February 2025

10 attendees

Unofficial until approved at March 22, 2025 meeting

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/Al

Summary January Minutes - Accept Pat/Marti; approved

Treasurer’s Report   -  Balance of $3,197.76 Elaine

• Motion to approve Pat/Marti.  All ayes.

• Upcoming bills: insurance, website domain name renewal

Discussions

• County Caucus will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00am. Location: Arnolds Park Public Library/City Hall Meeting Room. Publicity ads through Lakes News Shopper.

• March meeting

• Discussion about the possibility of a Zoom option. Most want to continue meeting in person. Perhaps Facebook Live could be used for attracting younger people.

• It was voted to hold the meeting following the County Caucus. Marti motioned with Kaylene seconding. All aye.

• Kaylene reported that there will be an “Eggs & Issues” meeting with local lawmakers at Spencer City Hall on Saturday, March 29. All were encouraged to attend. She distributed a handout with contact information of federal and state lawmakers. All are encouraged to contact them with issues/topics not agreed with.

• County Windmills:  An active discussion ensued relative to the county windmill issue.

• Secretary position open for Dickinson County Democrats. For information, contact dickinsondemsia@gmail.com

Motion to adjourn by Kaylene; seconded by Pat; approved.

Next meeting:  Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00am at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall Community Room following the County Caucus. Caucus will begin at 9:00 am with the monthly meeting immediately following. Should be all completed by noon.

Terry Yarns, Chair

January 2025

6 attendees

Unofficial until approved at February 17, 2025 meeting

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All

Summary Minutes, November - Accept Elaine/Pat; approved

Treasurer’s Report   -  Balance of $3,173.78 Elaine

• Motion to approve Pat/Elaine.  All ayes.

• Elaine reported the ethics report was submitted and accepted by the state.

Discussions

• The off-year date for the County Caucus was set for March 22, 2025. Location yet to be determined. Ads will be run prior.

• Dallas County raffle idea was discussed and more information was needed as to the dates that Lakes Area rooms would be required. Terry said he would get further information prior to the next meeting.

• Much discussion ensued relative to the county windmill issue.

Motion to adjourn made by Pat; seconded by Nick and all approved.

Next meeting:  Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall Community Room.

Terry Yarns, Chair

November 2024

8 attendees
Unofficial until approved at January 20, 2025 meeting

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All

Summary Minutes, August Julie

• Julie F. read her minutes from the October meeting submitted because of discrepancies & inaccuracies of the minutes published on the Dems site for review.

• Motion to approve Kaylene K, 2nd Elaine F.   All ayes.

Treasurer’s Report   -  Balance of $2,652.70 Elaine

• Motion to approve Caroline T., 2nd Don B. All ayes.

Discussions

• Election talk: Terry Y. thanked all people for their efforts before the election - for the door knocking, yard signs, phone calls made, ect. Lots of incorrect information for the voter rolls were observed... ie phone numbers. This needs correction going forward. 

• Where do we go from here given county, state, and national results of the election? Lots of different ideas were talked about by those present including making our feelings known by perhaps getting involved in different existing groups & organizations. It was suggested we take a very short pause and go forward after the 1st of the year. 

• State legislature begins January 13.

*There will be no December 2024 meeting.

Adjournment motion 8:17pm; after much discussion and ideas.

Next meeting:  Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall

Julie F., Co-Secretary

October 2024

APPROVED at November 18, 2024 meeting

19 attendees

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Kaylene/All

Summary Minutes, October Linda

• Read for review

• Motion to approve Patrick K,  2nd Karen S. All ayes.

Treasurer’s Report   -  Balance of $2,076.76 Elaine

• Elaine F reported that the Ethics Report had been filed and we are current.

• Motion to approve John A., 2nd Marti N. All ayes.

Discussions

• Don Breuker talked about a couple of topics he plans to advertise in the LNS – inflation & cost of living.

• Karen Sterk talked about the packets distributed at doors to targeted Dickinson County residents and shared what was in the packets. There are still more packets to distribute for those interested in finishing up this important work! The brochure insert will be advertised in the LNS again next week with approval from attendance present. There are still a minimum # of yard signs for sale. Yard sign sales have actually turned into a fundraiser for the Dickinson Dems. Karen went through and summarized the two amendments that appear on the ballot this year. 

• Patrick Kelly talked about the # of phone calls he made to Dickinson residents 65+. Going forward we need to pay for accurate phone data. Marti N. and he attended a climate change meeting at IA Lakeside Lab. Next meeting will be held there on Nov. 9th.

• .General discussion ensued. Make phone calls to get out and vote!

Adjournment motion 8:03pm 

Next meeting:  Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall

September 2024

Unofficial until approved at October 21, 2024 meetins

23 attendees

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All

Summary Minutes, August Linda

• Read for review

• Motion to approve Marti Nodland. 2nd Dennis Hasenwinkel. All ayes.

Treasurer’s Report   -  Balance of $1,782.29 Elaine

• Motion to approve Patrick Kelly. 2nd Linda Moore. All ayes.

Discussions

• Karen Sterk interviewed Pat Kelly about the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. Patrick was an Iowa Delegate at the convention and spoke about his takeaway from the week spent with other delegates. He gave a well-informed summary. Important to raise money and get the public registered to vote.

• Karen Sterk informed the group that a number of members met and addressed and sent postcards to Dickinson County democrat residents who had not voted in the last election for Ryan Melton support. In September they will receive phone calls to impress upon them to have a plan on how they are going to vote. This next step could include texting. Will have talking points! 

• A voter outreach meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23rd for those interested in helping with this. Meeting place TBD. Rich N had helpful input about this and also the process to obtain Harris/Walz signs.

• Tim Fairchild spoke on his bid for District 5 County Supervisor. Jeff Thee (fellow supervisor) also spoke briefly. 

• There will be a Regional Hall of Fame Event to be held at the Spencer Community Theatre on Sept. 22 from 1-3pm. Phone 630-819-9340 for registration/info.

• Kaylene Kinlen will chair the next meeting to be held October 21.

ITEMS OF NOTE

• Early voting begins October 16th. 

• Signs are available for those in high visibility areas.  Ccontact via email dickinsondemsia@gmail.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonDemsIA

Adjournment motion, Linda Moore and 2nd by Elaine Franklin. 

Next meeting:  Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall

August 2024

Unofficial until approved at September 16, 2024 meeting
20 attendees

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance (Terry/All)

Summary Minutes, June (Linda)

• Read for review

• Motion to approve by John; 2nd, Kaylene; motion carried

• Reminder of donations needed - -$ accepted and recorded

Treasurer’s Report of $950.06 (Elaine)

• Motion to approve by Bob; 2nd, Linda; motion carried

New Business

• Current events trivia quiz (Karen)

• Sign availability for Harris campaign - contact via email dickinsondemsia@gmail.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonDemsIA (Karen)

• Clay County Fair coverage discussion (Karen)

• Clay County event—Sunday, Aug 25; Oneota Park Lodge, Spencer (Karen)

• Discussed upcoming need to connect with voters-postcards, phone calls etc.

• Postcard session – Melton--Library, (Aug 28, 3:30 pm)   (Karen/Linda)

• Targeting non-voting Democrats, independents, etc.

• Phone calling sessions to be discussed at September mtg

• Open discussion – local elections; current events

Adjournment motion, Karen; 2nd, John, carried

Next meeting:  Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall

June 2024

Unofficial until approved at August 19, 2024 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm.  Attendance: approximately 10.  Pledge of Allegiance.   

• The Secretary's summary of May minutes were read. 

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,568.02.

New Business

• State Convention Summary Report – Kaylene, Terry, Pat, Karen. Dickinson County Democrats had above average representation.

• U.S. House Iowa District 4 candidate Ryan Melton was in attendance. Discussion on relevant issues.

• Motion to fund Patrick K $500 to attend the National Democratic Convention, August 19-22, 2024, in Chicago. Attending as state delegate. Karen/Kaylene. Passed.  

Discussions

• All future DCD meetings through December will be held at the Arnolds Park Public Library. Usage fee of $25 per meeting has been paid.

Motion adjourned - unanimous approval.

Next meeting will be held Monday, August 19, 2024 at Arnolds Park Public Library

May 2024

Unofficial until approved at June 17, 2024 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm.  Attendance: 9 people signed in. Pledge of Allegiance.   

• Icebreaker was led by Karen in a Q/A game on current events/concerns/ideas.  Karen

• The Secretary's summary of April minutes were read by Julie. Motion to approve Linda. 2nd - Karen. All ayes.

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,866.32. Motion to approve Julie. 2nd Kaylene. All ayes. 

New Business

• Discussed future meeting location – agreement for use of Arnolds Park Public Library, $25 fee per meeting.  Terry

• State Convention – Saturday, June 15 at Prairie Meadow, Altoona; Kaylene, Terry, Pat, and Karen to attend.

• Support for candidate Melton; motion to send $366.32 by Karen, 2nd by Lou; motion carried

Discussions

• Discussed upcoming need to connect with voters-postcards, phone calls etc.

• Open discussion – local elections; local, state and national issues

Motion adjourn at 7:55pm by Dennis; 2nd by Karen, carried 

Next meeting will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 at Arnolds Park Public Library

Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

April 2024

Unofficial until approved at May 20, 2024 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:10 pm.  Attendance: 10 people. Pledge of Allegiance.   

• Secretary’s report. Julie read. Motion to approve Kaylene K. 2nd - Marti N. All ayes.

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,155.09. Motion to approve Harold P. 2nd Tim F. All ayes. Other donations may come in soon. 

Discussion

• An alternate monthly meeting place was discussed. Terry Y. will investigate and get back to everyone. 

• District/State Convention will be held Saturday, May 4th in Ft. Dodge at Iowa Central Community College. The $30 attendance fee will be paid with treasury money. 

• Dallas County fundraiser proposal - Terry Y. will check into and get back to Rich with possible proposition. 

• Ryan Melton support for the U.S. House of Representatives 4th District.  We will look at possibly supporting next month  https://www.meltonforiowa.com/   

• Everyone needs to work on getting the word out to VOTE! 

• Since there will be no summer sizzler, we will look at possibly hosting a smaller event sometime this summer. Terry Y. will make some contacts about political attendees and a venue to host. Possible ideas and general discussion followed. 

Motion to adjourn at 7:55pm by Harold P. – 2nd Marti N. – All ayes. 

Next meeting will be held Monday, May 20, 2024. 

Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary

March 2024

Unofficial until approved at April 15, 2024 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm.  Attendance: 26 people. Pledge of Allegiance. All attendees introduced themselves.

• Secretary’s report. Online minutes. Motion to approve – Mary C. 2nd – Marti N. All ayes.

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,006.43.  Motion to approve by Kathy M.; 2nd by Mary C.; All ayes. 

Discussion

• The County Convention will be held this coming Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 am at the Milford Community Building.

• Various topics were brought up for discussion including democratic ideal promotions and where/how to continue. Some members will move forward and pursue this discussion.

• Motion made by Julie F. to hold off a year or two for another summer sizzler. 2nd – Linda M. All ayes.

• Election events/activities may include door to door and phone banks towards fall. We need to work on getting as many people registered as possible. Discussion continued as to how social media is the major platform younger people retrieve information from and pay attention to.

The meeting was adjourned. 

Next meeting will be held Monday, April 15, 2024. 

Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary

January 2024 Caucus

 The 2024 Iowa Caucus in Dickinson County

SUMMARY

Monday, January 15, 2024, 7pm - Milford Community Center, Milford, IA - 18 in attendance

1.       Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance                                                                      Terry/All      

Caucus Agenda:

• Check-in & Registration

• Caucus called to Order

• IDP Presentation

• County Party Platform

• Elect Officials & Candidates Presentation

• Election of Permanent Caucus Chair & Secretary

• Election of Precinct Committee Members

• Election of Delegates & Alternatives to County Convention

• Election of County Convention Committee Representatives

• Ratification of Slate of Delegates, Alternatives & Precinct Committee members

• Resolution discussion & adoption of submission to County Platform

• New Business

• Reminder to request Presidential Preference Cards

• Caucus Adjourns

2.       Caucus Chair elected, Terry Y; Caucus Co-Secretaries elected, Kaylene & Linda

3.       Moment of Silence for Patriots lost this year

4.       Envelope passed to collect donations

5.       Caucus guidelines read and followed as appropriate

6.       Delegates elected- Name, Precinct/ratified
Karen Sterk, #1
kaylene Kinlen, #2
Pat Kelly, #2
Terry Yarns, #10
Aidan McKeever, #10
Alternatives, Linda Moore, #2; Deb McKeever,#10

7.       Dickinson County Platform discussed; resolutions presented, discussed and adoption of submission- women’s health choices, wind & solar local control, guns out of school systems, federal food assistance

8.       Platform Committee elected/ratified
Terry Yarns
Kaylene Kinlen
Scott Chambers
Linda Moore

9.       Reminder of request Presidential Preference Card………………info available on registration table

10.   Caucus adjourns

Linda Moore, Kaylene Kinlen

December 2023

Unofficial until approved at January 15, 2024 meeting

1. Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All

2. November meeting summary and October correction re caucus yr-2024 Linda Motion to approve by Harold; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried. 

3. Treasurer’s Report Elaine

1. Balance of $1,491.72

2. Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried.

4. New Business

   Presidential Preference for Iowa Terry/All

This is a major change from previous years. There will be no Presidential preference counting taken at the in-person county precinct caucuses on Mon Jan 15, 2024. A voter’s presidential preference will be submitted via a mail-in card. 

• Request for Presidential Preference Card is open until 2/19/24. 

• Preference Cards will be mailed out starting on January 12, 2024. 

• Cards must be put back in the mail and postmarked by March 5.

Voters must request a card via one of these means. 

• Fill out this online form  <This is the most efficient.>

• Download the preference card request and mail or email the request. Instructions are at the bottom of the request.

• Phone Request 515-216-3893

County Caucus, Monday, January 15, 2024, Milford Community Center

• Delegate Selection

• Information distributed via Print ads (12/26, 1/9) and MailChimp, FB, website

• MiniVan capability discussed; Terry and Kaylene to download

• Volunteers needed – greeters, sign in station, room setup

• Platform: 20 copies of the 2020 platform to be printed by Linda

County Convention, Saturday, March 23, 2024

January & February Monthly Meetings: no regular meetings to be held

PAC discussion

Adjournment: motion to adjourn by Marty; 2nd by Kaylene; carried

Next meeting:  January 15, 2024, County Caucus 

Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

November 2023

Unofficial until approved at December 18, 2023 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns. Seven people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance

• Summary of the October meeting reviewed - Linda.  With the change of “3/24/23- County Convention” to 3/24/24-County Convention, the summary was approved; motion by Karen 2nd, Kaylene; carried.  A new sign-in spreadsheet will help us keep better records.

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,641.72.  Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Karen; motion carried.

New Business

• Vice Chair Discussion:  Kaylene nominated to VC by Linda; 2nd by Karen; motion carried

• “The Iowa we want” update and discussion:

• PAC history reviewed; intent, development, current status*

• TIWW Goal:  Identify new leaders with centrist views; issue-based. 

• Regrouping ideas as we go forward; *Phil, Chair & Elaine, Treasurer  

• Financial balance:  @ $3,000

• Terry to discuss with Phil

• State Presidential Preference

• Mail-in only to request a card

• preferencecardrequest@iowdemocrats.org

• Call 515-216-3893

• Request open until 2/19/24

• Results released 3/5/24

• Jan 15, 2024, County Caucus – Delegate selection

• Mar 24, 2024, County Convention.  Need to schedule room

• Local – need Committee Chairs 

• Membership – Kaylene volunteered.

• Communication -  include design/coordination of website, FB etc.; Anitra has assisted & Jen & Rich

• “Social” Discussion

• Messaging focus, go–forward, maybe via PAC as well as local Dem group & other

• Example of issue and progress ongoing such as “The Infrastructure bill work”

• Part of our regrouping

• Progress Iowa reviewed by Elaine and Karen. Friday zoom meetings are held weekly at 1:30pm.

• Reminder:  Annual Dickinson County Iowa Democrats Dues

• Reviewed need for maintaining an annual financial base support

• At the October 2023 meeting, a motion was approved to have a suggested minimum $20/person annual voluntary dues beginning in January 2024.

• Dues/contributions may be made through ActBlue https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ddia2021 or mailing check to: Dickinson County Iowa Democrats, PO Box 203, Okoboji, IA  51355

Adjournment: motion, Kaylene; 2nd ,Linda; carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse. 

Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

October 2023

Unofficial until approved at November 20, 2023 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Eleven people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance

• Summary of the September meeting was read and approved; motion by Phil; 2nd, Bob; motion carried

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1671.97, less outstanding payment of $80.25, nets: $1591.72.  Motion to approve by Dennis; 2nd by Sharon; motion carried.

New Business

• “The Iowa We Want” update and discussion (Phil)

• School Board Forum, upcoming Oct 17 & 18 summarized                    

• Help get out the vote

• Over 1000 people not registered

• Good response to web site, social media

• Community Polarization (Terry)

• Messaging

• Goal: Identify new leaders with centrist views; issue-based (Phil)

• State Presidential Preferences (Terry)  Mail in only; request cards after 11/1/23

• Jan 15—Caucuses for delegate selection only.  Possible Milford event center location.

• 3/24/24- County Convention.  Terry will visit with Harold to review requirements.

• Younger voters – passed out a list of registered Democrat voters, age 18-35

• About 400

• Need to contact them personally

• Annual County Party Dues – Discussion

• Reviewed need for financial base support, annually

• Motion made by Karen for suggesting minimum $20/year/person/yr voluntary dues.  Targeted to begin January 2024.   2nd Dennis, motion carried.  Other opportunities throughout the year for donations

• Mention of good podcasts:  Exhausted Majority, Tim Ryan;  Julie Gammack podcasts

Motion to adjourn by Kayleen; 2nd by Bob

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse. Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

September 2023

Unofficial until approved at October 16, 2023 meeting

Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Nine people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance

• Secretary’s report from the August meeting was reviewed. Motion to approve – Tim F,. 2nd – Phil S.  Carried

• Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. reported a balance of $2171.97. Motion to approve – Harold P., 2nd - Louise H. Carried.

DISCUSSION

• “The Iowa We Want” PAC update – Phil reported on the meetings and progress this group is achieving. Short term and longer term focus goals were talked about. A motion was made by Louise H. to donate $500 to The Iowa We Want PAC, 2nd by Harold P. Carried. Consider becoming involved! We will be kept updated at each meeting. Website:  https://theiowawewant.org/ Click for Facebook link.

• Terry Y. reported that the Democrat Caucus will be held January 15th. Location to be determined. Terry will be in attendance at a meeting this coming Saturday pertaining to the workings of this event. More to report next month.  

• Press Release Sep 16.2023 -Iowa Democratic Party Announces In-person Caucus Date    ….The Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee met today to officially approve January 15, 2024, the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the date for our in-person precinct caucuses.   Click here for full press release and statements by Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Black Caucus Chair Al Womble and Iowa Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines. 

• Other discussions took place.

Motion to adjourn at 7:42pm by Louise H., 2nd – Tim F. 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.

Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary

August 2023

Unofficial until approved at September 18, 2023 meeting

• Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns. 20 persons in attendance with some newcomers

• Secretary’s July meeting summary read by Julie F. Corrections – PAC motto is “The Iowa We Want”. Motion to approve – Bonnie F/2nd Karen S.  Carried

• Treasurer’s Report – Elaine F. reported a balance of $2171.97. Motion to approve – Harold Prior/2nd Bob Gordon. Carried

DISCUSSION

• Karen S. reported on the progress of the PAC – passed around the motto/logo of “The Iowa We Want”  -  input. This is an issues driven PAC – i.e. – gun safety, wokeism, childcare, health care (mental), other. Input from attendees. We need people to help with this so step up!

• Karen also reported that Clay County Democrats are hosting an event this Sunday, Aug. 27th at 5 pm at East Leach Shelter House. Try to attend!

• Local issues – school board seats and wind turbines within the county were discussed.

• We need to support these issues. Motion by Karen S./2nd by Bonnie F. to gather information on wind and get them posted on website/facebook. Both sources need to be controlled.

Ryan Melton from Nevada, IA arrived. He ran against Randy Feenstra and is again running for U.S. representative for Iowa’s 4th congressional district next year. He termed himself a “practical progressive.” He gave us his bio and exactly what he stands for. Ryan is a good reason to have a summer sizzler again next year! His email is: melton4iowa@gmail.com. If you would like to receive his newsletter, email him and follow along. 

Adjournment at 8:42pm. Motion Karen S./2nd Elaine F.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.

July 2023

Monday, July 17, 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse

Unofficial until approved at August 21, 2023 meeting

• Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 12 persons in attendance

• Secretary’s June summary was mentioned as being distributed via email and website.

• Treasurer’s Report, balance was reported in absentia of Treasurer Elaine: $5,595.92.  

DISCUSSION

• Karen Sterk reported on the status of the PAC progress.

• The Iowa We Want PAC is officially registered with the state as a school board PAC. The PAC will be using social and print media, along with a web page to promote issues, encourage involvement and discussion, and to correct false information, if necessary. They are looking for core members. DCD membership will be provided information about the PAC. Phil explained how the PAC could transfer to general election activity. 

• A $5,000 motion was made by Joyce, seconded by Bob to donate to the PAC.   Discussion  Motion failed.

• A $3,000 motion was made by Linda, seconded by Bob to donate to the PAC. Carried unanimously.

• Donations to the Dickinson County Democrats - donations. <This is a different entity than the newly formed PAC The Iowa We Want.> Recognition for monetary donations to the DCD was discussed. Harold mentioned there used to be a form that included different ranks of the military for donation dollar amounts. This will be researched and a revised donation form will be posted on the website.

• Future Sizzler plans (All) - No decision; reviewing some small event this fall; eye on 2024

• Update on school board elections this fall; encourage potential candidates

• Milford Pioneer Days (Sat July 23) float - decided to not participate this year. 

 Adjournment: Motion by Karen/Harold carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.

June 2023

Monday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. Spirit Lake Public Library

*pre meeting discussion of recent Spirit Lake and Cherokee school board developments to rescind the “safety policy gun portion.”

Unofficial until approved at July 17, 2023 meeting

• Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 13 people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance. 

• Secretary’s May summary report approved, Bob moved, Dennis, 2nd ; carried (Linda)

• Treasurer’s Report, balance: $5,655.92  Approved: Linda moved, Bob, 2nd; motion carried (Elaine)  

DISCUSSION

• Update from messaging and planning committee (Phil)

• PAC creation progress; website domain; Karen, Lead; Elaine, treasurer

• Reaching voters in our area, messaging, noted : 13k registered voters

• VAN, voter data repository, i.e. historical voting information

• Social media & expansion

• Media - more points of view needed, letter to the editor

• Need to expand core group, volunteers

• Focus on resonating with Democrats and non-Democrats

• Networking, key

• Future Sizzler plans (All)

• No decision; reviewing some small event this fall; eye on 2024 (All)

• Update on school board elections this fall; need to have candidates 

 Adjournment: Motion by Linda/Dennis carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse..

May 2023

Monday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

• Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 10 people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance. 

• Secretary’s April summary report approved, Karen moved, Phil, 2nd ; carried (Linda)

• Treasurer’s Report, balance: $5,655.92 (after -$295.32 cleared this month, web page) (Elaine)   Approved: Linda moved, Bob, 2nd; motion carried

• Old/New Business

• WIP - Media and messaging discussion (Karen, Phil, Tim et al)

• Re-emphasized data-driven information requirement, VAN

• Messaging and strategy development needs

• Advertisements to focus on delivery of key issues that most can plug into – in a nonpartisan manner; educating and building needed buy-in

•  Future Sizzler plans (All)

• Discussed ideas 2023 (modified version) and 2024; no decision made

• 2024 Caucus – still waiting on clarification, information, final design from state

• Summer Meetings – concluded with support for holding them

• Follow up re school board member status (Julie)/Tim. Elections are this fall.

• Spirit Lake – 5 members, ALL 5 up for election

• Harris Lake Park – 5 members, 2 up for election

• Graettinger Terril Ruthven – 5 members, 3 open

• Discussion of encouraging participation – i.e., entering the race/s

• Additional member input and open discussion All

• Bob listed concerns he had and then referred to the positive impact of the Cherokee newspaper.

• Comments of concern and support for passionate dialogue to continue

 Adjournment: Motion by Karen, Phil, 2nd; carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Spirit Lake Public Library.