Waukesha County Bar Association

WAUKESHA COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Monday, February 22, 2016

12:00 p.m.

Board Members In Attendance: Sarah Ponath, Ryan Harrington, Tom Hofbauer, Jean LaTour

Also in Attendance: Kim Haines, Jesse Blocher

Absent and Missed: Ron Sonderhouse, Bob Dehring, Linda Coyle, Eric Love, Amy Freiman

Call to Order: The meeting was duly called to order by President Sarah Ponath at 12:05 p.m.

Minutes: January minutes were reviewed, but not approved. Minutes for January & February will need to be approved at the March meeting.

Treasurer’s and Membership Report: No report, but there was discussion on a recent motion to split the secretary position from the treasurer’s position and have the treasurer’s position be a long-standing position to maximize consistency with accounting and budget matters. An online discussion will be initiated to include all board members. If approved, an amendment to bylaws and all member approval by majority vote would be required at the annual meeting. Sarah also reported on the status of debit cards. One application form is pending for Waukesha State Bank to process and issue debit cards.

Board of Governors Update:

Kim Haines provided a summary of the actions taken at the January 27th Board of Governors’ meeting. The most significant topic of discussion was the adoption of a dues increase policy, i.e. when a dues increase should be proposed. The proposed policy was returned to committee to include an evaluation of state bar expenses in the analysis for a potential dues increase. The election of Waukesha County board of governor positions (Sarah Ponath & Kim Haines terms expire in June 2016) will be in early April. Sarah Ponath may not run for re-election at this time. Three candidates will be on the ballot for the two positions: Kim Haines, Tim Kay and Chelsea Williamson Old Business and Committee Reports:

a. Fridays at Four: D’Angelo & Jones will host on 3/4/16. Additional e-mails will be sent out to market the event with a reminder to members that all are welcome, with the potential of recruiting new members.

b. Cabinet Committee: The cabinet is in the process of being updated with a calendar of upcoming events.

c. Website/RSVP System: Chad at Image Management Team was contacted about the possibility of a credit or discount for the charges to correct the RSVP management website. Image Management may also need to assist with implementing a link for Facebook and Twitter on the bar website.

d. Social Media policy change: Proposed policies for the management of Facebook and Twitter were distributed and discussed. A copy will be forwarded to the entire board for consideration and approval by e-mail. Atty. Chelsea Williamson has volunteered as an additional administrator for the website and social media.

e. Support Staff Luncheon: Excellent turnout with 176 attendees. Sponsor donations from Associated Bank and Cramer, Multhauf & Hammes covered the cost of the entertainment, which was well received. Thanks again to Linda Coyle for all of her help.

f. Annual Meeting: Scheduled for May 12th at the the Country Springs Pavilion on the west side of the hotel/restaurant. Award nominations will be due by April 1st, but there was brief discussion for potential nominees for Distinguished Member and Community Service awards. A call for nominations will be included in upcoming e-mails and on the website. Save the date e-mails have already been sent for the annual meeting. Online registration should be set up by March 1st.

g. Spring CLE: Set for 4/7/16 at the Marriott Waukesha and scheduled for 8:30AM to 4:30PM. The event will include a lunch buffet, continental breakfast, soda, etc. Confirmed speakers are Jesse Blocher, Pat Dunphy, Michael Aprahamian. The committee is searching for two more speakers for the afternoon sessions. This event will be free to all WCBA members. Non-members will be required to pay $100.00, or alternatively $65.00 to join WCBA. Sarah will request the Milwaukee Bar Association to request distribution of the event flyer to MBA members who may also practice in Waukesha County.

New Business: a. WCBA Budget: Sarah will be working with Bob Dehring to provide a draft of the budget for the March Board meeting. Please be sure to use the reimbursement request form going forward.

b. Judicial Poll: Amy Freiman is working on preparing the judicial poll, which will be an online survey for the Wisconsin Supreme Court judicial candidates and the re-election of Judge Reilly for court of appeals, who is running unopposed.

c. Charitable Activity: Tom Hofbauer provided information about Bean Head Farm, owned and operated by Waukesha County attorney Jean Crahan and her husband, Jim. All produce and proceeds of the farm support local food pantries and shelters. A service day and cash donation is proposed. The service day would be for all members of the legal community and their families. Atty. Crahan will be invited to the April meeting to provide more information.

d. WCBA Officers: Ron Sonderhouse will be taking over as President in June, after approval by the membership at the annual meeting. Bob Dehring will be President Elect, and Ryan Harrington as Secretary. If approved, the Treasurer’s position would be open for nominations.

e. Rescheduling of March & April meetings. Due to the planned absence of Sarah Ponath, the March board meeting will be moved from March 21st to March 14th. Due to Tom Hofbauer’s planned absence in April, when Bean Head Farm will present, the April meeting will be moved from April 18th to April 11th. Sarah will confirm the room reservation.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 12:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Ponath, President