TGAGNOI – Board Meeting 4/04/07

Ye Old College Inn

3016 S. Carrollton Ave.

New Orleans, LA

Present:  President, Madeline Axtman; 1^st Vice President, Gene Reyes; 2^nd  Vice President, Barbara Robichaux; Treasurer, Alfred Rodriguez;  Recording Secretary, Estelle de Verges; Standards/Continuing Education Chairman, Adam Stevenson;  Membership/Registrar, Darleen Landry; Corresponding Secretary, Beverly Buisson

Absent:  Newsletter Editor, Saundra Green; Public Relations, Mary LaCoste

The meeting was called to order at 7pm. 

Minutes were read and approved.  Motion: Barbara Robichaux/Seconded: Adam Stevenson

No Treasurers Report was discussed

Old Business:

City Council Letter - Madeline Axtman advised that her letter to the City Council, requesting  enforcement of the ordinance requiring that individuals providing tours be licensed guides is still being rewritten.

Wetlands Patches - Adam Stevenson updated us on the request for the patches from the Wetlands group that were not provided at the July 2006 Seminar.  Tod Ragussa, who is in charge of ordering the items will get back with Adam when they are available.

Adam also offered to provide rides to Aunt Lenny’s in the future for Board Members.

Public Belt Railroad “Party Car” - Estelle de Verges advised that she contacted the Public Belt Railroad regarding the “party car train,” hoping it could be used for a meeting, TGAGNOI event or a fundraiser.  It is used for fundraising purposes approved by the Public Belt, usually for functions like silent auctions, since the car cost is about $2,000.  At this time, no fundraisers of this magnitude are being considered by TGAGNOI.

New Business:

2007 Jazz Fest Tickets  - Since TGAGNOI is a nonprofit organization with a 509(a)2 status, Estelle de Verges learned that we might qualify for complimentary Jazz Fest Tickets.  A limited number are available for nonprofit organizations and Estelle applied for our group.  Names of those interested can be taken at the next General Meeting and drawn for the tickets - depending on how many tickets, if any, are provided to TGAGNOI.  The Jazz Fest application notes that those organizations selected will be advised by Email and tickets will be available for pickup on April 23^rd.

CVB Meeting Notices - Madeline advised that she has not been receiving the Convention Visitors Bureau notices of meetings and needs a contact there for requesting an address change.  It’s important that TGANOI be represented at the meetings.

“A Day In Pompeii” Mobile Exhibit Fundraiser - Gene Reyes announced that approximately 16 people have signed up for the May 8^th “DAY IN POMPEII” fundraising bus excursion to the Mobile, AL exhibit.  The fee is $79 per person with a reservation deadline of April 25^th.  The cost of the bus is $800 to be paid in advance, long with   entrance fees, etc.  so the April 25^th deadline is important.

General Meetings - Barbara Robichaux reported that she is working on meeting venues and there is a problem with obtaining places for gatherings at 7pm.  (Shirley encountered this same situation due to lack of personnel since the hurricane).   Barbara has made some excellent progress – the Vatican Mosaic Exhibit at Ursuline Convent will be the place for our April 19th meeting.  She is currently working on Dragos, scheduled to open in May at Riverside, and have a presentation on our Oyster Industry.  Also, the Historic New Orleans Collection will be opening a new exhibit.  Café Amalie is still offered for us, but the café manager is requesting a talk from a TGAGNOI member no longer living in New Orleans who requests payment for her lectures.  Café Amalie is offering to close to the public for our meeting.  (Peggy Scott LaBorde will be available for a talk depending on the date).

Adam Stevenson – National Meeting Update - The national meeting, which will include the Annual TGAGNOI Seminar will be held at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, July 18-22,(19^th-21^st for regular session)  with hotel rooms costing $109 per night. 

TGAGNOI Brochure – is just about complete now that it includes a membership form.  Speedy Printing on Wabash was recommended for publishing.

Rides to Aunt Lenny’s – Adam is offering rides to for anyone concerned about the risk of driving to/from Aunt Lenny’s after dark. (Last month there was an unfortunate situation when the ferry stopped running at 8:30pm and the meeting lasted until after 9:00pm)) 

Park Service Tours – Barbara discussed the ongoing problem existing among licensed tour guides and unlicensed Park Service members who present walking tours.  Park Service employees mentioned that it’s important for visitors to stop at their center – the meeting location for tours.  Barbara suggests a compromise -  that tour guides walking the French Quarter Tours disperse their groups in front of the Park Service location will improve their “walk in” visitor numbers.  In return, the Park Service will discontinue the competing tours with licensed guides.

Membership - Darleen Landry reported that she continues to update records as members send in their information.  Her committee is contacting members in the directory for renewals.  Madeline advised that the TGAGNOI Newsletter should  include a welcome with mention of New Members to our organization. 

Beverly Buisson, Corresponding Secretary reported that cards, letters, thank you notes are up to date.

Next Board Meeting will be at Aunt Lenny’s with a time change to 6pm for safety purposes.

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00pm.  Motion: Gene Reyes/Seconded: Adam Stevenson.

Respectfully submitted by Estelle de Verges, Recording Secretary.