A) Welcome and opening statement- Dan M.
Dan M. gave his opening statement. Introductions of new Trustees and Alternate Trustees were made by asking them to stand and introduce themselves. An explanation of procedures for the meeting was given and it was stated that although we do not always actually follow Roberts Rules of Order, we will attempt to follow them to the best of our ability.

B) Roll Call- Changes- Karen H.
Karen H. took roll and simultaneously made changes to the Confidential Trustee Listing.

C) Approval of minutes from Minneapolis mtg.
The minutes of the Connecticut meeting were approved as submitted.
Approved: 33 Against: 0

D) Committee Reports
1. Scottsdale Conference Update- Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on Scottsdale stating everything is in order and the Hotel has been excellent trying to accommodate us during renovations.

2. Catskills Conference Update- Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the upcoming Conference to be held in the Catskills April 26-28, 1996. 250 rooms have been purchased. Everything is on track and workshops are being put in place. If anyone is interested in doing a workshop contact Lou T. 3. Vancouver Conference Update- Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the Vancouver Conference to be held October 11-13, 1996 at the Whistler Mountain Resort. Everything is going well and we are looking forward to a great Conference.

4. Chicago Conference Update-Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the Chicago Conference to be held May 30-June 1, 1997 at the Chicago O’Hare Marriot. Everything is very well organized and again are expecting another great Conference.

5. ISO/Lifeliner Report- Karen H.
Karen H. gave her report on Lifeliners and handed out a chart showing the past years activity. She thanked everyone for their support and encouraged all members to go back to their areas and help spread the word about how important Lifeliners are to the support of the International Service Office.

6. Walk-a-thon Update- Tom M.
Tom M. gave a report on the Walk-A-Thon to be held Saturday morning at 6:30 A. M. All money will be turned into Tom. He is expecting a good turn out.

7. History Booklet Committee Report- Dan M. & Tom M.
Dan M. gave a report and handed out the Committees report on the progress and timelines of the History Booklet. Ed E. was thanked for his contribution of had work on this project.

8. Operation Outreach Report- Larry G.
Larry G. gave a report on what has happened since “Operation Outreach” held in Alabama. The unity of all areas have really come together. Louisiana has formed an Intergroup that currently has 40 groups. Mississippi also has an Intergroup with 13 groups participating. As was determined, this was truly a success.
A motion was made to expend up to $3,000.00 for Operation Outreach to go to St. Louis to set up a meeting to assist this area in expanding this program.
Approved: 30 Against: 1 Passed

E. Old Business
1. “Have you quit the fellowship of G.A.?” as a single sheet approved literature.
Approved: 34 Against: 6 Passed (2nd vote)

2. Compile a booklet on the differing formats used by various areas in conducting Mini Conferences. (Steve R. No. Cal.)
Approved: 39 Against: 2 Passed (2nd vote)

3. Update all Gamblers Anonymous literature to reflect gender neutral phrases and portrayals. Tabled from Florida & Minneapolis. (Minnesota)
Motion to table to Catskills.
Approved: 32 Against: 2 Passed

4. Combo Book, page 14, paragraph 2 to read “Yes. Compulsive gamblers…”
Approved: 25 Against: 5 Passed (1st vote)

5. Regarding the term of office for IES: When does it start and when does it end? Tabled from Minneapolis (Los Angeles)
Motion made that the I.E.S. election be during the Spring meeting of the odd years. The term of 2 years would be from July 1st through June 30th extending the current term 6 months.
Amendment to make all pertinent Guidance Code changes to reflect this.
Approved: 23 Against: 1 Passed
Amendment to the Amendment that the By-laws be changed to reflect the changes also.
Approved: 3 Against: 16 Failed
On the motion.
Approved: 32 Against: 1 Passed (1st vote)

6. Guidance Code, Article IX, Section 7: Increase from $5,000 to $7,500 and add to end of paragraph “The total combined annual expenditure cannot exceed $7,500.
Approved: 37 Against: 0 Passed (2nd vote)

7. Discuss updating the Group Handbook & Red Book to reflect the “Open Meeting Act” passed in Montreal 1992. Tabled from Minneapolis. (Portland)
Discussion only.

8. Discuss the pursuit of yearly anniversary coins. Tabled from Minneapolis. (Portland)
Motion to have the Literature Committee, the Board of Regents, or set up a committee to pursue the use of G.A. Anniversary coins.
Approved: 0 Against: 30 Failed

F. NEW BUSINESS 1. Comments & questions concerning Florida Conference. (Chairman BOT)
A cassette tape recorded by Dick D. was submitted to the Board of Trustees telling his explanation of what actually occurred with the Conference funds. A vote was taken to see if the tape should be played.
Approved: 27 Against: 11 Passed
Motion was made that the Chairman be allowed to facilitate current discussion of New Business, Item 1.
Approved: 30 Against: 8 Passed
It was determined that all present & past Trustees and Alternates and current Chairman of the Board of Regents would be given the opportunity to share in the discussion and question period of this meeting. After accepting all questions, they were organized and answered with the best knowledge possible.
During this time a letter from the West Coast Florida Intergroup was read and it was requested that the letter be included in these minutes as follows:
To: Members of the Board of Trustees
Since the unfortunate incident of the misappropriation of funds at the conference in St. Petersburg, Florida last year some rumors have been heard throughout the G.A. community in various areas of the country.

Let us clear the air once and for all that there was no conspiracy. This was done by one person and one person alone without the aid or knowledge of anyone else. When the sad news came to light everyone involved with the conference was just as surprised as every other G.A. member across the country.

While no one else was involved in the misappropriation, we in southwestern Florida feel a need to apologize to all of G.A. because we are very embarrassed that this happened on our turf. In retrospect, we should have handled things a little differently but please remember we totally trusted our representative to the board, a man with great respect and trust and about seventeen years of dedicated service (recovery) service to G.A.

If we could change time and events, we would do so, but unfortunately we don’t have that power.

To all our brothers and sisters we sincerely and humbly apologize.

2. Proposal for restitution of Florida Conference funds. LETTER ENCLOSED. (Florida)
A motion was made that Dick D. should sign a promissory note admitting his culpability to fraud and that he pay an agreed amount until full payment is received. Amendment that the confession of judgment, wife sign a trust deed against her property, payment of $500.00 per month with interest at legal rate.
Approved: 4 Against: 25 Failed
On the motion.
Approved: 4 Against: 27 Failed
A motion was made to turn over to the Board of Regents the duty of exploring our legal rights and to proceed with the collection of the money in whatever manner they see fit.
Approved: 26 Against: 6 Passed

3. Amend the Guidance Code to provide that it be mandatory for the BOT to refer, for criminal prosecution, any person responsible for the conversion of funds from Gamblers Anonymous ISO and or national conferences. This is not intended to include action taken by person effecting an individual group or Intergroup. (New Jersey)
Motion to amend the Guidance Code to provide that it be mandatory for the Board of Trustees to refer to the Board of Regents for possible criminal prosecution and/or restitution any person responsible for the theft or embezzlement of any funds from G.A., I.S.O. or National Conference.
Approved: 19 Against: 20 Failed

4. Request GamAnon ISO to pay GA ISO 45% of the amount misappropriated from the 1994 Florida Conference. (New Jersey)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 10 Against: 30 Failed
Motion to direct the Board of Regents to attempt to solicit monies from Gam-Anon I.S.O. of $1,000.00 plus from Florida Conference proceeds.
Approved: 33 Against: 7 Passed

5. If Gamblers Anonymous is solely responsible for the cost of the Florida Conference and if GamAnon is either unwilling or unable to share in the responsibility than Gamblers Anonymous should no longer hold joint National Conferences with GamAnon or any other body where Gamblers Anonymous must take more than its fair share of the financial responsibility. (New Jersey)
Motion to accept above.
Motion to table.
Approved: 12 Against: 24 Failed
On the motion.
Approved: 7 Against: 30 Failed

6. With regard to the Florida Conference, the BOT should request the resignation of any member of the BOT who served on the conference committee in any capacity. (New Jersey)
Motion to accept above.
It was determined that this motion is out of order as it did not apply to anyone.

7. The BOT should strongly urge anyone who received a “comp” at the Florida Conference to come forward to the Board and to take personal and financial responsibility by repaying the Fellowship. (New Jersey)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 6 Against: 29 Failed

8. With regard to the Florida Conference the BOT should request the resignation of any member of the BOT and the BOR who had knowledge of “comps” being given to anyone who should not have received one. (New Jersey)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 2 Against: 35 Failed

9. Advise all groups and Intergroups to cease using the name Gamblers Anonymous on any contracts pertaining to Mini Conference, social engagements, etc., without written approval from the Board of Trustees. (Michigan)
This item was ruled out of order.

10. Effective at the close of the 1997 Midwest Conference, Gamblers Anonymous should cease hosting National and/or International Conferences. The Chairman of the BOT shall call for two physical meetings a year. The place where the meetings will be held will be up to the Chairman. Each Trustee and Alternate shall be responsible to obtain their own lodging and their own meals. A small fee will be assessed for the renting of a meeting room. The meeting will begin on Friday and will conclude by the following Sunday. (Michigan)
Motion to cease hosting National or International Conferences after 1997.
Approved: 3 Against: 37 Failed

11. The Chairman should appoint a committee to investigate the cost and procedure for contracting with an outside firm the handling of the financial end of national conferences. (New Jersey)
Discussion was held. Tom M. reported that he spoke with two companies in regards to the above.
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 10 Against: 27 Failed

12. Discuss appropriate procedures where the GA name is used with regards to contracts or payment of monetary funds is to be received. (Board of Regents)
Motion made that National Conference fees should be paid as follows:
1. All registrations to be paid directly to the I.S.O.
2. All other payments to be made directly to the hotel.
Approved: 11 Against: 26 Failed
Motion made that all contracts for Mini or National Conferences that are signed by a G.A. member using the G.A. name should be approved by the Board of Regents.
Approved: 4 Against: 32 Failed
A committee was formed consisting of Paul A., Stan S., Rob S., and Bill M., Chairman of the Board of Regents.

13. Any area awarded a conference will not use the name Gamblers Anonymous on any contract with any hotel or other vendor. The Area hosting the conference will send a hold harmless letter to Gamblers Anonymous stating that the Area and the members are responsible for any debts incurred. (No. California)
The item was ruled out of order as the author is unknown.

14. Any person handling money for a conference shall be bonded and any person that does not qualify for bonding shall not be allowed to handle funds. (No. California)
Discussion only.

15. All persons holding any office in GA either on the BOT, BOR or an employee of the ISO must qualify for bonding if they have a position that handles any money for the Fellowship or have a decision on how funds will be expended. (No. California)
Motion made that I.S.O., under the guidance of the Board of Regents get quotation on blanket policy to cover theft etc. of employees of the Corporation and or anyone who handles money on behalf of G.A. as a whole and purchase such policy at the direction of the Board of Regents (Neil W. and Lenny L.)
Approved: 36 Against: 0 Passed

16. Combo Book, Inside cover: Replace prayer with:
I sought my soul
But I needed more
I sought my higher power
And that opened the door
I sought my brothers and sister
And found all four (No. California)
Motion to table. (Need to check copyright)
Approved: 18 Against: 15 Passed

17. Any area awarded a conference shall form a committee comprised of GA and GamAnon members. All checking accounts shall require two signatures one of whom must be a GA member and one a GamAnon member. No 2 GA or 2 GamAnon members shall counter sign the checks and no husband and wife may countersign the checks. The committee shall hold regular meetings and keep the Chairman or the designee apprised of what the status of the conference is. The committee shall provide the Chairman or his designee with the following:
A. A copy of the bank signature cards
B. A copy of the Hotel contract
C. A list of all members who have paid any money and the amount.
D. A copy of all bank statements
E. A copy of all checks issued
C, D, & E shall be done on a monthly basis. The debts from the conference shall be paid within 60 days and a complete report shall be furnished to ISO and the designee of the Chairman of the Board within 60 days of the conference conclusion. (No. California)
Motion to accept above including designee of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents within 60 of the conference conclusion.
Approved: 35 Against: 1 Passed
This will be placed in Past Trustee Decision book.

18. Every Trustee and Alternate shall be required to be a “Life Liner”. (Maryland)
Motion made that every Board of Trustee member be a Lifeliner.
Approved: 8 Against: 29 Failed

19. According to the Chair the Bloomington and all BOT meetings are conducted by Roberts Rules of Order. The presenter of these agenda items, petitioned the Chair and BOT to withdraw items 15, 16, and 17. Roberts Rules of Order disallows discussion of withdrawn agenda items. Withdrawn items are to be treated as not presented at all and are therefore not debatable. The minutes of the Bloomington meeting need to be corrected to reflect items 15, 16, and 17 withdrawn no action taken. (Portland)
This item was withdrawn by the presenter.

20. Treat bids for hosting a National Conference the same as all other BOT agenda items, and require bids to be submitted 65 days prior to BOT meetings pursuant to Guidance Code, Article VIII, section 17. In the event a bid to host a National Conference is not submitted, vacant conference bids will be tabled to the next physical Trustee Board Meeting. (Portland)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 14 Against: 18 Failed

21. Require the BOT, BOT Chair and or Co Chair’s to comply with GA Guidance Code article VIII, section 17 and to uphold and abide by all codes, rules and decisions found in the GA Guidance Code, GA By Laws, or as set forth by the BOT. (Portland)
Motion to withdraw above.
Approved: 29 Against: 1 Passed

22. Area 2A Trustee would like to apologize to the BOT and the Chair for any harm or ill feeling, caused by a misunderstanding of Chair’s behavior or actions regarding National Conference bids. Area 2A Trustee believed that conference bids and agenda items were to be submitted pursuant to GAGC article VIII, section 17. (Portland)
Area 2A Trustee apologized and apology was accepted.

23. Amend Guidance Code Article IX, section 7 as follows: IES shall supply the BOT with a detailed accounting of said expenditures within sixty days of the close of the fiscal year. (New Jersey)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 29 Against: 9 Passed (1st vote)

24. Approve Australia RSO articles of incorporation for income tax purpose. Chair will report.
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 34 Against: 0 Passed

25. Is it ok for someone who attends only 3-4 meetings a year to be on Pressure Relief Committee? Straw vote requested. (Los Angeles)
A straw vote was taken and it is the consensus of this Board that it is not ok for someone who attends only 3-4 meetings per year to be on a Pressure Relief Committee.

26. Combo Book, page 17, #1, change to read: Attend as many meetings as possible. MEETINGS MAKE IT.
Motion to accept above.
Amendment to leave the words “but at least one full meeting per week” and add the sentence “MEETINGS MAKE IT” to the end.
Approved: 29 Against: 1 Passed (1st vote)
The only vote taken on this item was on the amendment as it was determined that by accepting the amendment, the motion was completely changed and the amendment now becomes the motion.

27. Change Guidance Code Article VIII, section 1, page 6 by deleting: Each area shall have the same number of alternate trustees as they have trustees. In those areas having more than one trustee, an alternate trustee shall be listed as first alternate, second alternate, etc., until all are so listed.
And replacing with:
Each area shall have one (1) alternate trustee. Upon death, removal or resignation of a Trustee, the alternate trustee position shall then be filled by the next in line from the previous election. (Los Angeles)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 3 Against: 34 Failed

28. In the event that New Business #27 is not approved, the following is proposed: Delete the following: Each area shall have the same number of alternate trustees as they have trustees. In those areas having more than one trustee, an alternate trustee shall be listed as first alternate, second alternate, etc., until all are so listed.
And replace with:
Each area shall determine the number of alternate trustees is deems necessary to serve the area by vote of local Intergroup secretaries selecting at least one (1). If only one is elected, upon death, removal or resignation of a Trustee, the alternate will move up to the position of trustee. The alternate trustee position shall be filled by the next in line from the previous election. (Los Angeles)
Motion to accept above adding “not to exceed number of Trustees”.
Approved: 5 Against: 34 Failed

29. Site selection 1997 Western Conference Bidding: Los Angeles
Motion to accept the bid for Los Angeles to host the 1997 Western Conference.
Approved: 31 Against: 2 Passed
Date and location to be announced.

30. Discuss retirement benefits for IES. (Los Angeles)
Discussion only.

31. Combo Book, page 15, #1: Insert the words or school after the word work. (Long Island)
Motion to accept above.
Approved: 26 Against: 12 Passed (1st vote)

G) Anything omitted from Agenda.

H) Good and Welfare
Motion made to withdraw “Good and Welfare”.
Approved: 35 Against: 14 Passed
The meeting was closed with the Serenity Prayer at 9:30 P.M. The collection for the five (5) sessions was $735.00.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held April 25 & 26, 1996 at the Catskills, New York.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen H., International
Executive Secretary