The Live and Let Live Alano Club (LLLAC) is undergoing a facelift, but some members either misunderstand the means for or oppose the transformation, depending on who you talk to.

John Woodgate, an LLLAC member, recently presented a petition signed by 121 members to the LLLAC board of directors.

Among other issues, “The petition protests proposals to renovate club facilities,” Woodgate said.

He said that he and others fear the board is using funds earmarked from private individuals, such as a substantial donation in excess of $100,000 made last year by the estate of the late Richard Tatelman, to renovate the club – rather than to secure a new building, which he believed to have been donated specifically for that purpose.

But board co-chair David Hallen adamantly denies estate monies are being inappropriately used.

“Unfortunately, Woodgate is mistaken and this is simply a case of miscommunication,” Hallen said, explaining the money being used for the renovation came from other donations that had been earmarked for improvements, and that they are also seeking additional donations.

“We now have a board member who is a professional grant writer and is working to obtain grants. We were just notified that we received a $15,000 city block grant and the board does the best it can with the resources we have,” Hallen said.

“The money that was donated and earmarked by the estate that [Woodgate] is questioning is currently wrapped up and gaining interest in CDs,” said Eric Samuelson, LLLAC treasurer. “That money will not be touched for some time and it is hoped that it will be used to secure a permanent residence for the club,” he said.

However, both Samuelson and Hallen said that the money is not earmarked for the purchase of a new building and could be used for other reasons if needed.

Woodgate’s petition also protests plans to potentially change the LLLAC logo and remove flags or other articles of historical importance. It also proposes an archive committee and a permanent display case to preserve such articles. The club uses the Pride flags as a form of advertising and sponsorship by businesses in the community. They also have sentimental value, as some are memorials for former club members.

But Hallen said, “There was never any intention of changing the logo of the club without a vote of the membership.” He explained the logo proposal was designed by a member, at the request of the board, as part of an overall campaign to update the club to make it a more attractive place for members. Hallen denied that the flags will be removed due to renovations and said that Woodgate is mistaken.

“In regard to an archives committee, due to limited resources, meaning volunteers, we have not been able to take action. Since this is a great concern of Woodgate’s, the board is going to ask that he chair such a committee with a board member per the by-laws of the club,” Hallen said.

Woodgate also addresses the LLLAC’s business practices in his petition, in particular with regard to last year’s cancelled gala and “failure” to secure major financial contributions from private individuals or companies.

“If the club is to have a permanent residence some day, the board must take money-making more seriously; that the greater share of monies donated should be set aside for the future acquisition of a club residence,” Woodgate said.

“The purpose of the LLLAC has always been to provide a safe, comfortable space, free of prejudice and discrimination in which the GLBT community can conduct its ‘business of recovery,’” Woodgate said, explaining that the group’s first board of directors made that dream a reality. “The founding members hoped that some day the LLLAC would have its own permanent residence. To this day, it is just that, a hope. Spending time and effort in remodeling the club, instead of raising money to secure our future seems a lot like putting the cart before the horse,” he said, adding that he hopes that LLLAC members will become aware that there are changes occurring in the club and need to become involved.

“I want the 240-plus members to be aware that there are significant changes that the board is considering that would affect the club dramatically, and they need to be involved to determine if what the board is doing is within their power and if it is in the membership’s desire for change,” he said.

LLLAC board meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month at the LLLAC located at 1720 Monroe Ave. in University Heights. The next meeting is on June 16 at 5 p.m.