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Dalmatian Club of America
Board of Governors Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2007 - Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky
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I. CALL TO ORDER
The second quarter meeting of the Dalmatian Club of America Board of Governors was called to
order at 8:00 AM CDT on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Drawbridge Inn, Ft. Mitchell, KY, by the President, Dr.
J. Charles Garvin. DCA Governors present in addition to Dr. Garvin were Mr. Kenneth Berg, Mrs. Sharon Boyd, Mrs.
Meg Ispas-Hennessey, Ms. Mary-Lynn Jensen, Dr. Irvin B. Krukenkamp, Mrs. Betty Pirs, Mrs. Diana Skibinski, and
Mrs. Sheila Wymore, as well as AKC Delegate Mr. James W. Smith.
II. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the first quarter meeting on February 17, 2007 were previously reviewed by the
board via electronic mail. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to accept the minutes as reviewed. Seconded by Mrs.
Hennessey, the motion passed.
III. REPORTS OF THE OFFICERS
President - Charlie Garvin.
President Garvin welcomed everyone to the board meeting at the national specialty, reminding us
that some committee chairs will be attending in person to present their report. He will try to remain on topic
but still allow the discussion that makes this board and this club successful.
President Garvin noted that in spite of our breed ranking 80th or so in popularity for the last few years,
our entries at the specialty have not dropped accordingly; our national specialty was the 30th largest specialty
in the country! He attributed much of this success to the centralized show site and the tremendous dedication and
expertise of Show Chairman Jennifer Cramer, her committee, and the Specialty Steering Committee led by Ed Flock.
He stated that we owe these volunteers great gratitude and we should support them as much as possible.
President Garvin remarked on how nice it was to have been able to attend the obedience competitions the
previous day since this performance event was held at the Drawbridge Inn this year. He remarked on the
camaraderie among the exhibitors, and the obvious enjoyment with which the Dals went through their paces. It
speaks well of our breed and our exhibitors.
Some of the topics on the board agenda were lightly touched on, and President Garvin encouraged the board to
reach out to the membership this week and invite open discourse regarding the low uric acid project. Our members
need to be reassured that this board is sharing all available information on the topic.
Vice-President - Mrs. Skibinski had no remarks.
Corresponding Secretary - Sharon Boyd.
Mrs. Boyd presented a two-page written report in which she related having responded to many
requests of inquiry and telephone calls since the last meeting of the board on February 17, 2007. Other
Secretarial activities included, but were not limited to, writing letters relating to issues regarding board
requests and actions taken on February 17, 2007, and the handling of various correspondence relating to numerous
separate DCA matters. Mrs. Boyd answered various letters of inquiry received from the public and members of the
DCA regarding both membership matters and matters relating to Dalmatian care.
Mrs. Boyd received a letter from the AKC promoting their Responsible Dog Ownership Day to be held in both NYC
and Raleigh on September 15, 2007. They requested each parent club send two representatives to NYC for a "Meet
the Breeds" table, offering a $60 stipend to defray the cost of parking, etc. After discussion as to which
members were in that general vicinity, Mrs. Boyd was directed to contact Ms. Sharon Lyons, Mr. Harry Belechto,
Ms. Julie Lux, Ms. Jackie Quinn, and Ms. Jean Meader as to their willingness to participate, and selecting two
from those available. Mr. Berg noted that any expenses over and above the stipend allowance could be covered
under the auspices of the DCAF.
Mrs. Boyd presented a notification from the AKC regarding rule changes for show-giving clubs, requiring them
to supply exercise pens at the show site. For shows with 0-600 dogs, two pens should be made available for the
use of the exhibitors.
Mrs. Boyd received a survey from Mr. John Lyons of the AKC regarding the Parent Club conferences, to be used
in assessing those presentations. Since it was due back to the AKC prior to this meeting, Mrs. Boyd processed
and returned the survey, and had a copy at the meeting for those who wished to see it.
Mrs. Boyd received a letter from the Canine Health Foundation announcing that our participation in the Purina
Parent Club Partnership Program resulted in a donation of $1,312.58 to the CHF.
Club committee members and chairs were briefly discussed and the secretary will track any changes as they occur
during the meeting.
Treasurer - Meg Ispas-Hennessey
Mrs. Hennessey presented a three-part report to the board in which she summarized the financial
standing of the club, the specialty, and the status of other activities for which she is responsible.
- Mrs. Hennessey itemized the financial reports.
- Account Balances, First Quarter 2007 and Year to Date. Mrs. Hennessey presented a review of all
Account Balances for the first quarter 2007; as of March 31, 2007 the total in Bank, Asset and Investment
was $88,485.57. Account Balances from January 1, 2007 through April 24, 2007 totaled $83,269.91.
- Income and Expense Statements, First Quarter 2007 and Year to Date. Income from January 1, 2007,
through March 31, 2007, was $39,400.39 and expenses were $24,065.57 for a net gain of $15,334.82. Income
and Expense Statements from January 1, 2007 through April 24, 2007 showed income of $49,783.31 and expense
of $39,814.15, for a net gain of $9,969.16 year to date.
- Current financial standings for the 2007 My Old Kentucky Home Specialty were reviewed. With
income to date of $31,181.50 and expenses of $18,476.00, the specialty is showing a net income of
$12,705.50.
- Mrs. Hennessey reported that the Spotter printing costs lower due to the fact that Mrs. Szomoru
has found a new printer with more modern equipment who can produce the magazine economically. This will help
offset the raise in postage that is coming up.
- As more members and friends are purchasing from DCA using credit cards, Mrs. Hennessey asked whether
the board would like to add the Discover card to our list of approved cards. At a one-time signup fee of $50,
the board recommended we add this card.
- With the impending postage rate increase, Mrs. Hennessey and the Spotter staff will find it necessary
to raise the priority mailing rate for the magazine to $25. This information will be noted on the membership
renewals to be sent out.
- Mrs. Hennessey is planning on sending out the dues notices prior to the increase in postage.
IV. REPORT OF THE AKC DELEGATE
AKC Delegate - James Smith.
Mr. Smith reported that there are three issues of minor concern to be voted on at the next meeting, all
pertaining to dog show rules and regulations. The first one is to resolve a conflict in language in two sections
of the rules in reference to ribbons, prizes and trophies. The second one clarifies the judge's authority to
excuse anyone from the ring, including conflicts of interest. The third item is also to resolve a conflict in
language. The delegate was instructed to vote in favor of all changes.
Mr. Berg made a motion to approve the Officers’ reports. Seconded by Dr. Krukenkamp, the motion was approved
unanimously.
V. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Charles Garvin
1. Ethics - Edward Flock
Mr. Flock and committee member Ms. Georgiann Rudder joined the meeting at this point; committee member Mr.
Smith was already in attendance. Three issues have been referred to the Ethics committee for consideration. Mr.
Flock reported that the first issue is now being handled internally within the regional club which it affects
and is no longer under consideration at this meeting.
The second issue regarded contractual obligations over co-ownership of a dog. There was conflicting
information in the documentation submitted to the committee. The committee had recommended that the documents be
presented to an attorney for evaluation under legal statutes extant in the state in which the owners reside.
In the meantime, it was suggested that both parties discuss the matter in a forthright manner and come to an
equitable solution between them prior to the need for legal action. It is Mr. Flock's understanding that the
issue has been resolved.
On the third issue, the committee submitted copious exhibits to the board and requested a decision as to
whether the parent club held jurisdiction in the case as presented. Mr. Berg pointed out that the AKC has
provided recourse under their rules and regulations for dog shows, that if an exhibitor feels a dog/bitch in the
ring possesses a disqualification the exhibitor can call for a measurement or a ruling from the judge. No attempt
was made to take advantage of this recourse during the career of the dog/dogs in question. After lengthy
discussion of the facts presented, Mrs. Hennessey made a motion not to entertain jurisdiction in a personal
dispute between two members. Seconded by Mrs. Pirs, the motion passed. Mr. Flock was instructed to write
letters to the parties involved reporting this decision and advising that it would be in the best interests of
both the parties and the breed to resolve the matter at a personal rather than public level.
President Garvin commended the committee on their expedient and efficient handling of the three issues
reported on at this meeting
2. Legislative Liaison – Marie Fiore.
No action required.
3. Public Relations - Julie Lux.
No action required.
4. Web Page - Julia Soukup.
Ms. Soukup submitted a written report to the board of Web site activities, including additions to both the
DCA and the Spotter web sites. Ms. Soukup also reported on projects in process. There were approximately 18
additions/updates to the web site. There are only two projects in process, and President Garvin complimented Ms.
Soukup on the amount of work she has accomplished for the DCA in this area. He also recommended that the liaisons
check the web site on a regular basis to determine whether there are any changes/additions required in their
areas of responsibility.
B. Diana Skibinski
- DCARE - Diana Skibinski.
Mrs. Skibinski reported on the actions of the committee since the last meeting. Beth Winick, of Star Seeker
Dalmatians, has sent the DCA Silver Medallion to be auctioned at the DCA banquet for the benefit of DCARE.
Upon receipt of their properly documented application, Crescent City Rescue has received $500 for five
rescue Dalmatians. They sent a thank you note acknowledging the swift response to their request.
As reported in February, DCARE has been designated a recipient of some of the late Vicky Emmel’s finest
Dalmatian collectibles and Nancy Reiter has two large storage totes with items of better quality/greater value
with her this week. Cindy Bowman and Cinda Haff are in communication in regards to utilizing ebay as an auction
site for the items.
In response to an inquiry/comment made by a non-DCA member, the committee will look into improving the DCARE
automated response message with the intention of making it a little warmer in tone.
- Membership - Mary Widder.
Ms. Widder submitted a written list of sixteen names to be considered for membership. Mrs. Skibinski read the
list of applicants and their sponsors to the board. Mrs. Skibinski made a motion accept the nine applications
presented. Seconded by Mr. Berg the motion passed.
- Standard - Barbara Greenspan.
No action required.
C. Sharon Boyd
- Specialty Steering - Edward Flock.
Mr. Flock advised that the steering committee recommends tabling any decision regarding
sweepstakes for the time being, as the continued decline in overall entries may solve our conflict problems.
Mr. Flock reported that permission had been sought and received from the AKC to allow non-entered dogs within
the show precincts to enable them to participate in the health clinics. No non-entered dogs will be allowed near
the show rings, however.
Subsequent to Mr. Flock's report of recent events involving the 2007 show, discussion ensued regarding the
intention and possible conflict of Top Twenty/DCA/AKC rules and regulations relating to exhibiting and judging
at the same show. The board had addressed this issue during the first quarter 2007 meeting, and a motion was made
and passed at that meeting stating: "Superseding all existing rules, an individual will either show or judge at
the Specialty, but not both; this rule will apply to all events and judges held in conjunction with the DCA
National Specialty, excepting only the Road Trial judges." To rectify one small point regarding when this motion
was to take effect, Ms. Jensen made a motion that the motion passed at the February meeting should become
effective starting with the 2008 national specialty. Seconded by Dr. Krukenkamp, the motion passed.
- Specialty Show Committee - Jennifer Cramer.
Mrs. Cramer presented a written report to the board.
- DCA Specialty 2007, 4/28 – 5/3, Ft. Mitchell, KY – Jennifer Cramer, Chair.
Mrs. Cramer reported that entries are down slightly again this year, but that allowed for the scheduling of
events with no conflicts. Obedience entries remained about the same as last year. As a bonus, room nights
increased as obedience exhibitors were able to stay at the Drawbridge Inn rather than find rooms closer to last
year's Clermont site. A vote was taken among the obedience exhibitors who were also DCA members regarding their
wish to stay at the Drawbridge or go back to Clermont, with an overwhelming number voting to remain at the
Drawbridge. The club has exceeded its negotiated minimum room nights, which allowed us use of the ballroom and
meeting rooms gratis. Two items factored into this: renegotiated lower room rates, and moving obedience into the
main venue.
Trophy donations continue to decline and classes offered for competition continue to rise. This presents an
unacceptable deficit in the overall show budget. The show committee will examine alternatives to our current
method of awarding trophies and present their recommendations at the next board meeting for consideration. In the
meantime, Gayle Riggins is personally soliciting donations from those attending this year's specialty.
Kim Hess has agreed to stay on as chair of the silent auctions until the end of the 2009 specialty.
- DCA Specialty 2008, 4/25 - 4/30, Fr. Mitchell, KY - Jennifer Cramer, Chair.
A full report will be presented at the next board meeting but Mrs. Cramer assured that all preparations are
progressing normally.
- DCA Archival Photographer - Irvin Krukenkamp.
Dr. Krukenkamp reported that this year they would be filming in digital videography. Four photographers will
work for the committee this year, including himself and Dennis Trout on conformation, June Krukenkamp on
obedience and social events, Steve Southard on agility and performance events, and Robert VonMayr on road trial,
action shots and "people".
- The newsletter processing has been streamlined to allow faster internet access for those with
slower connections, with a new color printer to speed processing of the daily handouts.
- The committee has put together a fantastic music show to accompany the Top Twenty competition, bringing
dedicated power amplified speakers, mixing panel and computer so as to avoid complications with the hotel's PA
system.
- The VHS of the AKC Dalmatian Standard was converted to digital format and loaded onto the internet in
various digital streaming formats including Windows Media and Mac QuickTime. Links to this are on the DCA web
page.
- Elaine Lindhorst was advised of the availability of streaming videos on the DCA web page for Color in the
Dalmatian and the AKC Dalmatian Standard, for easy access by judges, provisionals and fanciers.
- The older Dalmatian slideshow and accompanying cassette tape are still under conversion to digital format.
- The committee would like to add another member. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to add Tracie Tepke to the
Archival Photography committee. Seconded by Mrs. Pirs, the motion passed.
- Ms. Susan Brooksbank requested that the historical interview tape, DCA: The Early Years, be added to the
list of items to be converted to DVD by this committee. Dr. Krukenkamp will obtain a copy of the tape and
proceed.
- Top Twenty – Kenneth Berg.
Mr. Berg reported everything is ready to go on the event, with nineteen dogs competing and three past winners
being exhibited. The judging format will be the same as last year with each dog entering the ring and being
judged individually, but this year music will be provided for each entrant. Ann Wilson of the Drawbridge Inn
staff will be tabulating the results of the score sheets.
Meg Callea had already recused herself from any process involving the judges for the event so Mr. Berg handled
that aspect, including printing the catalog pages referencing the judges. Those will be handed out the evening of
the event, to be inserted into the catalog. Mr. Berg suggested that this procedure be continued, as it would
allow for earlier distribution of the catalogs and add to the suspense re the identity of the judges.
In light of Dr. Sid Remmele's passing, the family was not contacted regarding bringing the Top 20 Challenge
Trophy and the commemorative bowl to this year's event. A 6-inch engraved bowl has been purchased by the
committee in the interim, however it was suggested that at the earliest opportunity the challenge trophy itself
should be obtained and stored with the other DCA challenge trophies.
Mr. Berg then introduced further discussion on several other rule changes, however none were entertained at
this meeting. Mr. John Cramer, as incoming chair for the event, will examine the rules and committee structure
for the event and bring suggestions he may have to the next board meeting.
As this section of reports concluded, Mrs. Boyd took a moment to thank the Steering Committee and the Show
Committee for their efforts on behalf of the club. She stated that until she became liaison for these committees
she never realized the difficulties they faced in handling the range of details required to successfully produce
a yearly specialty and all that goes along with it.
D. Sheila Wymore
- AKC Gazette - Sharon Boyd.
Mrs. Boyd reported that the next column would appear in the June issue of the AKC Gazette. Several articles
that committee member Jan Warren has submitted need to be edited to 500 words. President Garvin suggested that
Mrs. Boyd submit one or two of them to Chad Garvin for editing; the club may need to use his talents on other
committees as well.
- Historian - Cheryl Steinmetz.
Mrs. Steinmetz reported on recent activity regarding inquiries and inventory management, as well as new
materials received. She also reported that she is relocating to Florida, where she will need to rent a
climate-controlled storage unit to house the materials and have them available while she continues to sort the
Walter Johnson collection. Board approval has been previously granted for her to rent such a unit, as well as to
purchase needed storage boxes.
Mrs. Steinmetz also requested funding for professional cleaning and restoration of 13 of the framed photos
and paintings from the Tattoo Collection, providing an estimate for this work. All prices presented were extremely
reasonable; the board did question the rate of $150 for one particular photo.
Mrs. Skibinski made a motion to approve the expenditure of funds for restoration of the Tattoo materials in
question, pending an explanation of the contents of the picture requiring $150 worth of work. Seconded by Mrs.
Pirs, the motion passed.
Mrs. Boyd had questions regarding the disposal of the contents of several boxes stored in her home, pertaining
to club records. She was advised that old membership apps, committee reports, etc., could be disposed of as they
were handled at previous board meetings and reported on in the minutes which are on record. Legal documents of
any type should be archived.
The Articles of Incorporation with the state of New York are still missing from DCA records, and the
treasurer would like to have a copy of them if anyone happens to discover a copy in their possession.
- The Spotter - Paula Olcott.
Mrs. Olcott reported the Top Spot data pull problems were resolved, all volunteers distilled their information,
and letters of invitation to advertise were sent out resulting in 18 performance ads and 15 conformation ads.
This issue is currently on her laptop and she will be working on it during the specialty. Mrs. Warren is
attending the specialty and will work with Paula on ad assembly to obtain some hands-on training with the
software used to produce the magazine.
Mrs. Olcott had some technical production problems with the Winter issue, but those have been resolved and the
issue went to the mail order house.
Mrs. Olcott, as editor for the magazine, has been receiving AKC news announcements. The board decided that she
is to forward them to her liaison for approval and then on to the DCA member e-mail list.
The seminar on urate stones as presented at this year's specialty will be summarized in the Spotter and Mr.
Weiss is finishing up part two of his article, part one of which appears in the recently produced Winter issue.
There was board discussion as to possible options for handling Mrs. Olcott's retirement in 2008 as Spotter
editor, and several of these options will be pursued in the interim.
E. Meg Hennessey
- Awards & Trophys - Laura Lightholder.
Ms. Lightholder reported that the trophies are ready for this year's competitions and reported on the donation
statistics. In order of their percent of coverage, the donations received for trophies were: Road Trial 93.75%;
Tracking 62.5%; Agility 50%; Conformation 46.25%; Obedience 31.25%; Jr. Showmanship 20.83%; Rally 12.5%. All
conformation "special" trophies (BOB, BOS, etc) were sponsored, but none of the performance special trophies
were.
Ms. Lightholder has reassessed the Awards and Trophies committee in light of the present "national specialty
committee" structure. In essence the chair is now doing the work of two committee chairs, handling the original
responsibilities of the committee as well as taking the place of a local chairman who would have handled trophies
at the event itself. Two of her three committee members have agreed to help with soliciting trophy sponsorships
during the year, which should increase revenue greatly.
Ms. Lightholder then addressed the confusion between the Trophy Fund and the Performance Fund. She requested
clarification of these two for the membership, and requested that all solicitations be brought directly under
the auspices of the trophy committee so as not to overload members with an excessive number of solicitations.
Finally, she reported that she undertake a complete trophy inventory after the 2007 specialty to determine
what needs to be ordered for next year. In addition, her committee will look at possible options for class
coverage and present a proposal for same at the next board meeting.
- Membership Education - Lori Finlayson.
Mrs. Finlayson has requested the addition of another member to the committee. Mrs. Hennessey made a motion to
approve the addition of Deby Harber to the Membership Education committee. Seconded by Mrs. Wymore, the motion
passed.
- Purina Pro Club Challenge - Meg Hennessey.
Mrs. Hennessey reported that a letter was received from Purina stating the Dalmatian Club of America Pro Club
members had earned $2,625.16 for their participation in the weight circle program, 50% of which went to the
Canine Health Foundation and the remainder to the club to be used in funding education, health research, and/or
rescue efforts.
Mrs. Hennessey is still looking for an update from Purina on the status of the pins for Futurity nominated
Dalmatians who complete their championships.
F. Ken Berg
- Futurity - Steven E. Nielsen.
Mr. Nielsen submitted a complete report regarding the Futurity nominations for 2007 and 2008. Nominations for
2008 for both litters and individuals continue to run ahead of those for 2007. Mr. Nielsen has written up details
of the CHIC awards available from DCAF to futurity participants for 2008, -09, and -10, and posted them on the
web site.
- Judges Education - Elaine Lindhorst.
Mrs. Lindhorst reported on upcoming seminars, including the seminar at this year's national specialty. She
also reported two members who wished to be added to the ringside mentor list. Mr. Berg made a motion to add
Luane Williams and Karen Wissinger to the ringside mentor list. Seconded by Dr. Krukenkamp, the motion passed.
There are approximately 1000 copies of the Illustrated Standard left. The board will review the current copy
with an eye to possible revisions prior to reprinting.
- Public Education - Joanne Nash.
Mrs. Nash and her committee continue their monthly rotation of answering inquiries that come to the DCA
website and are receiving more questions about dealing with senior Dals. The article on "Jiggs", BIS winner of
the Infodog's first Virtual Dog Show, will be posted soon under "Featured Dalmatians" on the DCA web site.
G. Mary-Lynn Jensen
- Breeder Referral - Karen Wissinger.
No action required.
- Performance Events - Rick Miller.
Mr. Miller reported that the committee reviewed the Agility High in Trial calculation for the Governor's
Trophy for Performance Events and is recommending that the 10 points originally allocated for a HIT Agility be
dropped. Ms. Jensen made a motion to accept the recommended scoring procedure as presented by the committee,
to become effective with the 2008 specialty. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey, the motion passed unanimously. The
new scoring is to read:
Agility, Obedience (regular), Rally, Road Trial: 1st place - 10 points; 2nd place - 9 points;
3rd place - 8 points; 4th place - 7 points. High in Trial and High Combined earn an additional 10 points each.
(High in Trial Agility is NOT included.) A qualifying score in each event (including passing the Coaching
Certificate Test) that is not a placement earns 6 points.
Obedience (non-regular): 1st place - 5 points; 2nd place - 4 points; 3rd place - 3 points; 4th place -
2 points. The equivalent of a qualifying score in a non-regular class that is not a placement earns 1 point. A
"qualifying score" will be the same as for regular obedience classes: a minimum score 170 and at least 50% of the
points available in each exercise. In classes with multiple-dog entries (brace and team), only one awarding of
points will be made, either for placement or qualifying. Team members who belong to different clubs will decide
how to distribute the allotted points.
Tracking: TD or TDX pass - 10 points.
- Agility - Holly Waldrop.
Ms. Waldrop reported on various committee activities, including her attendance at the AKC National Agility
Championship in Sunbury, OH on March 30-April 1, 2007. She encouraged all who qualify to attend this prestigious
event.
Ms. Waldrop also presented the outline of a joint agility trial to be held in the Clarksville TN area, the
profits of which would benefit the performance fund. There is no other agility trial in the area in July or
August, the facility is inside and air-conditioned, and the Clarksville KC would host two of the three days
with the DCA hosting the first day. Profits would be split in thirds. Ms. Jensen made a motion to approve
moving forward with partnering with the Clarksville Kennel Club to hold one day of a three day agility trial
on August 1-3, 2008, at the Tennessee Livestock Center, Murfreesboro, TN, as a fundraiser for the performance
fund. Seconded by Mr. Berg, the motion passed.
- Obedience - Lynn Luikart.
No action required.
- Road Trials - Peggy Strupp.
No action required.
- Tracking - Tom Hacholski.
Mr. Hacholski has tendered his resignation as National Tracking Chairman, effective at the conclusion of
the 2007 tracking test. The performance committee will actively be seeking a replacement and wishes to thank
Mr. Hacholski for his dedication and service to this club.
H. Irv Krukenkamp
- Health and Research - Betty Pirs.
This committee was commissioned at a previous board meeting to examine current structure with an eye to
streamlining. Dr. Krukenkamp entertained lengthy discussions with Mrs. Pirs and with the chairs/members of the
various study groups. His assessments follow:
- Urinary Stones. Kathy McCoubrey, Director; Tana Rugg.
Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to add Carla Baker to this committee. Seconded by Mr. Berg, the motion
passed. Otherwise on target.
- Canine Orthopedics. Beth Bauer DVM, Director; Julie Prentice, Danielle La Vangie. On target.
- Seizures/Epilepsy. Marion Mitchell, Director; Elizabeth Dell, Maureen Hugunin, Jennifer Johnson-Glaser.
On target.
- Hearing. Scott Facey, Darlene Chirolas, Kelly Flannigan. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to appoint Scott
Facey director of this study group and to move Kelly Flannigan to director of the study group on allergies and
diet. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey, the motion passed. Dr. Krukenkamp recommends that educational materials
from the study group should be reviewed to clearly state the principals of the DCA on this issue.
- Eye Disorders. No director. Judy Force, Karen McDonnell. Ms. McDonnell's database had been corrupted by a
virus, but Dr. Krukenkamp has successfully recovered the data. A director needs to be recruited and the issues
surrounding ISD and CERF need to be addressed, as well as any other eye disorders affecting the breed as a CERF
test is one of the requirement for a CHIC registry number.
- Thyroid. This study group was suspended pending the results of the 3-year study by Dr. Bruner that will
hopefully determine a baseline level for the Dalmatian thyroid. It may be reactivated when the study is complete
and results are received.
- Health Clinics. Ginger Iwaoka, Director. In assessing the value of the health clinics to the breed, Dr.
Krukenkamp recommended that to facilitate the dissemination of information, derived from the clinics, to the
study groups the health clinics should fall under the auspices of the main Health and Research committee. Mr.
Berg made a motion to assimilate the Health Clinics and their director into the Health and Research committee.
Seconded by Mrs. Skibinski, the motion passed.
- Dr. Krukenkamp presented a job description for the study group director in general. Dr. Krukenkamp made a
motion to accept the job description as presented. Seconded by Ms. Jensen the motion passed. This job
description will be circulated to all directors.
- The study groups will be reporting to the board on a rotating basis with 1-3 page articles on important
issues within their study group. After review, these articles could then be submitted to the Spotter as
appropriate. Mrs. Pirs suggested that a preface to each report printed should indicate the degree of prevalence
within the breed.
- The Public Education Committee has reported receiving questions from the public pertaining to subjects
already addressed on the web site, however these could definitely stand to be reorganized, revised and updated.
The Health and Research Committee study group directors have prioritized this task for the coming months.
- Dr. Krukenkamp conducted a site review of the genetics research laboratories of Dr. Danika Bannasch at the
University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine on March 16th, in connection with a "hands on"
review of the low uric acid Dalmatian breeding programs in northern California. He reported on his findings and
presented a one-page summarized report of them for distribution to the membership. In subsequent discussion, the
board recognized the importance of having a clearinghouse for information. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to
form a Low Uric Acid Study Group with Dennis Trout as director. Seconded by Mrs. Pirs, the motion passed.
- Statistics - Robert VonMayr.
Mr. VonMayr reported that he has answered 17 emails regarding pedigrees or statistical questions since his
last report. He has also acquired a missing copy of the Spotter that he needed for the index created, by
way of a "trade". Mr. VonMayr reported that the AKC statistical pulls were very easy to work with this year and
eliminated a degree of manual labor. Finally, as he is still getting requests for the BIS book discs, he
recommends that any discs remaining in the hands of current or previous committee chairs be collected and kept
in one place, and requests that he be notified by anyone who might still have some in their possession.
G. Betty Pirs
- Junior Showmanship - Mary Miller.
Ms. Miller reported the top Junior Handler for 2006 based on points earned by showing a Dalmatian is Alexis
Bach.
- Regional Club Council - Karen Linsky.
Ms. Linsky reported that the regional club council meeting will be held on Monday, April 30, with Linda
Lewin presiding in Ms. Linsky's absence. Mary-Lynn Jensen will be presenting a report on the Purina regional
club weight circle program. Ms. Linsky reported the annual update to the club secretaries list has been
completed and forwarded to the treasurer. Dr. Krukenkamp made a motion to appoint Rick Miller to the regional
club council to fill the vacancy left by Paul Lindhorst's passing. Seconded by Mr. Berg the motion passed.
- Standing Rules - Michelle Wrath. No action required.
Mrs. Wymore made a motion to approve the reports of the Standing Committees. Seconded by Mrs. Boyd, the motion
was approved.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
- Review of “List of Things to Do.”
President Garvin led a discussion reviewing the “Things to Do” from the last meeting, covering the items that
were each board member’s responsibility to handle after the last meeting. Members of the board evaluated and
discussed the status of each.
- Individual membership application. One application had been held pending receipt of further information.
With that information in hand, and after a review of the circumstances, Mrs. Wymore made a motion to approve the
application, seconded by Ms. Jensen. After written ballot by the board, the application was approved according to
the by-laws of the DCA.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
- AKC Parent Club Conferences.
President Garvin reported that the AKC is holding two parent club conferences in 2007. The first conference,
discussed at the February meeting, pertains to effective club organization. Delegates decided upon at that
meeting are Meg Hennessey and Mary-Lynn Jensen. A second conference for which delegates must be determined will
be held in October in St. Louis and is the "Parent Club Canine Health Conference". After discussion, Mrs. Boyd
made a motion to have DCA represented by Dr. Irv Krukenkamp and Dr. Ginger Iwaoka. Seconded by Mrs. Hennessey,
the motion passed. DCAF is also entitled to send two representatives, and that will be handled at the DCAF
meeting.
- AKC Outstanding Sportsmanship Medallion. The board discussed and then declined the option of awarding
this medallion.
- Publishing Election Result Specifics. Per a question from a member candidate as to the exact number of
votes received, the board reaffirmed that the policy to list only the winners of each election and not the
actual count of votes received per candidate.
- Lifetime Membership. Mrs. Skibinski made a motion to grant Mr. C.E. Flock, Jr., the privilege of a
lifetime membership for his years of dedicated service to the club and to the breed. Seconded by Dr. Krukenkamp,
the motion passed unanimously.
- Register Of Merit. Mrs. Skibinski brought up the concept of establishing criteria for Dalmatians to
achieve a R.O.M. as awarded by the parent club. She will do research and bring a proposal to the next meeting for
board discussion.
IX. FUTURE MEETINGS
The third quarter meeting of the DCA Board of Governors will be on Saturday, August 11, 2007, in Chicago, IL,
commencing at 1:00 PM CDT. The fourth quarter meeting will be held in Long Beach, CA, in conjunction with the
AKC/Eukanuba Invitational on December 1st and 2nd, further details as to date and time to be firmed up at the
August meeting.
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. ADJOURNMENT
Mrs. Hennessey made a motion that the meeting be adjourned at 6:15 PM CST. Seconded by
Mrs. Skibinski, the motion was approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Wymore
DCA Recording Secretary
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