January 5, 2021 minutes

1
Cheatham County Democratic Party
Regular Monthly Meeting
January 5, 2021 online
Attendance
Present: Lynn Newcomb (P), John Patrick (VP), Jane Crisp (VP), Martha Wettemann (S), Roger Marriott (T), Elena Roser, Karen Stell, Aric Storck, Randy Fiedler, Gerald Dooley, Michael Lottman, Jessica Arthur.
Absent and excused: John Patrick (meeting), Rick Johnson.
Absent: Nicole Debaun-Phillips, Kathryn Mitchem, Tony Gross.
Vacancies: District 1, woman; District 2, woman; District 3, man; District 4: man; District 6, woman.
Guests: Mathew Binkley.
Committee Sign-ups (committees are not limited to the Executive Committee):
Advocacy Committee: Jane Crisp, Nicole DeBaun-Phillips, Mike Lottman, Karen Stell, Martha Wettemann (chair).
Elections Committee: Kathryn Mitchem, Elena Roser(chair), Jane Crisp, Martha Wettemann, Jessica Arthur, John Patrick.
Events Committee (including Forums): Randy Fiedler, Roger Marriott (chair), Mike Lottmann, John Patrick, Linda McGee
Social/Print Media: Karen Stell, Mike Lottman
Nominating: L. Newcomb, E. Roser, R. Johnson, M. Wettemann.
Call to order: Chair L. Newcomb called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance.
Attendance: A quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes and Agenda for the Meeting: The minutes were accepted by acclamation. Chair Newcomb added an item to the agenda: Filling an at-large position.
At Large Position: E. Roser/K. Stell made a motion to nominate Jessica Arthur to fill an at-large position on the Cheatham County Executive Committee. J. Arthur accepted the nomination. The motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: R. Marriott reported our current balance of $3,699.81, with most of the donations coming in from Act Blue.
Chair’s Report: Chair Newcomb reported that the state party is electing a new chair on January 16th.Usually the Democratic County Conventions are in March but they will be put off until early fall. If our executive committee members are willing, they can continue in their positions until our convention. An online forum is to be held on January 6 with the candidates for chair. John Ray Clemmons has withdrawn; some candidates include Kate Craig from East Tennessee and Wade Munday from Middle Tennessee. Chair Newcomb said to contact Martha Shepard, Justin Wilkins, or herself for any questions or concerns we may have.
A few more people have expressed interest in the Young Democrats. Another meeting is being planned.
The Nominating Committee needs to fill some positions on the Executive Committee. If you have suggestions, please contact her.
Events Committee: R. Fiedler reported that due to a number of issues such as lack of collection locations and the South Cheatham Advocate not being in business to advertise, pet food collection was limited. After discussion, R. Fiedler/R. Marriott moved that we deliver what food we have along with a $300 donation to the Cheatham County Animal Shelter. The motion carried.
Advocacy Committee: Discussion continued about the Mask Mandate forum. Dr. Jim Powers will participate and can discuss the mask mandate and vaccine issues. M. Wettemann discussed the idea of a Mask-a-thon (relate to Mardi Gras)? We have 41 signatures on a petition to Mayor McCarver to do a mask mandate. A committee will discuss further.
Election Committee: E. Roser contacted volunteers to assist in the Georgia elections. She asked for suggestions about ways to begin strategic messaging, and then do voter registration around these.
New Business: J. Patrick discussed a school board project he is working on to solarize the schools, as new construction is done. At no expense to the school system, the school district could save $100,000 annually. A part of the project is educational opportunities for the school. A timeline is being developed and he has put together a packet of information. The county commission will have to sign off on this in March. He will provide further information for our potential action.
Adjournment: R. Marriott/K. Stell moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
Submitted by Martha Wettemann, secretary.
Email: [email protected] Website: Cheathamdemocrats.org