Minutes of the Branch Executive Committee Meeting
January 13, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Big Sir Pete Gates called the meeting to order at 9:30 am. There were 19 Branch 146 members present as guests as well as Sir Ron Smith our Area Governor. (See attached attendance roster)
BEC ROLL CALL
Assistant Secretary Terry Marchione announced that a quorum of the 2011 BEC members was present with only Secretary Jim Meehan absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Being there was no meeting of the BEC in December, there were no minutes to approve. Minutes of the November meeting had been previously approved electronically.
BIG SIR REPORT
Pete Gates related correspondence from Regional Director Dean Steichen which praised the Branch website and newsletter as being outstanding. He then initiated discussion of the meeting themes for 2011 and it was decided that for now there would be no change in 2011
from those of 2010. It was agreed that changes could be made at a later date if necessary. Pete then informed the group that Doug Eisner had agreed to assume the chairmanship of candy sales, leaving only the Veteran’s chair as the only open position. He will be meeting with Sir Lynn Freeman in an attempt to fill that opening. Pete introduced the Branch goals for 2011 (See attachment). These were discussed in more detail by the Recruitment and Retention Chair.
LITTLE SIR REPORT (See Attached Report)
Jim Burk reviewed today’s speaker—Pat Vitucci—a local registered Investment Advisor who will speak on investment ideas for today’s financial environment. Jim also announced that the February speaker will be Daniel Borenstein, a columnist for the Contra Costa Times who address the future of the State of California from a financial perspective. Jim informed us that the area Little Sirs have met (and will continue to meet) to share ideas on speakers, subjects and other areas of interest to the Little Sirs. It was suggested that this was an idea that might benefit other officer groups. Finally, Jim invited suggestions for topics or speakers of interest.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Jim Meehan was unable to attend the BEC meeting. Assistant Secretary Terry Marchione requested confirmation that, pursuant to the Sir Schedule of Branch Operations, the Branch records kept by the 2010 Officers have been transferred to the 2011 Officers. It was confirmed this had taken place and the required notification will be emailed to Sir Ron Smith—Area Governor.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Dick Woodman reported the Branch had receipts of $2,557 during the month of December and expenses of $7,692 thus ending the month with a balance of $12,148.92. The conversion to the electronic version of the Sir Call may result in a reduction in the annual voluntary contribution scheduled for June. This will be evaluated over the next few months. (The monthly treasurer’s report and Form 28 are available on the website).
The year ended with 96.9% of Branch members making their annual donation.
During the treasurer’s report, Sir Larry Mitchell gave a brief history of the bowling committees’ checking account (used for tournament funds). As a result of a letter received from the state Sir’s the checking account was closed and the balance of funds was transferred to the Branch Checking account. Subsequently, it was determined to be unnecessary to close the account. As a result, Treasurer Woodman introduced a motion to reestablish the bowling checking account to be funded by the amount previously transferred to the Branch account. This motion was unanimously adopted.
On a final note, the previous bowling checking account will be audited by the Branch audit committee.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Membership—Steve Sprague reported on both December and January. There was one change in December with Nick Abdo transferring to Branch 126. The Branch ended the year with a membership of 255 members which is the same number we started the year at.
Steve proposed the following men be approved for membership: John Alexander, John Boyan, John Hammond and Paul Guidry. Bill Roberts introduced a motion to this effect and it was unanimously passed by the BEC.
Further, Steve announced two changes to the roster: Bob Madge has been placed on the inactive roster and Dennis Bottaro has resigned due to a move from the area. After these changes, our total active membership increases to 257. (See attached membership and Form 27 reports).
Recruitment and Retention—Jack Calloway briefly commented on the member survey (summary of results were previously circulated to the BEC). Big Sir Pete Gates has formed a committee to study the results and report back to the BEC. The committee consists of Directors Chuck Eichten (Chair), John Harrington, and Dale Hertweck. Jack Calloway will serve as advisor.
Jack also introduced the proposed BEC goals for 2011 (previously circulated to the BEC). (see attachment). A motion was introduced to approve the goals and it passed unanimously.
Finally, Jack advised the BEC of the plan to introduce the Branch 20-year members at today’s luncheon.
Attendance/Luncheon—Bob Mehus Reported an estimated 230 for lunch with 33 members being excused. There will be 4 inductees, 5 guests and the guest speaker. Boundary Oak was guaranteed 212. Mehus requested back up help as he will be missing some luncheons. It was suggested he contact the previous luncheon chair Bob Lyman. (See attached report)
There was some discussion of the food quality, particularly related to the Christmas luncheon. It was generally agreed that the food quality at that event was unacceptable. Jim Burk and others met with CourseCo staff to discuss the problem and express our thoughts that there needs to be an improvement in this area.
Website—Webmaster Terry Marchione reviewed the website enhancement plan and budget that was introduced in 2010 (see attached report). The webmaster was directed to present a new budget at the February meeting.
Activities Coordinator—Steve Dawkins announced there were several new activities suggested from the member survey. As a result he has prepared a sign up book for all activities that is placed on the table at the entrance. Steve requested approval for the activities as listed in the roster. Bill Roberts introduced a motion to that effect and it was unanimously passed. Ken Richter requested approval for a new activity—The Book Corner. A table will be set up where members can bring books as well as take books. Books will not need to be returned. This activity was approved.
Travel—Ken Richter requested approval for two events—Day at the Races and a Cooking Too Outing. (See attached Form 53’s) Both events were approved.
Old Business—None
New Business—None
Adjournment—The meeting was adjourned at 11:05
Attachments
January 13th BEC Attendance Roster
Little Sir Report
Membership Report and Form 27
Luncheon Chair’s Report
Recruitment and Retention 2011 Goals
Form 53—Day at the Races
Form 53—Cooking Too Outing