<p> Committee to Organize an Ohio Courts Historical Society Meeting at 2:00PM, Friday, October 11, 2013 Ohio State Bar Association Headquarters</p><p>Present: Judge James Cissell (phone), Ted Prasse, Terry Scanlon, Donald Schweller (phone), Judge Tom Unverferth, Fred Vierow, Erin Waltz, and Merle Wilberding (phone).</p><p>I. PRELIMINARY MATTERS:</p><p>A. Call to Order. Judge Unverferth called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.</p><p>B. Approval of Minutes. The committee unanimously approved the minutes from the April 19, 2013 meeting.</p><p>C. Approval of Proposed Agenda. The committee unanimously approved the proposed agenda.</p><p>II. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:</p><p>A. Review of Current Status: Tom Unverferth. Judge Unverferth discussed the status of the Supreme Court staff’s suggestion that the Supreme Court assume the group. Previous reaction from the committee had been negative and most dissented with the idea. Delay from the Supreme Court is causing records to be lost. Committee has reserves of goodwill and potential to raise money for this society. Judge Unverferth recognized that the Supreme Court is very busy with the business of hearing cases and a reduced staff. He suggests the group proceed to discuss other options available for the committee to move forward.</p><p>B. General Discussion: Possible Courses of Action. Mr. Vierow suggested to the committee that the time for action is now and they should move forward. He believes that the Supreme Court involvement can be revisited later. Mr. Vierow discussed the inclusive nature of mission statement would open the society to records from both judges and attorneys on the state and federal bench. He believes the committee should consider putting together a list of projects which may help draw the involvement of the Supreme Court and the Ohio Historical Society. </p><p>Mr. Vierow discussed the inadequate inventory of records available. The last comprehensive inventory was done by the WPA during the Depression. Subsequently, in 1979 the Ohio Historical Society conducted a high level inventory recording names and locations of documents. The Supreme Court, approximately 10 years ago, put out a report on records management concluding local governments should care for and store their own documents. Mr. Vierow believes a complete inventory of documents is essential but is a task probably too big for the society to undertake alone. He offered that the Supreme Court is the only organization that could create and enforce guidelines for document storage. C. Action regarding Possible Courses</p><p>1. Do nothing pending Supreme Court's input. Mr. Vierow, Judge Cissell, and the entire committee do not want to wait for the input of the Court. The committee believes the time to act is now.</p><p>2. As to the Lanzinger, Hollon, VanNorman proposal offer comments for revision. Judge Cissell offered that he has had no contact from Mr. Hollon in spite of letters and personal conversations on the matter of the society.</p><p>Judge Unverferth discussed having difficulty arranging a meeting with Justice Lanzinger regarding the court’s proposal as well. He expressed concern that the other Justices are not aware of the committee’s existence and purpose.</p><p>Mr. Schweller believes that if the committee created a project list this might attract some attention from the Supreme Court. He believes that this would need some practical arrangements and suggested begin discussion with the Ohio Historical Society as well.</p><p>Since the committee has had little response from the Supreme Court they are prepared to begin discussing their options with the Ohio Historical Society.</p><p>Mr. Vierow made a motion that the committee move to meet with the Ohio Historical Society ASAP. Judge Cissell seconded. A vote was taken. The committee is unanimous in their decision to proceed with contacting the Ohio Historical Society.</p><p> a. Express concern relative to parts of the proposal especially as to the creation of a subordinate body under the Judicial Center Commission. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal.</p><p> b. Offer suggestions as to the structure of committee created, and as to adoption of a mission statement by the Court for the guidance of the committee created. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal.</p><p>4. As discussed in previous meetings, follow-up on a relationship with the Ohio Historical Society. Mr. Prassee reported that he had spoken with the Ohio Historical Society prior to coming to the meeting today. He initially believed that the committee might incorporate under the Ohio Historical Society (OHS) and create a court subsection. Upon discussions he learned the OHS has many separate groups that they support. One option might be the to use a model similar to the Ohio Local History Alliance which is comprised of local historical societies. They have a separate governing board but work under the OHS.</p><p>The second option to consider is one that several professional organizations, such as the Ohio Academy of History and the Ohio Society of Archivists, that work with OHS. They have their own organizations but pay a fee to OHS to provide staff support. These services can include emails, newsletters, meeting setup and archiving assistance. </p><p>Mr. Prassee believes the committee might be able to create some type of hybrid of these types of groups with the help of the OHS. He recommends meeting with the OHS to discuss the nuts and bolts of their help. Discussions should include assistance available, cost, members, and how long would the committee be committed to the OHS. </p><p>Mr. Prassee also suggested looking at the articles of incorporation for the groups that work with the OHS to get ideas for the society’s articles. He believes the OHS would be most helpful in brainstorming ideas, helping with organization and membership. Mr. Prassee suggested, and other committee members concurred, that the other organizations affiliated with the OHS would be very useful for the group. The Ohio Society of Archivist might have some great ideas on helping with document preservation and the State Archivist would also be a good resource. </p><p>Judge Cissell made a motion for Mr. Prassee to setup a meeting with Jackie Burton and Burt Logan at the OHS to discuss the affliation. Mr. Vierow seconded. A vote was taken. The motion passed unanimously. </p><p>Mr. Prassee will discuss dates and times for the meeting with OHS and report back to the committee.</p><p>3. Pursue incorporation under state law, file attorney general forms, seeking state and IRS charitable tax status; commence seeking contributions to cover costs. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal.</p><p>4. Consider any current projects offered by a member. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal. 6. Pursue the taking of an inventory of historical records, their definition, display and preservation in a manner to build support for the judiciary. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal.</p><p>7. Continue to see support for the concept of a court historical organization by identifying those who have an interest in supporting financially and participating in functions. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal.</p><p>8. Create a list of projects that might be undertaken by such an organization. The committee having approved a motion to begin discussions with the Ohio Historical Society tabled this proposal.</p><p>III. OTHER BUSINESS</p><p>Judge Unverferth received an offer from a Cleveland attorney for 40 years of the Ohio State Bar Association Reports (1973-2013). The committee discussed and declined the offer. Ms. Waltz suggested the attorney contact his local county law library to see if they would like any of the back issues. She also offered to submit the materials to the Ohio Regional Association of Law Libraries list serve to see if any other libraries might be interested.</p><p>IV. DATE OF NEXT MEETING</p><p>Mr. Presse will get send a list of dates to the group that will work with the Ohio Historical Society.</p><p>V. ADJOURNMENT</p><p>There being no further business to come before the committee, the committee adjourned at 3:15 p.m.</p>