May 2006

FAMILY LAW SECTION EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MAY 19, 2006

The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 10:05 am. 

The following members and/or past chairs, attended in person:  Fran Fontana, Martin Brown, Bonnie Schriner, Brenda Storey, David Littman, Beth Henson, Marie Moses, Robert Smith, Gretchen Aultman, Bob Malman. 

Members: Ellen Squires, Kevin Sidel and Deb Anderson appeared by phone. 

These members had excused absences:  Dave Johnson , Kathryn Beck, Joan McWilliams, Katie Hayes, Denise Cook, Dick Rotole. 

Melissa Nicoletti was present from the CBA.  

A motion was made to approve the minutes (as amended to correct the spelling of Barbara Salomon’s name).  The motion was seconded and approved. 

OFFICER’S REPORTS:

CHAIR’S REPORT BY FRAN FONTANA:

Fran reported on the vote on the two proposed ballot measures.  There were 20 responses, 18 in favor of supporting the domestic partnership act, 2 for no position;  19 opposed to constitutional amendment and 1 for no position. 

Fran reported on the Board of Governors meeting attended by Steve Lass.  The issues presented included the referendum to allow for domestic partnerships and the constitutional amendment.  The FLS position was relayed based on the above vote.  There was a spirited debate.  The Trusts and Estate Section had voted to support the Domestic Partnership Act and to take no position on the constitutional amendment.  All other sections had not voted or voted to take no position.  Several local bar associations had voted to take no position.  The Board of Governors voted just as family law section had requested.  Votes were in neighborhood of 42-18.  The Bar Association will support the Domestic Partnership Act and oppose the constitutional amendment. 

The major concern at the Board of Governors meeting was how to defeat the proposal for term limits on judges and what resources to allocate toward that issue. 

A discussion took place regarding the section’s position regarding performance of judicial officers prompted by a recent discussion on the Harhai listserve and suggestions that the FLS do something about a particular judge.  It was pointed out that it is not appropriate for the family law section to get involved with complaints about judicial officers and that there is an appropriate forum for doing so.  Fran will work with Melissa on a post to the FLS website regarding the appropriate way to deal with complaints about judicial officers. 
The section was informed of the recent death of Co-Chair Dave Johnson’s mother and the section extended its condolences to Dave and his family. 

MARIE MOSES REPORTED ON THE FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE:

The brochure is printed and available.  There was discussion as to the grant request from CLE of $7500.00.  We have not been approached by State Judicial for a grant this year.  Last year the FLS made available funds to cover expenses for judicial officers but state judicial did not request any of those allocated funds.   

A motion was made to approve $5000 to CLE for the 2206 Family Law Institute.  That motion was seconded.  A friendly amendment to the Motion was made to increase the amount of the grant to $6000, the Motion made was amended and passed.  $6,000 shall be provided to CLE in response to their grant request. 

GRANTS:

CU LAW SCHOOL GRANT-  A Motion was made and seconded to approve the grant request from the CU Law School of  $10,000.00.  A friendly amendment was proposed to  invite the director of the CU Juvenile Law Clinic and several students, to attend a board meeting and/or a luncheon to talk about the clinic and describe how the section’s previous grant, and this year’s grant is being utilized.  The amendment was aceepted and the motion, as amended, was approved.  $10,000 shall be provided to the CU Juvenile Law Clinic, which is a component of the Juvenile and Family Law Program and CU Law School and  up to four representatives of the program will be invited to attend a luncheon and a board meeting to report on how monies are being used and to talk about their program.

CASA GRANT:   Fran reported the history of previous requests from Colorado CASA.  David Littman reported on the history of the organization.  A Motion was made to approve the $5000 grant request from Colorado CASA, the motion was seconded and was unanimously approved.  David Littman abstained from the vote due to his involvement with Colorado CASA.  $5,000 shall be provided to Colorado CASA in response to their grant request.

TREASURER’S REPORT BY DAVID LITTMAN:

David provided the Treasurer’s Report and noted that the balance was $65,623.17.

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR BY BONNIE SCHRINER:

Bonnie reported that the ballots for the election went out electronically.  Ballots will be counted after June 1st.  Melissa will do a spot check on the mailing of ballots.  By-laws say that ballots must be mailed.  Plan is to amend by-laws prior to next year’s election. 

FLS BROWN BAG MEETING WITH BOULDER JUDGES: David Littman reported on a successful FLS meeting in Boulder with the judges, magistrates and court facilitators.  

NEW LUNCHEON LOCATION – BOB MALMAN

Bob reported on the Pepsi Center location.  There would be a $175 room set up fee.  The food costs would be $25 per person including all fees, taxes, etc.  There is also a $5.00 per person facilities fee.  They have offered a discounted fee coupled with a Nuggets game.  Bob would like to work on getting rid of the $5.00 per person fee.  The months for luncheons are September, October, November, January, March, April and May. 

A motion to move the luncheon location to Pepsi Center, authorizing Bob Malman to negotiate the best deal possible on behalf of the section was made, seconded and unanimously approved.  The Motion authorized Bob to sign a two year contract if the room rental fee is $500, (or less).

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE BY DICK ROTOLE AND STEVE LASS:

In light of the luncheon topic – Legislative Update – the report was deferred to the luncheon. 

MISCELLANEOUS:

FLI Section Scholarships:

Brenda Storey is receiving applications for scholarships to attend the Family Law Institute.  As there is a blind drawing, letters of recommendations are not able to be considered.

AFCC Conference:  Despite approval of council to send an officer and a member of the legislative committee to AFCC’s annual conference, no one has indicated a desire or ability to attend this year.  Fran indicated that anyone that was interested and thought they could attend, should contact her immediately – otherwise there will be no section representatives in attendance at this year’s conference. 

A motion to adjourn was made and seconded.  The meeting was adjourned.