PRESENT: Patrick Gleason, Dick Pawloff, Brian Davies, Carol Lindner, Don Wales,
Jenni Duke, Claude and Nicole Sam
ABSENT: Pam Ralston and Karen Weisgerber
The meeting started at 7:45.
REPORTS:
President
Pat distributed his agenda, which contained several items of new business to be discussed later on.
Treasurer
Jenni will prepare the end-of-season financial report before the Annual General Meeting. Claude and Nicole volunteered to audit it.
Mountain Tours
Claude polled the exec to find out how many would sign up for the Tour Leaders/Exec Recognition weekend. Since only one of the present exec could go, Claude suggested that perhaps the others could be given a voucher towards a trip of their own choice next season. Brian and Carol proposed that we have a local day tour instead followed by dinner at a restaurant. After discussion, it was agreed to accept their proposal. Claude Sam moved and Brian Davies seconded the motion
“That the annual mountain trip to recognize tour leaders and exec be replaced this year with a local day tour followed by a group dinner at a restaurant.”
MOTION CARRIED
Claude will contact all active tour leaders and absent exec members, and will book a restaurant for Sunday, April 3.
Social Directors
Due to renovations, the Pioneer Lodge is not available this year for the Annual General Meeting. Carol & Brian tentatively booked the Bower Kin Hall for Thursday, April 14. Since Don Wales will be away on that date, Carol will try to book another venue for Tuesday, April 12 and will notify the exec by email. As usual, Don will insert all the details, including who brings what, in the newsletter. Carol & Brian will then have the phone committee contact the membership to confirm attendance.
Newsletter Editor
The deadline for the April issue is March 30. Don will again put in an invitation to the membership to replace departing exec members. Don will also insert an update on the ongoing liaison with the City regarding the preservation and use of natural areas and recreational trails. The City has already held a series of open houses to survey public opinion on the use of Heritage Ranch, Bower Ponds, Three Mile Bend and River Bend. More open houses are planned in the near future and all members are urged to attend to voice their opinions.
Day Tours/Lessons
Absent
Webmaster
Dick requested that the web site domain name be renewed before it lapses, and preferably for two years, at a cost of $32.00/year. Dick Pawloff moved and Don Wales seconded
“That the web site domain name be renewed for the next two years”
MOTION CARRIED
The exec reviewed six photos submitted for the Photo of the Year contest. Don Wales’s photo was chosen again this year. Congratulations, Don!
Publicity
Absent
NEW BUSINESS:
National Volunteer Week
Pat briefly reviewed an information package from National Volunteer Week sent to volunteer agencies inviting them to advertise their organization at the shopping mall. It was unanimously agreed to decline the invitation.
Slate of Officers for Next Year’s Executive
Carol & Brian are willing to be Social Directors again if no other nominations are received. Dick will also stay as Webmaster. Jenni accepted to complete her two-year term as Treasurer, and Pam also has one more year as Day Tours/Lessons Chair. Terry Ferster has offered to replace Don as Newsletter Editor, who in turn nominated himself to replace Pat as President. As Past President, Pat would be our contact with River Bend Management Board. Four positions remain open: Vice-President, Mountain Tours Chair, Secretary and Publicity.
Mountain Tours – Recommendations
Many suggestions were brought forward to make touring more accessible and enjoyable for the majority:
&Mac183; Tour leaders need to be more committed in running the tours scheduled at the beginning of the year, whatever the weather, snow or road conditions might be. For instance, tours could be shortened in –30C weather, hiking could replace skiing in poor snow conditions and a convoy set up for traveling to and from the mountains.
&Mac183; Have fewer mountain tours but fill them to maximum
&Mac183; Organize longer out-of-town day tours, e.g. to Kananaskis.
&Mac183; Organize more local Saturday and/or Sunday tours
&Mac183; Survey the membership on their preferences on this subject
Tracksetting
Tracksetters and city rep Jerry Tennant recently held a meeting to discuss the continuation of tracksetting at Heritage Ranch/Bower Ponds after Mark Meunier retires. The group discussed a proposal that the Club would be the lead group in maintaining tracksetting for the next three years, after which the City would take over in 2008. Since the aging equipment is breaking down, the Club would have to purchase a snowmobile through grants. Tracksetters would be affiliated to our Club, either by paying full membership fees or only the $10 fee to Cross Country Alberta, in order to get insurance coverage. They would access funds from a Club account created for that purpose.
Jerry encouraged the club to develop a rationale to convince City officials of the need for groomed x-c ski trails not only at Heritage Ranch but at Barrett Park, Mackenzie Trails, Red Deer College as well, using existing walking/biking trails. Another suggestion was to get corporate sponsors. All these suggestions were regarded favorably. Brian moved and Claude seconded
“That the Club continue working with the City towards the acquisition of a new snowmobile to ensure tracksetting is maintained at Heritage Ranch/Bower Ponds for the next three years.”
MOTION CARRIED
Hosting of Alberta Cup
Bob Johnstone forwarded to the executive an email from Cross Country Alberta inquiring whether our club would be willing to host the Alberta Cup next year on the Sunday immediately following the Loppet. On both Bob Johnstone’s and Bob Vanderwater’s recommendations, the exec chose to decline.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45.