Here are the minutes from the first meeting of the Texas Association of Pond Societies that took place in Austin, TX, on September 21:
T A P S Meeting September 21, 2002
This was the first meeting of the future Texas Association of Pond Societies. The meeting was called to order and chaired by Mike Maddox at 5:45 PM.
First order of business was to look over the by-laws and agree that we needed to give them some time and come back by virtual meeting over the website and e-mail to make changes as we see necessary.
It was moved and seconded that we would use the website setup by the APS Webmaster texaps.org.
It was moved and seconded that the dues would be $1.00 per member household per year per club.
It was moved and seconded that the start up fee would be $100.00 per club and that it would be a one-time fee.
It was also moved and seconded that the clubs would have one vote per club on each issue. (see discussion below for possible addendum)
It was moved and seconded that the next meeting of TAPS would take place in Dallas on September 19th - 21st, 2003.
It was moved and seconded that all changes to the By-laws would be made no later than December 1, 2002.
It was moved and seconded that those individuals in attendance would be the managing board until a permanent board was created.
It was moved and seconded that the first year of operation be deemed the calendar year of 2003, but that this first year be 13 months in length so as to include December of 2002.
Mike Maddox was chosen as temporary treasurer, and presented with a check to TAPS for $165 from Carl Holtman of the Ogalalla Water Garden Club. The check will be held until such time as accounts are opened. The check is $100 for the initiation fee and $65 for each member household of the club and represents the total fees through the end of 2003 for this club.
There was discussion that should any member club feel the need, or should there be a tie in voting, a more detailed voting method be available.
Each club representative could be granted one vote for each 50 members of their club. (A club with 51-99 members would have two votes etc) This would function to allow all clubs votes in direct relation to the number of members they represent, but yet allow for a streamlined one vote per club for the vast majority of issues.
We would act like the US Senate, but switch to the House if there was a closely debated issue, or if any member chose to invoke this more involved voting process, they would have this right.
This issue was not decided upon, but will be clarified along with additional details before December 1, 2002.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 PM.