Meeting called to order at 8:05 PM. In attendance were Optimists Steve B., Bill M., Randy S., Murray H., Jim G., Brian C., Wilf D., Karl J., John K., and Jeff B.
The treasurer’s report was presented, and a very brief discussion ensued on the pros and cons of cashing the Club G.I.C., and using the proceeds to pay off the commitment to the Woolwich Rec. Centre. No motion to that effect was tabled. Wilf moved to accept the report as read, seconded by Randy, and passed.
The vacant position of Club President was next on the agenda. No one volunteered for the position, and a nomination was made to have Interim President Wilf Doll continue as official President. The nomination was uncontested, and Optimist Wilf agreed to serve as Club President for one year. Further discussion suggested that with two Vice-Presidents some of the duties of the Presidency could be shared if the Pres. was unavailable. It was also pointed out that if more members took responsibility for certain events, as was already the case in some instances, the job of President could be made less challenging.
Optimist Jim offered to be a Vice-President, as did Optimist Steve B. John moved that these volunteers be accepted, the motion was seconded by Randy, and the motion passed unopposed.
The issue of Club By-laws was discussed. Of the current By-law committee, some members were unable to find time to get as involved as they would like. Randy suggested that the committee be streamlined to expedite the process. To that end John and Jeff will meet with Randy at the Smith residence on Wednesday January 28th at 7 PM in an attempt to move the effort forward.
Snow collection for the Maple Syrup Festival Taffy pull was a big success, thanks to favourable conditions and excellent available help.
Jeff will contact Dave Ruetz at the Elmira Pool to establish terms of sponsorship for the March Break swim.
In regard to the upcoming Easter egg Hunt, Jim will fabricate a donation bucket that can’t be easily walked away with.
Wilf will head up the 2009 Maple Syrup Festival fundraiser, but will need a commitment from Club members to provide lots of assistance. Murray will look after procuring bacon and buns.
The Ball Hockey Tournament will take place on April 25th, and Steve B. will again head up this event.
Jeff will contact Lynn McLaughlin about appearing at the March 2nd dinner meeting to make a presentation on behalf of “Robin in the Hood”, in her effort to gain support from the Optimist Club of Elmira.
It is suggested that the Club be more diligent in acquiring Vendor Permits for the fireworks sales.
Discussion took place on the pro and cons of acquiring Server Intervention Program training for any and all members of the Club who will assist with Comedy Night. Randy will investigate a group rate at his school.
John made a motion that the Club endorses the Sight Dogs car Rally at the end of September. Wilf moved that such endorsement be contingent on OI rules regarding the handling of funds generated by the rally. Wilf will investigate rules and regulations that pertain. It was agreed that subject to OI constraints, the Club would support the rally
Randy Smith will liaise with local newspapers in regard to coverage of Optimist Club of Elmira events, so that the community learns what we are about, and becomes familiar with our presence.
In regard to February and March Dinner Meetings, Wilf will contact the Elmira Golf Course to see if accommodating the Club can be arranged, with a mind to establishing a regular venue for our Dinner meetings.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM
In retrospect, it occurred to the Secretary that the minutes of the November 2007 business meeting were not discussed and/or voted for acceptance. It was a busy night, and such things will happen, but those minutes should be accepted or denied before members forget the particulars of that meeting.
