May 9, 2006

LARIMER COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Bluebird Café

ATTENDING: Daniel Muffly; Josh Zugish; David Johnson; Kathryn Lonowski; Cathy Vlasak; Ian McCargar; Randy Starr; Heather Zadina; Jennifer Rice

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Muffly called the meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Mr. Gast was absent but had previously provided copies of financial information. Financial report approved, Gast ridiculed in absentia. Mr. Starr confirmed the annual ethics seminar netted the Bar $3,982.17, which will be deposited with the Community Foundation for scholarship fund.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS: Mr. Starr referred two questions to the Committee. The State Bar has been approached by the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Bisexual Bar with a request to take a stand in opposition to Initiative 83 (one man/one woman constitutional amendment) and in favor of HB 1344 (domestic civil contract status). Mr. Starr wants guidance in anticipation of a vote by the Board of Governors. After a general discussion, the following motion was approved unanimously:

The Larimer County Bar Association takes no position with respect to either measure, but encourages the State Bar to favor the establishment and clarification of the legal status of individuals and groups whose status has heretofore been unclear.

Mr. Starr also inquired regarding LCBA’s position as to what he anticipates will be a request for financial support (up to $1 million) for opposition to the judicial term limits proposal expected for the Fall ballot. General comments favored the effort, and Mr. Starr will take these comments to the BOG.

YOUNG LAWYERS: Mr. Zugish reported that the Law Day event was a success. He and Ms. Rice will try to get a transcription of Judge Matsch’s remarks. Mr. McCargar answered Mr. Zugish’s question regarding Drew’s reaction to twelve girls and one boy on the Fort Collins High School Mock Trial team ("sweet"). Call-a-lawyer event planned for mid-June.

PROFESSIONALISM COMMITTEE: Mr. Muffly advised that the scholarship committee met and recommends awarding two scholarships totaling $3000 to be used within two years. He also requested that in future years the Executive Committee be given flexibility in the number and amount of awards. The following motion was approved unanimously:

The Executive Committee will allow the Scholarship Committee to award a minimum of two (2) scholarships each Spring, with a minimum award of $1000 per applicant being preferred, and that the aggregate maximum scholarships awarded in any year not exceed the total net income from that year’s Professionalism Seminar.

PRO BONO PROGRAM: Ms. Zadina is new to the position, so had no report. Some discussion of requiring John Mr. Haggerty to take ALL pro bono cases on the waiting list, but fear of Haggerty’s legendary grouchiness resulted in the question being tabled.

LIBRARY: Mr. McCargar reported that the Library Committee is quiet (fitting for a library) at this time, but that Coyte Library expenditures will be evaluated in advance of the EC retreat. Some rumblings of a space-grab by Judicial.

FALL TERM DAY: Scheduled for Friday, September 8, 2006. Some discussion of whether live entertainment is necessary. Mr. Gast, being absent and thus unable to object, was appointed to begin making inquiries and reservations for golf and the evening event.

CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS: Ms. Lonowski informed us that the First and Sixth Amendment seminar is on target. Ms. Vlasak indicated there will be a probate seminar in June.

OTHER BUSINESS: Senior Law Day funding ($2000) approved at the request of Mr. Bullard.

WHEREUPON, the meeting adjourned at 7:55 a.m.

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Ian D. McCargar, Secretary