Minutes of March 25, 2006 State Convention, Business Session held at the Meskwaki Convention Center, Tama, Iowa

Meeting was called to order by Chair, Christy Welty at 1:40. Executive Committee members present were: Christy Welty, Richard Moroney (left early), Ed Wright, James Clark, Tim Hird, Kevin Litten, Mark Nelson, Roger Leahy, and Jeremy Oehlert. Heather Clark arrived after meeting was is session.

Christy Welty opened the meeting with a presentation of her Iceberg Theory of Party Dynamics.

Tim Hird then presented the treasurers report. Our total income for the year was $5390 and our expenses were $3757. We ended the calendar year with a cash balance of $3766. Tim Hird then commented that the Unified Member Party income would soon end. As treasurer he recommended $2200 as minimum to run our party, or $20 per person dues.

A motion was then made that all members present be allowed to vote. Motion passed.

A motion was made that our fiscal year be switched from June to June, to January to January, thereby aligning bylaws with the way we have been running things. Motion passed.

Nominations for delegates to the National Convention in Portland, Oregon this July were then requested. The following names were all suggested and then approved by unanimous vote: Ed Wright, Mark Nelson, Ann Marie Campagna, Bill Lynn, Kevin Litten, Heather Clark, James Clark, and Eric Cooper.

The following candidates were then endorsed to run in November's election: Eric Copper for state house in district 45, Jeremy Oehlert for either state house or senate, Debra Curry for state treasurer, Christy Welty for governor, Mark Nelson for Lieutenant governor, and Kevin Litten for Secretary of State.

Three amendments to the constitution and bylaws were then debated: one calling for no dues, one calling for dues, and another that left it open either way. The following change to the constitution and bylaws was then passed:

ARTICLE XI: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Members shall be
a. those persons who are registered with the state of Iowa as voters affiliated with the Libertarian Party, and
b. those persons resident in Iowa who are unable to so register or have been able to so register for less than 90 days and who have indicated their intent to so register in a form specified by the state party.

Section 2. Voting members shall be members who have maintained continuous membership for a period of at least 30 days prior to the state party's convention, provided that their dues, if any, are also current. Any member who does not otherwise qualify as a voting member may be granted voting privileges and status as a convention Delegate at a state convention provided that a 4/5 majority of voting members in attendance consent.

BYLAW I: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 3. The Deputy Chairperson of Membership & Development shall maintain the list of members and voting members. Membership based on voter registration with the Iowa Secretary of State shall be updated at least annually as of December 31st. Membership based upon intent to register shall be done continuously. A list of voting members shall be made available to the Executive Committee not later than 30 days prior to each Party Convention.

BYLAW VI: MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Persons who are not registered as voters affiliated with the Libertarian Party may qualify as members by submitting to the Deputy Chairperson of Membership & Development a voter registration form or a form supplied by the state party, completed in a manner that clearly indicates affiliation with the Libertarian Party.

Section 2. Dues, if any, for voting membership in the Party shall be set by the Executive Committee and amended from time to time as the Executive Committee deems necessary.

BYLAW VII: DELEGATE ELECTIONS
Section 1. Only those persons who qualify as voting members can be Convention delegates. etc.....

The convention was then adjourned at 3:50 and the Executive Committee began at 4:05. Members present were Christy Welty, Ed Wright, James Clark, Tim Hird, Kevin Litten, Roger Leahy, Jeremy Oehlert and Heather Clark.

After much discussion dues was set for the 2006 calendar year at $20. Those who have paid more than $20 will receive a refund. Those who have paid any amount under $20 will only be charged the difference. Those joining later in the year (after July) may be eligible for a rebate

The newsletter printing and mailing will be switched to a Fairfield, Iowa company and members will be able to choose if they want to get it over the internet. Only dues paying members will receive newsletters in the future. Christy Welty will determine if the relationship with the new printer violates any election laws.

Kevin Litten will look into printing membership cards.

The meeting was adjourned shortly before 5 PM.