Meeting called to order 9:00 a.m. by President Rod Flack. Board members present included Pat Frantz, James Chitwood, Dave Price, Larry Myers, Gary Konop, Lee Schwartz and Wendi Boos – Don Mel-lum was absent. Also present was Larry Boos representing IT; Russ Wagner and Larry Mann were also present.
Rod asked for a motion to approve the December 2019 minutes; Gary made the motion which was seconded by Pat. Motion carried.
Majestic Forge Proposal: Larry Mann stated he is representing other club members who are interested in purchasing a propane-fueled Majestic Forge 3-burner forge machine. This device would be beneficial to knife-makers, blacksmith forging, Damascus steel knife-making, and other specialty projects. The cost is $500. A portable cart would allow it to be located near the Foundry area and moved as needed. A discussion followed and a motion was made by Lee, seconded by Gary, to purchase the unit for a cost not to exceed $600 (with shipping). Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: James reviewed the club’s financial information and year-end results. He is completing the Rec Center CR-7 report which summarizes financial and membership data for the 2019 year. Rod asked for a motion to approve his report which was made by Pat and seconded by Gary. Motion carried.
IT Report: Larry Boos reported club membership and dues renewal data for 2019. Renewals for 2020 are progressing well.
Back Yard Extension Project: Rod stated that the project is expected to be completed next week after asphalt and painting of the wall area is completed. The cost of the project will be a 2020 expense.
Facility Update: Rod stated there are no further updates since the last Board meeting; he will provide updates as they become available.
Laguna & Blaze Machine Update: Rod and Larry Myers reviewed the training schedule with the Laguna Rep (Adam) for January 9th and 10th which will involve several club members. Portions of the training will be videotaped resulting in no Powder Coating, Foundry or Blaze operations on these dates.
A discussion followed to explore the purchase of VCarve software for the Laguna machine that is specifically designed to work with this equipment, is a newer software package than PlasmaCam, and would eliminate the need for SheetCam. PlasmaCam and SheetCam software would still be available to club members; however, the long-term view is that VCarve is Laguna’s preferred software for the machine. Larry M. will present VCarve licensing and purchase information at the February 7th Board Meeting.
Rod asked Pat to work with Avis Acton to provide the Blaze advance scheduling sign-up sheets; Rod will review this at the January 9th General Meeting.
Locker Update for 2019: Rod reported that all members who have not achieved 24 visits for 2019 are being contacted by Griff to empty their locker. Rod asked about matching the dues renewal deadline date of January 31st to match the locker renewal date for 24 visits (currently Dec. 31st). This will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
Education & Training Committee Update: Rod attended the Education & Training Committee meeting in December and was impressed by the Course Catalog created by this committee. Rik Scairpon will present this info at the General Meeting on Jan. 9th; Rod also asked that the Education Committee share this catalog with the Rec Center Chartered Club contacts.
Social Committee Update: Wendi stated that future club social functions (such as Chili Cook-off on Feb. 13th and Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 17th) will be held following the General Meeting at the RH Johnson Social Hall. Over-whelming attendance at recent club functions has become too difficult to hold at the Metal Club shop facility. Board members agreed with this approach and thanked the Social Committee for their efforts.
Elections for 2020/2021 Term: At the Jan. 9th General Meeting, Rod will announce posting of Board positions for the next 2020/2021 term. At the Feb. 13th General Meeting, nominations from the posting and from the floor will be accepted. Voting will take place at the March 12th General Meeting. New Board terms begin April 1, 2020.
Roundtable: Pat shared clean-up issues at the Navigator machine; reminders to keep area clean will be made at the Jan. 9th meeting. Lee reported that all is working well in the Welding area. Dave reported that plasma tips and paint booth filters have been purchased. Gary reported that the Powder Coater bearings have been repaired; the machine is operating more quietly now. Larry M. expressed concern about the Work Orders 'in the basket' which have been slow to be completed; Rod will mention this at the Jan. 9th General Meeting. James asked for the Board’s approval to investigate a more comprehensive version of QuickBooks to include credit card processing; this would be a more secure system and offer more options for our use. It was agreed to review this at the Feb. 7th Board Meeting.
Wendi reported that total General Membership attendance for 2019 set a record of 797 members (with 2 meetings cancelled) – the Dec. 2019 meeting was an all-time attendance record of 146 members! This was far above 2018 total attendance (665) and 2017 attendance (708). High attendance may be attributed to E-mail meeting reminders, Education & Shop Topics presented by Dave, and meeting tickets distributed for lunch at the shop.
It was moved to adjourn the meeting by Gary and seconded by Dave. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Next Board Meeting:
Friday, February 7, 2020
9:00am Western State Bank Conference Room
Submitted by Wendi Boos, Secretary
January 6, 2020