Chapter Meeting Minutes

27 May 2005 — Helsinki, Finland

Summary:

  1. Welcome
  2. AIA Continental Europe
  3. Introduction of Board
  4. Presentation of Committees
  5. Nominations to 2006 Board
  6. Administrative Assistant
  7. Bylaw Changes
  8. Treasurer’s Report, 2006 budget
  9. Future Conferences
  10. Meeting Adjourned

1. Welcome

— Werner Rüegger, 2005 President

Rüegger noted that members had been informed via email of the the meeting and its content. No written proposals or requests had been received to augment the agenda previously published on the website. Attendance list passed. Proxies presented to Secretary. Ray Spano appointed to count votes should the need arise.

2. AIA Continental Europe

— Werner Rüegger, 2005 President

Presentation of a comparative area map of Europe and the United States. Our chapter, with membership in 30 countries, spans the area of the continental United States. Yet we are still a small chapter with France, Italy and Switzerland having the largest groups within Europe. Paris is the legal base for the organization.

The Chapter has difficulty communicating across these borders. While it does help the chapter to have key members in one city* (i.e. Paris) we need to create tools to increase of flexibility in leadership.

*Paris has by far the largest concentration of members in one country, 21 of 28. The Basel-Bern-Zürich triangle includes at least 15 members.

Our largest “by country” representation is comporised of members in the United States; the majority (30 as of this writing) are “Unassigned” members to AIA Continental Europe. “Unassigned” means these are AIA members who already belong to a local AIA chapter elsewhere in the United States. We also have “Unassigned” members from the United Kingdom.

3. Introduction of Board

— Werner Rüegger, 2005 President

Board reviewed, with descriptions of roles, such that the general membership might better understand how the Chapter functions and what is required of volunteers in these positions.

Ahmet Alp, Section Director Southern Europe, presented events he is organizing around the UIA World Congress, occurring the first week of July in Istanbul. The invitation will include a dinner, an exhibit and a work site tour. The dinner will include the official delegates of the AIA to the congress. Members will be able to attend at no cost. Space is limited. Details will be available on the chapter website.

Helen Giblin, Section Director Northern Europe, noted that the Northern Europe Section is a small group scattered over large distances. It is very difficult to organize anything.

Switzerland Section has co-directors. Still, this represents only one board vote. A section event is being planned at the Vitra headquarters this fall. Four or five learning units are anticipated.

4. Presentation of Committees

— Werner Rüegger, 2005 President

Committees: Some detail aside from general descriptions were presented and are recorded below.

Rüegger recognized the strong effort put forth by Hans Buchwald and Sandra Zettersten as the Helsinki Conference Committee. Buchwald’s wife, Grazia, also provided significant assistance.

The Corporate Partner Committee has worked for years as a loosely organized committee to keep contributions flowing.

The International Committee, Chaired by Giancarlo Alhadeff, acts as a liaison for the AIA to the Architect’s Council of Europe. Issues being explored are licensing and education between the EU and the world. Alhadeff will be part of official AIA delegation to UIA World Congress.

Karl Hartnack, AIACE Vice President, headed the AIACE Chapter delegation at the AIA Convention in Las Vegas. As Vice President, he is Chair of Membership Committee and is seeking addresses of registered US architects practicing in Europe. Florida yielded nothing — he is trying New York now. He is working with Carol Madden, Managing Director, AIA Membership Services in pursuit of new members for our Chapter.

In Las Vegas, an amendment to the bylaws was approved which adds a position of International Director to the Board. A member selected for the position will rotate between the among the four international chapters every two years: London/UK, Continental Europe, Hong Kong and the now forming Japan chapter. Additional details are being worked out with a proposal expected for the Board in June.

The Global Strategies Task Force seeks letters from the overseas chapters by 16-18 June. Rüegger noted he would like to discuss strategies over the weekend and ensure continuity of any initiatives with the 2006 board.

5. 2006 Board

— Sandra Zettersten, Nominations Committee Chair

Zettersten presented the nominees for open positions in 2006. (Review the full 2006 Board.)

Motion by Member: Accept the slate as presented.

Second by Vonier.

Vote: Unanimous to accept.

6. Administrative Assistant

A new Administrative Assistant, Elizabeth Heudebourg (Paris, France) has been appointed by the Board of Directors (remainder of 2005 and beyond).

7. Adoption of Changes to Chapter Bylaws

A: Propose change to allow video or telephone conferencing to count toward quorum. Section, with changes given emphasis, would read:

5.21 Majority Vote:

Every decision at a Chapter meeting shall be by a majority vote of those members in good standing who are present and voting, unless otherwise required by law or permitted by these bylaws.

Members shall be deemed present and may vote when participating via video link-up or telephone conferencing.

Motion by Rüegger: Accept change as presented.

Second by Hartnack.

Vote: Unanimous acceptance.

B. Propose change to allow vote by email or by email discussion. Section, with changes given emphasis, would read:

5.25 Mail Ballot:

Any vote that may be taken at a meeting of this Chapter may be taken by direct mail ballot of the members of this Chapter, provided that the matters voted on have been introduced and discussed at a regular or special meeting of this Chapter or by email discussion.

After short discussion, the change met opposition. The item was dropped.

C. Propose change to allow definition of quorum for a board meeting can include two members to be present by proxy. Section, with changes given emphasis, would read:

6.42 Quorum and Vote:

Seven members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of its business, except that a maximum of two members may be represented by proxy, executed within two weeks of the specific meeting.

Except as otherwise provided by law, the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors members present at the time of the vote shall be the act of the Board of Directors if a quorum present. If a quorum is not present, those present may adjourn the meeting from day to day, or to a later date.

After short discussion, the change met opposition. The item was dropped.

8. 2006 Budget and Treasurer’s Report

— James Cowey, Treasurer

Chapter finances are sound. Operating budget is €17,000. Helsinki Conference budget in black.

Vonier asked if we place any money in a cash reserve. 10% of any budget surplus goes into a cash reserve. Vonier suggested this be added to the budget presentation.

Motion by Vonier: Adopt 2006 Budget (with modification as noted above).

Second by Spano.

Vote: Unanimous acceptance.

9. Future Conferences

Fall 2006 Conference in Udine, Italy. Fall 2007 will Athens or Paris.

10. Meeting Adjourned

—Respectfully submitted, 8 June 2005 Richard Anderson, AIACE Secretary