Ipswich Outboard Club

January 20, 2015 – Annual Meeting Minutes

The Ipswich Outboard Club Board of Directors held the IOC annual meeting at St. Lawrence Literary Society, Fairview Ave., Ipswich, Ma. The meeting was called to order by Commodore Wright at 7:05 pm. All officers and directors were present. 52  IOC voting family members and Gary Champion’s attorney, Michael Malamut attended the meeting. 2 proxy votes were also presented.

Commodore Wright welcomed all to the 2015 IOC annual meeting and thanked everyone for attending and the St. Lawrence Club for the accommodations. The IOC Board was introduced and the stage was set for an open and orderly meeting.

A motion was made to dispense with the reading of the annual minutes from 2014. Motion seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.

Secretary’s Report:

• Thank you to the 47 members who renewed so far in 2015.
• The membership is expected to be full again this year.
• The 2015 stickers are blue.
• Cook-out being planned for May again this year.
• Please call the secretary if you need anything.

The secretary’s report was approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:

• The annual financial statement from 2014 was distributed and read along with comments from the treasurer.
• All balances were reviewed by an audit committee.
• The loan is being refinanced to lower the interest rate.
• Q: Can we use some of the rainy day fund to pay the principal balance down during the refinance? A: Yes, this will be considered and help from members with financial experience will be looked at.
• Some financial ideas were suggested by Gary Champion.

The treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.

Vice Commodore’s Report:

• The status of the property is very good.
• Float repairs are being planned.
• Members were encouraged to volunteer for tasks that the board has completed in the past.
• All members were thanked for their help.

The Vice Commodore’s Report was approved as submitted.

By-Law Discussion:

• Gary Champion introduced himself and reviewed his credentials.
  • Gary Champion reviewed his proposed Article VII amendments in detail and a question came from a member about the board’s view on the matter. The question was answered that the board does not support the proposed changes. Comments were given by members that they support the board and they are doing a good job. The meeting was called to order. Motion to move the question, seconded, and approved by unanimous vote. Motion to accept the proposed changes, seconded, and declined by a 6 yes, and 39 no vote.
  • Gary Champion reviewed his proposed Article II amendments in detail and comments/questions came from the membership. The meeting was called to order. Motion to move the question, seconded, and approved unanimously. Motion to accept the changes, seconded, and declined by a 5 yes, 45 no vote.
  • Gary Champion reviewed his proposed Article V amendments in detail and comments/questions came from the membership. The meeting was called to order. Motion to move the question, seconded, and approved unanimously. Motion to accept the changes, seconded, and declined by a 5 yes, 45 no vote.

Nomination Committee (read by Mike Bennett):

• Directors nominated for a new three year term: Perry Paone, Rick Tucker, and Dave Morin. No other nominations were given. The secretary cast one vote for the slate nominated, seconded, and approved by a 49-0 vote.
• Officers nominated for 1 year terms: Joseph Wright, Commodore; Steve Clifford,      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 by a 49-0 vote.

• The secretary swore himself in and thanked everyone. An ovation was given.

Acknowledgements:

• The entire membership was thanked for making the club meeting and the club successful.
• The IOC Board was thanked for all their efforts and dedication.
• The cooking staff for their huge help.
• Volunteers for their help.
• The dockmaster.

Member Participation:

• Q: What are the professional fees that were spent? A: Commodore Wright explained the board is not attorneys and needed help when legal issues were presented to the board and challenged the club.
• Q: Why try and fix something that isn’t broken? A: The board must remain unbiased and investigate matters brought to them. Members were encouraged to submit issues to the board in writing to investigate. Members gave their opinions and the meeting was called to order.
• Perry Paone asked for the floor and presented the board’s intentions to make Dave Morin an honorary member of the IOC with examples of credentials. Motion to give Dave Morin an honorary membership, seconded, and approved by a 46-0 vote. A plaque was presented and Dave Morin thanked everyone for their support and dedication. An ovation was given.

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

Attest: David Morin, Secretary
Joe Wright, Commodore