Meeting details

Date:  April 11, 2012

Location: Secretary of State’s Office, Blue Spruce Conference Room, 1700 Broadway, Denver, Colorado

Members Present: Bishop Dan Gincig, Vera Craven, Tom Bednark

Members Absent: Austin Gomes, Beau Williams

Secretary of State Officials Present: Mike Hardin, Sarah Steinbeck, Rudy Johnson, Patrick Ryan, Shannon Bee, Gary Zimmerman

Meeting was called to order at 10:05 A.M. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was conducted.

A motion was made by Tom Bednark to approve the February 8, 2012 meeting minutes as presented.  The motion was seconded by Vera Craven and approved by unanimous vote of the Board.

Secretary of State report

Chairman Gincig commented on the quarterly financial statement distributed to the Board.  He pointed out the  increase to raffle income in 2011.  Mr. Hardin stated that the office may start to include percentages on the income/profits in future reports.

Board report

Chairman Gincig reported he was not sure if there was a Bill for bingo/raffle, and Mr. Kyle reported a sponsor has not been found.  Mr. Kyle also stated that the questions posed toward the bill from our office still have not been addressed.

Chairman Gincig wanted to start looking at going forward with a rule hearing to address changes that could be done to the rules talked about at earlier meetings.  Mr. Hardin said we would need to consult with the Secretary on this and the Chairman may want to include this as an agenda item for the next meeting.

Mr. Hardin also reported on the DU internship program.  Brad Brown, a member of the research team, gave an overview of the proposed study to the Board.  Chairman Gincig suggested the team look at both a day and evening bingo game. He further stated that commercial halls conduct games differently depending on the time of day.  Mr. Johnson stated that the office intention was to take the team to both a commercial and non-commercial bingo game to see the difference in operation. 

Mr. Bednark stated that to attract younger bingo players, the industry needs to somehow change the perception of what bingo is.  He felt that what may be needed is to change the way the sessions are conducted to make it attractive to younger potential players.

Chairman Gincig stated that the master of ceremonies is critical to the success of “Cosmic Bingo” in other states.  He further stated that this is a paid position and that Colorado may need to change its laws to allow it.

Mr. Johnson next updated the Board on the e-learning program for new and renewal certification of games managers.  This system is currently under development and testing in house. 

Open discussion

Rick Cody, a games manager, asked about the halls being allowed to get a liquor license.  Chairman Gincig reported that halls can currently obtain liquor licenses if they wish.  Some halls have had them in the past.

Chairman Gincig wanted to discuss increasing fees at the next Board meeting for public advertising.  The increase would be minimal.  Gary Zimmerman stated that legally the Secretary of State’s office can only increase fees to pay for the bingo-raffle program.  Fees could not be raised for advertising costs, but the office will look into what could be done and come back with some suggestions for the Board. 

Mr. Bednark moved to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded by Ms. Craven and approved by the Board.

Closing

Meeting adjourned at 10:45 A.M.

The next meeting of the Board will be June 27, 2012 at 10:00 at Secretary of State’s Office, Blue Spruce Conference Room, 1700 Broadway, Denver, Colorado.