GFA Board Meeting, 7/10/1999

Began at 12:30 PM

In attendance: Larry Grinnell, Don McMahon, Mable McMahon, Ed W. Grinnell, Ed. J. Grinnell, Marjorie Murray, David L. Grinnell

Discussed the website and why the agenda/minutes were posted.

• Genealogical Committee
  • Larry Grinnell is handling Jim Grinnell's queries via e-mail for the time being.
  • Due to Jim's continued ill health, it may be necessary to obtain a copy of his most recent genealogical computer file, and any correspondence that came in since the Grinnell Genealogy was published in 1997. Larry to monitor the situation and possibly travel to Arkansas to get the materials mentioned.
  • Need to get Richard W. Grinnell's notebooks from Jim and shipped to Larry.
  Treasurer's Report
  • Treasury in June 1998 was approx. $3260. In June 1999, it was $3471. Treasury not growing even with book sales. It is evident we need to raise dues to $15.00 per year. Board voted to approve increase.
  • We have received donations from Mrs. William Grinnell, and several from Jay Bradley.
  • We will begin to solicit members to consider remembering the GFA in their wills--this money to be used for research.
  • 24 books were ordered from June 1998-June 1999.
  Membership Committee
  • Ed Grinnell has asked that a replacement be found for him due to health and other reasons. Solicitation to be made at the banquet and in the newsletter.
  • As of 7/9/1999, we had 236 active members, and up to member number 576. In1998 we had 204 active members.
  Newsletter Committee
  • Discussed the departure of James S. Grinnell as editor. Larry to write a thank you for the next newsletter to honor him for his services.
  • New editor Marjorie Murray requested more vital statistics and such. She also does not have a complete set of newsletters and would like to have a set of same to reuse articles from past newsletters.

• Board members were asked to write letters to Renton detective Mr. Matthews to keep up pressure.

The board has recommended the following individuals for election to the board of directors. If elected, these directors then choose the GFA officers. These individuals are:

• Lawrence J. Grinnell
• Donald McMahon
• Mable Grennell McMahon
• Edsel W. Grinnell
• Edward J. Grinnell
• Marjorie Grinols Murray
• David R. Grinnell
• Bruce D. Grinnell (absent)

Modification to the current by-laws was discussed, though with GFA attorney Bruce Grinnell not present, final decisions could not be made. Among the changes suggested are:

• (Article number not available) The Board of Directors govern the operations of the Grinnell Family Association and will decide upon functional heads including but not limited to President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Committee Heads.
• Replace: "New member will receive a certificate of membership with coat of arms" with "New member will receive a certificate of membership".
• A quorum shall be defined as the number of members in good standing attending the Grinnell Family Association annual meeting. Board members shall be elected by this quorum.
• Elected board members will elect officers and have the power and authority to remove officers if necessary.