Present
Bill Bays, Laurence C. Heilman, Jim Drew, Gerald S. Barton, Norm Metzger, Johnna Robinson, David Winer, Jane Winer, Phoebe Hamill, Ann Marie Cunningham, Harvey Resnik, Dorothy Fall, Carl Linden, John F. Stapko, Bill Eichbaum, John Lentz, Tryon Wells, Judy Lentz, Alan Gelb, Renee Dunham, Jeff Komarow, Joe Hage, and Peter Winkler

Call to Order:
President Ann Marie Cunningham called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m., at the home of Star Mitchell. Ann Marie expressed the Club’s thanks to Star for hosting the meeting.

Minutes:
The minutes of the November meeting as published in The Islander were approved by voice vote.

Election of Officers:
Nominating Committee Chair Carl Linden presented the slate of officers, previously published in The Islander. There is only one outgoing officer, Recording Secretary Peter Winkler, whom Ann Marie thanked on behalf of the Club. Peter has agreed to continue serving until a replacement can be found. The slate was approved by voice vote, and Ann Marie thanked Carl for his service.

Caretaker:
After discussion of Caretaker Joe Hage’s services to the Club and the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, the Club approved a year-end bonus for Joe by voice vote.

Annual Budget:
Treasurer Alan Gelb presented the proposed budget for 2005. Alan also observed that, as of now, we are well under budget in our spending in 2004: we have had no major capital expenditures, and Joe Hage’s efforts have helped keep costs down. The surplus at year’s end will go into the reserve fund. Alan would like to see the reserve fund keep pace with inflation.

The proposed budget is similar to the budget for 2004, with upward adjustments for inflation and larger insurance costs. The proposed budget assumes no increase in dues. Overall, there is a 4 percent increase in projected spending. After discussion, the budget was approved. Ann Marie conveyed our gratitude to Alan for his efforts.

Captain’s Report:
Captain Tryon Wells reported that the shingles on the roof of the clubhouse are worn out, and will need to be replaced. Tryon is exploring several alternatives, including the possibility of a membrane roof.

Building Report:
President Ann Marie Cunningham provided an update on the Building Committee’s activities, in particular, the recent meeting of Club representatives with top county zoning officials. The county has at least tentatively approved our enclosure of the stairway area for use as stairs and hallway, a very beneficial development for the Club. Ann Marie will follow up on that meeting with a confirming letter. Ann Marie also reported that the clubhouse is now legally “non-conforming,” so we can proceed to obtain a building permit when the time comes.

Ann Marie stated that Building Committee Chair Jack Sanders would like to prepare a more detailed version of the previously approved construction plan with the help of Certified Engineer Dick Way, who is donating his services to the Club. After that, Club approval will be sought, and only then will an architect be hired to prepare plans.

There was an animated discussion concerning the proposed construction. Concern was expressed that the membership has the opportunity to vote on the size of the expenditure and the plan itself. Ann Marie stated that the Club at regular Club meetings would make those decisions, and everyone would have the opportunity to be heard and to vote. There was also discussion of how the decision-making process would proceed, and whether consideration would be given to the non-majority building proposal. Ann Marie stated that those decisions had yet to be made, but emphasized that the decision-making would be an open process.

Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m., after which members gathered to enjoy Star’s cuisine and the culinary contributions of fellow members.

The January meeting of the Club will be held at the home of Alan Gelb. The February meeting will be held at the home of Carl Linden.

-- Peter Winkler, Recording Secretary