A Board Meeting of the Raritan Yacht Club was called to order at 20:35 on January 9, 2007.

 

1.     Roll Call

 

 

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

Commodore Vicky Jo Neiner

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VC Dennis Meichel

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RC Allan Jacobs

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PC William B. Adams

O

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jim Bauer

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbara Booz

O

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Buzbee

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dennis Driscoll

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PC Dave Frizell

X

X

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Jedziniak

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PC Len Keating

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bob Kennedy

O

O

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ann Myer

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skippy Paul

X

X

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Steward

X

X

O

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x = present, o = absent

 

2.     The December meeting minutes were approved.

 

3.     Len Keating gave the Financial Report.  The report was created with the new ClubSoft program, which has had problems.  Len distributed four handouts, including, a Statement of Revenue and Expenses for December, 2006, RYC 2007 Budgets using accrual basis revenues and cash basis revenues, and an RYC 2007 Budget Subsidies. There have been no large swings in the financials.  For calculations, the budgets include an average number of members of 325 and a dues increase of $60 beginning in April.  They also assume an end to construction by February 28th, no cost overruns, and commencement of galley operations March 1st.  Al noted that fees for Summer Sailing School will increase by $75.  Thus, the fee per member per child will increase from $225 to $300, and the fee per nonmember per child will increase from $325 to $400.  Ann stated that the Club is still trying to get in ten students from the City of Perth Amboy.  For Entertainment, $2200 has been allocated for the New Member Mixer and to assist with the new Galley, and $7500 has already been reserved for Entertainment functions.  The documents are recommendations of the Finance Committee to the Board of Governors.  A motion was passed to adopt the 2007 Budget, as presented by Len.

 

4.     Al Jacobs gave the Rear Commodore’s Report.

 

a.     The railing is about 50% complete, and the large hoist is being fitted for motorized rotation.

b.     Al presented options for Great Beds, which is unusable as is next year.  One possibility is for Doug Stout to redo the engine and transmission.  A 75 hp Yanmar, including a new transmission, would cost about $18,000.  If a Perkins engine was installed, the transmission would have to be rebuilt at a cost of about $1,000.  Mark Rebovich would do the other necessary work.  He would charge his cost for materials and labor at an hourly or lump sum rate.  The total for his work would be about $15,000, including parts.  This option should provide another ten years of service for the vessel.  A second option is for Lockwoods to perform all the work.  A previous bare minimum estimate from them was $30,000.  Al also presented as a handout an itemized estimate from Mark C. Petersen Enterprises.  Their total cost was $48,717.  Finally, a fourth option is to purchase a new launch from Fortier at a cost of about $105,000.  The life expectancy for the new launch, which would not be ready until 2008, would be 25 years.  It may be possible to sell the old launch for $10,000 - $15,000.

c.     Al is working with Gary Myer on the Junior Sailing Program.  RYC is committed to sponsor ten children from Perth Amboy.  A fund raiser was suggested to help support the program.  For example, the Power Squadron is selling raffle tickets with cash prices to help support their organization.

 

5.     Dennis Meichel presented the Vice Commodore’s Report.

 

a.     Dennis stated that a vote is needed to eliminate the galley minimum for February.  The minimum could also be spread out over the entire year or be given to the new Galley operator.

b.     The construction project is underway, with the demolition almost complete.  During this operation, questions arose as to whether the house was structurally sound for construction.  Dennis noted that Jens Efsen, who is a construction engineer, carefully inspected the building.  When the windows were removed, the workers discovered that they will have to do only one part of the header, which will result in a savings of several thousand dollars.  Some termite damage was discovered in the bathroom, but the added cost will be minimal.  Geoff Pierini raised some questions about the construction project in general, including why proposed changes to the Bar were not included.  Dennis stated that the plan that was approved by the membership did not include the Bar.

c.     Regarding financing, Dennis stated that money would not be needed until February 1st.  The Sovereign Bank is under consideration, and financing would take 7-10 days to close.

d.     Ron Gort, as chairman of the search committee, reported on the search for a new Galley operator.

e.     Dennis alerted the Board to the fact that the By Laws permit only one Board member on the Planning Committee.  Currently, there are two, Bill and Steve, and they agreed to find a solution to the issue.

 

6.     Vicky Jo Neiner presented the Commodore’s Report.

 

a.     All Board members should have access to the Yahoo RYC group mail.  Barbara and Paul do not.

b.     Issues regarding the new ClubSoft program are being addressed, and Jerry Solas is in contact with the manufacturer.  The computer running the ClubSoft program should be isolated, and an inexpensive computer should be used to access the internet.

c.     Financing of the construction project will be done through Sovereign or Wachovia banks.

d.     There will be a meeting on the moorings with Mel Ramos in 1-1˝ weeks.

e.     The expansion of the mooring field to the southwest is complete.

f.      Insurance is due.  There will be a meeting before the end of the month.

g.     The Juniors’ Chili Cookoff was a success.  There were 12 entrees, and several hundred dollars were raised.

h.     A letter was received from a neighbor of RYC with a request for an easement of 15’ for a retaining wall adjacent to the north lot.

 

7.     Reports.

 

a.     Ron Gort reported on the Galley.  Craig Shelton, who is an RYC member and owner of the Ryland Inn, is studying the economics of the galley operation and has made several recommendations.  For example, the doorway between the kitchen and Grill room is inefficient.  An electric pocket door would be an improvement.  Craig also suggested that a “Mom and Pop” type operation for the Galley is not a good idea.  The condition of the Galley, including code violations, was also discussed.  William Nichols, a professional engineer and friend of Geoff Pierini, sent a report on his evaluation of the situation to Ron.  Specifically, the exhaust duct is supposed to be welded, but it is seemed with connectors.  In addition, the recently installed enclosure for the vent does not have sufficient clearance (must be 8”).

b.     Regarding TellTales, Roger Young requested that the deadline be moved to the end of the month.  After discussion, the Board decided to leave the deadline at the Friday after the monthly Board meeting in order to have two mailings per month to the membership.

 

8.     Old Business.

 

a.     The Finance Committee recommended a dues increase of $60.  A Special Meeting is needed for the membership to vote on the increase.

b.     A motion to accept the following committee chair appointments passed.  Rene Clawson as a Junior Advisor second, Mark Rebovich as Sea Scout Liaison, Jim Woller as By Laws, Paul Zankel as J/24 Regatta, and Ann Myer as Small Boat Fleet Captain.

c.     Vicky distributed a handout, “Proposal for RYC’s Audio/Video System Replacement”.  The estimated total cost is $9800.  After a brief discussion, a motion passed “to approve $9800 for the AV system with the money capped at that amount and to come from the Sinking Fund”.

d.     A handout was distributed regarding changes to the Private Party Rules.  Because the Galley Committee had not had an opportunity to review the proposal and to vote on it, the issue was tabled.

e.     Dennis stated that the Club needs to consider hiring a professional manager for all of RYC operations.  There are several reasons for doing so, including the loss of continuity from Flag to Flag administration.  A suggestion was made that Vicky head a committee or appoint one to investigate the proposal.

f.      Regarding Great Beds, the Board decided that it wanted to present a recommendation to the membership at the Special Meeting.  The Board voted to recommend the vessel be rebuilt by Doug Stout and Mark Rebovich with financing from the Sinking Fund.  The replacement engine should be a Yanmar, because it is easier to obtain parts.  Al agreed to write an article for TellTales.

 

9.     New Business.

 

a.     Dennis stated that the grand piano in the Grill room should be sold, given away, or destroyed.  The question will go before the membership at the Special Meeting.

b.     A discussion of fund raising and financials for the Junior Sailing Program was tabled for lack of time.

c.     Regarding the request for an easement by the north lot, Vicky will ask the person for a plan.

 

10.   The meeting was adjourned at 23:20.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Fred Hartner,

Secretary

 

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