Narragansett Chapter Board Meeting

May 10, 2016

235 Promenade St . Providence, RI

Call to Order – 6:12

Attendance: Bob Tessitore, Mike Krabach, Debra Huntington, Chris Shafer, Russ Miller, Dav Cramer, Bill Rafferty, Linda Pease

Business Meeting

Minutes - The minutes for the meeting approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill previously emailed the treasurer’s report and distributed additional copies. He answered questions regarding it and it was approved as submitted.

Chapter Chair Report – Bob reported that he got approval from Joy St. that they will fund the potential deficit from the Fall gathering up to $1,500. This figure is based on the estimates from the pro forma budget that was presented last month.

Old Business –

Dog Leader Incentive – As Russ has reported that due to the nature of the dog hikes they require 2 leaders and 2 co-leaders. There is a question as to whether the two leaders and two co-leaders should be part of the tally toward the incentive program. Bob proposed that both leaders receive credit for leading the dog hikes. Both leaders will be reported to the committee chairs (day hike committee) when they lead a dog hike and receive credit as a leader. Although, the trip will be listed on our website with only one leader because the software does not allow for two leaders to be listed. There was a motion to give credit to both leaders for the hikes. The motion was approved and seconded and passed unanimously.

Death Notices Issue - There was a discussion about whether the death notices should go into our Gazette. There was a lively discussion about where it would go in the gazette. Mike said it could go into the ‘fill’ section. There was a motion to list a member’s passing if someone (family or friend) contacts the chapter. The listing would be brief and the person notifying us would

Wianke – There was a discussion about the cost of the Wianake weekend. Bill made a motion that the price on Wianake will go up depending on our cost. The ticket cost would coincide with the cost of the event so that it break-even.

Recreational Council - Chris followed up with ShapeUp RI regarding a collaborating with the chapter, they have said that their mission has changed and that their focus is different than it used to be. They are no longer organizing events but are grant writing. They did say they would be happy to promote our activities to their employees. We are hoping that some of them will be joining the spring event.

Charlestown Farmers Market – The market organizers asked that we attend their market on August 26, Friday 9:30am, as a promotional activity. Chris was told that we need to provide; a table, chair and he suggested that we have a tent.

Chain Saw Training – Chris said that he has a grant request submitted to help pay for the chainsaw operating school. He has already received one grant for equipment. He has identified 6 people who should go through the training. He expects that AMC will come to Arcadia to hold the training.

National Trails Day – National trails day is June 4 with rain date of June 5. Chris and his committee are planning on coordinating trail work. He is working with various groups to coordinate volunteers.

Fall Gathering: There has a question about the high cost of tenting during the fall gathering. Bob did some research and found it is within reason compared to other AMC facilities. There is a committee meeting next week. Everything is coming along according to plan. He reported that there will be hiking, biking, climbing, a wind turbine workshop, Frisbee golf, contra dances, among others. Additionally, an AMC astronomer will be in attendance and hold a night sky event. Mike commented that he feels we need to get moving on activity descriptions. Russ commented that he would like to include a dog hike demo. The point would be to show other chapters how hold dog hikes.

Vice Chair – Chris asked whether there has been a notice for Vice Chair. Russ commented that he has spoken to two people. Bob also asked about treasurer and Bill commented that he will probably be leaving the board. Matt Putnam has expressed interest in the position.

Committee Report

Communication: Mike requested that everyone take a look the new outdoor.org website. If there are any comments people should submit them to Mike. He also asked that people submit pictures of events. Pictures can be emailed to him or submit them on our current website under the ‘Easy Photo Send Form’.

Conservation: The committee is still in the planning phase for 2016 events.

Flat water – They recently had a meeting and regarding organizing events for 2016.

Trails: They have a planning meeting on Friday.

Adjorned at 7:45pm. Next meeting Tuesday, June 14.