Narragansett Chapter Board Meeting

April 11, 2016

235 Promenade St . Providence, RI

Call to Order – 6:00

Attendance: Mike Krabach, Debra Huntington, Chris Shafer, Gregg O’Brien, Russ Miller, Linda Pease, Dav Cramer, Bill Rafferty, Ed Poyer, Matt Putnam

Business Meeting

Minutes - The minutes for the meeting approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill presented the treasurers report answered any questions. The report was approved as presented. Bill reported that he has been given approximately $4,500 in reimbursement checks from the state for projects. Bill also commented that he would like to consider returning the $5,000 to the investment account that was taking out last year.

Chapter Chair Report – In Bob’s absence Russ gave the chapter chair and vice chair report.

Old Business

AMC Spring Gathering (May 22, Sunday) – Gregg handed out information sheet on the event. She has organized leaders for the hikes, paddles and a bike ride. She asked people to arrive at 9am to help setup and Mike will bring the AMC banners. The Palagi ice cream truck will be there.

Chainsaw Policy and Training – Chris commented that the AMC is developing a new chainsaw policy and training course. There are 6 people from the chapter who have expressed interest in the training and he is going to apply for a grant to help defer the cost of the course. He expects the training to take place in the late summer or the fall. AMC staff will teach the course and he expects the class to be taught in RI. If there is additional space in a class he will ask the land trusts if they have anyone interested in attending.

Save the Bay Clean Up – Linda is coordinating with Save the Bay to do a cleanup on May 15 – at the headquarters of Save the Bay.

Dog Hike Leaders – Russ reported that the dog hikes need 2 leaders and 2 co-leaders when there are 10 participants. There has been a question whether both leaders on the dog hikes will qualify for the incentive program. There was a lively discussion about the point of the incentive program. The final decision was tabled until next month.

Fall Gathering - Matt Putnam presented a pro forma budget. He led a discussion about the cost of the event and what should be charged per person. If the objective were to break even the anticipated cost per person would be $220. If the charge were $185 per person, which is closer to the cost for the event in the past years, the event would run a deficit. Matt has discussed this with Joy St. and although they haven’t confirmed they offered to split the deficit with the Chapter. Based on calculations the total deficit is projected to be approximately $2,582. Matt is looking to the club to commit to splitting the deficit costs. The question was asked if Joy St. is paying for the upfront costs. Matt said he would look into it and get back to Bill. There was a motion to cover half the deficit up to $1,500 if Joy St. is willing to cover the other half. Matt follow-up with the board on their decision after he speaks with Joy St.

RI Outdoor Recreation Council Meeting – Chris and Russ recently attended the 2^nd meeting of the council. Chris re-capped the meeting. He reported that there was a discussing about increasing the public transportation to some of the states’ open areas ie. Fort Adams, Bristol, Lincoln Woods etc. They also had a segment on health issues; there was a speaker who spoke about improving youth health through physical fitness. Chris will be talking with the department of health to see about developing a program here in RI.

Chris said he also contacted ‘ShapeUpRI’ they would be willing to discuss promoting our activities to their constituents. Chris asked if he should speak to them about joining our events or if we could organize events for them. Everyone agreed that it is worth pursuing discussions with them. Chris will invite them to participate in the Spring Gathering.

Charlestown Farmers Market – Chris was approached Charlestown Land Trust who is involved with the farmers market to see if we would be interested in having a table on one of their markets.

Committee Reports

Communication: Mike reported that the new outdoors.org will be live in a couple of weeks. He said he has committed to joining the AMC website. We will be fourth in line amongst the chapters to join.

Linda reported on the Wilderness First Aid. She expects that there will be approximately 26 – 28, people.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:40