Minutes Report 09/02/2006
The September general meeting was held at the flying field at 10:00 on the morning of September 2, 2006.
Attendance at the meeting included the following members:
Wes Walton, Joe Walton, Jack Strength, Ted Popp, Carl E. Lyle,
Robin McLeroy, Randy Ficklen, Tommy Sewell, Jim Brooks, James Daniel,
Tony Quinn, Lionel Forstall, Sherm Cohen, Gene Crow, Terry Keller,
Roger Forbes, Miles Simmons, Norman Morton, Bret Grogan, Daniel Lopez,
James Chic, Joe Ryan, Robin Comer, Al O'Neill, Walt Farmer,
Bill Garman, Dean Comer, Don Cannon, Tim Karr, Joe Washington,
Gerald Cantos, Ralph Thomas, E. J. Marshal, Jim Murphy
The meeting was called to order at 10:00 by Miles Simmons, Treasurer.
He began by giving a brief review of action taken in the August meeting of the club members.
He stated that the first item recommended by Augusts meeting action was to raise the annual
dues for Adult members from $60.00 per year to $75.00.
He, therefore, called for a vote of the above listed attendees and there were none voting
for the motion and unanimous vote against the motion to raise the adult dues to $75.00.
He stated that the second item recommended by August meeting action was to raise the
annual dues for family membership from $100.00 to $120.00.
He, therefore, called for a vote of the above listed attendees and there were none
voting for the motion and unanimous vote against the motion to raise the family dues to $120.00.
Mr. Simmons stated that the second item of business was, that due to complaints regarding
performance by the present officers, to announce the resignation of:
President - Robin R. Comer,
Vice-President - Norman Morton,
and
Treasurer - Miles Simmons.
Mr. Simmons further stated that Al ONeill has agreed to remain as Secretary of the
club and provide transitional leadership during the remainder of calendar year 2006
and until election of officers could take place.
Mr. Simmons then turned the meeting over to Al O'Neill.
Al O'Neill took control of the meeting and expressed his feelings that this was
a sad moment for the club and stated that he appreciated all the time given by these
three officers/members in the performance of their duties and reminded members that
they were volunteers who had given of themselves for the benefit of the club and its members.
Further, he said that it was now time for us to turn the page and move on with the club.
He stated that Jim Murphy had agreed to assist with the duties of the Club Secretary in
providing timely communication with the membership. He stated that the minutes of this
meeting would be on the web site and for members without the service of a computer,
would be available upon request via snail mail.
He stated that nominations would be in order for: President, Vice-President and Treasurer.
Further, he would like to create an office for a Marketing Director.
Also needing to be filled were the office of Events Coordinator and Field Director.
He said that he would function as Club President during the interim period and would be available through the web-site or via phone.
He challenged the membership to come out, fly and have a good time chatting with other members.
He pledged improved communication to the membership.
A question was raised from the floor on how to pull up some special pictures on the web-site.
Miles stated that it is possible that a link to the pictures was missing and that he would check into it.
Al explained that members now could renew their membership on the web-site and that using this
service would generate a user-name and password that would allow them access to their personal
file information in case upgrading was necessary. He also stated that Pay Pal
was available for payment of the dues, or that members could still write a check for such payments.
Lionel mentioned that some members not present at the September meeting might want to volunteer for some of the open positions.
Al made a statement regarding the fact that even though the Club is a legal business entity,
the size of our financial operations does not require detailed and complex financial reports.
Wes mentioned that we had voted to construct four additional field tables during a past meeting,
and wondered if since the Fun Fly was eminent, it would be nice to have those tables available for use.
Al said that it was his desire to keep new projects to a minimum, but agreed to give this some thought and make a decision on the matter.
Jim Brooks stated that he felt it would be prudent that a minimum of ten members be present during
meetings wherein decisions concerning the membership were made.
Al agreed that this was a good idea and would be given further consideration.
A question was raised from the floor on whether it was possible to allow voting on business matters to be executed via email.
The answer was ..... not presently, but further consideration would be given the matter.
Al encouraged attendees to be proactive on work days even if the task at hand was beyond their personal abilities.
He urged us all to come out and encourage those involved with the project...... perhaps with refreshments.
A question was raised from the floor regarding discussion of club business using a system similar to the Forum program presently in use.
Al said it was a good idea and might be developed in the future.
A question was raised from the floor regarding the present list of Flight Instructors.
Al responded that until further notice the list would be considered active.
Jim Brooks suggested that additional instructors could be utilized if qualified members were interested.
A question was raised from the floor as to when nominations for the 2007 officers would begin.
Al said we were within the allowed time period and that nominations were in order now.
Jim Brooks was nominated for the office of President.
A question was raised from the floor regarding a more convenient time for the monthly meeting.
A general discussion was forth coming, but no action was taken.
Wes Walton gave a quick run down on Fun Fly activities and Jim Brooks added some additional activities under consideration.
A question was raised from the floor regarding the status of club business during the remainder of the 2006 calendar year
and were assured it would be business as usual with any needed action being channeled through Al ONeill.
During the discussion of the upcoming Fun Fly that the Dixie Airmasters had expected approximately 200 folks at their recent
Fun Fly and experienced nearly 1,000.
It was mentioned that Mac Hodges could not come to our Fun Fly on Saturday, but could make it on
Sunday if we included Sunday in the Fun Fly schedule. Jim Brooks suggested that we only invite
Mac and his B-29 when we are confident we will have a good crowd.
A question was raised from the floor about lowering the dues and
another asked the reason we were considering raising them.
Al gave some positive guidance on the general liability of the club in its field operations and that a positive cash balance is a great asset to the club.
He further voiced his appreciation for the performance of the present Treasurer for his prudent management of the club funds and records.
The question was raised from the floor on what we could do to encourage inactive members to get active.
Wes suggested that a $50.00 annual fee would encourage new members.
Jim Brooks did not feel that the dues was a hindrance to membership as his visits to the hobby shop often incurred more cash flow than the dues figure.
Al encouraged members to think of the big picture in running the club and that a certain amount of
funds were required to operate the club and hold activities. Comments included the fact that we love our field and are proud of it.
Jim Brooks added that we need to resolve our problems within the membership and keep our relationship with Henry County running smoothly.
A question was raised from the floor regarding if field flight rule violators could be grounded and the answer was that the bylaws provide for this action.
A comment was made from the floor that when elected, the new officers deserved the support of the membership. All agreed.
Al closed the meeting with the comment that members should feel free to contact him with ideas, suggestions, things that needed done and any criticism.
We all agreed that such communication needed to be with a good spirit.
The meeting was adjourned by acting President - Al O'Neill.
Respectfully submitted,
James R. Murphy.
Secretary