The quarterly general membership business meeting of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 22, 2014 at 7:16 PM.

12 members and 1 guest (John Layne) were present.

Minutes from the June 30, 2014 quarterly meeting were read and approved.

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. Welcome

• President Frankenfeld welcomed members and greeted George Watkins, our newest member.

II. Financial Audit Presentation

• President Frankenfeld introduced John Layne from Kelley, Galloway & Company. They are responsible for the annual audit of the books.
• Layne provided each member present with a handout. He proceeded to go through the handout and stopped to answer any question presented.
• Restricted funds: These funds are solely for the insurance reserve fund. These funds are used to pay the retirement money for anyone who retired prior to 1989. There are currently 8 members who are receiving funds.
• Our By-Laws restrict where money can be invested but we do carry some un-invested cash. It was recommended by Kelley, Galloway & Co. to have a discussion with a bank representative for possible investments. Some of these funds have been moved to a credit union that is a State Institution. This type of institution allows for multiple accounts totaling more than an FDIC account in a bank.
• Net assets are up. There has been a concerted effort to make sure people are paying their dues.
• The expenses of the organization are not exorbitant. Bills are consistent and paid on time. Mr. Layne pointed out that we would incur significant legal fees when negotiations for the CSO contract begin. It was suggested by the auditors to begin setting money aside for legal counsel. These fees could run as much as $26K.
• His summary was that the union is very healthy and financially sound.
• Member Joe Gaudio asked Mr. Layne, “There has been some talk of money being diverted or skimmed, etc. Is there any evidence of fraud?” Mr. Layne replied no. He also added that there was a Department of Labor audit in 2009 and they also gave the union a clean bill of health. Mr. Layne explained that most fraud is committed when there is cash involved. There is very little cash coming into the office and almost everything is done by check. Even then, it is the auditor’s job to continually inform the Board how fraud can be committed and does everything it can to keep the Board informed.

III. Bravo Music Update

• President Frankenfeld gave a brief history of the organization, Bravo Music. It is separate from the Cincinnati Musicians Association and was the brainchild of former President, Eugene Frey. The purpose of Bravo Music was to provide concerts and publish music.
• Over the years the organization grew stagnant and with the death of some key officers, John Layne encouraged the remaining Trustees to rejuvenate the organization.
• Current Trustees are Mary Judge, President; Don Hurd, Secretary; Ron Aufmann, Treasurer. They are looking to build the board and focus on fundraising. In looking at the direction they would like to take they will have an educational arm. It appears that they are stepping into the future.

 

NEW BUSINESS/COMMENTS:

• Jose Mangual reported that the Lexington Philharmonic had finally approved an agreement after two years of negotiations. The new contract took effect September 19, 2014.
• Vice President Barb Lambert reported on the Mid America conference that was held over the past weekend. She informed those present about the work of the political action committee, TEMPO and had membership applications for anyone interested. It was pointed out that TEMPO does not endorse any single political party. It works for the betterment of AFM members.

Joe Gaudio motioned for adjournment.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:52PM

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 15,2014 at 3:35PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the September 3, 2014 were approved with a spelling correction. The minutes from the August 4 meeting were approved with the following correction. The word ‘Broadway’ was struck from the price list heading and the category changed to reflect the venue seating capacity.

 

NEW MEMBERS:

Paige Kossuth – Violin 9/14/14

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

None

REINSTATE:

None

DECEASED:

None

RESIGNED:

None

ERASED:

None

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

• President Frankenfeld reported that he had been asked to speak to the Symphony Board members regarding the recent ballot issue. The removal of Music Hall from the initiative will certainly cause a change in the philanthropic landscape. Trey Dewey has been able to raise between $9 and $10 million dollars to date. This encouraging news was offset with the death of Bill Friedlander who helped raise about $45 million dollars over the course of his involvement with the Symphony.
• The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has been locked out for a week. That orchestra currently has 78 full time players and the management wants to reduce the number to 70. A world-class orchestra typically has between 90-95 full time players.
• The Nashville Symphony is working under an expired contract. They are playing while talks continue.
• The San Francisco Ballet has finalized an agreement.
• The Quarterly General Membership meeting is scheduled for September 22 and John Layne from Kelley, Galloway & Company will be present to present the results of the annual audit and answer any questions.

 

II. Price List Updates

• Examination of the price list resumed.

1. Section I A (Single Engagements) for three (3) hours: currently is at $110 and proposed increase to $115 in 2014; $120 in 2015; $125 in 2016.
2. Section I A (Single Engagement) for two (2) hours: currently at $100 and proposed increase to $105 in 2014; $110 in 2015; $115 in 2016.
3. Section I B. It is proposed to remove this section and add the words ‘Dance Band’ to Section I A.
4. Over time for Section I A would remain at $25 per half hour or fraction thereof.
5. WGUC broadcast rights. This figure has not been increased in some time. It is currently at $16. Proposed increase would be to $20.
6. Sacred Concerts. No changes proposed.
7. Mike Andres asked that knowing the ballet may be using a small venue at the Arnoff, would any player contracted be at scale? President Frankenfeld responded ‘Yes’. Players will receive the same scale as members of the CSO. Ballet scale is already set for 2014-15. There will be a proposed increase when that expires.
8. No change to meal allowance and per diem for run-outs. Scale is set at $60 for three meals.
9. Chamber Music will remain unchanged at $135 but a proposed change to contractor fee is a raise from $175 to $200 to be the same as the Taft Chamber Concert Series.
10. No change for band scale at this time.

 

A motion to accept the proposed changes to the price list was presented by Lou Lausche. Mike Andres provided the second. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

None

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 24761-24770

 

Next meeting scheduled for September 22 at 5:30PM followed by the Quarterly General Membership meeting at 7:00PM

Meeting adjourned at 5:47PM.

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on September 3, 2014 at 3:43PM.

All members were present.

The minutes of the August 4, 2014 meeting were tabled until the next meeting.

NEW MEMBERS:

Matthew Ernst  Trumpet   7/30/14

Alan Ludwig    Cello

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

None

REINSTATE:

None

DECEASED:

None

RESIGNED:

Matt Ransom    Bassoon   8/5/14

ERASED:

As of 8/7/14 the following names were erased from the rolls of the Federation.

Joyce R. Billups     No specific instrument listed

Jennifer Broome No specific instrument listed

Jeffrey Scott Carwile     Clarinet

Benjamin Clymer No specific instrument listed

Leanne Day     No specific instrument listed

Andrew Duncan        No specific instrument listed

James E. Evans       No specific instrument listed

Eric Kim             Cello

Sarah J. Kim         Cello

Cecilia C. Kozlowski No specific instrument listed

Kym Layne            No specific instrument listed

Andrew Peoples       No specific instrument listed

John Scaggs          No specific instrument listed

Donald A. Stephenson No specific instrument listed

Scott Alan Williams       No specific instrument listed

Scot Woolley               Piano

 

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

• President Frankenfeld announced that both Carol Dunevant and Barb Lambert would represent the Local at the MAC conference in Cleveland. The Board gave approval for a rental car. This move would actually represent a cost savings over the government mileage reimbursement.
• President Frankenfeld reported on the latest ICSOM media committee conference call. It appears that bargaining has come to an impasse. AFM President Ray Hair is considering options. Good news is that a new video game agreement has been completed.
• President Frankenfeld reported on the ICSOM conference that was held last week. He was impressed by the age diversity and is encouraged at the number of younger members. During the conference there was a mock negotiation. The healthcare negotiation section was especially appreciated as it may impact the CSO negotiations in a few years.
• Labor Day Picnic at Coney Island. Paul Wagner’s band played at the picnic. There were a record number of attendees. President Frankenfeld stopped in at the picnic on his way to the BAMSO concert in Blue Ash.
• Stacey Woolley performed the Korngold Violin Concerto with BAMSO on their Labor Day concert. Current scale for the group is $55 for rehearsal and $75 for a performance. President Frankenfeld reminded the Board that it was time to look at their fee structure.
• Every six months we are responsible for erasing those members in serious arrears. The Local has usually been more lenient giving people as much as 2 years to correct the outstanding balance owed in dues. We are not allowed to charge more than 6 months plus the current year.

II. CSO

• Agreements have been reached for both the Maya Angelou Memorial performance and Lumenocity.
• The quartet that performed for the Memorial Service was compensated at the local cable rate.
• Lumenocity was mostly covered under the national media agreement. All three performances were taped and had to have the PBS stamp. A local broadcast commercial rate also applied. Players were compensated accordingly.
• The position of Assistant Concert Master has had another change for Rebecca Culnan’s leave of absence. Eric Bates has asked to move back to his permanent position (4^th chair). Options that were presented were to bring in a small group for audition or move Kathryn Woolley into the position. It was agreed to put Kathryn Woolley into the chair and have guest concertmasters for Tim Lee’s scheduled absences.
• There are a number of openings in the offices at the CSO. Anne Cushing-Reid has resigned to take a similar position with CCM; Margo Bennish in HR has resigned and is relocating to the Chicago area; there is an opening for a Development Director, and Scott Mozlin has resigned as assistant personnel director

NEW BUSINESS:

I. President Frankenfeld reminded everyone that John Layne will be at the quarterly meeting and there is usually the 50-year recognition.

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B 24730-24760

Next meeting scheduled for September 15, 2014 at 3:30PM and Monday, September 22, 2014 at 5:30PM followed by the quarterly meeting at 7PM.

 

Meeting adjourned at 4:34PM.

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on July 28, 2014 at 9:29AM.

Mike Andres was absent.

The minutes of the July 14, 2014 meeting were tabled until the next meeting.

Guests: John Layne from Kelley, Galloway & Co. and Rhonda Gillum, Officer Manager

NEW MEMBERS:

None

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:

None

REINSTATE:

None

DECEASED:

None

RESIGNED:

None

ERASED:

None

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I. President’s Report

• President Frankenfeld reported that he had met with members of the Musica Sacra Board. They will provide their personnel needs for the next season so that Paul can apply for MPTF funds. Manami White will be doing their contracting in the future.
• It was reported that the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra did a free, volunteer concert in Washington Park. President Frankenfeld has not heard back from either Mike Cioffi or Jennifer Funk at this date.
• President Frankenfeld will be going through the membership roster with Lynne to identify individuals who may be in arrears. There may be some members erased following the examination.

II. Bravo Music

• Don Hurd reported that Bravo has been able to renew its registration with the Secretary of State. Now that it is officially registered it is up to the Board to decide what direction it will take.

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Audit

• President Frankenfeld yielded the floor to John Layne.
• Layne reviewed the results of the audit with the Board. The report is that the financial health of the organization is good but provided the following suggestions so that the Board can be more effective in financial oversight: a) The Board may wish to look at the Insurance Reserve monies for possible ways to increase the returns. He suggested the Board seek information regarding reinvestment opportunities; b) The inter-fund balances need to be corrected so that any outstanding payments can be completed; c) The Board should receive a monthly statement that should be broken down to report what jobs has been paid, what jobs need to be paid, and what jobs have been worked but payment has not been made. Along with this report the Board should be receiving a report every 6 months from Promo showing the number of jobs being done over that time frame using the same format as the monthly statement. There were many questions from the Board and Office Manager, Rhonda Gillum. John Layne will work with Rhonda to create the type of documentation needed. d) The final suggestion was for the Board to consider terminating Accent Music. The ability to book jobs for members will still be provided but the booking agency would be dissolved. Any decision would need to be made prior to the end of the fiscal year for Accent which would be March 31, 2015.
• The suggestions presented by John Layne provide ways for the Board to continue with its responsibility of monitoring and oversight of finances in order to keep up with ways fraud can occur. As technology improves so must the means of oversight.
• Based on the findings of the audit the recommendation from the office of Kelley, Galloway & Company is as follows: We recommend that management and the board of Trustees evaluate the audit. Management and the Board of Trustees should consider the current capabilities of employees and what additional expenses are needed to produce proper financial statements, including footnote disclosures.
• Based on the review of the audit findings the official response of the Board is as follows: The Board of Trustees has discussed the options concerning the Union obtaining 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 its current practice. The Board believes it is in the best interest of the Union to continue to retain the auditing firm to prepare its financial statements in conjunction with the year-end audit. However, management will review and approve adjusting entries, if any. Additionally, management will review and approve the Form 990 and Form LM-2 before they are filed.  

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

See attached B24700-24711

 

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, August 4 at noon.

Meeting adjourned at 11:40AM.

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors’ of the Cincinnati Musicians’ Association was called to order on June 9, 2014 at 12:00PM.

All members were present.

Guests: John Layne of Kelley, Galloway & Co., Bravo Music Board members Mary Judge, Ron Aufmann, Don Hurd.

The minutes of the June 2, 2014 meeting were tabled until the next meeting.

NEW MEMBERS:

Heather Baxter Oboe/English Horn June 3, 2014

GOOD STANDING FROM OTHER LOCALS

NEW MEMBERS:     None

REINSTATE:     None

DECEASED:     None

RESIGNED:     None

ERASED:           None

 

OLD/CURRENT BUSINESS:

I.  President’s Report

• President Frankenfeld reported that the string quartet that performed at Dr. Maya Angelou’s memorial service and reception did an outstanding job. The performance generated a lot of publicity for the CSO. The event was shown on the cable station OWN as well as YouTube/internet. There is the possibility this may cause an issue because of the media dissemination of the performances. He will inform the Board with the situation.

 

II. Bravo Music

• President Frankenfeld introduced the Bravo Board members to the CMA Board.
• John Layne, CPA with Kelley, Galloway & Company, PSC, provided background information pertaining to the formation of Bravo Music. The presentation was made to the Board members of the Cincinnati Musicians Association and Bravo Music.
• Bravo Music was established with a mission to raise money that would provide music for disadvantaged individuals who did not have access to music, provide educational music outreach, and make music available to local performers.
• The deaths of Jack Wellbaum and Gene Frey the Board reduced the Bravo Board to three members. John Layne presented them with three legal options regarding their dormant status. The Board could a) grow the Board and move forward, b) convert to private foundation status, or c) dissolve and disburse funds to another 501(c)3.
• John Layne clarified that Bravo Music is a separate entity from the Cincinnati Musicians Association although they should have a brother/sister relationship. As a 501(c)3 they are publicly funded and as such are required to make sure that money moves in and out of the organization.
• At this time the Cincinnati Musicians Association Board meeting was suspended and the Bravo Board held a brief meeting to elect officers and determine which course of action they would pursue. Election results were: Mary Judge, President; Ron Aufmann, Treasurer; Don Hurd, Secretary.
• John Layne verified that Bravo Music was still an active and registered non-profit with the State of Ohio and that he had been filing the appropriate 990 to satisfy Federal requirements.
• Mary Judge asked if John Layne would continue submitting the appropriate IRS paperwork. He agreed to continue to provide his services.
• The Bravo Board decided to meet at the Northside Bank and Trust to add Treasurer Ron Aufmann as an account signer.
• They received suggestions for potential Board members and they adjourned at 12:50PM.

III. On-line Banking

• The CMA Board meeting resumed business at 12:52 following the Bravo Board meeting.
• Paul reported that the online banking could commence as soon as paperwork at US Bank can be completed. He and Secretary Carol Dunevant will go to the bank following the conclusion of the Board meeting.

IV. National Media Committee

• Negotiations have been going on since December 2013.
• It appears that in the latest round of negotiations that the management side is prepared to begin to actually negotiate. It may be possible that talks can begin to move forward.
• Paul Frankenfeld will be leaving on Sunday, June 15 for three days of negotiations. He will report progress of the negotiations to the Board on June 30.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

I. Charleston WV

• Apparently the President of the Charleston Local has contacted Paul regarding outstanding work dues for a performance at Marshall University. The letter from Mr. Spurlock in Charleston named a member of Local 1 in particular. Trustee Joe Gaudio will check the contract but knows that the named individual did not even perform at the Marshall University event.

II. CSO

• President Frankenfeld described a potential issue regarding rehearsals and performances linked to the Classical Roots concerts. Once he has additional information he will give a more detailed report.

III. Post Office Error

• During the audit by Kelley, Galloway & Company it was found that a payment from WGUC broadcasts had not been received. Payment had been made but the check was sent to the old address. A check reflecting the complete payment will be reissued and sent to the new address.

 

THE FOLLOWING VOUCHERS WERE ORDERED PAID:

Approval of the vouchers was tabled until the next meeting, June 30, 2014.

Next meeting scheduled for Monday, June 30, 2014 at 5:30PM. It will be followed at 7:00PM by the quarterly General membership meeting.

 

Meeting adjourned at 1:50PM.