February 4, 1999, at K Mart Corporation in Troy

In attendance were: J. Forrest, M. Boonstra, D. Gravelyn (by phone), S. Raymond, D. Miela, R. Kalisher, B. Mandell, and S. Berenbaum (by phone).

Approval of Minutes

The minutes for the January 12, 1999, Council Meeting were approved without amendment.

Treasurer’s Report

Monthly Income
$385.00

Monthly Expenses
$0.00

Monthly Net Income
$385.00

Year to Date Income
$8,010.00

Year to Date Expenses
$1.12

Year-to-Date Net Section Income
$8,008.88

Net Section Balance
$19,948.04

It was noted that invoices since have been approved for payment, including $2,500 for the Section’s Access to Justice contribution, and in excess of $3,300 for the Antitrust Digest. Payment of these invoices should leave a balance of $13,987.92.

The report was approved.

Committee Reports

• Franchise Committee
  Mr. Forrest reported that he continues to work toward the Spring seminar. Sally Foley is trying to line up Paul Novak for a new date around which to work the rest of the seminar. March 25 is a possibility, but that date is not yet confirmed.
• Newsletter Committee
  Mr. Forrest noted that J. Swanson had headed up the newsletter committee and that J. Deline had volunteered to work with her, but was not present to report. Mr. Forrest reiterated that we need to get the newsletter back on track, and encouraged ideas in that regard. Mr. Forrest indicated that he would follow up with Mr. Deline.
• Legislative Committee
  Mr. Forrest indicated that the State Bar had called and inquired as to whether the Section has a legislative committee. He noted that E. Bladen had formerly headed up this effort, and indicated that he would call Mr. Bladen to inquire about ways to stay current on new and pending legislation. M. Boonstra volunteered to assist in this effort. D. Miela offered to check the State Bar’s newsletter and web page for any assistance that they may lend. Mr. Forrest noted that the State Bar has periodic legislative committee meetings that we can attend in an effort to stay current on pertinent legislation.
• Education and Seminars Committee
  Mr. Forrest noted that H. Iwrey and J. Deline were working on putting together another seminar, possibly with Attorney General Jennifer Granholm, but that Mr. Iwrey and Mr. Deline were not present, and that they had not yet been able to make contact with Ms. Granholm.

Mr. Forrest also observed that the Section’s web page, which had been maintained by D. Chardevoyne, should be updated. D. Gravelyn offered to assist in this regard. During the meeting, D. Miela accessed the Section’s web page, and it was determined to reflect agenda and minutes from 1996. Discussion ensued regarding the updating of the web page on a monthly basis. The Council placed a telephone call to Mr. Chardevoyne, who volunteered to be the recipient of information, and the liaison with the State Bar, for purposes of updating the web page. Questions were raised about the format in which the State Bar requires information to be submitted for the web page. Mr. Chardevoyne indicated that he would inquire with the State Bar regarding this.

Old Business

Mr. Boonstra distributed a new listing of council members and their addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers.

New Business

Mr. Forrest described his plan for the rest of the year. There should occur the planned Spring franchising seminar, a second seminar, possibly with Jennifer Granholm, and an annual meeting seminar, on all of which the council should work as those matters go forward. In addition, Mr. Forrest indicated that he would like to get people in place on committees to insure some continuity in those positions.

State Bar Communications

Mr. Forrest indicated that he had received a notice concerning the annual meeting coordinating committee. Anyone interested in being involved with that committee should contact Mr. Forrest. In addition, Mr. Forrest received copies of three 30-second videotaped advertisements prepared by the State Bar concerning attorneys and the practice of law. The council viewed the advertisements.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3, 1999, at Dykema Gossett, Bloomfield Hills.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 1:12 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Mark T. Boonstra
Secretary