TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2009

Meeting called to order at 11:15 a.m. Present: Recording Vice President Dennison, Financial Vice President Blumenthal, Executive Board members Burridge, Fein, Giannini, Norrell, Rizzo and Schwartz. President Landolfi excused for jury duty service. Blumenthal chaired the meeting.

Recording Vice President Dennison distributed the minutes of October 26, 2009. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the minutes as amended.

Financial Vice President Blumenthal reported on proposed changes in the printing of membership cards and new receipt forms. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the printing of the membership cards and new receipt forms as proposed at a cost of up to $4,300 for 20,000 copies, which is the same as the cost in prior years.

Blumenthal requested purchase of a host committee ticket and quarter-page ad at a cost of $500 for an awards program honoring Local 1199 Hospital Workers East President George Gresham for the benefit of New York Citizens Action. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Blumenthal informed the Board that the Metropolitan Opera had dropped its request for a contract reopener.

Blumenthal distributed policy documents for review and future adoption by the Board covering “Conflicts of Interests,” “Reporting Ethical and Legal Concerns” and “Document Retention and Destruction.”

Dennison reported that AFM motion picture and TV film negotiations in Los Angeles had concluded with agreements approved by the full bargaining committee and that in the coming weeks the agreements will be submitted to the bargaining units for ratification.

Dennison reported that there was to be a one cent per member increase in the per capita dues paid to the New York State AFL-CIO effective January 1, 2010.

Dennison requested a $250 contribution to the United Farm Workers union to support that union’s organizing efforts currently targeting the nation’s largest grape grower. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the request.

Board member Fein excused at 12 p.m. Counsel Mars and Concert Representative Fisher appeared before the Board and reported on the status of the union’s negotiations with the Village Light Opera Company and the opera’s intention to not engage musicians for upcoming performances. Discussion held. Motion made and carried unanimously to pay loss of work benefits in the amount of $75 per performance for rostered musicians or their subs who participate in picketing at the upcoming performances at which the musicians were to be locked out. Mars and Fisher excused.

Principal Theatre Representative Donovan appeared before the Board and presented an agreement for a workshop production of “Elf” at the New 42nd Street Studios. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the agreement.

Donovan presented an agreement with the Brooklyn Academy of Music for the productions of “As You Like It” and “The Tempest.” Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the agreement.

Donovan presented an agreement with Davenport Theatrical Enterprises for the Off Broadway production of “Avenue Q” at the New World Stages. Motion made and carried unanimously to approve the agreement.

Donovan reported that an additional 7 musicians had been hired for a production of “Peter and the Wolf” at the New Victory Theatre.

Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.