The meeting was called to order by President Jim Drew at the home of Tryon Wells.

Attendees:
Larry Heilman, Bill Marmon, Lucky Marmon, Ann Marie Cunningham, Gerry Barton, Tryon Wells, John Noble, Jeff Komarow, David Winer, Jane Winer, Ann Lucy, Marianne Ross, Sherry Fizdale, Cecily Abram

Communications: A picnic planned by children of deceased members was postponed from November to next Spring.

Treasurer’s Report:
Allen Gelb couldn’t make the meeting but assures us that all is well on the financial front.

Captain’s Report:
Tryon reported that there are several leaks in the Club’s roof, which are being patched until the contractor can take a look. Hopefully, the roof is under warranty.

Bridge:
Tryon says they are doing a great job on the new bridge. Meanwhile, Joe has built a temporary bridge, which involves the use of two tree trunks and ladders leading down to the canal.

Parties:
Several members felt that a recent large wedding party, which lasted two entire days was too big, lasted too long, and overwhelmed the septic system. The usual “large party” is for 35 persons, while this party had 70 guests. Jim Drew suggested that greater scrutiny be given to the next application for a party with more than 35 guests.

Relief Caretaking:
Sherry Fizdale reported that caretaking slots are booked through the end of November. In recruiting caretakers, she focused on people who hadn’t done it for two years. Now she will shift her focus on those who haven’t done it for one year.

Old Business:
None

New Business:
The Special Membership Committee Chairman Bill Marmon thanked the Special Membership Committee members and ex-officio attendee, Jim Drew for their hard work. The committee had so far held four in-person meetings at the home of Lucky and Bill Marmon. Tryon Wells distributed online at http//www.sycamoreisland.org/symemapp.htm a draft report and received 25 comments from members. All comments from members were discussed and considered by the committee.

Bill distributed the committee’s proposals for Standing Rule 12 , the proposed rules for application for membership, and Rule 16 E, covering the duties of the Membership Secretary.

There was a lively discussion of various proposals. Bill explained the Committee’s thinking on a number of issues... the application process and requirement that applicants be at least 18 years old, the lottery mechanism for selecting new members, the fee schedule, and the decision to not give preference to members’ children. It was explained that those on the old waiting list would be dealt with according to the old rules, and they will, of course, have priority over any new waiting list applicants. Jeff Komarow offered to survey the whereabouts of current waiting list applicants.

A number of technical amendments were suggested. The attendees authorized the committee to go forward with a final proposal based on these recommendations.

The Special Membership Committee will meet again to finalize the proposals before the November meeting where there will be an up or down vote on them.

These proposals, which were finalized at an October 26 meeting, appear in this issue of The Islander.

Next Meeting:
The Club will meet at 8:00 p.m. on November 9, at the home of John and Diane Noble, 7024 Arandale Road, Bethesda, MD, 20817.

December Meeting and Party:
The December Meeting and Holiday Party will be held on at 8:00 p.m. on December 14 at the home of Bill and Lucky Marmon, 4921 Cumberland Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD, 20815. It will be a potluck, so please bring holiday goodies and drinks to share.

The meeting ended on an upbeat note with David and Jane Winer’s generous offering of root beer floats.

Respectfully submitted,
Lucky Marmon, Co-Recording Secretary