January 22, 2019 — 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 7:02 pm. All officers and directors were present. 30 total IOC voting members attended the meeting.

Commodore Wright welcomed all to the 2019 IOC annual meeting. Pizza and water was provided.

Secretary Morin mentioned the January 23, 2018, annual meeting minutes were approved at the board meeting in February 2018. Members were asked if anyone had a question on the minutes. A motion was made to dispense with the reading of the annual minutes from 2018. Motion seconded and approved by a unanimous vote.

Secretary’s Report:

  • 2019 stickers are orange and will be sent out very shortly.
  • Thank you to the 154 members who paid already.
  • The junior member list is being looked at because many have turned 18.
  • Ipswich Waterways Advisory Committee update: A Harbor Plan is being drafted for the Ipswich River. The Ipswich River dredging is being worked on. Non-motorized vessel launch sites are being constructed.
  • Please email or call if anything is needed.
  • Scholarship essays are due May 1st. 7 scholarships were awarded in 2018. The response has been awesome.

The secretary’s report was approved as submitted.

Treasurer’s Report:

  • The 2018 annual financial report reviewed by the audit committee was distributed and read along with comments from the treasurer. The IOC is in good shape financially. All expenses were reviewed.
  • The 2019 budget was reviewed.
  • The land dispute in 2018 with neighbors was discussed in detail. The IOC now has a stamped, approved, and filed land survey for the waterfront property which is very valuable. Other properties on the Ipswich River were questioned. The town and state have different views on the parcel of land next to the IOC.
  • A question was asked about how much waterfront land does the IOC own? The IOC has a chapter 701 on file which is grandfathered. The expanded gangways were accepted and approved by the DEP. The IOC owns approximately 300’ of waterfront property.
  • Motion to accept the treasurer’s report including the audit report and 2019 budget, seconded, and approved unanimously.

The treasurer’s report was approved as submitted.

Vice Commodore’s Report:

  • The floats were rebuilt and other property improvements were discussed. Catwalks and gangways being looked at this year. The new material has worked well.
  • We are in winter mode right now.
  • Some sign work is needed.
  • Float launch planned for late April.
  • The dockmaster is retiring so we are looking for a new dockmaster for the weekends. Please contact the IOC Board if interested.

The Vice Commodore’s Report was approved as submitted.

Nomination Committee (read by Mike Bennett):

  • Directors nominated for a new three year term: Joe Wright, Liz Lombard, John Sioninen and Steve Clifford. No other nominations were given. The secretary made a motion to accept the slate of nominees, seconded, and approved unanimously.
  • Officers nominated for 1 year terms: Steve Clifford, Commodore; Perry Paone, Vice Commodore; John Sioninen, Treasurer; David Morin, Secretary. The secretary made a motion to accept the slate of nominees, seconded, and all were approved unanimously.
  • The secretary swore himself in and thanked everyone.
  • An ovation was given to Joe Wright for his past 5 years as commodore. A gift was presented and a standing ovation followed.
  • Good luck was wished to the new commodore, Steve Clifford.

Acknowledgements:

  • Commodore Wright thanked the board for their dedication and efforts, the St Lawrence Club for the room, the membership for making the club great, the cookout staff, volunteers, the database coordination, all volunteers, Roger LeBalnc and David Ankeles, Dockmasters, and Koya for the $1500 scholarship donation.

Member Participation:

  • A question was made about the IOC being involved and partnered with Boat US. There are many benefits and discounts available for IOC members. The IOC was partnered with Boat US which may have expired. The secretary will look into it.
  • How about the cookout in September to avoid very busy season in the spring? Most liked the idea.
  • Lisa Weagle have a paint night sponsored by the IOC? Yes can happen at the St. Lawrence Club.
  • Koozie’s? Yes, have dockmaster pass them out.

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 pm. Motion seconded and approved.

Attest: David Morin, Secretary
Joe Wright, Commodore