TGAGNOI – Board Meeting 5/2/07

Aunt Leni’s Café in Algiers

Verret and Pelican Streets

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; Public Relations, Mary LaCoste;  Corresponding Secretary, Beverly Buisson; Newsletter Editor, Saundra Green.

The 6pm meeting time was changed to 6:30pm   The meeting was called to order at 6:45pm by President Madeline Axtman.

 Minutes were read an accepted.  Motion: Gene Reyes/Seconded: Beverly Buisson.  All in favor.

The president tabled review of the Treasurers’ Report until later in the meeting.

Old Business

Wetlands Patches – Adam reported that he has Emailed the person (Todd Ragusa) in charge of ordering Wetlands patches and has received no response.  TGAGNOI July Conference 2006 attendees have been inquiring about the shortage of patches given out after Dr. Thomas’ lecture.  Adam said that he is still working on it.

City Council Letter – Madeline advised that she has sent out a letter to the City Council (no copy/attachment available) requesting help in enforcing licensing regulations for tour guides.  She said there has been no response.

National Park Service Unlicensed Tours – Barbara offered that Woody (who is not a tour guide) send a letter to the “Times-Picayune” Editor criticizing the National Park Service for providing free tours with unlicensed guides – preventing licensed guides from receiving revenue from those daily tours.  Madeline said that she has no problem if anyone – tour guide or not – sends a letter to the Editor, particularly since TGAGNOI member, Ozzie LaPorte, reported to her that he had been hired to guide a tour for a convention.  His tour was cancelled.  He later learned that the convention involved the Park Service and they were providing their own unlicensed guide. 

Madeline advised that there was some recent correspondence (not provided to file with minutes) and a February 2003 City Council letter requesting that the National Park Service stop giving these tours.  Adam said he will check with the FOC to see if they have a copy of the letter.   Madeline said she will also look for the more current correspondence for our review and file.

New Business

Locals Day – Madeline advised that Locals Day is scheduled for August 5, 2007.  The city bus tour, will depart from the New Orleans Convention Visitors Bureau on St. Charles Ave.  Like last year, 2 buses will be requested.  Local citizens and First Responders are invited.   There was discussion if Katrina Volunteers will be included.  Barbara mentioned that some companies/guides might object to volunteers being given complimentary tours.  Mary mentioned that many volunteers are kids who are here on limited funds, helping rebuild the area with very few “perks.” This is only for one day.   Madeline said she will check with Gray Line for an opinion. 

Potential Fund Raiser Trip – Estelle provided information regarding two exhibitions in Jackson, MS. – “The Legacy of Timbuktu: Wonders in the Written Word”/”Between God and Man: Angels in Italian Art” both presented through December 2007.  Depending on the success of our “Day In Pompeii,” these may be considered for future fund raising .

“A Day in Pompeii” – Gene reported that 38 people have paid for the trip.  FOC, SOC, PRC will be contacted and the trip will now be advertised to the public.  Barbara and Darleen offered to help with drink & snack planning & procurement.  Lynn Wolken offered ice chests, etc.   Estelle recommended Gene obtain phone contacts of attendees – a phone committee will make calls the night before reminding participants of the early departure.

Brochure – Adam is still working on it and will bring it to Speedy Printing (4432 Wabash St. Metairie/885 3389) for processing.

General Meeting Venues – Barbara reported that she spoke with the Valentino Family (who own numerous hotels and potential meeting venues).  They have been most generous to offer a permanent meeting venue for our June meetings!  They have also offered locations for our Christmas Party (although currently Audubon Park Golf Course Club is in the process of being arranged).  The Valentinos have expressed a desire to be a permanent fixture for our organization.  Therefore, our June 21^st General Meeting will be at the Basin Street Station (speaker/time TBA)

July 19^th General Meeting – Café Amalie/ Mary Garron had been proposed but not confirmed.  The July General Meeting would be during the NGFTA Conference.  Barbara said that attendees will be too busy with other meetings/activities to attend, suggesting that the General membership meeting eliminated.  Estelle noted that according to Article IV of the TGAGNOI By Laws, a General Membership Meeting must be held each month, with a date change allowed under special circumstances..

Motion by Adam that in light of the special circumstances of the NGFTA Conference and in order to fulfill requirements of Article IV of the By Laws that TGAGNOI members select a workshop or event of their choice at the NGFTA Conference as a substitute for their July General Meeting attendance.  Seconded by Darleen Landy.  Unanimously approved.  Therefore, there will be no formal July General Membership Meeting