Board Meeting Minutes/July 20, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on July 20,2015 at 3:40PM.

All members were present. Guests: John Layne

The minutes of the July 6,2015 meeting were approved with a correction. Under ‘President’s Report’ the expiration date for the CCO’s CBA is 2015.

NEW MEMBERS:

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

ERASED:

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • Flowers were delivered to Carolyn Mason in memory of her brother who passed away.
  • A refund for the over payment to the State of Ohio has been submitted.
  • The Blue Wisp Band had a very good turnout for their performance at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park. The band was also scheduled to perform on Fountain Square in conjunction with the All-Star Game. The performance was rained out.
  • President Frankenfeld put forth a proposal to invite a representative from John Investments as well as US Bank to offer options for reinvestment of Treasury Bonds that will be maturing soon. The Board agreed and asked Paul to set up the presentations for a future Trustees meeting.
  • President Frankenfeld reported that during the year of renovation at Music Hall the CSO would tour both Europe and Hong Kong. They will also participate in the Edinburgh Festival. Contract waivers will need to be dealt with but President Frankenfeld does not see any potential problems.
  • The pit issues for the opera ‘Morningstar’ were resolved satisfactorily. A review for the Chicago Tribune was glowing and the Local Enquirer review was more critical, stating the performance was static.
  • President Frankenfeld referred back to the meeting of June 9, 2015. Gary Slowik has a group benefit product with some attractive prices. President Frankenfeld was requested to give due diligence and see what might be possible. Even with a dozen people participating there might be something to offer members.

 

II. John Layne – audit report

  • Based on the findings of the audit the financial health of the Local is excellent.
  • Kelley, Galloway, Smith, Goolsby, PSC (KSGG) made the following recommendations.
  • The General Ledger needs to be posted more often. Updated office equipment and software can help Rhonda get this done more often. For example, September financials need to be posted in December. Posting quarterly is highly advised. KSGG can provide training for new, updated software.
  • Upon review of the audit report and supplemental materials the management response is:

The Board of Trustees has discussed the options concerning the capabilities of preparing financial statements that would not require significant changes by the auditor. The Board has decided that it would not be cost beneficial to change the current practice. The Board believes it is in the best interest of the Fund to continue to retain the auditing firm to prepare tis financial statements in conjunction with a year-end audit. However, management will review and approve adjusting entries, if any. Additionally, management will review and approve the financial statements, including disclosures, before they are presented to the Trustees. Management will review and approve the Form 990 and Form LM-2 before they are filed.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Overtones

  • Trish Carmichael is working on a new format. A consensus of the membership regarding a group benefit product could be done through Overtones.

II. Chico Armstrong, a security guard in the building, is a songwriter and has asked Paul whom he should approach with his music. The Trustees provided a couple of names, which Paul will share with Chico.

III. Reminder that this is an election year. Petitions will be available September 1 and due October 6, 2015.

IV. The next quarterly membership meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 28 at 7PM. President Frankenfeld will try to reach out to members again. Honorary memberships will be presented at this meeting along with the financial report.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B25147-25155 and B25160-25162.

Next meeting scheduled for August 3 at 3:30PM.

Meeting adjourned at 5:26PM.

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Quarterly Membership Meeting/June 22, 2015

The quarterly meeting of the general membership of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on June 22, 2015 at 7:12PM.

12 members were present.

The minutes of the March 30,2015 quarterly meeting were approved as read. M/S was Hurd/D. Dunevant

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld reported that the contract negotiations for the CSO were successful. He outlined the 5-year contract providing 1.5% increases each year over the five years. Current season members received $10,000 for their 401(b).

II. Music Hall Renovation

  • President Frankenfeld reported that there had been a meeting with Akoustiks, with all of the players. The proposal seemed drastic and that architecture was being put before acoustical considerations. His concern is that the process is moving too quickly. The $25 million tax credit had been pulled but was re-instated. There were a series of acoustical tests, all of which had negative effects.
  • James Lambert, CSO musician on the Committee for Restoration was present and provided the following information
  1. First, and foremost, the strategy is to “do no harm”.
  2. The acoustical tests were likened to a photo shoot. The acousticians got to hear the hall 6 different ways. Most people seemed to like the sound when the cloud was raised a little bit.
  3. The next meeting is scheduled for June 23 and he would find out more information.
  4. His impression is that the appearance of the hall would not be changed. There was concern that it would be gutted but that is not the case. They have to pay attention to the historical requirements.
  5. The company does not want to touch the physical cosmetic appointments. He provided an example using the walls. Currently they are plain but they may become articulated (not flat) which would create texture to the walls. Everyone involved so far likes the acoustical footprint of the hall but the task will be to get the sound dispersed equally throughout the interior. Currently the orchestra has to exaggerate some things in order to be heard (articulations, etc.).
  6. The acousticians said that it was their hope that when everything is done people will come in and ask, “What did you do”?

Discussion:

  • President Frankenfeld voiced his relief that drastic measures would not be taken and asked about the timetable. Jim Lambert replied that the acousticians said the time frame was short but they think it can happen. He continued that the concern is for the musicians to take the process seriously to reduce the number of rumors. He is encouraging musicians to voice their concerns.
  • Pat Nott, member, commented that the CSO as an organization should be sharing information with the public because rumors are possibly a result of the plans that were released 3+ years ago. She also asked about plans for the Ball Room. Jim replied with regard to the old plans that things have progressed to plan B or C at this point but that he would share her thought with the committee. As far as the Ball Room is concerned that is outside his purview. He is only involved with Springer Auditorium. In summary he stated that he feels concerns are being heard.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Web Sites/Barb Lambert

  • Vice President Barb Lambert asked those present who had their own website and who was interested in having their own website. She was prepared to make a presentation on the ease of creating your own website. If any members are interested they are encouraged to contact her for more information.

II. Bravo Music/Don Hurd

  • Trustee Don Hurd, also a member of the Bravo Board, gave those present a brief update on what Bravo is working towards.
  • Bravo is interested in building up their educational outreach. They are looking to provide opportunities for members of the Local to fund performances.
  • There were several questions from those present about the funding. Don answered as fully as possible but reminded everyone that they are still in the fledgling stages.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:21PM and was followed by refreshments.

 

 

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Board Meeting/July 6, 2015

 

  • The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on July 6,2015 at 3:35PM.

    All members were present. John Layne of Kelley, Galloway & Company, PCS was a guest.

    The minutes of the June 22,2015 meeting were approved.

    NEW MEMBERS:

    GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

    NEW MEMBERS:

    REINSTATE:

    DECEASED:

    RESIGNED:

    Christine Nicols, 6/29/15

    Annie Gordon, 6/29/15

    Robert Sullivan, 6/30/15

    Joseph Merchant, 6/30/15

    ERASED:

     

     

    OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

    I. Presidents Report

    • The opera, Morningstar, is experiencing issues in the pit. It is extremely crowded. One person from each string section has been removed in an attempt to ease the overcrowding. It is a safety concern.
    • The Wisp Band will be performing at Behringer-Crawford Museum in Devou Park.
    • The one-year agreement with the CCO is set to expire December 2016. It was agreed that they would program Amahl and the Night Visitors this year.
    • BAMSO is phasing in a three-year raise. They need to write a Letter of Memorandum (LOM).

     

    II. John Layne preliminary audit report

    • Layne was present to give an initial overview of the audit results. A few items were highlighted for the Trustees to look at and understand.
    • Revenues are down just a little bit. As members pay dues in advance it appears as a liability.
    • “Other Income” was $21,430 in 2014 and $2,632 in 2015. A CSO Broadcast rights payment occurred in 2014.
    • Expenses are up as a result of the CSO legal fees associated with the contract negotiations.
    • Promo usually shows a slight profit but the income is less as a result of fewer engagements. If the numbers are looked at as a calendar year versus a fiscal year there is a slight profit for Promo.
    • Cash holdings are also down a bit as a result of the Association absorbing part of the dues increase established by the AFM National Office.
    • The Association does not spend a lot of money but rent is a bit higher and there are still eight individuals who we are paying out on pension/insurance.
    • John requested the Trustees and Officers to examine the 990 with particular attention to the pages with ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ answers. In addition, he reminded the Board that next year the Treasury Notes will mature and we will have to decide how to handle the reinvestment.
    • President Frankenfeld asked John if there had been any difficulties found because of the debit card. John responded that it has not caused any concern or problem.
    • John also reported that they found an overpayment to the State of Ohio taxes related to Promo. They are working to initiate a refund.

    NEW BUSINESS:

    I. Cybervise

    • Secretary Carol Dunevant has been working with Cybervise to correct an error message that showed up on the website. She reported that we were offered a new pricing from Cybervise that would continue the level of maintenance we currently have but cost would be reduced to $750 a year. This cost reflects a significant savings. A motion to move to the new billing was presented by Don Hurd. Barb Lambert gave the second. The motion was approved.
    • President Frankenfeld informed the Board that the brother of former Secretary Carolyn Mason had passed away. The Board agreed to send a plant to Carolyn. President Frankenfeld will take care of the purchase.

     

    THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

    See attached B 25120-25146

    Voucher #25095, approved on June 9, was never received by Carol Dunevant so it should be voided as another voucher was issued.

    Next meeting scheduled for July 20, 2015 at 3:30PM

    Meeting adjourned at 4:45PM.

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Board Meeting/June 22, 2015

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on June 22, 2015 at 5:45PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the June 9,2015 were approved with three spelling corrections.

NEW MEMBERS:

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

REINSTATE:

DECEASED:

RESIGNED:

ERASED:

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

  • President Frankenfeld has not heard back from Mike Lammers regarding a possible video that might include footage of the Blue Wisp Band.
  • The MPTF senior adult concerts have been settled. One musician per concert will be hired. Dates and locations have been settled and each location has agreed to cover the payroll costs.

II. CSO

  • There was a meeting today to discuss the All-Star Game and the performance of the National Anthem. The CSO is dealing with MLB. The CSO should simply announce that the performance is happening so it is on the schedule. Cancellation is always an option once a performance is announced.
  • Ted Nelson is now the ICSOM representative. President Frankenfeld will attend the conference to help with the transition.

III. CCO

  • The Faux Frenchmen will be performing as a part of the new CCO festival format. There was discussion about taping the performance. If the CCO joins the IMA they could tape up to 40 minutes and then use up to 10 minutes for promotional purposes.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Email from Ray Hair

  • The email from AFM President Ray Hair titled “Just Sue Us” raises some concern. There are two issues to consider: 1) The obvious breach of contract and 2) Ten percent (10%) of the AFM budget goes to retain legal counsel. If the AFM goes to court there is a separate billing. Does this expenditure warrant this magnitude of action for a small number of players? There should be a clearer sense of direction for the IEB. President Frankenfeld suggested that perhaps it is time to start a dialogue between Locals and the IEB.

II. Email from Mike Emerson to Lynne Scott.

  • Lynne shared an email she received from Mike Emerson who currently resides in Florida. It appears that a company based in Nashville has brought in musicians labeled Good Company and they have been supplanting area musicians in the restaurant and bar jobs. The local musicians are not a part of a Local and Mike was wondering if she might have any suggestions. Lynne shared the email with Gary Winters who responded to Mike with some very practical suggestions. After reading all correspondence the Board concluded that Gary’s response was very succinct and accurate. The only other thought was for the area musicians, who were referenced by Mike, could join Local 655 in Miami. However, just because one would join the Local the union may not be able to help.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 25110-25119

Next meeting scheduled for July 6, 2015 at 3:30PM

Meeting adjourned at 6:47PM.

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