An Annual Meeting of the Raritan
Yacht Club was called to order at
1. Handouts were available from the Flag Officers and various committees, including Financial, Planning, Fleet, Membership, Bar, Yard, Personal Computer, Storage, Launch Maintenance, Launch Operations, RYC Racing, NJYRA and Small Boat Fleet, and Red Grant Regatta. There were also handouts on the proposed 2007 budget and a formal proposal for RYC’s audio/video system upgrade.
2. Mike Kijowski presented the Membership Report.
Changes during 2006
Membership: Regular 328 +31
Senior 56 +1
Distant 53 +11
Continuation 5 +1
Honorary 8 +1
Auxiliary 108
Resignations during 2006 -14
3. Doug Rooney and Mark Rebovich reported on the status of the
launches. There was launch service every
scheduled day in 2006. A total of
$20,000 was spent on repair and maintenance.
The Great Beds needs work and
is currently not operational.
4. Dennis Meichel presented the Rear Commodore’s Report.
a. Regarding launch operations, Dennis noted that Mark had hired five new drivers and trained them. Mark also prepared an “Operational Procedure Manual”. This past year, the launches suffered no major accidents.
b. Regarding launch maintenance, Dennis noted that Doug was present several times a week all season to maintain the launches.
c. Regarding dock and yards, Dennis stated that Joe Le Compte and Ray Schmidt were on top of things all year. The 7½ ton hoist was electrified.
d. Dennis also complimented Howard Paul on the great job he did as Fleet Captain.
e. Dennis reminded the membership of the
events scheduled for the remainder of the year and asked for volunteers to help
with the dock railings. He also stressed
that the Grill room must be cleaned on
5.
a. Vicky thanked various committee members for their contributions during the year, including Warren Bigos for his work on the house: the removal of the box over the bar and the work on the front foyer. She thanked Al Jacobs for his work with Slavko and the galley, and she complimented the Bar Committee for their efforts.
b. Vicky stated that a request for handicap space(s) in front of the Club had been made to the City.
c. At Vicky’s request, Shep King commented on the financial status of the Club, and a handout was available. Shep noted that the Club would have about $94,000 to start the year 2007. In his view, if the cost of the Grill room project was $250,000 and financing was $150,000, the Club would not have sufficient funds to operate through the year. He stated that he was in favor of the project, but recommended that the work be done in phases. Dave disagreed with his conclusions, and he also noted that Shep had not presented his assessment before the Finance Committee.
6. Dave Frizell presented the Commodore’s Report.
a. Dave stated that the City had approved 18 additional moorings and that now it was up to the NJDEP.
b. Dave noted that the projected surplus for 2006 was $70,000, as originally expected. Next year over $50,000 would be available for capital uses.
c. The RYC budget includes a small increase in dues; the last increase was about eight years ago.
7. Old Business.
a. Dave stated that in May, the membership
approved the expenditure of $250,000 for the Grill room project, but did not
address whether the project should be done in phases or at one time. He estimated that if done in phases, the
project could take five years. He then
asked for questions. Many questions were
posed, including, what was the position of the Finance Committee (absolutely
favors a single phase), whether completed working drawings had been prepared
and shown to the bidders (yes), and what would be the extra cost of phasing
($30,000 vs. a cost of $9,000 for financing).
The annual cost for repaying the loan would be $30,000 and would come
from dues. The loan would be an
unsecured business loan, not collateralized (the Club is expected to maintain
its accounts with the bank). A motion
was made “to complete the approved renovation project in one phase in 2007 with
financing of $150,000, not to be collateralized by the Sinking Fund or fixed assets”. There was a discussion of the motion. PC
8. New Business.
a. A motion was made “to purchase a new launch
using money from the Sinking Fund”.
Dennis Meichel explained four options regarding Great Beds. The vessel is 27
years old and, according to a survey done by Lockwoods, needs major repairs,
including engine replacement or repair, transmission work, rebonding of the
stringers, and many other items.
Lockwoods estimated the cost at $30,000, and Fortier estimated that Great Beds could be sold for
$10,000. Dennis listed four options: (1)
overhaul the vessel at a cost of $25,000 - $30,000; (2) do minimum work and
spend no more than $10,000; (3) sell Great
Beds and use just two launches; (4) sell Great Beds and purchase a new Fortier launch at an estimated net
cost of $100,000. A discussion ensued
during which additional suggestions were made.
A new launch from Fortier would not be ready until September. The consensus of the membership was that
insufficient information about all the possibilities was available to make an
informed decision. The motion did not
pass: 12 in favor and 67 against. Dennis
will get the vessel surveyed by another party and call a Special meeting at the
appropriate time.
9. Election of Flag and Board Members.
A motion
to accept the new Flag (
10. The meeting was adjourned at
Respectfully Submitted,
Fred Hartner
Secretary