Treasure Coast Woodcarvers   

Treasure Coast Woodcarvers

General Membership

Meeting of December 14, 2010

The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:21 am by President Russ Cox with 34 members present.

The minutes were not read, as they have been posted on our bulletin board for three weeks.

Mike Coccia gave a brief finance committee report, stating that there is around twelve thousand dollars in our account; Russ Cox handed out some club financial-related graphs. He then proceeded to explain how he is serving as an auditor by reviewing our club’s finances.  Russ offered to show anyone interested exactly what he does and stated that our books are open for member review. He is available to answer specific questions regarding his auditing role after the meeting or at anytime.

Show Committee Chairman Barry Hoffman was next called upon to give a report. Barry presented a sign-up sheet for volunteers needed at our Show. He asked that members please come forward early on and fill in some of the blanks so we know where we stand as far as manpower requirements are concerned. He also stated that in mid-January, we will be having an internal club contest for the best carved pineapple. This contest will include cash awards. He concluded by naming and thanking the Show Committee for their hard work.

Under new business, it was brought up that the lighting in the club could stand to be improved.  A lengthy discussion followed, with several members offering opinions as to how best approach this issue, as the county forbids any permanent changes to the structure without its involvement.  Don Millenbruch pointed out that changes were made downstairs, but were done in such a way that they are not permanent. Russ stated that the board would review the situation and get back to the general membership after its review.

Also under new business, Don Millenbruch reported on the unsuccessful efforts of the Carousel Committee to sell the carousel. Many different avenues have been explored, but none produced good results.  Don moved that, since the club has a moral obligation to the Loggerhead Marine Center, we donate $1000 to them. This was seconded and a lengthy discussion followed.  A vote was taken, and it was unanimously voted to accept this motion. A motion to keep the carousel and possibly sell it in the future was made, seconded, and unanimously voted affirmatively.  Don agreed to make the arrangements for the club to present the check to the Loggerhead Marine Center so we may receive publicity from the event.

A motion was made to bring the carousel to the show and display it with a “for sale” sign. This was seconded and a brief discussion followed. Russ pointed out that table space is at a premium, and therefore there is a cost to us to do this. He also pointed out that our bylaws give the Show Chairman total control of what is to be part of the show; therefore, the decision of whether or not to include the carousel should be his decision.  Show Chairman Barry said he would like to bring this up to the Show Committee for input. The motion was tabled.

Russ stated that our bylaws are in need of revision.  Also, the issue of whether or not the club should be making charitable donations needs to be addressed. Bylaws changes require a 30 day notice to the general membership of any proposed changes before the general membership votes on whether to accept or reject any changes.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 am.

Bruce T. Edwards, Secretary

 

 

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TREASURE COAST WOODCARVERS

BOARD MEETING  

NOVEMBER 16, 2010

The meeting began at approximately 9:35 am, immediately following a joint meeting of the Carousel Committee and the Board. Members included Russ Cox, Mike Coccia, Ed Jettinghoff, and Bruce Edwards.

Russ stated that the rental fee and insurance for the 2011 show has been paid.

Treasurer Mike reported that there is about $9000 in the bank and he has received another $500 or so this morning. There is also a CD for around $6000 that expires in December 2010.

Russ explained that he is serving as an auditor by reviewing our finances. He took on this chore as some members suggested that it may be prudent for the club to hire an outside auditor to review our books.

In regard to our show, a host is still needed to house Pete LeClair for five days. Russ will again seek a host during our announcement period today. A discussion followed regarding our providing hosts with financial compensation to help defray their expenses. It was suggested and accepted informally to offer each host free tuition to the class in which their guest was teaching. The question of how our monthly rent was determined followed. Rent is based on tuition cost minus expenses. Half of the remainder is our rent. It was also pointed out that the person with whom we dealt at the county for our rent has been replaced by another person. Mike pointed out that we recently had a year with very few classes; however, the Board determined that we should continue to pay the county an amount which would have been paid had the classes been held.

Russ brought up that our bylaws need to be reviewed. The primary reason for this is that the only copy we could find were marked “proposed”. Our actual bylaws could not be located. Another issue was that our club’s continued support of charitable organizations needs to be stated in the bylaws. Bylaws changed need to be voted upon by the full membership with at least 30 day advanced notice being given.

There will be a potluck supper on December 1, 2010 at 5 pm. Spouses of deceased members should be invited and Russ will bring this to the attention of the general membership during today’s announcements and ask members who know these individuals to please invite them.

Monies received from the 50-50 at the potluck go into the club’s general operation fund.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:00 am.