Special Meeting of
the
June 28, 2005
A Special Meeting of the Raritan Yacht Club was called to order at 20:05 on June 28, 2005.
1. Commodore Len Keating opened the meeting and reminded everyone that the only topic for discussion was the issue of the launches.
2. Rear Commodore Vicky Jo Neiner presented background information on the issue.
a. There are over 220 boats in the fleet and only 2 launches. Other clubs have 3-5 launches for a fleet only half the size of RYC’s.
b. Great Beds is over 25
years old, is not US Coast Guard certified, and consequently, cannot be
operated with more than 6 passengers.
Penalties could include loss of the launch operator’s license, fines in
the 5-6 figures, and other possible sanctions, such as, the shutting down of
all launch operations for a year. There
would also be insurance problems.
Because of a recent accident, the USCG office on
c. A 20 year life cycle for the launches is assumed for Sinking Fund purposes.
d. Steve Gillooly has researched the problem and has identified
several sister ships. Copies of
certificates of inspection of the sister ships have been given to the
USCG. It is believed that the Great Beds had been certified when
built, but the paperwork at Fortier was destroyed by water damage, and no other
paperwork has been found. An original
file may be located in
e. In March, there were a few used launches available with paperwork, but they have all been sold.
f. The launch manufacturer Fortier (Great Beds) makes 2-4 new ones per year,
g. The RYC launch schedule does not allow for downtime. There is a need for scheduled maintenance time. Last season, there were several times when there was no launch service.
h. A new Fortier would cost $85,000, would hold 22 passengers, and
would not be available until 2006. A new
i. To bring Great Beds to current standards would cost $35,000-$40,000.
3. The RYC membership was reminded that there would be no decision tonight as to which launch to purchase. That question would be addressed later by a subcommittee.
4. A discussion began, and several suggestions were made, including that the Club buy a new launch and continue the certification process. Another suggestion was that the Club place orders for two launches, one for delivery in 60 days, and the other for delivery next Spring. If the certification process fails by then, both old launches would be sold. It was noted that the Fortier has a great hull, and the conditions at RYC are much harsher than at Keyport. Based on the experience with the Karl Gilman, it would take at least 3 months to obtain certification after the paperwork for Great Beds was found. A concern was expressed that the money for a launch might come from the Sinking Fund, but the membership was reminded that the launch is a capital item addressed by the Sinking Fund.
5. Tony O’Reilly made a motion to acquire a new heavy launch for up to $85,000 from the Sinking Fund.
6. There was discussion of the
motion.
7.
8. There was additional discussion that centered on the source of the funds. If an assessment was necessary to cover the entire cost of a new launch, it would amount to about $250-$300 per membership. A motion was made to amend the current motion to include that the membership direct the Flag and Board to redirect capital item funds to pay for the third launch. The membership was reminded that a new dock structure had already been approved, and that the funds should not all come from the operating budget, but some from an assessment. It was also noted that about $60,000 of the Sinking Fund has been allocated for Great Beds. A call to question on the amendment was voiced and a vote on the call to question passed. The vote on the amendment did not pass with 26 in favor and 32 against. A call to question on the motion of Tony as amended by Jim (item 7, above) passed. The motion passed by a vote of 44 in favor, 26 against.
9. The meeting was adjourned at 21:47.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary