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
Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All
November meeting summary and October correction re caucus yr-2024 Linda Motion to approve by Harold; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report Elaine
Balance of $1,491.72
Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried.
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
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.
April 2023
Monday, April 17, 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351
Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 11 people were in attendance + 1 zoom. Pledge of Allegiance.
The Secretary's report of the March meeting summary was reviewed. Harold moved/Kaylene, 2nd carried unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report - Current balance of $5,951.24. Noted: -$295.32 to clear for website costs. Motion to accept/approve by John, Julie. All aye.
Old/New Business (Karen, Phil, Tim et al)
Continued Media and messaging discussion
Emphasized data-driven information required
Discussed resources—i.e. Progress Iowa, Votesmart, VAN etc.
Needed research on upcoming school board election status, Julie
Motion: Authorize researching information sources & report back to assist in developing strategy
Karen moved, Tim 2nd, unanimous approval
Call for a Vice-Chair; remains open
Adjourned, 8:20 pm; motion, Harold, 2nd Linda; carried
The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351.
March 2023
Monday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351
Opening - The meeting was called to order by Chair Terry Yarns. 10 people were in attendance + 1 zoom attendee for 11 total. Pledge of Allegiance. *Present at the meeting.
Secretary's report was reviewed. Julie's original report submitted was approved by Tim F. with a second by Marti N. All aye.
Treasurer’s Report - Current balance of $5,951.24. The website domain name annual renewal was paid. The website’s annual management system (Squarespace) auto renewal will be in late April. The contribution check to Cindy Axne campaign for 2022 Congress, Iowa's 3rd district, was cashed by her campaign, but has not been reimbursed to us. Follow-up will continue to retrieve the funds. Motion to accept by Karen S.- 2nd by Harold P. All aye.
New Business
Terry Y. brought up the fact that better organization is needed. A Vice Chair position needs to be filled as well as a small group organization.
Karen Sterk led the discussion about a new approach to getting a truthful message out to the public - a way to counter the Republicans BAD ideas and untruthful concepts. Tim F. and via zoom Phil Spevak impressed on the attendees the need to take responsibility for this in our own more local area. New State Democrat Chairperson Rita Hart obviously needs to prove to us in NW Iowa that more effort will focus on the difference between the two parties. We need to do this ourselves!
Phil presented online a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 concept that the three of them have been zooming and visiting about and what they roughly thought each phase might cost (strictly guessing). The concept is to improve messaging based on facts. The first step is to send out an RFP (request for proposal) to several agencies. The proposal that fits the goals of the group will be chosen based on several criteria points. Circulation, demographic targets, cost, and media are an example of criteria points. Phase 2 would involve execution and fundraising.
A motion was made by Kaylene K. and 2nd by Joyce P. to get the ball rolling on this. All aye. Karen, Tim, Phil and Terry Y. set up dates and times in the very near future to get this out & and to interview those companies who may respond and explore. They will report back at the next meeting to be held in April for feedback.
Motion to adjourn at 8:17 pm by Tim F. with a 2nd from Marti N. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse, Milford, IA 51351.