FMCA.CA - Minutes

Minutes
Thousand Island Voyageurs
Mallorytown, NY - July 8, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Lyn Gordon at 10:00 am sharp. Past President Rosie Grigiatis led the Chapter in the singing of both National Anthems followed by a moment of silence for passed members and members of the combined armed forces.
As required, all members of the executive were present.
The President welcomed everyone and thanked the Rally Masters JoAn Halliday-Lauzon and Rolland Lauzon and all the volunteers for their efforts in putting on the rally. He also welcomed new members Serge & Francyne Boudreau of St. Jean Sur Richelieu and Pat & Jacque Avery of Merrickville, Ontario.
Secretary Gary Grant confirmed a quorum was present with 19 coaches in attendance and read the minutes of the previous meeting held at Kingston, Ontario. The dates of the fall Watertown rally were corrected to read ‘Sept 5 to 7’ and not 7 to 9 as reported. Also, Peter Scott wanted to correct the record that he has been the Newsletter Editor for over 10 years. Doug Johnson indicated a copy of the minutes should be made available to all members in advance of the meetings. It was agreed a supply would be placed on display on the first day of the next rally, in addition to posting to the internet. Moved by Eileen Breen ‘the minutes be adopted.’ CARRIED.
The Treasurer Leo Grigiatis reported the activities of revenues and expenditures over the past month with emphasis on a $896.86 surplus received from the Kingston rally. The current Canadian balance was $2590.40 and the current US balance is $2954.58. Moved by Nancy Grant ‘to accept the Treasurer’s report. CARRIED.
Vice President - Canada Robert Vanier explained the large surplus from the Kingston rally was a result of last minute concessions in pricing that were unforeseen and uncontrollable. The rally overage was not planned. He again thanked the Rally Masters for their successful rally.
Vice President -USA Alice Foy thanked the Rally Masters and made mention of the Italian Festival Rally to be held in Watertown, NY in September 5-7, 2008. The Rally Masters Lyn Gordon, Chris Charney, Don and Grace Preston were ready for September with a rally cost of $40 per coach. She also called for support to develop rally events for 2009.
Past President - Rosie Grigiatis - No report
Vice President - Membership Dan Bazinet reported there are 77 members in the chapter representing 151 individuals and he was available for those wishing to pay their renewal fee.
Vice President - Newsletter Editor Peter Scott advised membership his email address was wrong. This reflects the importance of reconfirming your address and especially your email address to Membership regularly. He stated two thirds of the members are on the internet and it will become more important to us in reducing costs and keeping fees low. He reported there will be a newsletter shortly which includes details of the Fall rally. He noted that it was a ‘pay upon arrival‘ event and that members should call or email the Rally Masters to advise of their attendance before August 28. He stated this is his last year as Newsletter Editor.
National Director - JoAn Halliday-Lauzon reported NEAR was fast approaching. Electrical /water sites are an additional $60. A caravan of volunteers will meet on August 5 at McDonald’s at Rouse’s Point. She will send further details to all participants by email. Peter Scott mentioned taking our photographs to NEAR and it was confirmed a collage of pictures was being put together by Sandy, our historian.
Alternate Director - John Foy - No report
The Chapter Procurement Officer - Christine Charney reported the inventory she had in stock available for sale.
Chapter Historian - Sandy Scott - No report
Webmaster - Gary Grant reported no major changes to date on the site but www.FMCA.ca will point to the old site until the new site is operational. The old site will be updated with the new email address protocol, membership application and fall rally schedule in a week.
Old Business - No items to report.
New Business - Betsy Stoker stated she was discouraged by the decline in membership over the past few years. She expressed concern for the loss of focus and the need for the Chapter to regain it. This was greeted by applause. Further concerns were that there seemed to be too many rules and the chapter objective was one of enjoyment. The matter has been taken directly to the President for further action. Rose Cranston reminded everyone that ‘family’ was the core of FMCA.
Eileen Breen indicated ‘Happy Hour’ should be held at 3 pm as 4 pm made it too late to provide time for dinner preparations and meals. Rosie Grigiatis stated ’Happy Hour’ time is a Rally Master prerogative.
The Secretary announced the receipt of a Thank You card from Ann Wannamaker, thanking the Chapter for the flowers in remembrance of Don and that the card would be on display with the chapter photos.
The National Director moved ‘for the purchase of a copy of the Roberts Rules of Order (Newly Revised) for use by the Chapter’. Under discussion she explained it was the rules of holding meetings and when questioned indicated a cost of approximately $20. CARRIED
Doug Johnson, Chairman of the Nominating Committee reported all open positions on the executive were filled, as of 6 am that morning and thanked the volunteers for their support. He further questioned a statement on a chapter flyer indicating rallies were open to anyone, FMCA member or not and that he thought this was incorrect. Gary Grant responded that was the policy of FMCA.
Doug Johnson moved ‘to have the Chapter purchase an Ontario flag’. In discussion, JoAn Halliday-Lauzon stated flag was needed to fly during the NEAR parade. Response was for three flags - Ontario, New York State and Quebec as this was representative of membership. JoAn responded it was a need for NEAR only and that New York State and Quebec were already represented. Stan Williams advised an Ontario MPP would provide a free flag. Nancy Grant volunteered to call on her MPP, John Garretson . The motion was rescinded to purchase a flag.
JoAnn Halliday-Lauzon, the Chairman of the Bylaw Committee made a presentation proposing 4 amendments be voted on in regard to the Chapter Bylaws, and that this was the required official notice of motion. She then distributed the 4 proposed changes.
Bob Vanier repeated his request for Canadian volunteers to step up as Rally Masters for next year in 2009.
Motion to Adjourn moved by Eileen Breen at 10:59am. CARRIED