The eleventh annual general membership meeting was called to order by Commodore van Stolk on January 23rd.
Attending were: Gray, Day, Henking, Robbins, and van Stolk.
A Quorum was noted.
A very healthy financial report followed. Mark was authorized to reimburse himself for $173.95 for expenses paid on behalf of the club. After some discussion it was decided that, given the high bank balance, some would be reimbursed by lowering dues for existing members for 2010 only to $10 - new member dues will remain at $40 for the year.
The Fall racing report was presented by Racing Committee Chair Gray. Despite the healthy membership level, the club had only 6 members participate and two members met the 60% participation threshold. Mark van Stolk was 2009 Fall series champion and Scott Robbins came in second. John handed out the beautiful awards.
The Spring schedule of 7 outings was presented, discussed, amended, and ordered posted. It was decided to focus efforts on Patriot and Arkabutla with a possible addition of Harbortown. By keeping events closer to home, we hope to be able to get more coverage, more visibility and hopefully more members. Dana offered his services to help start and time races whenever he was available.
Last year it was proposed that we pay dues to DIYRA and US Sailing. Given the low attendance and the relatively high cost, the Commodore had delayed that action. It was decided that we would look into the possibility of contributing, but not necessarily paying a full membership. Individual sailors are encouraged to join USSailing and support the infrastructure of the sport - including such things as the development of the rules and the maintenance of the Portsmouth rule.
Next on the agenda was election of new officers. Vice Commodore Scott Robbins moved to the position of Commodore. Mark van Stolk volunteered for the position of Race Committee Chair. For the position of Vice Chairman, Darin Day was nominated; Darin accepted the nomination, his candidacy was moved, seconded, passed without dissent. There were no nominations for Social Committee Chair. John Gray volunteered for Vice Commodore next year.
Vice Commodore Day brought up the issue of convenience of Bank of Bartlett - after some discussion it was moved, voted and accepted that he was authorized to look for a bank more convenient for all members and to carefully consider financial security, given we believe that TASC, as a club, does not fall under FDIC insurance. As per our by-laws, the Commodore and the Vice Commodore should each have signing authority over the account.
The meeting was closed.
Our thanks to Jean-Anne and Scott Robbins for graciously hosting us for this meeting and potluck dinner.
First race day of the Spring schedule will be Saturday March 20th.
Please direct any questions to the Tornado Alley
Vice Commodore
