Call to Order

President David Meadows called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

President's Report

President Meadows welcomed meeting attendees and started the meeting by reading a letter from Scott Bolden who congratulated the Stein Club for its successful diversity efforts to ensure GLBT representation at the DSC. He also talked about the presidential elections and said that we should be proud of our efforts to elect a democratic president.. He commended Jeff Hops for his great contribution to the campaign by handling all the GLBT volunteer efforts. Member Miriam Saez mentioned that she worked in Nevada. Meadows also commended Claire Lucas for her efforts to raise a lot of money from GLBT individuals for the Kerry campaign. President Meadows then asked members to review the minutes from the October 18 meeting. Stein members present reviewed and approved the minutes unanimously.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer presented his report, which reflected a beginning balance of $10,587.08, with expenses totaling $1,500.00, and fees totaling $2.00. The ending balance was $9,085.08.

Elections of Stein Club Officers

President Meadows announced that the Club will hold elections for the Officers. After one-minute remarks by each of the candidates, the Stein Club elected the following Officers:

President: David Meadows
Vice President for Political Affairs: Mario Acosta-Velez
Vice President for Administration: Claire Lucas
Treasurer: Darrin Glymph
Secretary: Darren Bowie

Selection of Stein Representatives to the DSC

President Meadows announced to the members present that an election would be held for a female representative to the DSC. The candidates for the elected position included: Claire Lucas and Kenda Kirby. Peter Share said that it is important to ensure diversity in our representation to the DSC. Candidates were given an opportunity to address the members (Kenda Kirby was not present but had a Stein member read a statement from her). Claire Lucas was elected by the majority of members present as the female representative of the Stein Club to the SDC.

Discussion of the DC Baseball Initiative

The Club held an open discussion of the DC Baseball initiative and its impact on the DC GLBT businesses and community. Several members expressed their opinions about the initiatives and engaged in a considerable discussion of what, if any, should the Stein Club do to address the issue. The Mayor's office sent representatives who discussed the pros of the initiative along with its supporters. The club gave opponents of the initiative an opportunity to present their positions. After discussion and analysis of the pros and cons of the initiative with regards t the GLBT community, the Club presented a resolution which essentially called on the Mayor and City Council to provide assurances to the affected GLBT business and residents in the area where the baseball stadium would be built that they would assist them with relocation of their businesses and other negative effects of the construction of the stadium. The Stein Club approved the resolution. To full text of the resolution is posted on the Stein Club's website.

Adjournment

Upon motion, the Stein Club voted to adjourn the meeting.

GERTRUDE STEIN DEMOCRATIC CLUB RESOLUTION ON MAYOR'S BASEBALL STADIUM PLAN

Whereas the Mayor and City Council of the District of Columbia have been supportive of LGBT rights,Whereas the South Capitol Street baseball stadium plan would displace numerous businesses and residents,Whereas the zoning code and ABC regulations prohibit the transfer of these businesses,Whereas no location has been identified as an alternative appropriate location,

Therefore, be it resolved that the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club (GSDC) petitions that the plan incorporate and provide for the acceptable relocation of these businesses and that appropriate economic development assistance to the affected businesses be provided.

Be it further resolved that the GSDC insistently petitions the Mayor that all residents are well compensated at market rate or above.

This resolution submitted with the understanding that a meeting between the Mayor, the Chair of the City Council, leaders of the LGBT community, and affected businesses and residents be held before the final vote.

Approved at November 15, 2004 meeting.