Attendance:
Jane and David Winer, Marcia and George Loeb, Renee Dunham, Bill Eichbaum, Doc Taliaferro, Ann Marie Cunningham, John Matthews, Tove Elfstrom, Bill Bays, Tryon Wells, Gerald Barton, Maurice Tobin, Barbara Kraft, Johnna Robinson, Betty Burchell, Maria Stenzel, Brad Coolidge

President Tryon Wells called the meeting to order at 8 PM. The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

Captain's report:
John Matthews reported a break in the electric line operating the lights on the hill and also noted that we need a light at the steps down to the ferry from the towpath. Wood for constructing new picnic tables has arrived.

Canoe report:
David Winer reported that Mrs. Kronstadt has a canoe (and also a bookcase) to donate to the club. A club canoe in need of repair was sold for $100.

Islander report:
Jane and David Winer were pleased with so many contributions to the Islander last month and requested that everyone keep them coming. (The membership was also quite pleased!)

Membership report:
We have nine more applicants for the waiting list, making the total 166.

Caretaker's report:
Doc noted that the Potomac Basin Reporter reported forty nests in the Great Blue Heron rookery upriver. (Bill Eichbaum enriched this by reported a Great Blue rookery behind the eagle nest above Great Falls on the island. The two species seem to tolerate each other.) The record low Potomac River level recorded was for June 1999. Andrei Kushner, a well-known Potomac River painter has requested to paint from locations on the Island.

Doc emphasized that members must leave the Island before dark to ensure safety on their return and out of respect for the caretaker's evening plans. (Doc had to cancel a dinner engagement due to a late returning canoe party.)

Addressing the darkness concern, Doc related this incident: Coming down from MacArthur Boulevard and crossing the towpath bridge, he saw a body lying on the bridge. He was relieved to find it sleeping and not dead - a bag lady. He brought her onto the Island and provided dinner and warm bedding in the clubhouse and some cash. The woman used neither the bedding nor the food and was waiting on the bench for the return ferry in the morning. Watch out for surprises in the dark!

Old business:
The committee on canoe safety and use of club canoes is endeavoring to create some simple and workable rules for use of the club canoes.
Reactivating identity of our club as a canoeing organization is still a current issue, but discussion was postponed to a future meeting.

New business:
We have had rich debate in the past about Island use and the issuing of guest cards, but the motions made in this meeting are new and reported below. Note that these motions are to be voted on in future meetings. (The many views aired in the discussion preceding the motions will be reported in a separate article.)

Bill Eichbaum proposed the following motion that does NOT need to change the Standing Rules:

Freeze the current waiting list and do not accept new applications for club membership.

Three motions made by Tryon Wells would require change in the Standing Rules.

1) Add to 3M. Supervisor of Camping and Parties:
c. Prepare a report for the January meeting of all Large Parties held during the past year with Date, Member Name and the Number of guests for each party, with the total number of parties held to be included in that month's meeting minutes.

2) Add to 3E. Membership Secretary:
k. Prepare a report for the May meeting of the number of Guest Cards issued and the current totals for all categories of membership, with all totals to be included in that month's meeting minutes.

3) Add italics to 6. Guest Cards
Guest Cards may only be issued between January I and March 31 and only to the 100 most senior applicants on the waiting list.

(It is understood in this motion that this rule includes a phase-in period that would allow current guest card holders the ability to renew.)

Betty Burchell made a motion which also would require a change in the Standing Rules.

Add italics to 6. Guest Cards

Guest Cards may only be issued between January I and March 31, not to exceed 50 per calendar year. Guest Cards are to be issued in order of the following priorities: (1) renewal from previous year, (2) family of club members, (3) most-senior applicants on the waiting list.

(It is understood in this motion that this rule includes a phase-in period that would allow current guest card holders the ability to renew until the number of guest cards issued drops below 50.)

Jane Winer suggested that we revise the sign-in list on the ferry to designate guest card holder, guest, or member in order to give future clarity to accountings of Island use. Approval was general.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45PM.

-Recording Secretary, Renee Dunham