In the absence of President Sarah Thomas on account of illness, Vice President Kathy Wells presided and took minutes as temporary secretary.
Thomas made her President’s report by phone. She said she was offering herself again to run for President in the annual election of officers at the January 4 meeting. She introduced Amanda DiPippa as a candidate for Treasurer. The Christmas party she announced last month was combined into the event of lighting of the Christmas tree at the Bernice Sculpture Garden in progress, she said. The collection of canned food for the homeless to be given to The Van staff at this meeting will be continued into the month, she said. Quapaw Quarter Association staff readily welcomed taking the donations to hold at Curran Hall. Deadline for donations was set at noon, Friday, December 22. She reminded all to respond to the second survey from Sasaki Co. to use in writing the new Downtown Master Plan; the deadline is December 31. Email reminders have been sent.
Participation in the annual Mardi Gras Parade on Main St. on February 10 was discussed and all agreed DNA will send a float.
In the continuation of nominating candidates for office at the January meeting, Wells offered herself to serve as Vice President. She nominated Rip Weaver for Secretary.
Nominations from the floor are permitted at the January meeting. The slate is: President: Sarah Thomas, incumbent; Vice President: Kathy Wells, incumbent; Secretary: Rip Weaver; Treasurer: Amanda Dippa.
Wells reported proposed revisions to the Bylaws: one-to shift oversight of social media from the Vice President to a committee appointed by the President; two-to raise dues from $10 to $15, as has been done for several years informally; three-to recognize dues paid in October, November and December to apply to the end of the following year. See attached draft Bylaws.
The Treasurer’s report for November showed assets of $1,641.32; income of $40 for dues; and expenses of $176 for renewal of the post office box rent, and $2.37 for the Paypal fee.
Dir. Virgil Miller of Ward 1 was recognized but said he had nothing to announce. Mayor Frank Scott attended and was asked why no additional code inspectors were budgeted for 2024. Scott said salaries were being raised and the present 10 vacancies were being filled first.