Minutes
Thousand Island Voyageurs
Alexandria Bay, NY - June 6, 2009

Meeting convened at 9:48am . All members of the Executive Board were in attendance with regrets and a report sent in by Joanne Lauson,

Former President, Rosie Grigaitis lead the singing of the national anthems followed by a moment of silence.

The President, Robert Vanier opened the meeting welcoming all in attendance..

Secretary, Gary Grant confirmed a quorum was present and read the minutes of the last meeting held September 6, 2008 . Moved by Norm Buist and seconded, the reading was accepted without errors or omissions.

Chapter member, Martin Fayette wished to introduce new business. He was informed he would be able to speak to his matter at that time in the agenda.

The Treasurer, Leo Grigaitis filed his annual financial report. Current bank balances are Canadian, $3,763.74 and in US Funds, $2948.47. Moved by Mat Penney to accept Treasurer’s report, seconded and CARRIED.

VP – Canada – No Report.

VP – USA , Alice Foy announced Martin Fayette, also known as Mr. Coffee, would be retiring from his appointed duties as coffee master at future TIV rallies. Following a long applause, Alice announced she was working on new rally plans for July, 2010. She also extended greetings to visiting members of the North Centrals, and welcomed the participation of potential new TIV members to the rally.

Don Chaise, one of the new rally attendees announced kudos to the Rally Hosts, chapter members and executive for exceeding his expectations announcing his membership in both FMCA and our Chapter.

VP – Membership, Dan Bazinet reported a decline in membership due to deaths and/or families selling their coach. Regardless, the Chapter had recruited 5 new members bringing the coach count to 74 or 147 person members. Dan mentioned he possessed free membership applications for FMCA and indicated two more new members were in attendance.

Interim VP – Newsletter Dan Bazinet thanked his wife Sharon for her assistance in putting together a last minute spring newsletter. He stressed the importance of communication and that the Chapter was now moving to electronic mail (email) to replace hard copy newsletters. Regardless, the Chapter is seeking a VP – Newsletter, in addition to other vacant positions on the executive. The Chapter’s new web site now has ongoing news, stories and all chapter information  details at www.FMCA.CA

VP – National Director, Joanne Lauzon submitted a written report which was read to the membership and is attached.

Secretary, Gary Grant reported with Bylaws current and complete, the introduction of Standing Rules was the last step in the organization plan. He read to the members a brief outline of the purpose of this document and asked for member support to finalize the process that would ensure the future of the Chapter. He further advised the Chapters minutes, bylaws, standing rules, rally guide and membership list were now available at all rallies in a book near the coffee area.

The President, Robert Vanier requested volunteers for the Audit Committee.  Elected by the membership was Barb Haig and Betsy Stoker.

Requests for volunteers for the Nominating Committee resulted in the election of three  members, Nancy Grant, Austin Slack and Sharon Bazinet.

Ex-officio officer and Chapter webmaster, Gary Grant reported the web site was complete and required member input to allow the site to grow. It currently has earned in excess of $38 in revenue due to Google click-thrus. Members were asked to support the site and its commercial partners which help pay for the site. The site address is www.FMCA.CA

Under New Business, Martin Fayette proposed a motion to suspend compensation provided to  the National Director subject to an annual review by the membership. The motion was seconded by Betsy Stoker and CARRIED.

Past President, Betsy Stoker reminded all members of the upcoming July rally in Sackets Harbor July 17 to 19. Details including a tentative agenda were distributed. The cost is $60 per coach for two attendees.

Nancy Grant announced an initiative by some of the lady members to begin a craft project by the Chapter, something similar to helmet covers. Further details will be at the next rally.

Dan Bassinette announced the importance of keeping dues up to date. He also wanted to test a new initiative following the news of Mr. Coffee’s retirement. The tested program is following one introduced by the North Centrals called ‘Share Ur Pot’. In place of carrying kettles from rally to rally, each morning when a member rises he/she brings their coffee/tea pot to the meal and share it with other members. Finally, in the words of Donald Trump, Martin Fayette was fired! The ‘Share Ur Pot’ test will occur at the July rally and members will vote on its future adoption at that time.

The President reminded and reconfirmed the rally at Mallorytown in September. Because the chapter was using a commercial park, parking was $74 for the three nights bringing the total rally cost to around $90. He regretted the excessive cost but that was what was arranged by the Chapter VP.

Chris Charney announced she wished to pass along the responsibilities of Procurement Officer. After the dead silence,

Motion to adjourn at 10:47am moved by Jerry Rogers and seconded, CARRIED.