October 2000

The meeting was called to order by the Secretary, Jennifer Pilette, in the absence of the chair and vice chair. As the telephone hookup was not working there was no quorum. Several issues were discussed which were tabled for vote until there was quorum.

The Chair arrived and a quorum of 7 was established. A report on the annual meeting was given by the Chair and Michelle La Flora, who coordinated the program, was congratulated upon it's success. The new counsel members and officers were introduced (See Website).

Michelle La Flora was unanimously appointed as the liaison to the Criminal Law Section. Jack Forczak was unanimously appointed as the liaison to the Family Law Section.

This Section's relationship to the Child Welfare Law Journal was discussed (given the cuts to Frank Vandervort's programing). The potentiality of a contractual agreement was discussed. It was raised that the Chair, Bill Ladd, would discuss these issues with Frank and also discuss whether Frank would be willing to prepare a Council Newsletter. Karen Cook moved to table this proposal until the parties had a chance to talk. The motion to table was seconded by Jim Ridella and passed without objection.

Discussions as to the proposed meeting with the lobbyist ensued. There was interest that he should discuss with the Section what bills are coming before the legislature. Bill Ladd, Jim Ridella, Karen Cook and Jennifer Pilette agreed to meet with the lobbyist by teleconference.

It was moved by Jennifer Pilette that a membership letter be made available to the various juvenile courts through members of the Section in an attempt to increase membership. This action was seconded by Jim Ridella and passed unanimously. A rough draft will be e-mailed to section members.

Discussion of the use of the State Bar web site occurred. It is hoped the eventually the minutes, meeting agendas, council members and other information (including upcoming events) could be found there. It was suggested that perhaps the Child Welfare Law Journal and Council Newsletter could also be placed on the web site. The Secretary indicated that she intended to send all notices, minutes, etc., by e-mail in the near future. Council members are asked to forward their e-mail addresses to Jennifer Pilette.

Future Meetings were discussed. THE NOVEMBER MEETING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2000 AT THE HOLIDAY INN (HOLIDOME) ON TELEGRAPH SOUTH OF I-696.

A discussion as to the conference call rates and process ensure. Bill Ladd and Jack Forczak will check into this. It was moved, seconded and passed that the Section would purchase its own phone. Chair Bill Ladd will accomplish this.

There was some discussion of an appellate law training in November, 2000. This is being planned by Rebekah Visconti and Jennifer Pilette. A potential future program with Davis Katner and Thomas Grasso was also addressed. The meeting was concluded at 6:35 PM.

Present

JENNIFER PILETTE, JIM RIDELLA, JACK FORCZAK, DEBORAH CARSON, DENISE MCNULTY, BRIDGETTE OFFICER, KAREN GULLBERG COOK, MARIA STAPULIONIS