REGULAR MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Saturday, 13 August, 2005 at 11:00 am

Local 655 Offices, Hollywood FL

22 members present, including President Walker, Vice President Roitstein, Secretary-Treasurer Apana, and Directors Ballard, Chandler, Levin, Luger, and Warner.

MMC to approve minutes of December 2004.

Secretary-Treasurer's Report: Apana reported on rolls and fund balances, a newly available health insurance plan, upcoming Local 655 elections, meetings with SSD, and signing of a cba with Renaissance Chamber Orchestra, and encouraged members to help recruit their colleagues into the Local.

VP Report: Roitstein reported on improved communication with members, Hip Hop recording organizing, recruiting producers and their help in recruiting members, and organizing recording labels. He reported on attendance at the AFM convention, including repeal of the SPF assessment. He reported that the Local is a a "building" mode and that we need to recruit nonmembers in order to be able to secure better quality work. He also advised members that without a contract for recording work, those making the recording own the product and can do anything with it without obligation to pay musicians for new use, reuse, etc. He also noted that the Local is currently accepting resumes for a staff position.

President's Report: Walker reported on attendance at the AFM convention and the FPO bankruptcy. He thanked member Hale for his work on reviewing the FPO claims and announced that he will not be running for office.

Committee Reports: Apana reported on the Bylaw Committee's review of the proposed Bylaw Amendments.

Special Orders: MMC to adopt Bylaw Amendment proposal one (reducing Local membership requirement for Life Membership from 20 to 2 years). A motion is made to send proposal two (maintaining membership for 90 days prior to election day to be eligible to vote) to committee, which fails; proposal two fails. A motion is made by L Williams to amend proposal three by inserting the words "who has been a member of the AFM" before the proposed new language; the amendment passes; the main motion fails. MMC to adopt proposal four (vacancies in office filled by Executive Board extended from 90 to 180 days prior to the end of the term). MMC to adopt proposal five (Symphonic Musicians Committee).

Good and Welfare: Walker notes that MPF will now fund up to 75% of the cost of educational MPF concerts. Member Traupel noted problems with the AFL-CIO Union Plus Legal Service. Member Shapiro requested an update on the FPO bankruptcy, which member Hale provided, noting that approximately $2.4 million is left for distribution to creditors. Member Jefferson asked what is being done to represent club date musicians. Roitstein noted that the Local intends to hold a membership drive to coincide with the availability of the health insurance and that we hope to partner with other unions to secure contracts with hotels and clubs.

Announcements: Member Cartaya noted that trumpet, flute, piano, and voice teachers are being sought.

The meeting adjourned at 1:12 pm.


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