Monthly Meeting Minutes
Below you can find our minute from previous meetings.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month unless otherwise announced.
January 2025
Key takeaways and next steps from our April 2023 meeting.
January Monthly Meeting
January 16, 2025
Chairperson, Anita Hoyt, brought the meeting to order at 6:19pm at the Biggby’s Restaurant in Coldwater.
Secretary, Sue Fillmore, distributed the minutes from the December meeting. Julie Outlaw informed the secretary that her name was missing from the list of the Executive Committee. Sue Fillmore stated she would amend the minutes to reflect the error. Gayle Groshko made a motion to accept the minutes after the correction and seconded by Diane Harmon.
Anita Hoyt presented the checking and savings balances of the Administrative Account as well as the State Account. Bill Furry made a motion to place the report on file.
Anita Hoyt shared with members the comparison of liability insurance quotes from C & O insurance in Coldwater and Hathaway Insurance in Bronson. More information is needed to make a final decision.
Anita Hoyt reminded members that she paid for liability insurance in August of 2024 from her personal funds and needs a motion to be reimbursed. Bill Furry made the motion to reimburse Anita for $803 then seconded by Julie Outlaw.
The calendar of events for 2025 and the costs required was presented by the chairperson. A motion was needed to approve the expenditure. The motion was made by Julie Outlaw and seconded by Gayle Groshko.
Positions that are needed for 2025 are Treasurer, Facebook Administrator, and a Membership Chairperson. Anita Hoyt asked for volunteers.
Chairperson Hoyt shared with members the Tibbits is asking for ads for their summer theater program.
The need for the BCD to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce was questioned by the chairperson. A few members then asked questions and gave opinions.
In new business Gayle Groshko reminded the members that every 16 years the State of Michigan can bring forth amendments to the State Constitution which will arrive in 2026. The Democratic Party of Michigan will keep members informed of the projects that will ensue.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:05pm.
Respectfully submitted
Sue Fillmore, Secretary
February 2025
Key takeaways and next steps from our January 2023 meeting.
February Monthly Meeting
February 20, 2025
Chairperson, Anita Hoyt, brought the meeting to order 7pm at the Biggby’s Restaurant in Coldwater.
Secretary, Sue Fillmore, distributed the minutes from the January meeting. Gayle Groshko made a motion to approve the minutes and was seconded by Vaughn Svoboda.
Anita Hoyt presented the checking and savings balances of the Administrative account and the State Account. Vaughn Svoboda made a motion to place the report on file.
Chairperson, Anita Hoyt, announced that the BCD is still in need of a member to volunteer to be the Facebook Administrator while Mike Cilla had agreed to restore the website. A member has come forward to take over the Treasurer position. Vaughn Svoboda spoke of previous experience and qualifications for the position of Treasurer. Bing Johnson made a motion to accept Vaughn Svoboda as Treasurer and seconded by Bill Furry. The motion passed unanimously.
Anita Hoyt introduced the Branch County Clerk, Terry Kubasik, to the members. The chairperson asked Ms. Kubasik the steps and rules to becoming a precinct delegate. The members asked questions concerning early voting, becoming a voter inspector, as well as other duties of the Branch County Clerk.
The meeting was adjourned at 8pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Fillmore, Secretary
March 2025
Key takeaways and next steps from our October 2022 meeting.
March Monthly Meeting
March 20, 2025
Chairperson, Anita Hoyt, brought the meeting to order at 6pm at the Biggby’s Restaurant in Coldwater.
Secretary, Sue Fillmore, read the minutes of the February meeting. Gayle Groshko made a motion to approve the minutes and was seconded by Phil Ryder.
Treasurer, Vaughn Svoboda, presented the checking and savings balances of the Administrative account and the State account. The treasurer then listed the cost of future expenditures and how it will affect the treasury balance. Genie Bullard made a motion to approve the expenditure of $145 for the cost of the booth at the Branch County Fair and seconded by Laurie Rosenberg.
Chairperson Hoyt asked the members their opinion of a march at the Four-Corners Park in Coldwater. After discussions and opinions from the members Bing Johnson made the motion” May3, 2025 at the Four Corners Park in Coldwater, Michigan , The Branch County Democrats will sponsor a Demonstration Informational Picket.” The motion was seconded by Genie Bullard. The motion was voted and supported unanimously.
Chairperson Hoyt announced that she would take the time for public comments, questions, and concerns. Many subjects and concerns were vigorously discussed by the members. The meeting was adjourned at 7:41pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sue Fillmore, Secretary.