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| P I M D Meeting Minutes August 27, 2011 |
Pacific Inter-Mountain Division
United States Lawn Bowls Association
August 27, 2011 Quarterly Meeting
The meeting, at the Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club, was opened at 9:31 am
by President Harris who then led the salute to the flag.
PIMD-USLBA Officers and Councilors present:
Name Position Present
Ian Harris President x
Mary Scott Vice President x
John Ogden (Frank Matyskiela sitting in) Secretary
Alex Xavier Treasurer x
Sandy Souza Councilor
Robb Pawlak Councilor x
De Doring Past President
PIMD-USLBA Club Representatives present
Club Representatives
Berkeley 1
Leisure Town 2
Oakland 1
Palo Alto 2
Richmond 1
Rossmoor 1
San Francisco 2
San Jose 1
Santa Clara 1
Sunnyvale 2
Approval of minutes
The Quarterly Meeting minutes of March 5, 2011, were approved unanimously.
Communications
None.
Reports
a. President Ian Harris
1. Reported that CA State Assembly bill 2793 had been passed. This bill allows private clubs (like
PIMD lawn bowls clubs) to obtain a liquor license to sell drinks on club property. It is now possible
to do so, but the bureaucratic process might still be prohibitive. Most clubs might prefer to just have
beers available in the fridge for a donation.
2. Reported that the US Open organizers had sent a request for entries and for volunteer help
at the tournament.
3. An advertising page submitted for inclusion in the tournament program was displayed.
b. Secretary John Ogden
Secretary Ogden was absent and no report was given.
c. Treasurer Alex Xavier
1. The treasurer’s report was accepted unanimously.
2. The question was addressed concerning limits on PIMD checks written, and was answered
that most checks were for tournament expenses and fairly small. Large disbursements are
pre-approved by the board in any case, including the $1000 for the US Open advertisement
3. Alex reported that subsidies have been increased $100, to $400, for participants in the national
championships (winners of the play-downs); and, $200 to $500, for councilors to attend the
USLBA meeting at the US Open.
4. Alex reported 42 new members in the preceding quarter, and would issue a breakdown by club
of dues paid by e-mail.
d. Councilor Robb Pawlak (alone in Sandy Souza’s absence) had many topics to report about
issues at the USLBA voting to happen at the US Open (numbered below), some interrelated.
1. Clarification will be sought on Utah’s inclusion in the Southwest Division (SWD) – because of an
error in the official map. Also, the proposal that the Denver Bowls Club join the PIMD.
2. A risk versus cost analysis is being done with details from legal.com, on hiring legal council to
pursue trade-marking of the USLBA logo. The search for a marketing/public relations organization
from within USLBA was unanimously approved for direction of PIMD Councilors (see 6 and 7)
3. A proposal is pending for revision of the USLBA Constitution to make it non-gender specific (to
correct de-facto gender segregation in the SWD and for Olympic and sponsorship purposes). This
was approved by the fact that the PIMD revision (pending) emphasizes non-gender as well.
4. On the USLBA agenda is a vote to enter both Ed Quo and Frank Ransom into the Hall of Fame.
Approved unanimously.
5. Also to be voted on is Sandy Sousa’s proposal to modify the format of
Women’s singles tournaments.
6. The second year marketing firm, MORTAR, will be discussed. We discussed.
• ESPN2 film possibility, films available, cost to produce a new one
• Mortar presentation at meeting will include putting Ads and Sponsors on USLBA web-site.
What does sponsorship do for the USLBA, and also for the club level social bowlers?
• The vote to continue Mortar’s $30,000/year contract was split (not unanimous).
They are now asking for another $6000 this year is addition to the continued $30K.
• In summary, we (PIMD) voted to continue Mortar’s contract.
Rob and Sandy were directed to use oversight and judgment in finding what Mortar is actually doing
and achieving for us. Finally, if they don’t show progress soon, no more money.
7. A proposal by Conrad Melton will be voted on. It includes use of a training video and 9 page
handbook, to implement a US bowler grading system. Approved unanimously.
8. … also an 8 page proposal by Howard Harris for tiered USLBA membership, in essence to boost
membership and hence attractiveness to sponsors, and through a pricing discount for 100% clubs
to gain back lost clubs. If implemented it would save PIMD $2,950. We voted to accept the
proposal in principle.
e. Head Umpire EB Parkell None.
f. Tournament Director, Bud Birkenseer
1. Tournament planning was progressing nicely, except for the Steve Ringwood tournament date
yet set, due to instability at the Oakland Club with maintenance problems and increases in parking
fees. There was a conflict of the originally scheduled date with the US Open. There was discussion
of moving the tourney to Berkeley, and of buying a $2,500 mower. Discussion ended with Peter
Knoff’s urging that the Oakland club be saved.
2. Reviewed were dates and number of entries for the Novice Combined Singles, the Open Women’s
Singles and the Australian Pairs.
3. Suggestions were made to change the format of the Novice-Veteran Pairs (recently held) to
promote more learning interaction (hopefully in the Vet – Novice direction).
4. E.B. Parkell noted that we haven’t had as many Markers as needed in recent singles tournaments.
Everyone agreed that something needed to be done to insure ½ marker per singles player!
g. Publicity Ken Torke None.
h. Marketing Jeanne Brown
Stated that we need to know the results of the USLBA meeting, especially relative to Mortar’s contract
and results. Rob promised to bring feedback.
i. Mike Coiner Constitution Revision
The next (final) revision will be released before next meeting to vote on a 2012 application. The current
version for review is or has:
1. Gender neutral
2. Specific to PIMD
3. Italics for old words; bold for new
4. Electronic versus manual in writing, for version control, distribution, etc.
Changes must still be approved by vote of the board
5. Provision for electronic “approval” of budgets
6. Fund withdrawal requires one signature
7. Approval of constitution by board meeting, pre-approval by e-mail
8. In summary, no substantive changes, except for a suggested dollar limit on checks written.
Discussion on the last point noted that most checks are for tournament expenses less than $1000.
Checks larger than that might need board approval.
Old Business
a. The proposal for change to women’s format was tabled.
b. The proposal for representation based on club size (by Guiterres) was discussed. A large club
like Rossmor should have more reps. Perhaps one or no rep for membership less than 20; 1 rep
for up to 50; etc. Or, perhaps, be proportional to the number of greens available for PIMD events,
or a mixture of both. In any case, a proportional representation design will tie into the 100%
membership concept. The constitution currently gives each fee-paying club two reps.
c. Woody Ogden nomination to the hall of fame was tabled until next years national voting cycle.
d. The advertisement page that PIMD has submitted to the US Open program was displayed.
It was noted that Richmond was absent from the list.
New Business
a. Mary Scott pointed out that the new member handout, just released, included how-to instructions
on etiquette, delivery techniques and practice ideas.
b. A nominating committee for next year’s PIMD officers was nominated. The committee will consist
of Howard, Pat and Ian. John Ogden’s approval is needed.
c. The Denver Colorado club joining the PIMD was problematic since the current membership does
not agree with the 100% policy. Any Denver members who want to compete at the PIMD or
National level must join as full members of an existing 100% club.
President Harris adjourned the meeting at 11:40 am.
Our next quarterly meeting will be held at the Berkeley LBC on December 3rd, 2011 at 9:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Matyskiela standing in for
John Ogden
PIMD Secretary
United States Lawn Bowls Association
August 27, 2011 Quarterly Meeting
The meeting, at the Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club, was opened at 9:31 am
by President Harris who then led the salute to the flag.
PIMD-USLBA Officers and Councilors present:
Name Position Present
Ian Harris President x
Mary Scott Vice President x
John Ogden (Frank Matyskiela sitting in) Secretary
Alex Xavier Treasurer x
Sandy Souza Councilor
Robb Pawlak Councilor x
De Doring Past President
PIMD-USLBA Club Representatives present
Club Representatives
Berkeley 1
Leisure Town 2
Oakland 1
Palo Alto 2
Richmond 1
Rossmoor 1
San Francisco 2
San Jose 1
Santa Clara 1
Sunnyvale 2
Approval of minutes
The Quarterly Meeting minutes of March 5, 2011, were approved unanimously.
Communications
None.
Reports
a. President Ian Harris
1. Reported that CA State Assembly bill 2793 had been passed. This bill allows private clubs (like
PIMD lawn bowls clubs) to obtain a liquor license to sell drinks on club property. It is now possible
to do so, but the bureaucratic process might still be prohibitive. Most clubs might prefer to just have
beers available in the fridge for a donation.
2. Reported that the US Open organizers had sent a request for entries and for volunteer help
at the tournament.
3. An advertising page submitted for inclusion in the tournament program was displayed.
b. Secretary John Ogden
Secretary Ogden was absent and no report was given.
c. Treasurer Alex Xavier
1. The treasurer’s report was accepted unanimously.
2. The question was addressed concerning limits on PIMD checks written, and was answered
that most checks were for tournament expenses and fairly small. Large disbursements are
pre-approved by the board in any case, including the $1000 for the US Open advertisement
3. Alex reported that subsidies have been increased $100, to $400, for participants in the national
championships (winners of the play-downs); and, $200 to $500, for councilors to attend the
USLBA meeting at the US Open.
4. Alex reported 42 new members in the preceding quarter, and would issue a breakdown by club
of dues paid by e-mail.
d. Councilor Robb Pawlak (alone in Sandy Souza’s absence) had many topics to report about
issues at the USLBA voting to happen at the US Open (numbered below), some interrelated.
1. Clarification will be sought on Utah’s inclusion in the Southwest Division (SWD) – because of an
error in the official map. Also, the proposal that the Denver Bowls Club join the PIMD.
2. A risk versus cost analysis is being done with details from legal.com, on hiring legal council to
pursue trade-marking of the USLBA logo. The search for a marketing/public relations organization
from within USLBA was unanimously approved for direction of PIMD Councilors (see 6 and 7)
3. A proposal is pending for revision of the USLBA Constitution to make it non-gender specific (to
correct de-facto gender segregation in the SWD and for Olympic and sponsorship purposes). This
was approved by the fact that the PIMD revision (pending) emphasizes non-gender as well.
4. On the USLBA agenda is a vote to enter both Ed Quo and Frank Ransom into the Hall of Fame.
Approved unanimously.
5. Also to be voted on is Sandy Sousa’s proposal to modify the format of
Women’s singles tournaments.
6. The second year marketing firm, MORTAR, will be discussed. We discussed.
• ESPN2 film possibility, films available, cost to produce a new one
• Mortar presentation at meeting will include putting Ads and Sponsors on USLBA web-site.
What does sponsorship do for the USLBA, and also for the club level social bowlers?
• The vote to continue Mortar’s $30,000/year contract was split (not unanimous).
They are now asking for another $6000 this year is addition to the continued $30K.
• In summary, we (PIMD) voted to continue Mortar’s contract.
Rob and Sandy were directed to use oversight and judgment in finding what Mortar is actually doing
and achieving for us. Finally, if they don’t show progress soon, no more money.
7. A proposal by Conrad Melton will be voted on. It includes use of a training video and 9 page
handbook, to implement a US bowler grading system. Approved unanimously.
8. … also an 8 page proposal by Howard Harris for tiered USLBA membership, in essence to boost
membership and hence attractiveness to sponsors, and through a pricing discount for 100% clubs
to gain back lost clubs. If implemented it would save PIMD $2,950. We voted to accept the
proposal in principle.
e. Head Umpire EB Parkell None.
f. Tournament Director, Bud Birkenseer
1. Tournament planning was progressing nicely, except for the Steve Ringwood tournament date
yet set, due to instability at the Oakland Club with maintenance problems and increases in parking
fees. There was a conflict of the originally scheduled date with the US Open. There was discussion
of moving the tourney to Berkeley, and of buying a $2,500 mower. Discussion ended with Peter
Knoff’s urging that the Oakland club be saved.
2. Reviewed were dates and number of entries for the Novice Combined Singles, the Open Women’s
Singles and the Australian Pairs.
3. Suggestions were made to change the format of the Novice-Veteran Pairs (recently held) to
promote more learning interaction (hopefully in the Vet – Novice direction).
4. E.B. Parkell noted that we haven’t had as many Markers as needed in recent singles tournaments.
Everyone agreed that something needed to be done to insure ½ marker per singles player!
g. Publicity Ken Torke None.
h. Marketing Jeanne Brown
Stated that we need to know the results of the USLBA meeting, especially relative to Mortar’s contract
and results. Rob promised to bring feedback.
i. Mike Coiner Constitution Revision
The next (final) revision will be released before next meeting to vote on a 2012 application. The current
version for review is or has:
1. Gender neutral
2. Specific to PIMD
3. Italics for old words; bold for new
4. Electronic versus manual in writing, for version control, distribution, etc.
Changes must still be approved by vote of the board
5. Provision for electronic “approval” of budgets
6. Fund withdrawal requires one signature
7. Approval of constitution by board meeting, pre-approval by e-mail
8. In summary, no substantive changes, except for a suggested dollar limit on checks written.
Discussion on the last point noted that most checks are for tournament expenses less than $1000.
Checks larger than that might need board approval.
Old Business
a. The proposal for change to women’s format was tabled.
b. The proposal for representation based on club size (by Guiterres) was discussed. A large club
like Rossmor should have more reps. Perhaps one or no rep for membership less than 20; 1 rep
for up to 50; etc. Or, perhaps, be proportional to the number of greens available for PIMD events,
or a mixture of both. In any case, a proportional representation design will tie into the 100%
membership concept. The constitution currently gives each fee-paying club two reps.
c. Woody Ogden nomination to the hall of fame was tabled until next years national voting cycle.
d. The advertisement page that PIMD has submitted to the US Open program was displayed.
It was noted that Richmond was absent from the list.
New Business
a. Mary Scott pointed out that the new member handout, just released, included how-to instructions
on etiquette, delivery techniques and practice ideas.
b. A nominating committee for next year’s PIMD officers was nominated. The committee will consist
of Howard, Pat and Ian. John Ogden’s approval is needed.
c. The Denver Colorado club joining the PIMD was problematic since the current membership does
not agree with the 100% policy. Any Denver members who want to compete at the PIMD or
National level must join as full members of an existing 100% club.
President Harris adjourned the meeting at 11:40 am.
Our next quarterly meeting will be held at the Berkeley LBC on December 3rd, 2011 at 9:30 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Frank Matyskiela standing in for
John Ogden
PIMD Secretary
| A Printable Version of these Minutes is available here MINUTES |