Location of meeting: 921 Carolina St. Vallejo, California

In attendance: Michael Nelson, Valerie Nelson, Lee Armstrong, Conrad Bishop, Talib Huff, Sharon Clay, Barbara Grillo

Absent: Mary Decker, Randal Metz

Meeting called to order by President Michael Nelson at 3:15 P.M.

Minutes emailed to board prior to meeting: Motion to approve as written Conrad,

2nd: Talib   Motion carried.

Discussion of San Leandro Puppet Day:

Not as successful as we hoped.  Problems with publicity and getting items in newspapers.  Getting events in “calendar” listing is fairly successful but this needs advance planning since newspapers require 2 weeks to 1 month advance notice.

Lee suggested that we have a publicity person for this an other events.

(Selection of this person postponed to an upcoming meeting).

Treasurer’s Report: Valerie Nelson

Income 2008-2009 was $1533.50 less than income of 2007-2008.  Part of this was dues (almost $1200 less), but also event income was $253 less and workshop fees were $40.00 less.

Expenses: $234.60 more this year than last.  Meeting room rental ($250 more): The Holiday Event room was more expensive than the San Leandro location – which was free, but now the person who was in charge of that location has left, and room isn’t free.

And workshop leader fee ($180 more), and other expense increases were offset by a decrease of $193.33 in the expenses in getting out the newsletter since it is now mostly emailed instead of sent by mail. Only about 20 are sent by mail.

However, the $300 stipend for the newsletter editor has not yet been paid.

Last year we didn’t get any income from Puppet Day at Fairyland.  Don’t know why.

Overall summary: Income $1533.50 less and Expenses: $234.60 more 8/28/ 2008-2009 than 8/28/2007-2008.  Treasury balance: $6769.40 Scholarship Fund: $1317.00

(Is this included in the $6769.40)?

Membership: 30 members did not renew their membership this past year.

Question: Are we filing taxes?  Are we supposed to?  Valerie will check into P of A to see if we qualify as 501c3 organization, or if we must file tax returns.

Bill payment: Discussion as to whether all bills should be payed without advisement to board as to what bills have been accrued.  Motion by Conrad that treasurer pay routine expenditures for operation of guild up to $150 per bill, without approval by board.  Expenditures above $150 shall be discussed by board.   2nd by Talib.    All in favor.  Motion carried