Attendance:
Mark Brenneman, Betty Burchell, Philip Jones, John Krasny, Jeff Komarow, Trip Reid, Renee Dunham, Dick and Penny Doolittle, Jinny Jones, Tryon Wells, Peter Jones, John Stapko, Holly Syrrakos, Jane and David Winer, John and Judy Lentz, Peggy Thomson, Johnna Robinson, Brad Coolidge, Bill Eichbaum, Ann Marie Cunningham, Gerald S. Barton.

President Tryon Wells called the meeting to order at 8:08PM. The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

Drinking water status:
Tryon Wells reported that the water has been tested for bacterial and mineral content. Neither test showed a significant problem. In addition, the odor was considered somewhat diminished after the second hot water heater was engaged. The sediment in the well, which has been flooded multiple times, is about three inches deep and is not seriously implicated in contributing to the odor of the water. In short, there are no present concerns about drinking the water. Annual testing is advisable.

Archivist report:
Holly Syrrakos reported that the Historical Society of Washington at DuPont Circle has Sycamore Island records "from the beginning" in a climate controlled environment. She will submit the 1999 Islanders and associated materials when she receives them from the Recording Secretary.

Trees report:
Trip Reid reported that trees were planted on the Island. All are native Maryland trees. There were two Black Locusts planted - one off the old volleyball court, the other on the Maryland side of the Island along the beaver trails. Two River Birch were planted on the downriver end of the Island on either side of the Ken Fassler tree. One Ornamental Red Maple was planted just off the corner of the Clubhouse deck for the purpose of being in position when the current Silver Maple at the corner falls.

Islander report:
David Winer encourages all to keep submitting photos, stories, poems, etc. Members commented that they enjoyed reading the list of birds sighted during the Bird Paddle in October.

Canoe report:
David Winer reported that five canoes were cleaned and polished during the November Workfest. The very heavy wooden canoe in need of repair ("a treasure for someone") is up for auction; the ad placed in a canoe journal designates a minimum bid of $100, bidding period to close on January 2, 2000.

Election of officers and supervisors for year 2000:
The proposed slate of officers and supervisors, published in the November Islander, was approved unanimously.

Caretaker:
The caretaker's salary and bonus were approved.

New business:
Tryon Wells moved to change the term "Guest Card" to "Waiting List Pass Card" or just "Pass Card" to clarify its use.

The guest card issue voted upon last month was revisited. Subsequent examination of the rule approved at the November meeting showed that applicants in 1997 and 1998 who had previously been eligible for a guest card would now no longer be. To effect the transition to the new rule, it was decided that all applicants that had enjoyed guest card eligibility previously could continue to do so. Applicants in 1999 would have to wait 3 years to be eligible, as per the new rule, but would be allowed to withdraw their request for membership, if they desire, and be refunded their application fees.

-- Recording Secretary, Renee Dunham