Cascadia RVW General Meeting
March 28, 2009
Board Members Present: Marne Parry, Mary Schoenfeldt, Dorene Thomas, Nancy Gerou, Pat Lebbert and Gail Alexander.
The meeting was called to order by President Marne Parry at 9:15 am at Mount St. Helens RV Park in Castle Rock, WA.
Minutes: The minutes from the October 18, 2008 meeting were accepted as posted to the website.
Treasurer's Report: As of February 28, 2009 the bank balance was $3,726.22, including dues of $132.00 and expenditures of $655.04. $585 of that amount was for site payments at American Sunset and Alder Lake, which will be refunded after those events. The Treasurer’s Report will be filed for audit.
Old Business: Cheryl Edman reported the Cascadia defibrillator was exchanged for a refurbished model at a cost of $280. By voice vote the members agreed to pay this expense.
New Business: Marne Parry introduced the new Event Coordinators: Marcia Anderson, Sherrie Buchan, LeAnna Davis, Suzanne Larsen and Christine Taylor, who will be their representative on the Board.
National RVW items: Marne Parry explained that RVW bylaws allow members of the National organization to attend any event put on by any local chapter without paying dues to that chapter. Cascadia, however, has allowed perspective members to attend two events before requiring payment of dues. A lengthy discussion was held on this issue, including whether Cascadia could ask members for a $5 donation per year or collect a donation to attend an event in order to defray expenses. No decision was reached. It was pointed out that the $5 new member fee would still be charged as it offsets the cost of the information packet. It was also noted that Cascadia membership is required to have voting rights.
Marne Parry also reported that RVW will have two openings on the board next year. She asked members to let her know if the RVW e-newsletter isn't being received. Registration is now open for the National RVW convention to be held October 14th through 18th.
Cascadia June event: Unfortunately, there is no site in Canada for the June event, so it will be held in Washington state. Information on the new location will be on the Cascadia website.
Proposed National Convention Expenditure: At the January Board meeting a discussion was held regarding Barbara Nelson's proposal that Cascadia budget $500 annually to be used by the Chapter's President to attend the National RVW convention. The specifics of the proposal were included in the minutes of that meeting.
The majority of the Board agreed the proposal had merit, but thought the funds should be made available to the President Elect since the convention is held at the end of the President's tenure. Mary Schoenfeldt and Nancy Gerou agree to rework the proposal to include this recommendation. The Board's new proposal was read by Nancy Gerou:
The Cascadia Chapter of RVW will annually provide funds to support the President Elect to attend the National RVW Convention. The Treasurer of the Cascadia Board will write a check from the Cascadia account to the President Elect in the amount of $500. These funds are to be used for the convention registration and travel expenses. If the full amount is not needed, it will be returned to the Board within 30 days of the close of the convention.
Rationale: (1) The President Elect will report to the Chapter any National proceedings that may be of interest to the Chapter and (2) The President Elect needs to keep her pulse on the proceedings of the National RVW Organization.
If the President Elect is unable to attend the convention, the Board will decide if any of the funds will or will not be used to support a different Board member.
Members who belong to other RV clubs said that this was a common practice. One member wondered why the funds would only be made available to a Board member, as many others usually attend the National convention. Another member suggested the funds could be spread between all of the Board members who want to attend the convention. On the other hand, members commented that Cascadia always has a strong presence at the convention and that our Chapter is well-known on the National level. It was also noted that the convention is primarily a social and recreational function. The Board's proposal was defeated by voice vote of the membership.
Karlene Fields suggested Cascadia sponsor one of the activities at the convention, such as an ice cream social. The membership agreed that funds should be appropriated for this contribution to the convention. Karleen Fields will work with Cathy Atkins and Jill Pace to prepare a list of recommendations to bring before the membership at the Mossyrock event in May.
Announcements: Cheryl Edman announced she and will again be participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event to be held July 11-12 at Rainier High School in Yelm, Washington. Several pledges were made in memory of Ursula Brogan who passed away last November.
Laura Dahlstrom offered to make signs for member's rigs with name(s) and picture(s), if available, of the member and/or their pet(s).
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Alexander
Gail Alexander
Secretary 2009