Business Meeting Februrary 17, 2009

Optimist Karl Jordan Residence

In attendance: Optimists Bill, Murray, Greg, Randy, Brian, Wilf, John, Jim, Steve B., Karl and Jeff.

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm.

The current Financial Statement was discussed. The opinion was again expressed by some that the Club GIC be used to pay off our commitment to the new Rec. Centre. One of the reasons given was that keeping large sums of money on deposit from year to year may not satisfy Club auditing rules, and that any money we make in a given year should be spent, for fear that if the Club were ever audited the money may be subject to forfeit. Brian moved that we wait until November of this year to make a final, hopefully informed, decision on how to proceed with our excess funds, and perhaps make a presentation to representatives of the Rec. Centre at the Christmas dinner meeting. The motion was seconded by Murray, and was passed.

Randy asked members to check their memories for any previous Club By-Laws that might be incorporated in to the newest version being worked on, and hopefully the committee could meet again on Feb. 25 to continue moving forward with the update.

In regard to the March Break Swim at the Elmira Pool, Bill moved that we donate up to $300 for youth swimmers, and $50 for signage that could hopefully be used at the pool to advertise our sponsorship of the Swim, as well as at others events throughout the Opti- year. The motion was seconded by Randy, and passed. Jeff will approach the Pool about where such a banner or sign might be displayed.

Randy moved that we again subsidize Youth Bowling over March Break. The motion was seconded by Murray, and passed.

Jim is still working on the secure donation bucket for the Easter egg Hunt.

The Road Hockey Tournament is set for Sat., April 25th. Steve says 6 surfaces will be employed to keep things moving, and Jim will head up the food booth.

The Maple Syrup Festival application has been processed. In regard to food for that event, candy apples will be dropped because the amount of return does not justify the effort. It was suggested that because so many booths are selling bacon- on – a bun, chili might be a good alternative if it is allowed. Wilf will approach Sue Brenner on the Festival committee to see if it is considered “carnival food”, and therefore not acceptable. Bill will find out if we will be allowed to get power from the community centre again.

Lynne McLaughlin will appear at the March 2nd dinner meeting at the Elmira Golf Course with a couple of members of Robin In The Hood, to make a presentation to the Club.

Karl will look after permits for fireworks sales. Bill proposed that the YBC again be utilized to man the fireworks trailer with a 60% share to the Club, 40% to the YBC. Randy seconded, and the motion passed. It was wondered if new fireworks signage was required.

Club sponsorship of National Service Dogs was briefly discussed, and seems to be moving forward.

Randy reminded Club members responsible for particular events that he needs information in a timely manner in order to approach the community newspapers about coverage, so that the Club gets proper exposure for their events.

It was suggested that the Club may be in contravention of local by- laws when we use our mobile sign for events such as Easter egg Hunt, Ball Hockey Tournament and Fireworks without at least applying for permits. It was felt that this was something that should be looked in to, and Karl offered to investigate.

Jeff will contact Yuk – Yuks, and any other comedy providers, to see about alternative entertainment options for Comedy Night. Comedy Night is tentatively scheduled for October 24th.

A motion was made by Bill to accept the Business Meeting minutes from November 2008 and January 2009.

The motion was seconded by Wilf, and passed.

Greg discussed setting up a Club blog, where issues could be presented and discussed, Business Meeting minutes could be posted and commented on, etc. Greg will attempt to make this happen.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 pm.