Ipswich Outboard Club

January 14, 2014 – Annual Meeting Minutes

The Ipswich Outboard Club Board of Directors held the IOC annual meeting at the St. Lawrence Function Hall, Fairview Ave., Ipswich, Ma. The meeting was called to order by Commodore Wright at 7:04 pm. All officers and directors were present. 24  IOC members attended the meeting.

Commodore Wright welcomed all to the 2014 IOC annual meeting and thanked everyone for attending.

A motion was made to dispense with the reading of the annual minutes from 2013. Motion seconded and approved.

Secretary’s Report:

• Membership is expected to be full again this year. Renewals have been coming in steadily.
• New stickers for 2014 are black.
• Please contact the secretary for anything you need.
• The cookout is being planned for May- no meeting, just a day out to start the boating season.

The secretary’s report was approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:

• The annual financial statement was read along with comments from the treasurer.
• About $28,000 will be the balance at the end of 2014.
• About 7 years is left on the loan for the ramp improvement.
• The new fiscal year is the same as calendar year. Now all reports will be filed once a year at the same time.
• Dwight Thompson was recognized for his efforts and doing a great job. He will be missed on the IOC Board.

The treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.

Vice Commodore’s Report:

• The status of the property is very good.
• A new dinghy will be purchased.
• May need to replace a float this year.
• A security camera is in use and is monitored.
• A discussion was held on the retaining wall was brought up which was discussed. The board is planning on addressing the issue in the future.
• A question was asked about getting a light to shine down on the ramp- The board will look into the possibility with the town.

The Vice Commodore’s Report was approved as submitted.

Acknowledgements:

• The entire membership was thanked for making the club meeting.
• The IOC Board was thanked for all their efforts and dedication.
• A moment of silence was held for Ron Cameron.
• The by-laws committee was thanked and Gary Champion for hosting meetings.
• Thank you to Jeff Graffum and Dwight Thompson for their service to the IOC and board.

Nomination Committee (read by Fred Gallagher):

• Directors nominated for a new three year term: Donald Clapp and Rusty Spencer. No other nominations were offered.
• The secretary cast one vote for the slate, seconded, and approved unanimously.
• Officers nominated for 1 year terms: Joseph Wright, Commodore; Perry Paone, Vice Commodore; Liz Lombard, Treasurer; David Morin, Secretary. No other nominations were made.
• The secretary cast one vote for the slate, seconded, and all were approved unanimously.

By-Law Proposed Changes:

• Dave Warner presented the proposed by-law changes recommended by the by-law committee:
  • Section V, paragraph 1- Change the word MAJORITY to TWO THIRDS. After a discussion, motion to accept the change and approved unanimously.
  • Section V, paragraph 4- Change 12 active members to 5. After a discussion, motion to accept the change and approved unanimously.
  • Article VIII- After a discussion, motion to eliminate the entire section, seconded and approved unanimously.
  • Article IX- After a discussion, motion to change to article VIII, seconded, and approved by unanimous vote.
  • Article VIII- Parliamentary Authority; Dave Warner proposed eliminating the first sentence. He then asked Dave Morin to present his amendment previously proposed to the IOC Board and by law committee. Dave Morin presented that word GOVERN be replaced by GUIDE with explanation. A lengthy discussion and debate ensued about the proposed change.
  • A member was called to order after a disparaging comment was made towards another member.
  • Motion to move the question, seconded, and approved unanimously.
  • Motion to eliminate the first sentence of Article VIII, second and approved unanimously.
  • Motion to change the word GOVERN to GUIDE, seconded, and approved by a 19 to 3 vote.

• Ralph Milroy announced he will be teaching a Coast Guard Safe Boating Course in Ipswich in February. Many questions were asked about off-shore rules. The course dates will be posted on the club website.
• Dave Warner made a statement about how the club should be enjoyed by all members and differences of opinion should not ruin the atmosphere of the club. He asked everyone to conduct their behavior in a gentlemanly fashion. An ovation was given after the statement.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:15pm. Motion seconded and approved.

Attest: David Morin, Secretary
Joseph Wright, Commodore