ROTARY CLUB OF EDMONDS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Present:  Sally Hyde – chair, Pam Halsan, Rudy Jones, Vern Chase, Mike Meeks, Karen Wiggins,

                 Brent Hagen, Elizabeth Crouch, Carl Swenson and David Stires

1.                  The meeting was called to order at 7:44 a.m.

2.                  Minutes.  The Minutes of the August 21 board meeting were reviewed.  Elizabeth moved approval and Carl seconded and the minutes were approved.  The minutes of the September 18 board meeting were reviewed.  Reference to Joan Longstaff’s excusal was amended to “Joan asked to be excused.”  Pam moved approval and Rudy seconded and the minutes were approved.

3.                  Attendance Report.  No report.

4.                  Treasurer’s Report.   Brent reported that as of October 15 our net assets were $85,007.35.  We are on track with our 2002-2003 budget.  All funds have been committed so any changes will require adjustments in other areas of the budget.  $310 has been received for the Dick Cole Memorial Fund.  Pam is sending thank you notes to the donors.  Sally reported that RI wants to know our dues structure – she will forward them to the District.  Approval was given to make the promised payment to the Boy Scouts.

5.                  Service Chairs:

a.      Club Service.  Elizabeth reported that she is working with Scotty on the yacht club matters.  The main item was the Holiday Party.  Several ideas were presented and it was agreed that we want a social event - but have it tied into some worthwhile community service project.  Ideas for a good holiday party are needed.  Pam will work on having four Firesides this year.

b.     Community Service.  No report – though everyone is aware of the important Rotary Auction coming next February.

c.      International Service.  Carl has several items to report and some projects that need funding:

(1) Albania water well project – Our $1000 donation, which was partnered with the Shoreline and Shoreline Breakfast Clubs, is now underway.

(2) Mariner Polio Plus drawing - $1000 from the Paul Harris fellowship has been given to Polio Plus.

(3) International Land Mine Conference – Jeannette and other volunteers worked hard to make this a success.

(4) Sullana-Piura Club in Northern Peru – We received a letter from the president (who visited us in May and June) telling us about the Rotary Club Wing of the Sullana (middle) School.  The first project was to build a metal shop and now Rotary is providing tools and also working with the disadvantaged children in the school.  Originally we agreed to give them $1250 but the whole project budget has expanded to $5-6,000 in order to serve so many special needs.  Carl asked for approval to increase our donation up to $2000 – though right now it looks like the needed funds to complete the project will be around $1750.  Carl moved and Rudy seconded and it was approved.

(5) Literacy and Computer Program in South Africa – This is a partnership with the Lynnwood Rotary.  Bill Morton is the spearhead who made a presentation to the club last year. Matching money should be available from various Rotary sources.  Carl moved that we donate $1000 to the project.  Pam seconded the motion.  It was asked if this project fits into our FY2002-2003 budget.  The answer was “yes”.  It will be necessary to increase the International budget to cover the project.  The donation was approved.

(6) Hekinan, Japan Sister City Project – There is a need for us to be as supportive as possible of this project.  Carl moved that we donate $200 to cover some of the incidentals of the visits.  Rudy seconded and it was approved.

(7) Sherry Ramm’s Fiji Project – The proposed Edmonds Rotary Foundation, when formed, will process the funds for the project.

(8) Madrona School – Malawi school project – We had a presentation on this project of two teachers from Madrona School.  They are making good progress and taking care of the barest necessities.  They could use $400 for benches so the students do not have to sit on the floor.  Carl moved we donate $400 to the project.  Elizabeth seconded and it was approved.

Sally also had several international service items:

(1)   Pat Shields has accepted the position of Youth Exchange Liaison.

(2)   Dr. Keith Luther, a young Edmonds MD will be traveling to South America for two unpaid weeks as part of the respected Northwest Medical Teams.  It was moved by Mike and seconded by Elizabeth that upon a letter of request from the Northwest Medical Teams we donate $500 towards the air fare of Dr. Luther.  The entire air fare is $1300+.  We expect a report on his return.

d.      Vocational Service.  No report

e.      Foundation.  Mike has just attended the District Foundation Seminar.  Mike reported that we need to strive for an annual giving pledge of $150 per member.  We presently have 78 Paul Harris Fellows with 20 active and 11 benefactors.  Mike said that we need a Foundation budget after determining our annual pledge.  He will start the “educational process” by e-mailing members to get their input.  Mike moved that we should consider matching members’ donations up to a specified figure.  Action should take place at the next board meeting.  Pam seconded the motion and it passed.

Pam moved and Elizabeth seconded a motion to extend the meeting 15 minutes.  It was approved

6.                  Membership proposal.  Vern asked that the board approve a new member proposal in as

much as the sponsor, Joan Longstaff, was out of town.  The new member is Don      Henderson.  Don is active in The Washington Tea Party/Preserve Edmonds (fighting the siting of the King County sewer plant in Edmonds) and many other civic and business groups in the area.  He is a CPA.  Vern moved approval and Elizabeth seconded and the motion passed.   Jan Vance of the Chamber asked that her name be withdrawn until a later date.

7.                  Waterfront Festival.  Karen has been asked by Craig to attend the International/Washington Festivals Association March 16-18.  The only cost would be the registration of $95.  She asked that Sharon also attend.  Pam moved that we pay the registration fees of $95 each for Karen and Sharon.  Elizabeth seconded and it was approved.  Karen and Craig met with the Port to develop plans for the 2003 festival.  They want to see more maritime related activities and are also looking for other ideas.  The yacht club is interested in working with us.

8.                  New business. 

Rudy said he is working with Doug Purcell on creating a Rotary Club of Edmonds Foundation that would be a 501 (c) (3) tax deductible corporation.  We will pattern our by-laws after the Lynnwood club.  It will take about 1 - 2 months to submit the materials to the IRS.

We need to find out what plans Larry Hess and George Smith have to resume their regular attendance at our meetings.  It is possible that they will need to officially resign from the club.

           The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m.

           Recorded by

           Vernon W. Chase