MEETING of the NMRA POTOMAC DIVISION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

April 6, 2018

Superintendent Brian Sheron called the meeting to order at 10:04AM. Present via conference call were Brian Sheron, Superintendent, Marshall Abrams, Senior Assistant Superintendent, Ed Rosado, Assistant Superintendent, Tom Brodrick, Paymaster, John Paganoni, Committee Chair, Bob Sprague, Clerk.

Brian explained that a request had been received from member Tim Barr to attend the next board meeting to discuss his suggestions to a) expand the number of positions on the Board to include several at-large Directors, and (b) that two clubs be given non-voting seats on the Board.

Traditionally Board meetings have not been considered open to the membership, and there have been no recent requests from members to attend. Opening them would present a practical problem in that most meetings are held in Board members' private homes not suitable for large groups of onlookers. In addition, the annual Business Meeting held most recently on March 24 provides an open forum for member input and discussion. The Bylaws are silent on the issue.

It was pointed out that changes such as those proposed by Tim Barr were not Board decisions, but would require changes to the Division Bylaws.

Brian proposed a motion that the Board put Tim's proposal on the agenda for the May 5 meeting under New Business and allow Tim 15-20 minutes to present his ideas. This motion was approved by voice vote.

It was further discussed that Tim should be asked to submit his proposals in writing to allow the Directors to study them in advance and be prepared to ask appropriate questions.

Brian said he would prepare a message to Tim and circulate it for comment and approval by the other Directors.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:50AM.

Action Items:

· Draft response to Tim Barr B. Sheron

· Review and approve All members