Attendees
Gerry Barton, Richard Young, Bill Marmon, Lucky Marmon, Geoffrey Cook, Drew Walsh, Abigail Wiebenson, Meredith Griggs, Richard Bertaut, Cindy Bertaut, Jim Drew, John Noble, Tryon Wells, Ned Goddard, Star Mitchell

President Tryon Wells called the meeting or order at 8:00 p.m.

Minutes
The July Minutes, which were not approved at the August meeting because there was not a quorum, were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Ned Goddard reported that “the club is solid.” Expenditures were “light” in August. The contract with the band for the up-coming September Gala has been executed. The inspection of the fire extinguisher was completed. Ned asked that committee chairmen begin thinking about their financial requirements for the next year and submit budget estimates at the October meeting.

Membership Committee
Membership Chairman John Noble reported that there are 236 voting members in the club…150 (regular), 77 (seniors), 16 (honorary). There are 46 names on the waiting list. The maximum number of slots allowed on the waiting list is 60. John estimates that there might be 27–30 slots by the time of the next lottery. He noted that last time, there were some 300 applicants. Applications for the lottery can be submitted between January 1 and March 31, 2016.

Captain’s Report
Captain Drew Walsh reported that the painting of two large outdoor walls of the club was completed. Caretaker Joe Hage can continue working on other smaller painting projects. Steve Newman is working on stabilizing a wobbly pole on the canoe dock. Drew, with a nod from the Treasurer Ned Goddard, suggested that the club spend up to $5,000 over his capital improvement budget on additional painting, purchases and repairs. He made a motion, which was seconded, that he be permitted to spend those extra monies. Goddard reported that revenues exceeded expectation in 2015 and the money was available. There followed a discussion. Gerry Barton suggested that the extra projects be done later as part of the 2016 budget. There is $85,000 (a year’s budget) in the club’s emergency and this would not be diminished by spending the extra money on capital improvement. Several members argued that “getting ahead of the game” would be wise if the money was available. A motion by Tryon Wells to limit the extra spending to $3,000 was defeated. The motion to allow extra spending up to $5,000 was approved.

Old Business
The Regatta was, for years, run by Cindy Bertaut, who received a unanimous salute of appreciation for her dedication and hard work. This year, she passed the torch to Mia Holland, who did a fabulous job of running the event…the biggest Regatta ever. Jane and David Winer pitched in and organized many of the games. Their efforts were highly praised. Mia has agreed to run the event next year.

There was a discussion about the use of water on the Island during heavy usage events like the Regatta. The draw down was caused in part by the Super-Soaker water gun battles, which were extremely popular and, of course, by the heavy use of the toilets. It was suggested that signs saying “flush when necessary” be posted during heavy attendance events like the Regatta and the Gala. Caretaker Joe Hage said that the problem is that the pressure tanks in the toilets don’t have time to recharge during heavy usage. He also says that the filters get clogged. While changing the filters is expensive, he thinks it is preferable to running out of water. He will change the filters before going on vacation.

Relief Caretaker Report
Relief Caretaker Supervisors, Jody and Bobby Benjamin, saluted those have served as Relief Caretakers during the past month. They are: Julia and Peter Smith, Michael Petrilli, Sara Deshler (Delaplaine), Luca Anderlini, Robert and Barbara McCartney, Fred Pinkney and Pam Sommers, Mededith Griggs, and Penny Mitchell.

New Business
The date of the Work Fest is Sunday, November 15th. Raindate: November 22nd.

There was concern expressed over the large tree near the trestle that has fallen over the path leading down to the Island. It was unclear who was responsible.

For those who wonder what the excavation activity is near the Macarthur Boulevard parking lot—new telephone poles and wires are being installed.

Richard Young proposed the following amendment to Standing Rule 12.

Standing Rule 12.1. The child of any member in good standing who has reached the age of 18, but not yet the age of 24 years, who wishes to become a member in his or her own right, shall apply for membership and be placed at the end of the current waiting list regardless of its size and the limitation of rule 12.d.. Such application shall be processed as any other application pursuant to rule 12.e and shall be subject to Rules 12.g., h., and i.

In the event that there are any children of members in good standing who are over the age of 23 at the time this amendment becomes effective, he or she shall have until March 31, 2016, to apply for membership, which application shall be treated as provided in the preceding paragraph.

This proposal evoked strong reactions. Lucky Marmon pointed out that the question of whether or not to give the children of members any advantage over regular applicants for membership was discussed at length at numerous meetings held prior to revising membership procedures. All club members were invited to attend and participate. It was decided after much discussion that they should not have a special status. Jim Drew pointed there are so many children and so few slots to be offered on the wait list that the chances of admitting new families would all but be eliminated. The proposal will be discussed at the October meeting and voted on at the November meeting.

It was proposed that an honorary membership be extended to the widow of a former member who died several years ago. This issue will be discussed at the next meeting.

The Old Timers/ Good Timers Party is on Thursday, September 24th, 12:00 p.m. on the Island. Bring a dish and a story, poem personal experience to share with the group. Raindate: Wednesday, October 14th.

The next meeting will be held on the Island on Wednesday, October 14th, at 8:00. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Lucky Marmon
Co-Recording Secretary