March 2024

Unofficial until approved at April 15, 2024 meeting

  • Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm.  Attendance: 26 people. Pledge of Allegiance. All attendees introduced themselves.

  • Secretary’s report. Online minutes. Motion to approve – Mary C. 2nd – Marti N. All ayes.

  • Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,006.43.  Motion to approve by Kathy M.; 2nd by Mary C.; All ayes. 

Discussion

  • The County Convention will be held this coming Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 am at the Milford Community Building.

  • Various topics were brought up for discussion including democratic ideal promotions and where/how to continue. Some members will move forward and pursue this discussion.

  • Motion made by Julie F. to hold off a year or two for another summer sizzler. 2nd – Linda M. All ayes.

  • Election events/activities may include door to door and phone banks towards fall. We need to work on getting as many people registered as possible. Discussion continued as to how social media is the major platform younger people retrieve information from and pay attention to.

The meeting was adjourned. 

Next meeting will be held Monday, April 15, 2024. 

Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary

January 2024 Caucus

 The 2024 Iowa Caucus in Dickinson County

SUMMARY

Monday, January 15, 2024, 7pm - Milford Community Center, Milford, IA - 18 in attendance

1.       Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance                                                                      Terry/All      

Caucus Agenda:

  • Check-in & Registration

  • Caucus called to Order

  • IDP Presentation

  • County Party Platform

  • Elect Officials & Candidates Presentation

  • Election of Permanent Caucus Chair & Secretary

  • Election of Precinct Committee Members

  • Election of Delegates & Alternatives to County Convention

  • Election of County Convention Committee Representatives

  • Ratification of Slate of Delegates, Alternatives & Precinct Committee members

  • Resolution discussion & adoption of submission to County Platform

  • New Business

  • Reminder to request Presidential Preference Cards

  • Caucus Adjourns

2.       Caucus Chair elected, Terry Y; Caucus Co-Secretaries elected, Kaylene & Linda

3.       Moment of Silence for Patriots lost this year

4.       Envelope passed to collect donations

5.       Caucus guidelines read and followed as appropriate

6.       Delegates elected- Name, Precinct/ratified
Karen Sterk, #1
kaylene Kinlen, #2
Pat Kelly, #2
Terry Yarns, #10
Aidan McKeever, #10
Alternatives, Linda Moore, #2; Deb McKeever,#10

7.       Dickinson County Platform discussed; resolutions presented, discussed and adoption of submission- women’s health choices, wind & solar local control, guns out of school systems, federal food assistance

8.       Platform Committee elected/ratified
Terry Yarns
Kaylene Kinlen
Scott Chambers
Linda Moore

9.       Reminder of request Presidential Preference Card………………info available on registration table

10.   Caucus adjourns

Linda Moore, Kaylene Kinlen

December 2023

Unofficial until approved at January 15, 2024 meeting

  1. Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All

  2. November meeting summary and October correction re caucus yr-2024 Linda Motion to approve by Harold; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried. 

  3. Treasurer’s Report Elaine

    1. Balance of $1,491.72

    2. Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried.

  4. New Business

    Presidential Preference for Iowa Terry/All

This is a major change from previous years. There will be no Presidential preference counting taken at the in-person county precinct caucuses on Mon Jan 15, 2024. A voter’s presidential preference will be submitted via a mail-in card. 

  • Request for Presidential Preference Card is open until 2/19/24. 

  • Preference Cards will be mailed out starting on January 12, 2024. 

  • Cards must be put back in the mail and postmarked by March 5.

Voters must request a card via one of these means. 

  • Fill out this online form  <This is the most efficient.>

  • Download the preference card request and mail or email the request. Instructions are at the bottom of the request.

  • Phone Request 515-216-3893

County Caucus, Monday, January 15, 2024, Milford Community Center

    • Delegate Selection

    • Information distributed via Print ads (12/26, 1/9) and MailChimp, FB, website

    • MiniVan capability discussed; Terry and Kaylene to download

    • Volunteers needed – greeters, sign in station, room setup

    • Platform: 20 copies of the 2020 platform to be printed by Linda

County Convention, Saturday, March 23, 2024

January & February Monthly Meetings: no regular meetings to be held

PAC discussion

Adjournment: motion to adjourn by Marty; 2nd by Kaylene; carried

Next meeting:  January 15, 2024, County Caucus 

Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

November 2023

Unofficial until approved at December 18, 2023 meeting

  • Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns. Seven people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance

  • Summary of the October meeting reviewed - Linda.  With the change of “3/24/23- County Convention” to 3/24/24-County Convention, the summary was approved; motion by Karen 2nd, Kaylene; carried.  A new sign-in spreadsheet will help us keep better records.

  • Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1,641.72.  Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Karen; motion carried.

New Business

  • Vice Chair Discussion:  Kaylene nominated to VC by Linda; 2nd by Karen; motion carried

  • “The Iowa we want” update and discussion:

    • PAC history reviewed; intent, development, current status*

    • TIWW Goal:  Identify new leaders with centrist views; issue-based. 

    • Regrouping ideas as we go forward; *Phil, Chair & Elaine, Treasurer  

    • Financial balance:  @ $3,000

    • Terry to discuss with Phil

  • State Presidential Preference

  • Jan 15, 2024, County Caucus – Delegate selection

  • Mar 24, 2024, County Convention.  Need to schedule room

  • Local – need Committee Chairs 

    • Membership – Kaylene volunteered.

    • Communication -  include design/coordination of website, FB etc.; Anitra has assisted & Jen & Rich

  • “Social” Discussion

  • Messaging focus, go–forward, maybe via PAC as well as local Dem group & other

    • Example of issue and progress ongoing such as “The Infrastructure bill work”

    • Part of our regrouping

  • Progress Iowa reviewed by Elaine and Karen. Friday zoom meetings are held weekly at 1:30pm.

  • Reminder:  Annual Dickinson County Iowa Democrats Dues

    • Reviewed need for maintaining an annual financial base support

    • At the October 2023 meeting, a motion was approved to have a suggested minimum $20/person annual voluntary dues beginning in January 2024.

    • Dues/contributions may be made through ActBlue https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ddia2021 or mailing check to: Dickinson County Iowa Democrats, PO Box 203, Okoboji, IA  51355

Adjournment: motion, Kaylene; 2nd ,Linda; carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse. 

Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

October 2023

Unofficial until approved at November 20, 2023 meeting

  • Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Eleven people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance

  • Summary of the September meeting was read and approved; motion by Phil; 2nd, Bob; motion carried

  • Treasurer’s report – Elaine F.   Balance of $1671.97, less outstanding payment of $80.25, nets: $1591.72.  Motion to approve by Dennis; 2nd by Sharon; motion carried.

New Business

  • “The Iowa We Want” update and discussion (Phil)

    • School Board Forum, upcoming Oct 17 & 18 summarized                    

      • Help get out the vote

      • Over 1000 people not registered

      • Good response to web site, social media

    • Community Polarization (Terry)

    • Messaging

    • Goal: Identify new leaders with centrist views; issue-based (Phil)

  • State Presidential Preferences (Terry)  Mail in only; request cards after 11/1/23

  • Jan 15—Caucuses for delegate selection only.  Possible Milford event center location.

  • 3/24/24- County Convention.  Terry will visit with Harold to review requirements.

  • Younger voters – passed out a list of registered Democrat voters, age 18-35

    • About 400

    • Need to contact them personally

  • Annual County Party Dues – Discussion

    • Reviewed need for financial base support, annually

    • Motion made by Karen for suggesting minimum $20/year/person/yr voluntary dues.  Targeted to begin January 2024.   2nd Dennis, motion carried.  Other opportunities throughout the year for donations

  • Mention of good podcasts:  Exhausted Majority, Tim Ryan;  Julie Gammack podcasts

Motion to adjourn by Kayleen; 2nd by Bob

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse. Linda Moore, Co-Secretary

September 2023

Unofficial until approved at October 16, 2023 meeting

Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Nine people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance

  • Secretary’s report from the August meeting was reviewed. Motion to approve – Tim F,. 2nd – Phil S.  Carried

  • Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. reported a balance of $2171.97. Motion to approve – Harold P., 2nd - Louise H. Carried.

DISCUSSION

  • “The Iowa We Want” PAC update – Phil reported on the meetings and progress this group is achieving. Short term and longer term focus goals were talked about. A motion was made by Louise H. to donate $500 to The Iowa We Want PAC, 2nd by Harold P. Carried. Consider becoming involved! We will be kept updated at each meeting. Website:  https://theiowawewant.org/ Click for Facebook link.

  • Terry Y. reported that the Democrat Caucus will be held January 15th. Location to be determined. Terry will be in attendance at a meeting this coming Saturday pertaining to the workings of this event. More to report next month.  

    • Press Release Sep 16.2023 -Iowa Democratic Party Announces In-person Caucus Date    ….The Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee met today to officially approve January 15, 2024, the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the date for our in-person precinct caucuses.   Click here for full press release and statements by Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Black Caucus Chair Al Womble and Iowa Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines. 

  • Other discussions took place.

Motion to adjourn at 7:42pm by Louise H., 2nd – Tim F. 

The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.

Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary

August 2023

Unofficial until approved at September 18, 2023 meeting

  • Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns. 20 persons in attendance with some newcomers

  • Secretary’s July meeting summary read by Julie F. Corrections – PAC motto is “The Iowa We Want”. Motion to approve – Bonnie F/2nd Karen S.  Carried

  • Treasurer’s Report – Elaine F. reported a balance of $2171.97. Motion to approve – Harold Prior/2nd Bob Gordon. Carried

DISCUSSION

  • Karen S. reported on the progress of the PAC – passed around the motto/logo of “The Iowa We Want”  -  input. This is an issues driven PAC – i.e. – gun safety, wokeism, childcare, health care (mental), other. Input from attendees. We need people to help with this so step up!

  • Karen also reported that Clay County Democrats are hosting an event this Sunday, Aug. 27th at 5 pm at East Leach Shelter House. Try to attend!

  • Local issues – school board seats and wind turbines within the county were discussed.

  • We need to support these issues. Motion by Karen S./2nd by Bonnie F. to gather information on wind and get them posted on website/facebook. Both sources need to be controlled.

Ryan Melton from Nevada, IA arrived. He ran against Randy Feenstra and is again running for U.S. representative for Iowa’s 4th congressional district next year. He termed himself a “practical progressive.” He gave us his bio and exactly what he stands for. Ryan is a good reason to have a summer sizzler again next year! His email is: melton4iowa@gmail.com. If you would like to receive his newsletter, email him and follow along. 

Adjournment at 8:42pm. Motion Karen S./2nd Elaine F.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.

July 2023

Monday, July 17, 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse

Unofficial until approved at August 21, 2023 meeting

  • Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 12 persons in attendance

  • Secretary’s June summary was mentioned as being distributed via email and website.

  • Treasurer’s Report, balance was reported in absentia of Treasurer Elaine: $5,595.92.  

DISCUSSION

  • Karen Sterk reported on the status of the PAC progress.

    • The Iowa We Want PAC is officially registered with the state as a school board PAC. The PAC will be using social and print media, along with a web page to promote issues, encourage involvement and discussion, and to correct false information, if necessary. They are looking for core members. DCD membership will be provided information about the PAC. Phil explained how the PAC could transfer to general election activity. 

      • A $5,000 motion was made by Joyce, seconded by Bob to donate to the PAC.   Discussion  Motion failed.

      • A $3,000 motion was made by Linda, seconded by Bob to donate to the PAC. Carried unanimously.

  • Donations to the Dickinson County Democrats - donations. <This is a different entity than the newly formed PAC The Iowa We Want.> Recognition for monetary donations to the DCD was discussed. Harold mentioned there used to be a form that included different ranks of the military for donation dollar amounts. This will be researched and a revised donation form will be posted on the website.

  • Future Sizzler plans (All) - No decision; reviewing some small event this fall; eye on 2024

  • Update on school board elections this fall; encourage potential candidates

  • Milford Pioneer Days (Sat July 23) float - decided to not participate this year. 

 Adjournment: Motion by Karen/Harold carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.

June 2023

Monday, June 26, 7:00 p.m. Spirit Lake Public Library

*pre meeting discussion of recent Spirit Lake and Cherokee school board developments to rescind the “safety policy gun portion.”

Unofficial until approved at July 17, 2023 meeting

  • Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 13 people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance. 

  • Secretary’s May summary report approved, Bob moved, Dennis, 2nd ; carried (Linda)

  • Treasurer’s Report, balance: $5,655.92  Approved: Linda moved, Bob, 2nd; motion carried (Elaine)  

DISCUSSION

  • Update from messaging and planning committee (Phil)

    • PAC creation progress; website domain; Karen, Lead; Elaine, treasurer

    • Reaching voters in our area, messaging, noted : 13k registered voters

    • VAN, voter data repository, i.e. historical voting information

    • Social media & expansion

      • Media - more points of view needed, letter to the editor

      • Need to expand core group, volunteers

      • Focus on resonating with Democrats and non-Democrats

      • Networking, key

  • Future Sizzler plans (All)

    • No decision; reviewing some small event this fall; eye on 2024 (All)

  • Update on school board elections this fall; need to have candidates 

 Adjournment: Motion by Linda/Dennis carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse..

May 2023

Monday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

  • Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 10 people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance. 

  • Secretary’s April summary report approved, Karen moved, Phil, 2nd ; carried (Linda)

  • Treasurer’s Report, balance: $5,655.92 (after -$295.32 cleared this month, web page) (Elaine)   Approved: Linda moved, Bob, 2nd; motion carried

  • Old/New Business

  • WIP - Media and messaging discussion (Karen, Phil, Tim et al)

    • Re-emphasized data-driven information requirement, VAN

    • Messaging and strategy development needs

    • Advertisements to focus on delivery of key issues that most can plug into – in a nonpartisan manner; educating and building needed buy-in

  •  Future Sizzler plans (All)

    • Discussed ideas 2023 (modified version) and 2024; no decision made

  • 2024 Caucus – still waiting on clarification, information, final design from state

  • Summer Meetings – concluded with support for holding them

  • Follow up re school board member status (Julie)/Tim. Elections are this fall.

    • Spirit Lake – 5 members, ALL 5 up for election

    • Harris Lake Park – 5 members, 2 up for election

    • Graettinger Terril Ruthven – 5 members, 3 open

    • Discussion of encouraging participation – i.e., entering the race/s

  • Additional member input and open discussion All

    • Bob listed concerns he had and then referred to the positive impact of the Cherokee newspaper.

    • Comments of concern and support for passionate dialogue to continue

 Adjournment: Motion by Karen, Phil, 2nd; carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 26, 2023, at the Spirit Lake Public Library.

April 2023

Monday, April 17, 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

  1. Opening - The meeting was called to order by Terry Y. 11 people were in attendance + 1 zoom. Pledge of Allegiance. 

  2. The Secretary's report of the March meeting summary was reviewed. Harold moved/Kaylene, 2nd carried unanimously. 

  3. Treasurer’s Report - Current balance of $5,951.24. Noted: -$295.32 to clear for website costs. Motion to accept/approve by John, Julie. All aye.    

Old/New Business   (Karen, Phil, Tim et al)

  1. Continued Media and messaging discussion

  • Emphasized data-driven information required

  • Discussed resources—i.e. Progress Iowa, Votesmart, VAN etc.

  • Needed research on upcoming school board election status, Julie 

  • Motion:  Authorize researching  information sources & report back to assist in developing strategy

    • Karen moved, Tim 2nd, unanimous approval

  1. Call for a Vice-Chair; remains open

Adjourned, 8:20 pm; motion, Harold, 2nd Linda; carried

The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351.

March 2023

Monday, March 20, at 7:00 p.m. Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

  1. Opening - The meeting was called to order by Chair Terry Yarns. 10 people were in attendance + 1 zoom attendee for 11 total. Pledge of Allegiance. *Present at the meeting.

  2. Secretary's report was reviewed. Julie's original report submitted was approved by Tim F. with a second by Marti N. All aye. 

  3. Treasurer’s Report - Current balance of $5,951.24. The website domain name annual renewal was paid. The website’s annual management system (Squarespace) auto renewal will be in late April. The contribution check to Cindy Axne campaign for 2022 Congress, Iowa's 3rd district, was cashed by her campaign, but has not been reimbursed to us. Follow-up will continue to retrieve the funds. Motion to accept by Karen S.- 2nd by Harold P. All aye.    

New Business

  • Terry Y. brought up the fact that better organization is needed. A Vice Chair position needs to be filled as well as a small group organization.

  • Karen Sterk led the discussion about a new approach to getting a truthful message out to the public - a way to counter the Republicans BAD ideas and untruthful concepts. Tim F. and via zoom Phil Spevak impressed on the attendees the need to take responsibility for this in our own more local area. New State Democrat Chairperson Rita Hart obviously needs to prove to us in NW Iowa that more effort will focus on the difference between the two parties. We need to do this ourselves!

  • Phil presented online a Phase 1 and a Phase 2 concept that the three of them have been zooming and visiting about and what they roughly thought each phase might cost (strictly guessing). The concept is to improve messaging based on facts. The first step is to send out an RFP (request for proposal) to several agencies. The proposal that fits the goals of the group will be chosen based on several criteria points. Circulation, demographic targets, cost, and media are an example of criteria points. Phase 2 would involve execution and fundraising. 

  • A motion was made by Kaylene K. and 2nd by Joyce P. to get the ball rolling on this. All aye. Karen, Tim, Phil and Terry Y. set up dates and times in the very near future to get this out & and to interview those companies who may respond and explore. They will report back at the next meeting to be held in April for feedback.

Motion to adjourn at 8:17 pm by Tim F. with a 2nd from Marti N. The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Nature Trails Clubhouse, Milford, IA 51351.

January 2023

Monday, January 16, at 7:00 p.m. Meeting called to order by Chair Terry Yarns. 7 people in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary’s report was reviewed with no corrections or additions. Motion to approve - Tim F. 2nd by Barry Sterk. All aye.

Treasurer’s Report, Balance - $6,260.83. Approved Kaylene K./Harold P. 2nd. All ayes. There remains one congressional check for $250 not returned yet (Cindy Axne).

New Business
Statehouse republicans have priorities this session - #1 being to shove private school funding through with public tax dollars, taking those monies away from public schools -surely resulting in property tax changes down the road. Collaboration needs to be one quickly with local schools opposing public monies going to private schools.

Meeting attendees picked up where we had left off at the Nov. meeting. How do we get younger people interested in politics and attending meetings? The Sterks had Mr. Phil Spevak on zoom during our meeting. Phil had attended a meeting midyear last summer. He is an out of state person but visits the Great Lakes Region often and is really interested in helping with this if he can. All brainstormed. Perhaps host a Food & Drink Issues Event. Get unaffiliated voters more involved. Get the younger voters registered, perhaps right after high school graduations.

We should all try to make people contacts with the issues. We need to figure out what we wish to accomplish. Going forward – Tim will contact Art Cullen. Karen will contact Rob Sands and Ty Rushing. Will figure out in a paragraph exactly what we are trying to accomplish. Perhaps these 3 individuals would be willing to help us with reaching out to younger individuals in the community.

We will not meet in February. The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 20.

Motion to adjourn by Tim F. – 2nd by Marti N. All aye. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.

November 2022

Monday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m. 11 people in attendance. Secretary’s report reviewed. Elaine corrected the October reported minutes by stating that she had failed to report at the last meeting that the quarterly report had been submitted on time. This being added, the minutes were approved – Marti N./John A. 2nd. All ayes

Treasurer’s Report, Balance - $6,260.83. Approved Kaylene K./Harold P. 2nd. All ayes. There remains one congressional check for $250 not returned yet (Cindy Axne).

New Business

Election Wrap - Thank you to everyone for your work done during this election. We need to hold Republicans accountable. Iowa got trounced. Iowa did not have youth turnout like other states did.

Funds Distribution - A $1K limit per year exists for federal candidate contribution. Unlimited for other candidates. For the amount of money that circulates through our coffers, it is hardly worth the time and effort involved with paperwork filing to go another route for funds distribution to be higher.

Path Forward

  • Terry Y. reported he had attended a meeting last Saturday with the District 4 Chairperson. Did not really learn anything new.

  • Karen S. talked about ideas she had to get the younger voters interested. Younger people don’t care about politics but they do care about issues. Perhaps our organization could host an event at a brewery or other venue and feature a panel of speakers. Ideas: Demarcus Carter (state diversity, equity, inclusion chair for the Iowa Democratic Party); Ty Rushing (editor of Iowa Starting Line). Maybe some mental health speakers. Door prizes. Perhaps target 20-30 year old attendees. Post this at all college locations to get people to attend. Spend our dollars this way?

  • After much discussion we were all encouraged to talk with younger people over the holidays and focus on what their issues are and what they care about and report at the next mtg.

Meeting Adjourned, 7:46 pm

There will be no December meeting. The next meeting will be January 16, 2023.

October 2022

Dickinson County Democrats     Meeting Summary

Monday, October 24, 2022, 7:00pm

Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

  1. Opening - 20 people in attendance All

Secretary’s report reviewed; approved, John/Joyce, 2nd Linda

  1. Promo Items still available for donation - car coasters and tumblers

i. Attendees stepped up to support, $; close to breaking even

ii. Reminder of reason: messaging, connecting people, fund raising; kept low cost

iii. Push for future donations; Xmas stocking stuffers

3. Treasurer’s Report, $6,348.83 ($200 ck outstanding); accepted, Harold/John A, 2nd Elaine

Thank you notes received - Smith, Axne, Mathis

Discussed giving to campaigns

Voted unanimously to give $500 ea. to Franken, Demings, T Ryan, M Kelly,

Fetterman, Warnock

Old/New Business

Campaign signs & report on Franken activities Karen

i. Good campaign stops with 80 + attendees; 100, Ft Dodge; 110, Waterloo etc.

ii. Push----Website : frankenforIowa.com; use community support tab

iii. Karen’s ph: 712-348-1906

iv. Need for one on one discussions with voters

v. Reminder- M Franken on MSNBC at 9:00 pm (Oct 24)

Local ads and information John A

i. LNS this week: qtr page ad of Dem candidates (distribution is 22,000)

ii. Next Week (Tue Nov 1) - John will have a story in the LNS

Voting-Saturday, Nov 5-voting should be open at the Dickinson County Courthouse 

Open discussion of issues and updates All

Referenced J Carville, Dems need to emphasize Economy too-

Republicans plans to cut, or privatize SS

Better offense, all topics

CO 2 pipeline discussion

Stronger fight back &; truth telling emphasis needed

5. Adjourned, 8:20 pm

Next meeting – November 21, Nature Trails Clubhouse

September 2022

Dickinson County Democrats     Meeting Summary

Monday, September 19, 2022, 7:00pm

Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351


Opening / Pledge of Allegiance                  17 people attended All

Secretary Report, distributed & approved, Tim F./ 2nd Marti N. Julie/Linda

Treasurer’s Report, Balance $10,182.83, accepted, Harold P./ 2nd Lou HW     Elaine

Old/New Business

Summer Sizzler - +/- update which was held Aug. 24

  • Great event – had good coverage of event – maybe skip a year now & go for 2024

  • Look at a different time of year?

  • For continued success, more leaders and organizers need to step up. All information is digitally available and in place for future event

  • How to involve more people and a younger crowd – look at the college atmosphere?

  • Several people spoke up with ideas & observations

Summer Sizzler Distribution of funds – Net of $5,471.95

  • Deidre DeJear/Michael Franken - $1K each  /  Tom Miller /Joel Miller - $500. each  /  JD Scholten/ John Norwood /Jackie Smith/Christina Bohannan/Liz Mathis/Cindy Axne/ Ryan Melton - $250. each. Total of $4750. Distribution.

  • ¼ page ad the week of Oct. 25 in the Lakes News Shopper  - “VOTE for democrat candidates” with a sizzler follow-up the next week.

  • Motion – Kaylene K./2nd John A.   Motion carried for spending monies

Signage – Contact Karen Sterk for Franken signs, 712-348-1906.

Upcoming Debates:  

Franken & Grassley:  Thursday, October 6, 2022, 7:00pm, Iowa PBS (IPTV)

DeJear & Reynolds:  Monday, October 17, 7:00pm, Iowa PBS (IPTV)

Absentee Voting information from Bob G was distributed. Absentee ballot request form can be requested NOW from the Auditor’s office. To avoid postal service delays, submit the request now. The completed request form must be received in the Auditor’s office by Monday, October 24, 5:00pm.   Absentee voting in person will begin on October 19.

Democrat Headquarters in Dickinson County – discussion about a physical location– Not this election cycle

Meeting Adjournment @ 8:20pm Terry

Next Meeting: October 17,  2022, Nature Trails Clubhouse


August 2022

Dickinson County Democrats Meeting Summary

Monday, August 15, 2022, 7:00pm

Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

Opening / Pledge of Allegiance

Secretary Report, Read &  approved, motion,Bonnie,  2nd -Kaylene

Treasurer’s Report, Balance $10,024.92, approved, motion-Bonnie, 2nd-Linda

Old/New Business

Summer Sizzler III Update (Wed Aug 24)

  • Ticket Sales - started July 18. As of Fri Aug 12, 156  tickets sold (max 300)

  • Deadline for tkt sales, Aug 22

  • Media - Ad; ¼ pg ad for  page 1 of LNS; ads to be in other area shoppers 

  • 2343 registered Democrats in Dickinson Cty; distributed sheets to contact

  • Distributed sign up sheets for set up, take down, registration, greeters +

  • Tue 23rd- 3:00 pm set up scheduled; Gordons, geraniums; Kaylene+, ctr pieces

  • Golf cart need- Bonnie to contact Denny P 

  • Cash bar 

  • Insurance in place, annual for org $351/yr

  • Items-coasters, tumblers w messaging to be offered for donation  

           Social media   

–Request minutes on website; most in attendance had not seen email.

           Candidates 

  • Barn signs up and more to come- details; if wood available, advise

  • Yard Signs & bumper distributed          

  • Meet and Greets: Aug 24, Miller and Franken

  • Franken Chair report..need our help, 1-on-1s

(Noted Franken Bday, 65th on Nov 8!)

             Open Discussion

Meeting Adjournment

Next Meeting: September 19, 2022, Nature Trails Clubhouse

July 2022

Dickinson County Democrats - Meeting Summary

Monday, July 18, 2022, 7:00pm

Nature Trails Clubhouse, 465 202nd Street, Milford, IA 51351

  1. 6:59 p m   Opening / Pledge of Allegiance All

  2. Treasurer’s Report , Balance, $3,810.62 Elaine

  1.  Old Business

  • Block Party Recap - report from Linnea; distributed idea sheet & summary Linnea/Tina

  • Summer Sizzler Update (Wed Aug 24)     John/Harold

    • Advertising  & tickets review, $40 ea; all should sell/promote

    • Decorations- tablecloth cleaning, centerpiece-go green, simple

      • Donation to clear tablecloths received

    • Speakers - 8, Program scheduled for 2 hrs - Ends at 9:00pm

    • Items to offer for “donations” - Linda M to review products 

    • Security arranged

    • Logistics/Set-up:  All needed to assist. Finalized at next meeting

  • Communication- Rich N, all up to date electronically; will manage      

            WEBSITE:  https://www.thedickinsondems.com/summer-sizzler-2022

ActBlue L Online tickets:   https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sizzle22

QR code - Scan for Online Tickets    

4,  New Business

  • Ethics Campaign Disclosure Report was submitted July 14th as required Elaine

  • Pioneer Days Participation (Sat Jul 23) Terry et al

    • Kaylene, Harold, Tim discussion of plan

  • Call for Vice-Chair Terry

    • Terry to research, talk to Tina B.

  • Call for Secretary       Terry         

    • Nominated by Joyce: Linda M and Julie F, co secretaries       

      • Seconded and vote unanimous to approve

  • Discussion re Franken signs…information coming         Marty N

5.  Other Business

  • 8 pm Meeting Adjournment       Terry

Next Meeting: August 15, 2022, Nature Trails Clubhouse