MEETING NOTES

11/16/2005
Louisiana Equine Council Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

November 16, 2005


A meeting of the Louisiana Equine Council (LEC) Board of Directors was held on Wednesday, November 16, 2005 at Evangeline Downs, Opelousas LA. President Bonnie Clark presiding; Grace Simcoe, Secretary.

Members Present (10): Dixie Bunton, Julie Calzone, Jimmy Christmas, Bonnie Clark, Deborah Devitt, Ruby Halter, Ky Mortensen, Grace Simcoe, Johnny Spears, David Yount.

Members Absent (10): John Boudreaux, Greg Guidry, Melinda Kennedy, Calvin LeBoeuf, Daniel Lyons, Dianne Morrill, Aleta Overby, Mike Pedersen, Buddy Savage, L.D. Spears.

Also Present Advisors: Ron Harrell, Clint Depew, Howard Cormier

Guests Present: 5

The meeting was called to order by Bonnie Clark at 1:30 PM

NonProfit/Tax Status of LEC Regarding Donations for Hurricane Relief: Motion by Ky Mortensen to authorize Dixie Bunton, Debbie Devitt and Ron Harrell to meet with an accountant in order to clarify the nonprofit status of LEC. This is necessary in order to understand LEC’s tax liability and the possible need for a separate “Foundation” to oversee disbursement of monetary donations for hurricane relief. Motion seconded and passed.

Classification of Equines as Livestock: Motion by Ron Harrell to have Julie Calzone draft a letter to the Louisiana Congressional Delegation from LEC stating LEC support for legislation which would allow horses to be classified as livestock in order for owners to qualify for disaster relief from the USDA Farm Service Agency. Motion seconded and passed.




Horse Identification in Louisiana: A presentation was given by Dr John Wade of Avid Microchips concerning the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) database. Currently the state is not maintaining a database of the microchips being inserted in horses for Coggins testing purposes.

Microchipping: Motion by Jimmy Christmas that a delegation from LEC will meet with Bob Odom concerning issues regarding Coggins test microchipping and identification of horses in Louisiana. Motion seconded and passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Read by Treasurer Deborah Devitt. A current balance in Regions Bank of $4,238.32. 63 memberships have been accepted.
Motion by Julie Calzone to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion seconded and passed.

Minutes Acceptance: Motion by Julie Calzone to accept the minutes of the 11 August 2005 Board Meeting which were distributed to Board Members prior to the start of the meeting. Motion seconded and passed.

American Horse Council Membership: Motion by Dixie Bunton that LEC purchase a membership in the American Horse Council. Motion seconded and passed.

Next Board Meeting: By general acclimation a decision was made to hold the next meeting on Thursday December 8, 2005 in Baton Rouge LA at John M. Parker Coliseum, Sullivan Conference Room. This will allow board members to view possible locations for the January annual meeting.

Adjournment: Motion by Ruby Halter to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 4 pm.