BOARD MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 1999
The meeting was called to order on January 23, 1999, 12:20 p.m. at the Phoenix Inn, Wilsonville, Oregon, by President Charlotte Rutherford. The following Board members were in attendance: Bruce Black, Erika Hadlock, Abigail Herman, Lynne Wehrlie, Daina Upite, Steve Rissberger, and Charlotte Rutherford. During the meeting the following topics/issues were discussed/decided:
1. Minutes of the December 7, 1998 Board meeting were approved.
2. Treasurer Upite's report:
- During the interim period $30 was paid for the OAALJ web site. In the future the Board would arrange for an automatic deduction of $10 per month for the web site. No other bills were received.
- No income was reported as earned. However, another payment (between $3,500 and $3,000) is expected from Willamette Law School.
- Present balance in the account is $9,332.09.
- It was noted President Rutherford was required to be on the account. Daina would obtain the necessary signature card.
- As a result of the February 1999 Board Meeting $50 room rental would be owed the Phoenix Inn.
3. Based on a recommendation from former President Marcus, the issue of a cash gift to Shirley Gunther in the amount of $500 for her efforts in helping put on the recent NAALJ conference was discussed. At this time it was decided not to award Ms. Gunther a cash gift. However, in the event further information was received by the Board, the issue would be revisited.
4. Committee Reports:
- Newsletter: Steve Rissberger reported that on January 19, 1999 he mailed out 433 newsletters at a cost of $391.41. President Rutherford requested Board members bring ideas for future articles to the next meeting. It was Charlotte's intention at the next Board meeting to develop a plan for getting out future editions of the newsletter.
- Ethics: Chairperson Rissberger reported that it was the goal of the committee to produce a draft of a "Model Code of Ethics for ALJs." Committee members were identified as Steve Rissberger, Charlotte Rutherford, Claudia Burton, Claudette McWilliams, Allen Scott and Lynne Wehrlie. The next committee meeting has yet to be scheduled.
- Education: Chairperson Hadlock requested guidance on how best to proceed. After extended discussion it was decided the direction of the committee should be toward the Association sponsoring a spring and fall program. The spring program would be small in scope (either in Portland or Salem). The fall program would bring to Oregon an instructor from the National Judicial College. In this regard, the committee was allotted a $2,000 budget. With that budget in mind, the committee would make an inquiry to the National Judicial College and present a proposal to the Board for consideration. Committee members consist of Erika Hadlock, Rohini Lata, and Kyle Hoppe. Erika is looking for one more committee member.
- Legislation: Chairperson Black reported the current version of LC 345 would be introduced to the legislature in the very near future. He expected it to pass. Bruce went over key provisions of the bill. He recommended making ALJs in the effected agencies aware of the Bill with the idea in mind feedback might be received from them concerning how the Bill would effect the workings of individual agencies. It was resolved the OAALJ should comment on those aspects of the bill of paramount interest to OAALJs (for example de novo standard of review by agencies and Court of Appeals, and disapproval of ex parte contact). Committee members are Bruce Black and Steve Rissberger. In addition, Bruce will contact OAALJ members from agencies directly impacted by the bill to see if they would be interested in serving on the committee.
5. It was further decided Bruce would contact lobbyist, Jeff Watkins, to determine the desirability of having Mr. Watkins give a presentation to the Board.
6. It was decided the tradition of "First Friday" luncheon was of benefit and therefore should be encouraged and continued if possible. Daina would head up the luncheon in Salem, and Charlotte would head up a luncheon in Portland.
7. It was further decided the mailing list would be updated. The deadline was February 8, 1999 to get the updates to Steve.
8. There was a discussion regarding future Board Meetings. It was decided the Board meetings in February and March would be in person. The telephone conferencing option was still under consideration, but further information was needed.
9. The next Board Meeting was set for February 27, 1999 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Location to be at the Phoenix Inn in Wilsonville.
There being no further action, the meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Abigail Herman