Meeting Minutes
Golden Palms RV Resort

Hemet, California

January 21, 2011

The meeting was called to order at 4:38 p.m. Those present were Sue Chambers, George Cloutier, Chuck & Connie Golden, Lew & Mary Fowler, Bob & Mary Jehle, Alan & Lori Powell, Art & Sandy Schipper, Pam Sharp, Rod & Gaila Thomas, and Bill & Linda Worley. It was determined that we had a quorum in order to conduct our meeting.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by President Fowler.

Secretary Report - Motion was made by Bob Jehle, seconded by Sandy Schipper and unanimously approved to accept the minutes of the last meeting as posted on the Chardonnay Travelers website.

Treasurer’s Report was presented by Rod Thomas.  Copies were distributed to those present.  Our current balance is $4,550.58.  Rod completed the inventory of supplies turned over by outgoing Treasurer Sue Chambers and distributed copies to those present.  We currently have an inventory of $700.50 in merchandise.  He will be placing an order for flags as our inventory is depleted.  Bill Worley asked if the flags could be printed on both sides.  Sue Chambers responded that the cost is prohibitive to print both sides, and that the previous flag order was done by “Make It Mine”.  Lew Fowler mentioned that you can purchase two flags and sew them together.  Rod stated that any club members who want to order merchandise not currently in inventory should place orders with him. George Cloutier pointed out an addition mistake of fifty cents in inventory and camping deposits. Motion was made by Art Schipper to approve the Treasurer’s Report as corrected, seconded by Chuck Golden and unanimously approved.

Old Business – Sue reported that the Chardonnay’s are in good shape.  We lost five members this past year.  They are Bob and Diana Nelson, Paul and Mary Witwer, Tom and Diana Clark, Cliff and Brigette Gilmore and Gail Dailey. The Witwer’s are travelling full-time and do not plan to be in California for the next two years and have resigned.  We gained four new members for a loss of one rig.  We have a healthy treasury and group.  We presently have 35 memberships with a total of 33 rigs.

New Business – Mary reported on several items that came up at the State meeting she attended which was held prior to this meeting.  Webmaster Rod Thomas was commended for the fantastic job he has done since taking over the CALWIT.ORG website.  All members should take the time to check the website.  There are many useful links Rod has added including dump stations by State.

Mary announced that the National WIT bylaws have been changed as of December 31, 2010.  Sue was notified that these changes are effective December 31, 2010.  Twenty-five percent (25%) of membership must be present for a quorum to conduct a meeting.  This bylaw change was done without any input from state chapters.  Some clubs with only four-five members will be caused a real hardship to meet this change.  Chapter presidents will be mailing letters to Doug Formanek, WIT General Manager, to protest that 25% of membership is not feasible for all chapters.  Mary will write a letter on behalf of the Chardonnay Travelers.  There are 240 memberships in California and we only have 64 rigs here.  We barely made 25%.  We would be unable to conduct a meeting without 25% present according to this bylaw change.  Alan Powell asked how bylaws could be changed with no input.  This is wishful thinking but not realistic.  It is dictatorial without any input from the State Presidents.  Sue stated the feeling is we should object to this change.  Some states, such as Arizona, cannot meet this requirement.  Without any chapter input, one person should not be able to change bylaws.  Connie Golden asked if this was currently defined in the bylaws.  Art pointed out that the National bylaws are on the WIT website.  He does not remember if there is anything in the National bylaws.   

Mary also announced that another change involves the terms of officers.  Presidents and vice presidents cannot serve more than two consecutive one-year terms within in a five-year period.  They must be out of office one year in a five-year period.  This may impact the smaller chapters.  Alan felt that something needed to be done to find out what it takes to change the bylaws.  Regarding the review of the California State Bylaws, Sue announced that Deanna Kodjer (State Treasurer) wants to head a committee to review the National and State bylaws.  She and her husband Frank are looking for other individuals who might be interested in serving on this committee.

Vice-President’s Report – Sue Chambers gave an outings review.  She announced Jan Balcer had provided her a printout of Chardonnay members who are due to be Wagonmasters.  They are still looking to fill slots for some outings.  She reviewed upcoming outings which are listed on the CT website.  She is looking for Wagonmasters for the June, August, and September outings.  Any members who want to sign up for Wagonmaster or Assistant should contact Sue or she will be making phone calls.

Connie suggested there are several parks in the Felton/Santa Cruz area that may be appropriate for 2012 outings (Cotillion Gardens and Smithwoods).  They are quoting $50 a night and she is working with them to try and get reduced rates.  Discussion was also held on parks in Half Moon Bay and Davenport.  It was felt they would be feasible for outings.

President Fowler adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Worley
Substituting for Gloria Anderson, Secretary (excused)