monzingo, Judy White, Judge Mike Elkins and rancher Bill Straus.

15.  Committees were appointed to direct activities toward Finals trials expected to be set for November and December of 2003.

Sheepdog Committee:  Chairperson Richard Belvin, Susan Carpenter, Wes Glass, E.B. Raley

Cattledog Committee:  Chairperson Jimmy Walker, Francis Raley, Larry Burkes, Red Oliver

These committees have responsibility to report to Board throughout the year with ideas and changes.  Ideas and suggestions from the membership is encouraged.

16.  Board reviewed letters from Buster, Donna Berryhill and Ralph Pulfer requesting By-law change to reflect No Term Limts.  Board chose to review situation, while having constitution and By-Laws updated by attorney prior to spring Board meeting.

17.   Carl Larsen moved that rule number 25 be deleted from TSDA Rules & Guidelines, stating "To be an approved TSDA Trial, Open, Open Ranch, and Ranch Classes must be offered", second by Chris Thomson.  Trial host will determine the number of classes for their trials.  Unanimously passed

 Francis Raley, Dec. 28, 2002