79th Meeting Minutes ~ Casa de Fruta,
Members
present: Claude, Douglas, Michael, Susan, Steve, Susie, Joel, Carrol, Elizabeth, David, Jeni,
Wendy and Alyssa.
The meeting
was called to order by Susan at
Susan proposed
an agenda, which other members added to:
1. General
discussion over R&Rs – Susan
2. Nominations
of 2005 officers
3. Financial
Statement –
4. New
proposals to the R&Rs – Claude
5. Membership
forms – Douglas and Elizabeth
6. Military
participation – Steve
General Discussion Over R&Rs:
There was a
concern about the R&Rs in their present state. Some
members view them as “in transition” for the 2004 season, to be changed
throughout this season. They suggested delaying their “coming to effect” until
A simple
majority vote by the membership can take care of many small issues that come up
in the unit; we don’t necessarily need written down, specific rules and
procedures. Some members feel that the current R&Rs
are too strict.
It was pointed
out that the 79th’s R&Rs are based on
existing ACWA rules, and that unit bylaws are permanent and consistent despite
situations and membership changes.
Process
provides stability, and eliminates arbitrary behaviour and personal decision
making outside of the group. Definitions are necessary. One purpose of the R&Rs is to prevent outside threat.
Added to the agenda: 7. Define membership
definitions
Nomination of Officers:
(Background: The R&Rs
state that officer nominations for the next season would take place at the
second to last ACWA event of the season, which would have been Casa. The BOD
was reminded about this about 3 days before Casa, and perhaps it was too early
in the season to be thinking about new officers. The BOD made an executive
decision to cancel this rule, and delay the nominations until
Regarding
amendments, it was pointed out that the R&Rs were
a document in process, and this needs to be stated officially on the document.
The nomination
article in the R&Rs needs to be reworded so we
are not locked into a silly timeframe situation again. New officers do need
more time to move into their positions, so elections still need to take place
at the end of the old season. It was suggested that we begin nominations at
Casa, and they will remain open until sometime prior to
Treasurer’s Report:
As of
We have
ordered approximately $366 worth of powder and caps from Ray; we will need to
pay him when they come in.
Proposed Changes to R&Rs:
(Background: The membership has received proposed
changes to the R&Rs by Claude. The changes
included active membership definition, separate voting procedures for civilian
members, and medical consent forms for minors.
It had been discussed at Roaring Camp that
civilians should perhaps not vote for field officers in the event that civilian
members could outnumber the rifle carrying members, and change
the face of the unit as seen on the field. The idea is to prevent “ringers”
coming in and taking over the vote.)
Medical
consent and Release forms for minors are being worked on for 2005.
Some civilian
members would like to have a vote in the field officer elections. It was
pointed out that the 79th is a military unit first and foremost, and
the voting for field officers must be kept in favour of the rifle carrying
members. ACWA elections was brought up, how civilian
members registered with the 79th were able to vote for brigade
commanders.
*Action item brought about by above discussion:
The 79th
would like to submit a formal complaint to the ACWA BOD against former members
of the 79th who currently camp in civilian town, recruiting in the
name of the 79th NY.
Membership Forms:
Membership
forms for the 79th NY will be ready for the 2005 season. Unit dues
were suggested necessary.
Military Participation:
Action must be
taken against rifle carrying members who don’t participate in unit and
battalion drill, and who don’t stick around camp to help with unit duties and
the running of the regiment. One issue with this is field safety.
A possible
R&R article could be that combatants need to participate actively with
their home unit. Enforcing of this would fall on the Captain and 1st
Sgt under Military Structure.
Adherence to
the uniform code was also stressed. Michael and David volunteered to work on a
“new recruit” packet of information.
Membership Definition:
It was
proposed that members who pay both ACWA and 79th dues, and attend
two 79th events during the season would be considered active
members.
Discussion of R&Rs
#2:
Other Business:
Guest Fees:
Steve pointed
out that ACWA guest (day trip) fees are returned to the unit. This could eliminate
the need for a 79th guest fee. Our guests must be kept track of so
that the treasurer can collect these fees from the ACWA treasurer. “Guest fees”
and “equipment rental fees” need to be kept separate, although the 79th
still needs to collect powder fees from guests. Steve proposed that we waive
the “equipment rental fee”, Michael seconded. The 79th will not
charge an equipment rental fee for guests, ACWA guest fees and powder fees
still apply.
2005 Nominations:
Nominations
for the next season opened this evening:
Captain: Steve
Baxter
1st
Sergeant: Claude Braafladt
2nd
Sergeant: David Quivey
Corporals: Michael
Gjerde and Douglas Reid
President:
Susan Gjerde
Treasurer:
Douglas Reid
Secretary:
Elizabeth Quivey
Review of the Year So Far:
Steve said the
season has been going very well, and the ACWA is enjoying us. Potluck dinners
have been successful and enjoyed. Life overall is good.
The meeting
was adjourned by the cannon gavel at
Respectfully submitted,
Elizabeth Quivey