GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, Wednesday, 19 November, 2003 at 7:30 pm

Local 655 Offices, Hollywood FL

 Meeting called to order at 7:43 pm. 16 members (a quorum) present, including President Graves, VP Fox, Secretary-Treasurer Apana, and Directors Ballard, Harp, and Raimondi.

MSC to approve minutes of last meeting.

Reports of Officers:

  • Apana reported on membership rolls and finances and a potential health insurance plan for members.

  • Fox reported that to date $1.2 million in wages has been reported on AFM recording contracts and that Dick Gabriel recently visited the Local.

  • Graves reported on the FPO bankruptcy, Don Covert concerts, and a closer relationship with the AFL-CIO on entertainment issues. He thanked the Election Committee for their work. He has crafted new archival recording language and is preparing for the transition in officers.

Reports of Committees:

  • The Casual Committee reported on the recent Swap Meet.

  • The Bylaw committee reported their recommendations of the pending proposed Bylaw amendments.

  • The Election Committee reported the results of the election, including that 46% of the ballots were returned, a 100% increase in participation since the last election.

Special Orders:

  • Reading of the proposed Bylaw amendments was dispensed with by unanimous consent. Discussion of Proposal 1 (Theater Standing Committee); the motion fails by show of hands.

  • Motion by member Hagen to consider Proposal 4 prior to considering Proposals 2 and 3; motion adopted by a show of hands.

  • Discussion of Proposal 4 (Life Insurance Benefit); motion by President Graves to postpone consideration until the next membership meeting (motion fails by a show of hands); Proposal 4 adopted by secret ballot vote. President Graves departs the meeting and VP Fox assumes the chair.

  • Discussion of Proposal 2 (Dues Increases); Motion by Secretary-Treasurer Apana to divide the question by considering annual dues increase and work dues increase proposals separately (motion adopted by unanimous consent); motion by member Whitney to amend proposed Inactive Life Member Annual Dues by striking $70 and inserting $60 (motion adopted by a show of hands); Proposal 2a (Annual Dues increase) adopted by secret ballot vote.

  • Motion by Apana to consider Proposal 3 prior to considering the remainder of Proposal 2; motion adopted by unanimous consent. Discussion of Proposal 3; proposal adopted by secret ballot vote.

  • Proposal 2b (work dues) fails by secret ballot vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:14pm.