J.F.K. DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP
SOMERSET, SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
Draft Minutes
JFK CLUB EXECUTIVE BOARD
MONDAY MAY 25, 2020
I. ROLL CALL
The meeting was held via Zoom and was called to order at 8:00 PM. Those present included Deana Luchs, Linda Powell, Arnie Schmidt, Rich Rodgers, John Kamara, Bernadette Maher, Erika Inocencio, Theresa Ford and Ron Jordan.
II. MINUTES
The minutes from the April 27,2020 Executive Board Meeting were presented to the group. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Arnie Schmidt and seconded by Erika Inocencio. Motion carried and so moved.
III. TREASURER’S REPORT – JOHN KAMARA
INCOME: 1737.07
EXPENSES: 220.07
BALANCE: 1517.14
Note: Deana called Unity Bank and they are not currently opening any new accounts. Regal Bank on Elizabeth Ave and Schoolhouse Road is open. John and Deana were going together to open new account and close out Investors.
IV. PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A. We lost a very dear and longtime member of the JFK Club last Monday. Stephen Levine passed away leaving behind his beloved wife Elaine. We will remember that he was an avid participant in discussions, not afraid to offer opinions, information and ask questions and rarely missed meetings. A moment of silence was held in honor of Stephen Levine.
B. There was a virtual Memorial Day ceremony at noon today.
C. Some township or council meetings have been held via zoom during the coronavirus pandemic.
D. Mayor Kramer continues to hold virtual town hall meetings on his Facebook page on Thursday nights at 7:00 pm.
E. Township Council virtual meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm.
F. NJ primary postponed until Tuesday, July 7th. Voter registration deadline is June 16th. Erika sent out more info on dates and deadlines to members.
G. Biggest news this past week was about our big pipeline success!
H. Information about the LCV Virtual Green Gala was sent to members. there is an attachment to this agenda with information from the SCDW.
V. OLD BUSINESS
A. GREAT NEWS! NESE TASK FORCE REPORT – LINDA POWELL
Linda shared the news that both the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) denied the permits for the NESE project.
This is the first time a federally approved project has been denied.
There was a virtual celebration/rally on May18th featuring all the groups with a special message from Jane Fonda. Thank you to everyone who helped to fight the harms and risks of the NESE project by coming to meetings and informational sessions, shared research concerns and actions, reached out to neighbors, signed letters and petitions, sent comments to federal and state officials, donated time and resources to support the collaborative efforts to stop this project. Your efforts have aided efforts to protect our health, safety, wildlife, marine life, economy and future well-being.
Even though Williams/Transco can still challenge these denials in court, for the moment we can all breathe easier knowing that they have protected our environment and climate.
B. MAY 11TH – ZOOM presentation with Patrick Murray from the Monmouth University Polling Institute was a big success and very well attended. A few people notified me that they were sorry they forgot.
C. COMMITTEE UPDATES
Bylaws Committee – A phone conference meeting was held on 4/21/20. We are done reviewing and revising the bylaws. The committee is a wonderful and hard-working group along with the board liaisons. Hopefully, we will soon have this completed to send to Executive Committee and then club members well before the next in person meeting for review, then discussion and approval.
There was a lengthy discussion by the Executive Board regarding the bylaws and what edits/changes might still be needed. In the interest of time, the Board decided to hold a separate meeting on June 18th at 7:30 PM to review. The Board did decide that whatever changes we suggest will be presented to the bylaws committee as an Executive suggestion, not individual suggestions.
C. WEBSITE REVIEW – MOE TABLANI
Pat and Moe have not been able to connect as of yet. Moe has been quite busy at work due to virtual learning at the college.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. IDEAS TO HONOR STEPHEN LEVINE’S MEMORY
The group discussed ways we might honor Steve Levine’s memory. Deana mentioned making another contribution to Franklin Food Bank in Stephen’s memory followed by an article in Tap Into and Franklin Reporter.
Arnie suggested that we save a seat in the front row at JFK Club meetings with a note stating “In Honor of Stephen Levine”
B. NEXT ZOOM CONFERENCE/MEETING – MONDAY JUNE 8TH
The meeting will start 7:30 PM. The group decided we should we hold a regular meeting. Joe Danielsen will present “The State of the State”. Ron Jordan noted that the county candidates would also like to attend and meet the Franklin voters.
VII. MUNICIPAL/COUNTY DEMS UPDATE – RON JORDAN
Ron informed the group that the NJ primary has been postponed until July7th and voter registration was extended until June 16th. Every Democrat, Republican and independent voter will get a vote by mail ballot. Joe Danielson is on top of the ticket.
VIII. MISCELLANEOUs
ZOOM The group discussed the use and necessity of Zoom meetings during these trying times and it was decided that we should continue with the Zoom subscription for the year. Arnie Schmidt made a motion to keep Zoom for the year and Linda Powell seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried unanimously.
OTHER COMMUNITY MEMBERS In addition to the sad passing of Stephen Levine, we have lost several other members of the community. Foday Monserrat passed away. There was a virtual memorial service for him. Ali Kamara also passed away. He was a Democratic committee person from the 5th ward.
The Gazebo at the municipal complex is serving as a memorial for those lost to the corona virus.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING Our next meeting will be held via Zoom on June 29, 2020 at 7:30 PM.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Linda Powell and was seconded by Erika Inocencio. Motion carried and so moved. Meeting was adjourned at 9:15.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette Maher
Recording Secretary
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