Liberian community general meeting
December 19, 2009
1240 Park Street
Attendance: 27
It was moved by the president that the meeting be called to order and seconded by the vice president. The meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Leo Dossen at 6:50 pm. The president read the agenda. Topics on the agenda for discussion were: previous meeting minutes, recognition/introduction of visitors, friends and family members, venue for Christmas celebration, committees’ reports, dues, and other matters.
The General secretary read the previous meeting minutes. The minutes were accepted by the general body of LICOS. However, there were some concerns regarding issues that were discussed in the previous meeting which reflected in the minutes such as members paying for the constitution.
Mr. John Ndaby who was not in the December 5, 2009 general meeting when the issue of paying for the constitution was brought up stated that he is personally not thrill with the idea of members paying for constitution. Mr. Ndaby statED that members paying for the constitution will send out a negative impression to members who may want to join the community. Mr. Ndaby suggested that maybe the community could have found an alternative means for members to obtain copy of the constitution rather then asking members to pay. However Mr. Ndaby stated that in as much as members voted for the idea he too would go with everyone else and pay for his copy of the constitution.
Still on the previous meeting minutes, Mr. Simpson Snoh questioned if further discussions were held on the bank statement that was presented by the Secretary to the president according to the minutes read and if so, Mr. Snoh added that the outcome of the discussion should have been reflected in the meeting minutes. The president replied that there was no further discussion held regarding the bank statement but he clarified that the secretary stated as he was giving the bank statement that it was not a detail report but decided to present the recent statement since it was available. The president quoted the secretary as saying that the detail report regarding the banks statement which the Pauline Administration is still in the process of compiling will follow as soon as possible. Mr. Snoh stated that giving some sort of report will set a path for succeeding administrations to follow suit. Mr. Snoh added such practice might promote accountability and good leadership in the organization.
New members: Mr. Lassanah Kieta, a Liberian who recently arrived from Africa introduced himself at the meeting. Mr. Kieta stated that the Membership Committee Chairman who is Mr. Jacob Saywon informed him about the Community. Mr. Kieta voiced that he already filled out a membership form. Mr. Keita was welcome by the President, Mr. Leo Dossen and the entire community had a hand of applause.
Venue of Christmas celebration: On behalf of the Planning Committee, the President asked that Mr. Emmanuel Tambah and Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo talk to the Administration of the Trinity Lutheran Church to use their church basement for the Christmas Dinner. Mr. Tambah did not guarantee that the Community would get the building for the celebration but agreed to join with Caleb to talk to the Administration of the church regarding this issue. Emmanuel stated that the he was concern about the time (3.00am) the program committed set for the program to be over. Emmanuel stated that if the church is secured for the the Community has to cleaned the Church Basement in order to be used the next day which will be on Sunday. Adding to Emmanuel’s concern, Mr. Johnson Kumeh also raised a concern about some people who are just uncontrollable especially the children during such occasions and he asked if there were any plan put in place to address these concerns. The Chair person Ms. Sarah Doe stated that a comprehensive plan has been put in place by her team to address such concerns. Emmanuel stated that he would get back to the committee on Sunday or Monday regarding the availability of the church basement.
Mrs. Victoria Secton,questioned if the Community had inquire about getting CYO back as our meeting place. Victoria suggested if so, CYO could be used as the back up venue if we are not successful in getting the church. The President replied and said Ms. Pauline Collins, the former President stated that CYO will not be available until the New Year, 2010.
Committees Reports;
Planning Committee: Ms. Sarah Doe said that she received the amount of $70.00 as contributions for the Christmas Party from the men while the Assistant Planning and Program Committee, Ms. Mama Tarlawala suggested that the amount needed for decoration is roughly $200.00.
Mr. Foday Koromah, the Opportunity and Networking Committee Chairperson informed the Community that his Committee had a meeting and came up with the idea of running a tutorial program for kids of the Community members. Mr. Koromah stated that initially, volunteers of the tutorial program will go to various homes of the parents who are interested for their kids to take advantage of the program to do the tutoring. Mr. Koromah also said that he is confident that the program will be effective as soon as possible depending on the willingness and readiness of the parents and their kids.
The Financial Secretary, Mr. William Fannoh reported that last meeting due was $21.00. The Financial Secretary also reported that pledges regarding ACTS membership are not forth coming as initially expected. Ms. Mardea Warner, who is a member of the Opportunity and Networking Committee pledged $40.00 toward the ACTS registration fees.
AOB: There was an issue raised by the Vice President, Mrs. Helen Nyemah regarding meeting dues. The Vice President questioned if a mechanism could be put in place to encourage all members to pay their meetings dues . Adding to this issue, Mr. Caleb Gbarjolo questioned whether it is fair for one to pay his/her meetings dues and does not come to meeting. Responding to this concern, the President stated that the payment of meeting dues and attendance are key to keeping the organization functional. He promised that his Administration will thoughtfully address these issues.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Prepared by Mr. Emmanuel Tambah
LICOS General Secretary
