Trustees in attendance: Steve Henstridge; Greg Huth; Christine Kowalski; David Lawhun; Alice Ratka; Dane Reich; Lynea Derwis; Matt Reitz

Excused absence: Abe Bruckman; Paul Ciupa; Jim O’Connor

Unexcused Absence: Sue Allen; John Appledorn;

Staff: Robyn Sandys

Matt Reitz called the meeting to order at 6:15 pm.

Minutes: The minutes of the August 19, 2008 Board Meeting September 9, 2008 Executive Committee Meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted

Councilman Report:

Councilman Cummins was not present.

Councilman Kelley was present and reported the following:

There was a good turn out at the recent Movie Night. He thanked those who had been involved.

He called attention to the Charter Review Commission issues on the ballot and asked that the Board members ask their neighbors to consider them.

The Tenable Security bill for last year has been paid. The Councilman thought that this year’s performance by Tenable could have been better.

Executive Director Report:

The Executive Director presented her report which is found in the narrative that accompanied the meeting agenda. Certain items required board action.

The Board unanimously approved the contract with Picture Perfect for lawn services pending resolution of a Workman’s Compensation coverage question.

The strategic planning sessions with Max Stark are intended to focus on what the CDC as an organization does with respect to the Ward 15 & 16 Master Plan which is currently being developed. The Cleveland Foundation has approved a grant of $20,000 to pay for the sessions. OBCDC is scheduled to receive the funds in September 2008 and January 2009. The Board unanimously approved the contract with Max Stark provided that the contract language regarding payment is modified to say that payment for Mr. Stark’s services is to be made subject to the availability of Cleveland Foundation grant funds. The Board also decided that OBCDC should not sign the contract with Mr. Stark until the Cleveland Foundation funds are received in September.

After discussion, the Board approved unanimously the staff salary increases ranging between 2%-3% and the promotion of Donn Heckelmoser to Residential Program Manager.

The Executive Director reported on the part-time real estate position which she has advertised. She has received 20 resumes of which 3-4 appear to have good potential. The individual selected to fill the position will work on developing a residential rehabilitation program for Ward 16.

The Executive Director reported on preparations for the Annual Meeting. All Members whose due are paid up have received information packets. The office staff is mailing out packets as soon as dues are paid. The Executive Director passed around a redesigned front and back cover for the Annual Report. The covers are in a computer format which will allow us to complete the report on our software. The estimated cost for the redesign is under $500.

The Executive Director presented the following situation to the Board for a decision: The editor of the Old Brooklyn News worked (without authorization) beyond the number of hours per month authorized in the employment contract approved previously by the Board. The Board voted 6-2 against making a payment for the unauthorized hours. Voting for the payment: David Lawhun and Matt Reitz. Voting against the payment: Lynea Derwis; Steve Henstridge; Greg Huth; Christine Kowalski; Alice Ratka; and Dane Reich..

Committee Reports:

Code of Regulations: Greg Huth reported that the Committee had added language covering Board members who move away from or whose commercial enterprises or institutions leave the OBCDC service area. The Committee also added language to correct an omission concerning dues for commercial and institutional members.

The Board and the Committee discussed the proposed changes to the Code of Regulations which will be presented to the Membership at the Annual Meeting.

The Board considered three subsections under Article VIII, Section 4 (C) pertaining to the Personnel Committee. After discussion, the Board approved unanimously changes to reduce the publicity period for permanent staff positions to 15 days and to revise the timing of the Executive Director’s annual performance appraisal. The Board then discussed the subsection pertaining to progressive discipline and termination of OBCDC employees. At issue was whether or not to replace the Committee version of the subsection with alternative language. The Board voted 4-1 to retain the Committee version, with 2 abstentions and 1 member not voting. Voting to retain the Committee version: Steve Henstridge; Greg Huth; David Lawhun; and Dane Reich. Voting against retaining the Committee version: Christine Kowalski. Abstaining: Alice Ratka; Lynea Derwis. Not voting: Matt Reitz. The Board agreed that the Personnel Committee would revise the current OBCDC Organizational Policy Manual and propose a change to the subsection at the 2009 Annual Meeting.

The Board then discussed the proposed change to Article III. Section 1(B) which creates the membership category “Voting Member.” Following discussion, the Board voted unanimously to allow the proposed provision to go forward unchanged. The Board then approved the balance of the Committee’s proposed changes to the Code of Regulations.

Adjournment: Matt Reitz moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm. Motion approved.