EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RETREAT -- JUNE 23, 2006

Attending: Dan Muffly, David Johnson, Richard Gast, Ian McCargar, Jeanne Stadler Drake, Jennifer Rice, Heather Kadina, Cathy Vlasak

I. FALL TERM DAY, 2006.

Scheduled for Friday, September 8, 2006. Coffee, donuts and awkward small-talk from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Business meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 or so. Golf event at Highland Meadows Golf Course, starting at 11:30 a.m. Evening festivities at the Stonehouse Grill, cocktails from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Specifics: YLD will handle the coffee and donuts. Mr. Muffly will rule the business meeting to assure it concludes sufficiently in advance of the 11:30 a.m. tee times. Rice will approach Mr. Sloniker for music, it being the consensus that a dance band is not a good investment for the Bar. Gast indicated he might have music connections through the Lincoln Center. McCargar conspicuously quiet during this discussion. Vlasak will begin early notification to assure judges clear their calendars for that day. Vlasak will also encourage new arrivals to contact Mr. Clark for introductions. All agreed to encourage attendance, particularly with younger members and judicial types.

II. PRO BONO PROGRAM PARALEGAL SERVICES and RELATED ISSUES

Ms. Kadina advised that we have recently retained Cindi Hendrix (no relation to Jimi) to replace our current pro bono program paralegal. The transition will happen in mid-July, with some overlap for training, orientation. Motion approved to set payroll at $15.00 per hour, effective July 10, 2006. Cindi’s phone is 308-3590. Mr. Muffly will set up the payroll.

III. PRO BONO PARTICIPATION COMMITTEE

Considerable discussion regarding the need to encourage members to accept referrals from the Program. Mr. Muffly volunteered to head a committee consisting of Ms. Drake, Ms. Rice and Mr. Haggerty (he’ll be thrilled). The Committee will use its considerable influence to encourage members to take the cases. Ms. Kadina will coordinate meetings, locations, etc.

IV. LAW LIBRARY

Mr. McCargar presented a proposal by Thompson West for combined print and online legal research services, the net result of which would be a reduction in the number of computer terminals from 8 to 3, but an overall savings to the Bar of approximately $120.00 per month at today’s subscription levels. Mr. McCargar presented statistics/data as to the present usage levels (abysmal) and recommended that the Bar anticipate what will likely be a space grab by the State or the County (or both) by reducing the number of online research terminals and working along a continuum that calls for eventual online-only resources. The EC requested that McCargar follow up with LoisLaw to be sure we can cancel our subscription without penalty.

Many in attendance voiced concerns over the restrictive access to the Library, and directed the Library Committee to inquire regarding: key code access for interior door (cards obsolete, in my other pants), key code + access card for exterior door for after-hours use only, etc. Much Justice Center muckity-muck resistance expected.

Ms. Rice suggested that, if we reduce our need for online computer terminals, the "extra" terminals could be offered to the Access to Justice Committee.

Mr. Johnson recommended that the Bar begin the process of reducing its support to the Library and turn its resources to other interests. Consensus: the Library should remain viable but should be phased out as the #1 priority for member dues (considering member use/support is so low).

V. YOUNG LAWYERS DIVISION

Ms. Rice opened the discussion by inquiring if the Bar would in some way subsidize memberships from DA’s, Public Defenders, Crossroads corporate counsel, and others similarly situated. General response: not supportive.

Ms. Rice also raised the question of whether there should be a budget line item for YLD that set targets for parent bar support of YLD. Consensus: leave it on an ad hoc basis, but open a line item for YLD support.

VI. 2006-2007 BUDGET

Mr. Gast came very well-prepared. Applause here. Rough draft budget reviewed, comments received, revisions confirmed. Gast will cipher accordingly.

All agreed to instruct/inform Ms. Ritter as to into which line items any given expense may fall, in order that the accounting from year to year is consistent and clear.

VII. MISCELLANEOUS

Given her support with the management of our finances and her familiarity with the numbers, it was agreed that Ms. Ritter should be invited to next year’s retreat.

General discussion regarding the budget deficit question- - for how long and at what levels before we taper off and return to a surplus budget? Further discussion regarding the commitment of dollars to a library that few seem to use. Is the membership behind this? Mr. McCargar indicated that he will work with the Library committee to anticipate a reduction in budgetary support for the library while keeping it viable and useful to those who value it.