ExComm Meeting Minutes, Charlotte/Blue Ridge Mensa

July, 2009
August, 2009
September, 2009
October, 2009
November, 2009
December, 2009
January, 2010
February, 2010
March, 2010
April, 2010
 

May 2010

Called to order at 7:20 pm.

Attendance: ExComm members Bonnie Haskins, John Barnes, Bo Milligan, Martha Covington, and Nancy Campbell.

April minutes were previously approved by email.

Status of the intended quarterly special event was discussed, specific plans are currently on hold.

Without questioning votes, we confirmed that several ballots had been submitted among the committee for the 2010-2011 ExComm elections.

Nancy provided preliminary copy for a new Membership Manual, and has requested feedback from the committee.

Distribution of the Membership Manual was discussed. Once complete, a copy will be made available on the website as a PDF, and the link published in the IdioM. Members will be able to print their own copies.

The June ExComm meeting will remain on the second Monday of the month, scheduled for 7:00 pm on June 14, 2010. Location: McAlister's Deli, 9601-A North Tryon Street, Charlotte.

Bo moved to adjourn, Nancy seconded, adjourned at 8:09 pm.

April 2009

Called to order at 7:20 pm April 12, 2010.

Attendance: ExComm members Nancy Campbell, Bonnie Haskins, John Barnes, and Bo Milligan.

March minutes were previously approved by email.

OLD BUSINESS:

Treasurer Joe Barrett has applied for an ATM card, as moved and passed at the March meeting. He has confirmed that the national reimbursement for retreat expenses has been deposited.

The new Membership Manual is still pending. An online survey went to selected members who have joined in the last two years, asking what they would have wanted to see in such a manual. The strongest responses favored having sections on bringing guests, repeating events, the online community, and the nature of the ExComm.

The suggestion was made that we should prepare an advertisement for our online communities to run on the cover of the IdioM.

Dave Burley has agreed to serve as Chair of the Elections Committee, but is still the only member.

NEW BUSINESS:

All current ExComm members have agreed to run for office again. Two other candidates were nominated, and the Election Committee Chair will be asked to confirm their willingness to run.

An informal discussion of election procedures produced no motions.

The May ExComm meeting will remain on the second Monday of the month, scheduled for 7:00 pm on May 10, 2010. Location: McAlister's Deli, 9601-A North Tryon Street, Charlotte.

Bo moved to adjourn, Nancy seconded, adjourned at 8:17 pm.

March 2009

Called to order at 7:33 pm March 8, 2010.

Attendance: ExComm members John Barnes, Nancy Campbell, Bonnie Haskins, and Martha Covington.

February minutes were approved by email prior to IdioM publication.

OLD BUSINESS:

RETREAT EXPENSES have been approved for reimbursement by national. Confirmation of the deposit is pending, our bank requires an ATM or Debit card to be issued before they will allow online access. Nancy moved that we get an ATM card to be held by the LocSec, Martha seconded, passed.

The new Members Manual is still in process. Nancy will email a preliminary version to the ExComm and to Lerissa, for proofing and graphics work.

The position of Ombudsman was again discussed. John will provide a blurb for the IdioM outlining the requirements and seeking a local member willing to serve.

ELECTION COMMITTEE: Dave Birley has agreed to serve on the Election Committee. Martha moved that we appoint him to the committee and ask him to serve as chairman again. Nancy seconded, passed.

SCHOLARSHIP ESSAYS have been judged locally and submitted to regional for the next phase. Nancy will check if we are allowed to publish the local winners essay in the IdioM.

NEW BUSINESS:

Informal discussion of chapter events. John has scheduled Scrabble for April 17, and a camping event at Kings Mountain State Park (SC) for June 11-13. Per Martha, Bo has committed to repeat Poker Night and Billiards Night in April, but has not fixed the date. It was suggested that we change the location of Lunatic Fringe in hopes of increasing participation, those attending next month should be polled for suggestions.

The April ExComm meeting will remain on the second Monday of the month, scheduled for 7:00 pm on April 12, 2010. Location: McAlister's Deli, 9601-A North Tryon Street, Charlotte.

Nancy moved to adjourn, Martha seconded, adjourned at 8:33 pm.

February 2009

Called to order at 7:20 pm February 8, 2010.

Attendance: ExComm members Martha Covington, Bo Milligan, John Barnes, Nancy Campbell, and Bonnie Haskins.

December minutes were approved by email prior to IdioM publication.The Leadership Retreat replaced the January ExComm meeting, with formal minutes replaced by the final list of action items.

OLD BUSINESS:

The committee discussed the results of the Retreat. Those attending the Retreat were Kathi Rich, Lerissa Rentas, Chris Narmi, Bo Milligan, Jack Howard, Nancy Campbell, John Barnes, and facilitator Jill Hendrix. Specific action items were defined, along with responsible parties, as listed in the C/BR MENSA 2010 GOALS spreadsheet. Brief review followed on the status of specific action items: Newsletter article expected from Jill Hendrix has been submitted.

Publications committee will hold its first meeting on February 9, 2010.

Charity Events committee is pending; John plans an IdioM article to seek volunteers.

New Member Manual is in development. Confirmed that appropriate New Member information is available for orientation use.

C/BR Mensa has reimbursed the facilitator for retreat expenses in the amount of $187.85, and those expenses will be submitted to national seeking reimbursement for the chapter.

The committee informally discussed policy and practice regarding the handling of disagreements between members. A consensus was reached that we should investigate the qualifications for an Ombudsman, and find out if a suitable local candidate is available.

The March ExComm meeting will remain on the second Monday of the month, scheduled for 7:00 pm on March 8, 2010. Location: McAlister's Deli, 9601-A North Tryon Street, Charlotte.

Bo moved to adjourn, Martha seconded, adjourned at 8:05 pm.

January 2009

It was moved and passed in the December meeting that the normal January ExComm meeting be canceled. The Leadership Retreat replaced the ExComm meeting.

December 2009

Called to order at 7:20 pm December 14, 2009.

Attendance: ExComm members Bonnie Haskins, Martha Covington, Bo Milligan, and John Barnes.

November minutes were approved by email prior to IdioM publication.

Discussion began with the status of the IdioM. Tracey Guice has expressed interest in taking over as Editor. Bo made a motion that Tracey be appointed Editor, Martha seconded, passed unanimously.

Discussion moved to the status of the Leadership Retreat. Seven current and former officers not on the ExComm have expressed interest in attending. Allowing for others, we discussed a preliminary budget based on approximately 14 people. Consensus was reached that the chapter would cover lunches up to $15 per person, and pursue reimbursement from national.

In consideration of the Leadership Retreat, Martha moved that the normal second Monday ExComm meeting be canceled for January. Bo seconded, passed unanimously.

Because the Retreat report will not be available for the February IdioM, it will be posted on the website when available.

At 7:40 pm Bo moved to adjourn, Martha seconded, passed unanimously.

November 2009

Attendance: ExComm members John Barnes, Bonnie Haskins, Martha Covington, Bo Milligan, and Nancy Campbell.

Called to order at 7:08 pm.

October minutes were approved by email prior to IdioM publication.

Interim IdioM Editor Denis Lakhturov is moving to Texas later this month. As a temporary solution, John will assemble the December issue and include a highly visible advertisement for an editorial volunteer.

Discussion continued on holding a Leadership Retreat. We have received an offer of a local Facilitator, and have learned that Piedmont Area Mensa is considering hosting a Leadership Development Workshop in the spring. Consensus was reached that any local Retreat should be before that event.

Nancy moved that we plan to hold a retreat during the last half of January, 2010. Bo seconded, passed unanimously.

Available returns (eight responses) from the activity preference survey were shared and discussed. Again, no specific decisions were reached but discussion will continue at later meetings.

Nancy made a motion that the committee officially recognize and thank Denis for his work as Interim Editor of the IdioM. Bo seconded, passed unanimously.

DECEMBER EXCOMM MEETING will stay in the same location, McAlister's Deli on NORTH Tryon.

Bo moved to adjourn, Martha seconded, passed unanimously at 7:59 pm.

October 2009

Attendance: ExComm members Nancy Campbell, John Barnes, Bonnie Haskins, and Martha Covington. (Bo Milligan was out of town and unable to attend.)

Called to order at 7:42 pm. September minutes were approved by email prior to IdioM publication.

John reported that the documents requested at the September meeting have been printed. Final cost was below the projected figure, at $23.55 total. The activity survey has been created on SurveyMonkey, and a link posted on the CBRMensa.org home page.

Committee discussed the initial responses from the activity survey printed in the IdioM. Due to limited response no specific decisions were reached, but discussion will continue at later meetings.

Committee discussed the idea of placing a “Help Wanted” list in the IdioM, as a way of finding volunteers to help with chapter operations. Consensus was reached to develop a list for publication in January.

Distributed printed copies of the Retreat Planning Guide, and discussed the possibility of holding a Leadership Retreat. Nancy moved we publish an announcement in the IdioM that we are considering the retreat, and want to know about any local members qualified and available to serve as facilitator. Martha seconded, passed unanimously.

Nancy moved that we hold a holiday book drive. Martha seconded, passed unanimously.

By general agreement, the ExComm meeting for November will remain at McAlister's Deli on NORTH Tryon, in the University area.

Nancy moved to adjourn, Martha seconded, passed unanimously at 9:06 pm.

September 2009

Attendance: ExComm members Martha Covington, Bo Milligan, Nancy Campbell, and John Barnes. (Bonnie Haskins was out of town for a funeral, and unable to attend.)

Called to order at 7:30 pm. Examined current financial statements to determine the projected surplus for the July '09 – June '10 fiscal year. Discussed a preliminary budget, with current expenditures as a starting point. Bo moved that we increase the budget for the IdioM from $2,520 to $2,820, add a budget item of $200 for publicity, and retain the balance of the projected surplus for contingencies. Nancy seconded, passed unanimously.

John requested funding for a printed copy of the Local Secretaries Handbook (anticipated cost of $9.12), for reference. Nancy moved to approve, Martha seconded, passed unanimously.

John requested funding for six printed copies of the Retreat Planning Guide (anticipated cost approximately $20.00). These would provide the committee with the information needed to make a decision on holding a retreat at a later time. Bo moved to approve the printing costs, Nancy seconded, passed unanimously.

Discussed and expanded an activity preference survey. Consensus was reached to print the survey in the IdioM immediately, then make it available online (through SurveyMonkey) as soon as practical.

General discussion followed regarding Area Coordinators, and ways to support them. By general agreement, the ExComm meeting for October will remain at McAlister's Deli on NORTH Tryon, in the University area.

Nancy moved to adjourn, Bo seconded, passed unanimously at 8:50 pm.

August 2009

Called to order at 7:50 pm. Attendance: ExComm members John Barnes, Martha Covington, Bo Milligan, Nancy Campbell and Bonnie Haskins, chapter member and Interim Editor Denis Lakhturov.

Martha Covington (Calendar Coordinator) confirmed that she now has update access to the calendar on the website.

Martha moved that we confirm Nancy Campbell as Scholarship Chair. Bo seconded, passed unanimously.

The committee recognized Denis for taking on the tasks of Editor, and asked if he would continue. Contingent on availability, he said he would be willing.

Informal discussion centered on specific means of promoting membership involvement. Chapter funding of a Meetup.com group was suggested, the consensus was to avoid that expense. Other online meeting methods already available will be promoted first.

Specific advertising plans were discussed for Speeches on Sunday on August 30th, which will be an Open House event. Nancy Campbell (Public Relations Chair) will be arranging advertising. Bo moved that if it is needed after exploring options for free publicity, we authorize Nancy to spend up to $100 on advertising. Martha seconded, passed unanimously.

Consensus was reached that we will be establishing a defined budget to aid in similar future decisions.

Discussion of events: Nancy confirmed arrangements for Doug Robarchek to speak at Speeches on Sunday for August 30th, Regina Thomasson had already emailed confirmation that she will speak on September 27th. The ExComm meeting for September will move to McAlister's Deli on NORTH Tryon, in the University area. The Holiday Party has been tentatively scheduled for December 27th, pending confirmation of our standing reservation at The Captains Galley for the last Sunday of each month.

Nancy moved for adjournment, Bo seconded, passed unanimously. Adjourned at 9:28 pm.

July 2009

Present: John Barnes, Nancy Campbell, Martha Covington, Steven “Bo” Milligan, Bonnie Haskins (2003-2009 Loc Sec)
Member present: Denis Lakhturov

2003-2009 Loc Sec Bonnie Haskins called the meeting to order at 7:20 PM. Bonnie announced the results of the recent election for the Executive Committee, and conducted the election of the new 2009-2010 Loc Sec from the elected Committee members.

Nancy nominated John Barnes for Loc Sec 2009-2010, seconded by Martha. The vote was unanimous. Bonnie stated that she would notify national Mensa of the results. Bonnie then turned the meeting over to John.

Nancy made a motion that we publish the minutes of the ExComm meetings in the Idiom, seconded by Bo. Passed unanimously.

A discussion ensued about the 2009-2010 ExComm’s Priorities, and, by general agreement, it was decided that the new ExComm will focus on increasing membership, and increasing member involvement.

Martha made a motion that we also publish the Treasurer’s report at least quarterly, seconded by Nancy. Passed unanimously.

Bo made a motion that we ask Joe Barrett to continue as Treasurer and Historian, seconded by Martha. Passed unanimously.

Martha made a motion that we ask Denis Lakhturov to serve as Interim Editor of the Idiom, for a minimum of two months, seconded by Bo. During the discussion, the Loc Sec was requested to approach one of the former Editors to assess their interest in the position. The motion to appoint Denis as interim passed unanimously.

Bo made a motion to appoint Bonnie as Circulation Chair, seconded by Nancy. Passed unanimously.

Bo made a motion to appoint Martha as Calendar Coordinator, seconded by Nancy. Passed unanimously.

Nancy made a motion that we appoint Denis as our Annual Auditor, seconded by Bo. Passed unanimously.

Bo made a motion to appoint Nancy as Scholarship Chair, seconded by Martha. Passed unanimously.

Martha made a motion to appoint Nancy as Recruitment/Membership/ Public relations chair, seconded by Bo. Passed unanimously.

Martha made a motion to express thanks to Bonnie Haskins for her six years as Loc Sec, seconded by Nancy. Passed unanimously. Members individually thanked Bonnie at this point, for her many contributions to our group.

Nancy made a motion to invite Bonnie Haskins, 2008-2009 Loc Sec, to explain the forms and procedures to the new ExComm after the meeting adjourned. Seconded by Bo. Passed unanimously.

Nancy Campbell made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Bo. Passed unanimously at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Nancy Campbell