ALBG Actions and Resolutions 2010-2019

2019. December 13	CANCELLATION OF ALL REMAINING 2019 DONATIONS DUE TO FINANCIAL SITUATION: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by John Baniszewski that given our financial situation to forego making the remainder of the 2019 donations. Motion carried with 11 votes favoring and one abstention.
2019. December 13	APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY FOR 2020:. Les Fowler moved that Therese Orr be appointed Secretary. Therese declined but nominated Mary Turk-Meena who was approved unanimously.
2019. December 13	APPOINTMENT OF TREASURER FOR 2020: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Mary Turk-Meena to appoint Jim Cooke as Treasurer for 2020. Motion approved unanimously.
2019. December 13	APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDENT FOR 2020: Therese Orr moved, seconded by Eric Lindblade that Les Fowler be appointed President pending approval of the amended Bylaws. Motion approved unanimously.
2019. December 13	APPROVAL OF 2020 OPERATING BUDGET FOR PUBLICATION: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Chuck Burkell to propose the amended budget for membership approval at the January Business Meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
2019 December 13	CUTTING ALLL MEMBERSHIPS EXCEPT DESTINATION GETTYSBURG: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Eric Lindblade the t to help cut expenses to stop the bleeding of cash to only renew Destination Gettysburg membership at this time and reevaluate our situation in July 2020. Motion passed 10 for and 2 against.
2019. November 22	DEVELOPING POLICY TO HONOR RETIRING GUIDES: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Eric Lindblade to charge the Greater Good Committee to come up with a policy on honoring retiring guides. Motion unanimously approved.
2019. November 22	APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BYLAWS CHANGES: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Eric Lindblade to adopt and publish all proposed changes to the bylaws for publications in the next issue of the Battlefield Dispatch. Motion published unanimously.
2019. November 22	CREATION OF POSITION OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT PENDING BYLAWS ADOPTION: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Les Fowler to adopt the additional position of President with duties detailed. Motion passed unanimously.
2018. July 19	ELECTION OF FIVE TO ALBG EMERITUS STATUE: Jim Cooke moved, seconded by Jasan Hileman to elect five retired Licensed Battlefield Guides to ALBG Emeritus Status. The five LBG’s are George Newton, Walter Powell, Kathy Showvaker, Thomas Stenhouse, and William Troxell. The motion passed unanimously.
2019. June 19	FORMATION OF WORKING COMMITTTEE TO INVESTIGATE GOVERNING STRUCTURE: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Jim Cooke to amend the bylaws to restore the offices of President and Vice-President and provide for a two year term of office for each. Motion amended to form a working committee to review the proposal. Amended motion passed by a vote of 7 to 3.
2019. June 19	RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION FOR DON WALTERS: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Jim Cooke “Whereas, Don Walters has for years performed the duties of being i n charge of the Adopt-A-Highway program of the ALBG and has also been very effective in distributing and selling the ALBG’s Monuments book. Be it resolved, that the Executive Council of the ALBG hereby recognizes and commends Don Walters for his tireless efforts, his dedication, and hard work in promoting the interest of all Guides, and especially the ALBG. His demonstration of volunteerism is greatly appreciated by all.” Resolution passed unanimously/
2019. June 19	APPROVAL OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL: Les Fowler moved, seconded by John Baniszewski to approve the “”Educational Programs Policies and Procedures” manual. Motion passed – vote not specified.
2019. April 26	LBG DUES RESET BACK TO $75: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Mary Turk-Meena to reestablish the $75 annual membership dues for licensed members, with $25 designated for the Preservation of Guiding Fund, effective July 1, 2019. $25 is designated to supplement the “Preservation of Guiding Fund”. The dues structure will be evaluated annually. Motion carried unanimously.
2019. April 26	PRESERVATION OF GUIDING FUND ENHANCEMENT: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Mary Turk-Meena to supplement the current “Preservation of Guiding Fund” with additional funds for the purpose of future risk management. Motion carried unanimously.
2019 April 26	AUTHORIZATION OF CHECK SIGNER: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Mary Turk-Meena to add EC Member Les Fowler as a second check signer. Motion passed unanimously
2019. April 26	GUIDE SPECIALTY DATABASE: Mary Turk-Meena moved, seconded by Deb Novotny to send out a request to provide information for inclusion in a “Guide Specialty Database. Motion carried unanimously.
2019. April 26	PASSAGE OF THREE POLICIES: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne to approve three policies: “Executive Council Phone Contact List Policy”; the “Annual Election Policy;” and the “Social Media Guidelines Policy.” Motion carried unanimously.
2019. March 15	GETTYSBURG HERITAGE CENTER RANDOM TOUR PILOT PROJECT: Eric Lindblade moved, seconded by Les Fowler to begin a pilot program of operating a random tour system at the Gettysburg Heritage Center. Motion unanimously approved.
2019. March 15	WEBSITE – WORDPRESS – TRAIN MORE ADMINISTRATORS: Given the complexities of WordPress it was decided to train three mmore administrators (Therese Orr, Mary Turk-Meena, and Less Fowler) to assist in updating and maintaining. It was further decided to forego adding the video promo at this time. No record was made of who made the motion, seconded it or any required record of vote aside from “it was decided”
2019. March 15	WINTER SCHEDULE DEVELOPMENT: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Deb Novotny to authorize the Winter Schedule Committee to develop Winter Schedule dates and procedures for the 2019-2020 season so that guides are in control of the process. Motion unanimously approved.
2019. March 15	ALLOCATION TOWARDS WEST POINT BUS TRIP: John Baniszewski moved, seconded by Jim Cooke to approve allocating $2,500 towards the upcoming bus trip to the US Military Academy at West Point, with attendees being charged for any expenses over and above that amount. Motion was unanimously approved.
2019. February 15	ASSOCIATION DAY TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA: Mary Turk-Meena moved, seconded by Eric Lindblade to approved the proposal and budget for the Associates Day trip to Philadelphia using a 54-passenger bus. Motion passed.
2019. January 18	RECOGNITION OF FRED HAWTHORNE: Chuck Burkell moved, seconded by Mary Turk-Meena to formally recognize Fred Hawthorne for his efforts in writing and editing the Bylaws for approval by the Association. Motion carried – Fred abstained from voting.
2019. January 18	DOI/NPS COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION: Joe Mieczkowski moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne that EC research and develop a position on the DOI/NOS Commercial Use Authorization. Motion carried with one no vote.
2019. January 18	ADOPTION OF BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES REVISIONS: Jim Cooke moved, seconded by Chuck Burkell to accept and adopt the proposed changes to the Bylaws and Standing Rules as published.
2019. January 18	ADOPTION OF 2019 OPERATING BUDGET: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by John Baniszewski to adopt the 2019 ALBG operating budget
2018. November 12	BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES PROPOSED REVISIONS: Bylaws and Rules revision were discussed and approved for advertisement to the membership. Thiese focused on mofifications to the documents necessitated by last winter’s change to a Council governing structure.
2018. November 12	POSTPONEMENT OF SPRING SEMINAR: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by John Baniszewski, to postpone the Spring 2019 Seminar until fall to allow time to fully vet the new seminar handbook / policy “ALBG Seminar Policies and Procedures” Handbook. Motion passed by all.
2018. November 12	ADDITIONAL SEMINAR COMPENSATION: Fred Hawthorne moved seconded by Deb Novotny, that a sum of $200 additional compensation be paid to Christina Moon for the extra time her program took at the recent seminar. This is based on the previous written practice of $100 per hour. Motion passed.
2018. November 12	MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES: Decision made (no motion, maker, seconder, decision noted) to provide minutes to all licensed members within two weeks of the meeting.
2018. November 12	PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE CLARIFICATION: Les Fowler reminded the Council that all non-routine motions must be quoted verbatim in the monutes along with the name of the person making the motion, seconding the motion and the resulting vote.
2018. June 15	CONVERSION OF WEBSITE TO MARKETING BASED: John Baniszewski moved, seconded by Rob Abbott to convert the website to marketing based with membership access and information in the background. Meghan Carpenter, our web host, quoted $2,000 to redesign the site plus $1,200 to produce and include a 2-minute video. Motion called for making the conversion first and hold the video til later. Motion passed.
2018. April 27	HONORARY GUIDE NOMINATION: Joe Mieczkowski moved, seconded by Les Fowler that during this year of the 50th Anniversary of Women in Guiding that Dr. Carol Reardon should be awarded the title of Honorary Guide for her “unique and long-standing service to the battlefield of Gettysburg, the field of Civil War research, and/or the art of guiding.” This will be pending vote of the membership. Motion approved.
2018. April 27	LBG BUS SAFETY: Deb Novotny moved, seconded by Jim Cooke that in regard to bus safety a guide must have a seat reserved on the VC bus and that a letter should be sent to the NPS and Gettysburg Foundation accordingly. Motion approved and the letter was signed by the EC members present.
2018. April 27	APPOINTMENT OF AN EC PRESIDENT: Jasan Hileman moved, seconded by Rob Abbott that a President is needed for representation purposes and that Les Fowler should be appointed to the position for the balance of the year. Motion approved.
2018. April 27	PRODUCING AND POSTING A GUIDE CODE OF CONDUCT POSTER: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Les Fowler to produce a poster of the Code of Conduct to hang in the guide room. Motion approved. (Put on hold as Angie wants to revise the guide manual which contains it.)
2018. April 27	AUGUST BUSINESS MEETING NOW A SOCIAL EVENT: John Baniszewski moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne to change the August Business meeting to strictly a social event. Motion approved.
2018. April 6	BUDGET MODIFICATION: Motion made and seconded but not noted to authorize exceeding the budget allocation for Associates Day not to exceed $700. Approved with a vote of 9 yes and 3 unrecorded.
ADMINISTRATION – EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
2018. March 10	ESTABLISHMENT OF MEMBER COMMUNICATION CHAIN: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Les Fowler to establish a member-communication chain for the purpose of contacting members on issues and accepting comments / concerns of the members. Each EC members would receive 1/12 of the membership. Motion Approved.
2018. March 10	ELIMINATION OF ETHICS COUNCIL: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Steve Slaughter to eliminate the Ethics Council from the BYlaws and absorb that activity in the Executive Council, Motion approved.
2018. March 10	NEW COMMITTEE STRUCTURE: John Banizewski recommended we reorganize committee structure based on our stated objectives in the ByLaws. The new committees would be: Education, Promotion, Representation, Visitor Services, Resource Protection, Professional and Ethical Conduct, and Greater Good. This was agreed too.
2018. March 10	NEW MEMBERS WELCOME PACKET: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Les Fowler to develop a new guide welcome packet (similar to Renae McLaughlins packet of a number of years ago) which would include a copy of the new pocket monument guide. Motion approved with one opposed and one abstention.
2018. March 10	WEBSITE UPDATES: Website issues discussed surrounding difficulty of updating members and approving them. All have been removed. Steve Slaughter wishes to see a promotional video incorporated. Decision to update the site.
2018. March 10	APPROVAL OF TWO GENERAL BUSINESS MEETINGS PER YEAR: John Baniszewski moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne to hold two general membership business meetings each year which will require a Standing Rules change. Motion approved.
2018. March 10	APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY AND TREASURER FOR 2018: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Deb Novotny to appoint Jim Cooke Treasurer and Therese Orr as Secretary. Motion approved.
2018. March 10	VACANT COUNCIL POSITION(S) FILLED: Therese Orr moved, seconded by Chuck Burkell to appoint Steve Slaughter, John Baniszewski and Jasan Hileman to one-year terms on the Executive Council. This was done to fill out the 12-member council as per By Laws. Approved.
2018. January 24	VACANT COUNCIL POSITION(S) FILLED: There being one vacancy on the newly formed Executive Council Acting President Slaughter asked for volunteers and several stepped forward. Jasan Hileman responding first, he was appointed to the position.
2018. January 24	BYLAWS CHANGE TO ADOPT COUNCIL-FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Mary Turk-Meena moved, seconded by Jasan Hileman to adopt the proposed Bylaws changes to move to a Council-type government subject to further non-substantive revisions for internal consistency. Twenty-six people voted “yea” and two people voted “nay” The required two-thirds majority being surpassed the change was adopted.
2018. January 24	ADOPTION OF 2018 ALBG OPERATING BUDGET: George Newton moved, seconded by Les Fowler to adopt the 2018 ALBG operating budget. This was passed via a voice vote.
ADMINISTRATION – INTERIM
2017. December 13	POCKET MONUMENT BOOK PAYMENT: Jim Cooke moved, seconded by Larry Korczyk to cut a check for full payment for the printing of the pocket monument book as the printing company requires full payments in advance for all new customers.
2017. December 13	BYLAWS CHANGE TO MOVE TO DISSOLVE PRESENT STRUCTURE IN FAVOR OF COUNCIL STRUCTURE: Larry Korczyk moved, seconded by John Baniszewski to go forward with the Bylaws changes to be presented at the January Business meeting which would effectively dissolve the current leadership model of the ALBG in favor of a 12-person Executive Council. Motion carried.
2017. December 13	APPOINTMENT OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS: Steve announced he is appointing John Baniszewski to the Executive Council and will be appointing enough guides to achieve an EC membership of 12, per Article V, Section 6 of the proposed Bylaws.
2017. December 13	ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OFFICE CONTINGENCY FUND: Approved as part of the budget to create an “Office Contingency Fund” of $5,000 to fund future large expenditures such as a move to a new office.
2017. December 13	APPROVAL OF 2018 BUDGET TO PUT BEFORE MEMBERSHIP: John Baniszewski moved, seconded by Larry Korczyk to approved the proposed 2018 operative budget to be put before the membership for approval. Motion approved.
2017. November 21	REVISIONS COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED: . Les Fowler moved, seconded by Chuck Burkell to establish a bylaws revisions committee for 2018. Motion Passed.
2017. October 18	PROPOSED ALBG MANAGEMENT CHANGE:. Fred Hawthorne proposed that the management of ALBG be changed to an elected Board of Directors who would then select its own officers. Will require a by laws change.
2017. October 18	DONATION TO WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT: Jim Cooke moved to donate $100 each to “Wounded Warrior Project” and the “Lincoln Cemetery”, Fred Hawthorne seconded but with opposition to Lincoln Cemetery as the so-called “caretaker” of the latter is unfriendly towards LBG’s. With that amendment the motion passed.
2017. September 12	OPPOSITION TO BUS PLAN ON PROPOSED LITTLE ROUND TOP RENOVATION: John Fuss moved, no second recorded that “The Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides is opposed to the plan for Little Round Top that would require the unloading of buses at the top of the hill ad then immediately moving the bus to another location” ALBG requests a meeting – unspecified with whom. Motion passed.
2017. August 16	CHANGE IN NAME OF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne to change the name of the “Legislative Committee” to the “Outreach Committee” Motion was passed.
2017 August 16	MONUMENT BOOK QUANTITY AND COST: No motion or second recorded but “The EC approved the additional cost” Final proofing of the Monument Book underway. Suggested to purchase 500 copies and sell them for $5. The cost will be $1675 which is $680 over the budgeted amount.
2017. August 16	WEBSITE CHANGES: Discussion centered around issues with WordPress for the website and the need “to change the website to better suit our needs”. No decision made but members asked to think about what it should be and report back.
2017. March 21	APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE IN RESPONSE TO LICENSING THREAT: Dave Donahue moved, seconded by John Fuss that due to the threat caused by H.R. 6312 (Rep. Mark Meadows) known as the “Alternatives to Licensing that Lower Obstacles to Work Act of 2016 – ALLOW Act) that the President, ALBG appoint a standing committee of guides whose purpose will be t promote and protect licensed guiding at GNMP. The committee to be chaired by the Vice President ALBG or a designated representative from the Executive Council. The committee will present an initial action plan and a budget recommendation to the Executive Council within 30 days. Motion was approved.
2017. February 15	APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS AND ORDER TO UPDATE STANDING RULES: Larry Korczyk moved, seconded by Jim Cooke to appoint Rob Abbott and Chuck Burkell to one year terms on Executive Council and to order the May amendments to Standing Rules be incorporated into the documents. Motion passed.
2017. January 17	ADOPTION OF 2017 BUDGET: John Fuss moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report (which inappropriately contained the 2017 budget), seconded by Stuart Dempsey. Motion carried. Since no formal acceptance of the 2017 Budget was made aside from this budget adopted via this motion.
	*** DECEMBER 2016 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTE MISSING ***
2016. November 15	GUIDE RATE CARD: Chuck Burkell moved, seconded by Denny Forwood to have ALBG create a card for all Guides that lists the new Guide rates on them.
2016. September 13	CLARIFICATION OF MEETING NIGHT CHANGE: Fred Hawthorne moved, second not recorded, that the recent Standing Rules change giving the Executive Council the authority to schedule Business Meetings be amended to state “The Executive Committee will inform the membership of any changes promptly.” Motion carried unanimously.
2016. September 13	WEBSITE ACCURACY AND VISIBILITY:. Rob Abbott moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne to refer the question of website visibility and accuracy to the Executive Council for investigation. Also included in this was the possibility of a computerized book inventory.
2016. July 15	DONATION TO TELICIA POWELL: Deb Novotny moved, seconded by Les Fowler to make a $100 contribution to former Foundation Employee Telicia Powell. Motion approved on a unanimous vote.
2016. June 15	CHANGE IN MEETING NIGHT: Decision to move Business Meetings to the second Tuesday of each month. No move, second and vote as ususal – likely arbitrarily decided.
2016. May 20	CHANGES TO STANDING RULES APPROVED: Jim Cooke moved, seconded by Dale Brister to accept the proposed changes to the Standing Rules that had been seent out to members. (Note – changes were not described in the motion)
2016. April 13	DONATION TO ADAMS COUNTY LAND CONSERVANCY: No motion, second or vote recorded but a notation: “The Committee also agreed that a stipend of $100 for Dean Shultz’s Frozen Fingers Walk should be given in the form of a donation to the Adams County Land Conservancy in Dean’s name.
2016. March 18	ALBG MONUMENT LOCATOR BOOKLET: Les Fowler moved, seconded by Phil Lechak to have the Executive Committee pursue the idea of reissuing the old Guide Book (i.e. LBG Monument Location Book). Motion carried by voice vote.
2016. February 19	PROPOSED CHANGES TO STANDING “ORDER” APPROVED TO MEMBERSHIP: Joe Mieczkowski moved, seconded by Jim Cooke, to approved proposed changes to ALBG Standing orders for presentation to the membership for approval. (Note: Specific changes not recorded as per usual.)
2016. January 15	PROPOSED REPRESENTATION ON NPS COMMITTEE: Dave Donahue moved, seconded by Phil Lechak to propose LBG representation on the Comprehensive Trail Plan Committee the NPS set up. Motion carried by voice vote.
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT STEVE SLAUGHTER: 2016 – 2017
2015. December 18	ADOPTION OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL:, Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Chuck Burkell to adopt the proposed budget as amended, and bring it before the general membership for adoption.
2015 December 18	ALBG WEBSITE DOMAIN NAME RENEWAL: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Britt Isenberg to renew two domain names for the ALBG website for a period of twenty years at the cost of $900. Passed on a voice vote
2015. November 13	GENERAL MEETING SITE FOR 2015: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Larry Korczyk to hold 2016 general business meetings at the GAR Hall on East Middle Street. Vote showed 16 yeas and 3 nays. Motion passed.
2015. May 15	UNLICENSED GUIDING ISSUES: Dave Donahue moved, seconded by Phil Lechak to communicate the concerns of Licensed Battlefield Guides with regards to unlicensed guiding in the park to the Gettysburg National Military Park Superintendent Ed Clark. Approved by a voice vote.
2015. May 15	HONORARY GUIDE STATUS FOR DEAN SCHULTZ: Joe Mieczkowski moved, seconded by Phil Lechak to award Dean Shultz the statue of honorary guide for his commitments to the history of the battlefield and his cooperation with the ALBG. Motion passed unanimously. (Note: award was presented to Dean at the November business meeting. He is only the third person to be so honored)
2015 May 15	APPROVAL OF MONETARY APPRECIATION GIFT TO DAVE JOSWICK: Joe Mieczkowski moved, seconded by Larry Korczyk to provide a gift of $500 to Dave Joswick in recognition and sincere appreciation of all the wonderful professional services he has provided to the ALBG on so many fronts. Motion carried by voice vote
2015. February 20	APPROVAL OF TEMPORARY BUSINESS SITE: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Deb Novotny to change the location of the General Business Meeting for the rest of 2015, starting in March to the Gettysburg Heritage Center. Motion approved on a voice vote. (Due to road construction on Middle Street and lack of parking)
2015. February 20	APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO SECURE GAR HALL FOR MEETINGS: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Stuart Dempsey to spend $300 to augment the $300 already in the ALBG budget to book the GAR Hall for the thirsd Friday of every month. Passed by a voice vote.
2015. January 19	PASSAGE OF 2015 OPERATING BUDGET: Stuart Dempsey moved, seconded by Jim Cooke to adopt the proposed 2015 operating budget. Unanimously approved by a voice Vote.
2014. December 19	ADOPTION OF PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR PUBLICATION: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Ted Gajewski to approve the proposed operating budget as amended for publication prior to action by the ALBG at the January meeting.
2014. August 15	ASSOCIATION 100TH ANNIVERSARY BANQUET SITE: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Deb Novotny, that the Executive Council approces and announces that the ALBG 100th Anniversary Banquet will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Gettysburg Foundation Visitor Center to be catered by Aramark. Motion passed with one ‘nay’ vote.
2014. July 18	ELWOOD ‘WOODY’ CHRIST MEMORIAL STONE: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by several members that the Executive Committee be charged with arranging for the memorial stone on top of LBG Woody Christ’s gravesite in Evergreen Cemetery using the $1000 donated to the organization in Woody’s Memory. (Note: At the June 19, 2015, Executive Meeting Deb Novotny reported that the estate paid for the headstone and asked if the money could be shifted towards a Memorial Bench. Approved.)
2014. April 18	BATTLEFIELD DISPATCH PAPER COPIES: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Guillermo Bosch that ALBG do away with hard copy newsletter distribution in any case where we have a email address. Approved by a voice vote.
2014 March 21	GROUP PICTURE? Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Guillermo Bosch that we arrange with a professional photographer to have an up-to-date group photo taken sometime in the next few months. Passed by a voice vote.
2014. February 21	APPOINTMENT OF DENNY FORWOOD AS COORDINATOR OF OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
2014. February 21	APPOINTMENT OF MR DAVE JOSWICK AS NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Phil Lechak moved, seconded by Guillermo Bosch to offer the position of Battlefield Dispatch Editor to Mr. Dave Joswick under the same terms that the late Woody Christ worked. Motion approved unanimously.
2014. February 21	APPOINTING A MEMBER TO A SPECIAL DUTY: Guillermo Bosch moved, seconded by Phil Lechak, to appoint an Executive Council member to accompany Renae MacLaughlan to the Gettysburg Foundation Long Range Planning Committee in their development of a five-year Strategic Plan. All but one member voted to approve the motion.
2014. January 17	ADOPTION OF 2014 OPERATING BUDGET: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Guillermo Bosch to adopt the proposed 2014 Operating Budget. This was approved by a voice vote
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT JOE MIECZKOWSKI: 2014-2015
2013. December 20	APPOINTMENT OF SEMINAR CHAIR Ted Gajewski moved, seconded by Fred Hawthorne that departing Vice President Christina Moon, despite leaving her office, be allowed to retain her chair of the Seminary Committee in 2014. Motion approved.
2013. December 20	PRESENTATION OF 2014 OPERATING BUDGET: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Stuart Dempsey, that the Treasurer’s proposed, with amendments, be approved for publication and presentation to the membership. Motion passed without objection.
2013. October 18	APPROVAL TO PLACE ADVERTISEMENT IN LOCAL PAPERS THANKING FOR ASSISTANCE: Guillermo Bosch moved, seconded by Ted Gajewski that ALBG in addition to sending a letter of thanks, also place an advertisement in the Gettysburg Times and in the Hanover Evening Sun to publicly express the thanks of the ALBG to the various individuals and businesses in the area including those detailed below and that an amount no more than $499 be authorized for that purpose. All but one approved the expenditure and the motion passed.
2013 October 18	APPROVAL TO SEND LETTER OF THANKS – RECENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN: Ted Gajewski moved, seconded by Deb Novotny to have ALBG send a letter of thanks to the various individuals and businesses in the area which voluntarily helped members of the ALBG in conducting tours during the recent Government shutdown, including, but not limited to: Doubleday Inn, Gettysburg Tour Center, Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum, Evergreen Cemetery, Quality Inn-Larsson’s at General Lee’s Headquarters, O’Rorke’s Eatery and Spirits, American Civil War Wax Museum, Gettysburg Foundation and General Pickett’s Buffet. Motion was approved and John Fitzpatrick volunteered to draft the letter.
2013. September 20	ALBG STANDING RULES CHANGE APPROVED (AS AMENDED): Moved by Phil Lechak and seconded by John Fuss to adopt the changes to the Standing Rules, as amended. The amended was “The Association should strive to maintain a fund level of no more than two years of normal expenditures, using the current annual budget as a guideline.” Motion approved by a voice vote.
2013. September 20	ALBG BYLAWS CHANGE APPROVED: Moved by Phil Lechak and seconded by Fred Wieners to adopt the changes to the ALBG Bylaws as published and mailed to the membership. Motion approved.
2013. June 21	DONATION TO MONTERREY PASS BATTLEFIELD: Kurt Anschuetz moved, seconded by Joe Mieczkowski to make a $200 donation to the Friends of Monterrey Pass Battlefield for the purpose of replacing seven wayside interpretive markers. Motion approved with one negative vote.
2013. May 17	RENAME GUIDEROOM “JAMES W. TATE GUIDEROOM”: Jim Pangburn moved, seconded by Phil Lechak that we asked the Gettysburg Foundation to rename the guideroom the “James W. Tate Guideroom.” This was approved by a unanimous vote.
2013. May 17	DONATION TO JAKE BORRITT: Copier Moved by Tony Delacy and seconded by Guillermo Bosch that ALBG donate a total of $1,863 to Jake Borritt towards production of his documentary “The Gettysburg Story.” Motion approved by a margin. of 17 aye and 12 nays.
2013. April 19	COPIER PAGE FEE APPROVAL: Fred Hawthorne moved, seconded by Joe Mieczkowski to approve a 5-Cent per page donation to use the printer in the guide room which is the same policy now in effect at the ALBG Offices. Motion approved.
2013. April 19	GUIDE ROOM PRINTER: Moved by Fred Hawthorne and seconded by Ted Gajewski and Guillermo Bosch authorizing an expenditure of up to $500 to purchase a networkable guide room printer for connection to the Foundation computers. Motion approved without objection.
2013 Jan 18	ALBG HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP: Moved by Guillermo Bosch, seconded by Stuart Dempsey and approved to authorize the Executive Council to investigate the establishment of some form of scholarship for a local High School student who will be studying history during their college career. Said fund to provide up to a $1,000 annual scholarship. (Association Minute Book)
2013 Jan 18	BIG ROUND TOP HIKING TRAIL: Moved by Dave Weaver, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved to approach the National Park Service with a proposal to do repairs in the trail from Big Round Top parking area to Devil’s Den to remove logs that are impeding the trail. (Dave Weaver to approach the park) (Association Minute Book)
2013 Jan 18	ALBG STORAGE SHED MOVE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved to allow ALBG Executive Council to be authorized to move our present storage unit at U.S. Route 30 Self Storage to a better maintained facility at the close of the current rental period. (Association Minute Book)
2013 Jan 18	COPYRIGHT VIOLATION EXPENDITURE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved with one negative vote to authorize the Executive Council to exceed their $500 limit and expend up to $1,000 to take appropriate and recommended steps to resolve the Rea Andrew Redd theft of copyrighted materials issue. (Association Minute Book)
2013 Jan 18	TATE RECEPTION EXPENSES: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Deb Novotny and approved to appropriate up to $1,000 to cover reception expenses for LBG Jim Tate’s Funeral and an organizational donation in his name to Wounded Warriors. (Association Minute Book)
2013 Jan 18	2013 OPERATIONAL BUDGET APPROVED: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Stuart Dempsey and approved to adopt the 2013 Operating Budget as proposed by the Executive Council. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Nov 16	REPAINTING SOLDIERS NAMES IN NATIONAL CEMETERY: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Stuart Dempsey and approved to authorize ALBG to approach the GNMP with a plan that the organization would spearhead an effort to repaint all of the soldier-dead names in the historic section of the National Cemetery with completion before the 150th anniversary. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Nov 16	150th ANNIVERSARY CLOTHING ITEMS: Moved by Stuart Dempsey, seconded by Fred Hawthorne and approved to revist the idea of ALBG Clothing Logo items for the 150th Anniversary. (Assigned to the Seminar Committee for Execution) (Association Minute Book)
2012 Nov 16	BYLAWS AND ADMIN PROCEDURES COMMITTEE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved to appoint a committee of the Parliamentarian, Guillermo Bosch, Phil Lechak and Kurt Anschuets to conduct the required examination on the organization’s bylaws and administrative procedures with an eye towards suggesting possible changes and to make a report at the January Business meeting. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Nov 16	AUDIT COMMITTEE FORMED: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Stuart Dempsey and approved to appoint John Fuss, Guillermo Bosch and Deb Novotny to serve as an audit committee for 2013. They are charged with examining the treasurer’s books and report back. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Oct 19	ALBG PROJECTOR LOAN POLICY: Moved, seconded and approved the LCD Projector Loan policy developed by Phil Lechak. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Sep 21	APPROVAL OF MAIL IN ELECTION BALLOT: It was reported that according to procedure the Executive Council voted with nine in favor to authorize the use of a mail-in ballot for office elections in November. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Aug 20	WEBSITE COPYRIGHT STATEMENT: Moved, seconded and passed that the following statement for the web site and the Dispatch: “This ALBG web site and the written newsletter known as the “Battlefield Dispatch” are the only official communication vehicles of the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides. Any officially sanctioned document, publication, class material, class schedule, field presentation schedules, and communications – public and private – contained n these communication vehicles are copyrighted for the exclusive use of the ALBG and its members. Any unauthorized use of said materials for any reason without the specific written permission of the Executive Council of the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides is strictly prohibited.” (Association Minute Book)
2012 Aug 20	COPYRIGHT VIOLATION ACTION: Moved, seconded and approved without opposition that an appointed sub-committee is authorized to locate and meet with an attorney specializing in copyright litigation and report back to the Council on its findings related to the proposed actions of the Executive Council. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Aug 20	LEGAL DISCLAIMER FOR TEST-PREP CLASSES: Moved by John Fitzpatrick, seconded by Fred Hawthorne and approved that all future participants of the ALBG test-prep program be asked to sign the policy as well as receive a copy of it. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Jun 15	GROUP INSURANCE POLICY INVESTIGATION: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Guillermo Bosch and approved to empower the Executive Council to discuss the possibility of creating a group insurance policy for medical insurance, car insurance and general liability insurance. George Newton will be authorized to check it out and report back to the membership next month. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Apr 4	PURCHASE OF FOLD3 SUBSCRIPTION: Moved by Deb Novotny, seconded by Dave Donahue and unanimously approved to authorize the expenditure of up to $100 to purchase an annual subscription for the LBG Guide Computer to the military record’s website, Fold3. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Apr 4	PURCHASE OF ALBG LCD PROJECTOR: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Stuart Dempsey and unanimously passed to allocate up to $900 to purchase a LCD projector for use in our various programs. (Epson Projector was purchased for $602.) (Association Minute Book)
2012 Apr 4	GUIDES STANDING ON BUSES: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Fred Hawthorne and approved without objection that the ALBG position will be that if the guide is required to be behind the white line on the GTC bus (as Federal law requires) then a seat for the guide should be saved automatically. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Apr 4	INCREASE PRICE OF MONUMENT BOOK: Moved by Deb Novotny, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved with one abstention to increase the price of the Monument Book to $14.95 a copy. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Apr 4	PURCHASE OF MONUMENT BOOKS: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Deb Novotny and approved with one abstention to purchase 4,000 additional copies of the Monument Book to be published by the Sheridan Press in Hanover, funded from Book Fund assets. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Mar 16	DONATION OF COMMEMORATIVE BADGE: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Fred Hawthorne and approved to donate commemorative badge #100 to the National Park in order to have a new and old badge for display in 2015 during our centennial celebration. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Jan 20	ELECTION TO ALBG EMERITUS STATUS: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Guillermo Bosch and approved without opposition elect former LBG’s Jack Augustine and “Skip” Wensyel to Emeritus membership in the Association. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Jan 20	FOUNDATION DISCIPLINING OF GUIDES: Moved by Dave Donahue, seconded by Fred Hawthorne and approved without opposition that the Association meet again with Park Officials to clarify the recent disciplining of a guide by the Foundation and not by the National Park Service. (Association Minute Book)
2012 Jan 20	2012 OPERATIONAL BUDGET APPROVED: Moved by Guillermo Bosch, seconded by Ted Gajewski and approved to adopt the 2012 Operating Budget as proposed by the Executive Council. (Association Minute Book)
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT KURT ANSCHUETZ: 2012 – 2013
2011 Dec 16	ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS FOR WEBSITE: Moved by Guillermo Bosch, seconded by Ted Gajewski and approved without opposition to place the organization’s annual Form 990 in the member-only area of the web site and that the Secretary be instructed to develop a listing of other key ALBG documents for placement to be considered at a future Executive meeting. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Dec 16	DISCONTINUE NFTGA MEMBERSHIP: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Howie Frankenfield and approved without opposition to discontinue membership in the national organization known as NFTGA. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Nov 18	PAUL COOKSEY MEMORIAL SERVICE: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Christina Moon and approved to have Tony Delacy appointed a committee of one to put together some sort of memorial service for Paul Cooksey since the services were private. (This was a dinner at Pickett’s Buffet on December 13, 2011) (According to policy $50 will be donated in Paul’s memory to SPCA) (Association Minute Book)
2011 Nov 18	AUTHORIZING EXEC COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE LOCK: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Deb Novotny and approved with one negative vote to investigate the purchase of a combination key lock for the ALBG Office that can be changed frequently and easily to avoid the issuance of keys. (Tabled upon investigation.) (Association Minute Book)
2011 Nov 18	GUIDED TOUR ADVERTISING: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved to have the President approach Foundation President Joanne Hanley and insist that the advertising for guided car tours be in exactly the same size and font as the advertising for guided bus tours in the name of fairness. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Sep 16	NEW OFFICE COMPUTER SYSTEM: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Jim Hueting and approved that ALBG allocate up to $2,000 to be taken from excess funds from Budget Line items not currently spent for the purchase of a new Desktop Computer, with Windows 7 Operating System, Microsoft Office 2010 Professional edition, and a new wireless router. (Association Minute Book)
2011 July 15	ELECTION TO ALBG EMERITUS STATUS: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Christina Moon and approved unanimously to elect Hans Henzel, Jack Lynch, Charlie Hathaway and George Gargus to Emeritus Status in the ALBG according to Standing Rules provision adopted 3/19/1991. (Association Minute Book)
2011 May 20	RESOLUTION OF PROTEST: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Andie Custer-Donahue and approved unanimously “Resolved that the Association of Licensed Battlefield Guides strongly protests the disciplining of a guide by an employee of the Gettysburg Foundation. Guides are tested and licensed by the Federal Government under the auspices of the National Park Service. Guides operate under the direct supervision of the Gettysburg National Military Park superintendent via his representative, the Guide Supervisory Ranger. Any disciplining of a Licensed Battlefield Guide must follow due process procedures and must originate from the Superintendent’s Office, GNMP.” (Association Minute Book)
2011 May 20	WINTER SCHEDULE CHANGES ADOPTED: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and approved unanimously to adopt the twelve proposals adopted by the Winter Schedule committee for changes to the Winter Schedule. (Association Minute Book)
2011 May 20	ALBG POLL PROPOSED JANUARY 2012 FEE INCREASE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Tom Vossler and approved with one nay and one abstention to poll the membership on whether or not they agree with the proposed fee increase for January 2012 when couple with the corresponding increase in the Gettysburg Foundation’s ticketing fee. (Association Minute Book)
2011 May 20	STANDING RULES REVISION: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and unanimously approved to adopt the revised Standing Rules of the Association as proposed. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Feb 18	ANNUAL DINNER MEETING: Moved, seconded and passed that the annual dinner meeting would be held the third Friday of the month of April starting in 2012 (unless that Friday would coincide with Easter weekend in which it would be the Friday preceding. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Jan 30	BATTLEFIELD DISPATCH EDITOR APPROVAL: Moved by Ted Gajewski, seconded by Phil Lechak and unanimously approved to offer the position of Battlefield Dispatch editor to Elwood Christ effective with the March 15, 2011 edition. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Jan 21	ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Guillermo Bosch and approved without opposition to expend up to $70 from the 2011 budget to purchase and install up-to-date anti-virus / web program for both the guide office and guide room computer. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Jan 21	2011 ALBG BUDGET: Moved by Ted Gajewski, seconded by George Newton and approved without opposition. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Jan 13	ATTORNEY RETAINER FEE: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Tony Delacy and passed unanimously to authorize Guillermo Bosch to contact our attorney, Stuart Davidson in an attempt to reduce our quarterly retainer fee to a maintenance mode. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Jan 13	AMERICAN MASTER GUIDE PROGRAM REGISTRATION FEE: Motion by Phil Lechak, seconded by Guillermo Bosch and passed unanimously that the $100 program registration fee previously established by the Executive Council be amended to include a sliding scale for current LBG’s to wit: $25 registration fee for ALBG members and $50 for non-member ALBG’s. (Association Minute Book)
2011 Jan 13	AMERICAN MASTER GUIDE PROGRAM: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Guillermo Bosch to accept the amended 2011 budget for submission to the membership – said amendment to include a line item of $500 for the American Master Guide Program. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Dec 17	ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVES: Moved by Howie Frankenfield, seconded by Deb Novotny and passed that ALBG pursue the design and purchase of coins and lapel pins as commemorative items for the 2013-2015 150th Anniversary period. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Sept 17	150th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE: Moved by Dale Brister, seconded by Tony Delacy and passed to establish a committee to look into the subject of the 150th Anniversary. (At the January 13, 2011 Executive meeting President Frampton directed that this committee be established as a subcommittee of the existing Seminar Committee). (Association Minute Book)
2010 Sept 17	MAILING ELECTION BALLOTS: Moved by Howie Frankenfield, seconded by Ralph Siegel and passed by a vote of 15 for and 2 against to allow for voting of ALBG officers by mail. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Sept 17	VAN FEE INCREASE: Moved by Dale Brister, seconded by George Newton and passed unanimously to present a request to the Superintendent that the van fee for seven to fifteen people be increased to $75. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Sept 17	TRAVEL BRAINS CONTRACT: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and passed with three abstentions to approve the Travel Brains contract agreement negotiated by our committee. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Aug 20	MAILING ELECTION BALLOTS: Executive Council approved by a vote of 6 to 1 a proposal submitted by member Rich Bellamy to submit the upcoming officer’s election to mail-in ballot. (Association Minute Book)
2010 July 16	PENNSYLVANIA MEMORIAL BIRTHDAY: Motion made by Roy Frampton, seconded by Guillermo Bosch and passed by a hand vote (with two abstentions) that ALBG sponsor a 100th Birthday party for the Pennsylvania Memorial on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 commencing at 1 PM. Events would include slices of cake to all visitors, balloons, speakers/talks of the monument’s symbolism, statues and history, etc. (Association Minute Book)
2010 July 16	WAIVING OF DUES: Moved by Phil Lechak, seconded by Guillermo Bosch and passed unanimously to waive the 2011 annual guide dues for Mike Phipps as a member serving on active duty. (Association Minute Book)
2010 July 16	VAN FEE INCREASE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Dale Brister and passed to publish the required notice in the Battlefield Dispatch that ALBG intends to request of the Superintendent, GNMP an increase in the guided van fee to a sum of $75 effective January 1, 2011 and that such fee be expanded to encompass all unusual modes of transportation including, but not limited to: horse tours, segway tours, bicycle tours, etc. (Association Minute Book)
2010 May 21	VAN FEE INCREASE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Howie Frankenfield and unanimously passed directing the leadership to investigate the possibility of adjusting the van fee to bring it more in line with the car and bus fees. (Association Minute Book)
2010 May 21	TOWN GUIDE ORDINANCE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Kurt Anschuetz and unanimously passed directing ALBG to approach the National Park Service to clarify the Gettysburg Borough Ordinance 6/901 relating to conducting walking tours led by LBG’s in town. (Association Minute Book)
2010 May 21	WINTER SCHEDULE COMMITTEE: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, seconded by Phil Lechak and passed to expand the charge of the committee to study the entire winter schedule and make recommendations. John Fuss and Jim Frick were added to the committee. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Apr 16	ALBG REENACTMENT BOOTH: Guillermo Bosch moved, George Newton seconded and motion passed to authorize a booth at the annual reenactment where the ALBG can sell books and distribute information. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Apr 16	WINTER SCHEDULE COMMITTEE: Moved, seconded and passed to establish a committee to investigate the issue of open weekends on the winter schedule. Deb Novotny, Fred Hawthorne and Rich Bellamy appointed. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Apr 16	TRAVEL BRAINS PROPOSAL: Moved by Fred Hawthorne, Seconded by Phil Lechak to authorize John Fitzpatrick and Guillermo Bosch to negotiate with Travel Brains on behalf of the Association with the idea to bring a legal agreement before the organization. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Feb 19	MASTER GUIDE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FEE The Executive Committee moved, seconded and passed a fee of $100 for candidates to apply for the ALBG Master Guide certification program. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Jan. 15	ATTORNEY RETAINER: As part of the discussion for the adoption of the 2010 budget it was moved, seconded and passed to take funds from the Preservation of Guiding fund to pay the $400 quarterly retainer of our attorney. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Jan. 15	MAIN STREET GETTYSBURG DONATION: As part of the discussion for the adoption of the 2010 budget it was moved, seconded and passed to place a donation of $100 for Main Street Gettysburg into the budget and to remove $100 from the Miscellaneous category. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Jan. 15	POSTING OF OFFICIAL MINUTES: Moved, seconded and passed that the Association business and executive committee meeting minutes be posted on the Web Site, in the Guideroom, and in the Guide offices in a timely fashion. (Association Minute Book)
2010 Jan. 15	AUDIT COMMITTEE: Moved, seconded and passed to accept the report of the Audit Committee which found the proper amounts are represented for the asset summary of the Treasurer. (Association Minute Book)
ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT ROY FRAMPTON: 2009 – 2011