Carl Linden kindly hosted the February meeting, where the snacks and beverages were plentiful and tasty. President Jeff Komarow called the group to order at 8:05 p.m.

Present:
Gerald Barton, Charlotte Brewer, Richard Dianich, Jim Drew, Faith Earll, Larry Heilman, Jeff Komarow, John Lentz, Carl Linden, John Matthews, Norman Metzger, Sherry Pettie, Johnna Robinson, Tryon Wells, David Winer, Jane Winer

Minutes:
Gerry Barton offered one correction to the December minutes: He was present. With that addition, both the December and January minutes were adopted.

Financial report:
Jeff has requested that Alan Gelb and Lisa Klieforth produce a financial report for publication in the March Islander, consisting of a balance sheet and income statement.

Membership:
There are several vacancies and selection of new members will be discussed at the March meeting.

Captain’s report:
Two important items on the Captain’s agenda are replacing the canoe float and repair or replacement of the ferry. Since Tove Elfstrom and Dave Winer have both expressed interest in the float, the Captain will encourage them to get together and develop a plan before the March club meeting.

As for the ferry, the Captain has gotten estimates of $3,000-$10,000 to buy a new one. On hearing these prices, the members’ attention immediately turned to a discussion of how and where to get the ferry out of the water so that an aluminum welder’s truck can get close enough to make a repair. But first a canal-side landing has to be designed and built that will not allow ramming of the pontoons. All agreed that it’s not an option to leave things as they are.

Tryon also reported that John Matthews and Gerry Barton continue to be concerned about the erosion of the towpath. There was discussion about whether Carl Linden could avail upon his contacts at the National Park Service, and. Carl agreed to try for a meeting with the chief of maintenance.

Swimming:
Jeff asked that the swimming guidelines be published in the Islander in June and July, and Larry Heilman asked for a copy of the guidelines to include in the new member orientation.

Phone tree:
Jim Drew and Gerry Barton are putting together a group of 25-30 people to make calls to get out more workers for Workfests. Jim suggested putting a request for phone volunteers in the next Islander.

Caretaker’s quarters:
There was a lively discussion about the building committee’s progress, the architectural plans, a phased approach to construction, the potential cost to the club, and ideas on financing the project. The members present agreed that the building and finance committees needed to accelerate their work to be in a position to get the job done this summer. The goal is for the building committee to complete the architectural plans and specification in early March, apply for a building permit from the county and obtain bids on the project so that a cost estimate can be presented at the April meeting. In parallel, the goal for the finance committee is to have the outline of a financing plan ready for discussion at the March meeting and to submit the financing plan to the membership for approval at the April meeting along with a request for approval of a construction budget and authorization to go forward with construction. If the Club approves the project at the April meeting, the goal is to have financing in place and a construction contract signed in mid-May. It was agreed that this is an aggressive schedule.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

-- Sherry Pettie, Recording Secretary