Meeting called to order 10:30a.m. by President Dave Price.
Present: Joe Faraone, Ken Booth, Don Mellum, Ken Weaver, Lee
Schwartz, Wendi Boos.
Absent: Jim Filipiak, Bill Smith.
Guests: Norm Muzzy #2621, Randy Mekus #2445.
Approval of Minutes: Motion made by Ken B., seconded by Ken W. to approve Oct. 6th Meeting Minutes - all were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report: Joe provided a recap of club finances noting that upcoming costs include forklift repairs ($1,700) and the Pizza Party (160 members & guests attending – cost $1,000).
Education & Training Coordinator Proposal: Norm presented his thoughts about how to better educate members in specialized areas such as welding and plasma cutting. He proposed creating introductory classes (pre-requisites) to provide members with basic information and confirm their continued interest in pursuing training in these areas. This will allow the experienced instructors to focus on members who have demonstrated basic proficiency and a desire to learn more in these topics. He feels he can recruit instructors for these pre-requisite classes, including use of online video tutorials. Dave emphasized the need to schedule classes in advance so members can sign up for the session that is best for them and avoid unnecessary time and confusion for everyone involved.
Joe made a motion to create the position of Education & Training Coordinator (non-Board position) which was seconded by Lee and approved by all.
Plasma Cutting Policy & Safety Concerns: Randy Mekus presented his concerns with the recent change by the Board to the Plasma Cutting policy regarding the elimination of the disciplinary steps for members who do not follow established procedures, including leaving the machines unattended while in the process of cutting material. This is a safety concern which can be easily avoided by simply putting the machine in the ‘pause’ mode. Discussions included safety concerns for leaving milling, lathes, and other shop equipment unattended while in the operation. Board members stated that any policy changes should include all shop equipment, not just the plasma area.
Randy stated his recommendation (which was approved by the Plasma Committee in April) should include a 30-day suspension of use of the plasma machines, followed by a 60-day suspension for continued non-compliance with the policy, concluding with a per-manent ban to use these machines should the issues continue. He said he talked to the Rec Center about this, and our by-laws do not cover specific discipline for operation of machines and that procedures need to be voted on by the club membership.
A discussion followed which Dave summarized by informing the Board that the Safety Committee is addressing this concern and will make a recommendation regarding leaving machines unattended while in use. Until this is done, club members should approach any member who is not acting in a safe manner.
Dues Process for 2024: Dues for 2024 will be collected beginning January 1, 2024, for the calendar year. Wendi and Joe described dues payment issues for the Board’s review. Lee made a motion that members who were active/paid members in the prior year, but have not renewed in the current year, will pay $100 as a new member in the following year, attend orientation and lose certificates (i.e., member paid in 2022, did not renew in 2023, wants to renew in 2024 = New Member status, pay $100, attend orientation, lose certifications). Don seconded the motion; all were in favor. Dave will communicate this change to the members at the Nov. 9th General Meeting.
President Updates: Dave gave an update on the Security Camera committee - awaiting more cost info to present to the Board for the next phase of the project (purchase cameras, computer, etc.).
The Display Board Committee met and will communicate a process for members to display their projects and select boards in a fair, equitable manner.
The Arclight air tube was cracked and replaced under warranty. Rich Barchman made a metal safety barrier around the machine to prevent this happening in the future.
Dave and the Saturday crew will open the 10’x20’ canopy to see if it can be used as a shade structure near the powder coating oven.
Larry Mann and others constructed a steel ramp for an American Legion #94 veteran which was greatly appreciated by the group.
Dave met with Russ Boston this morning for their monthly shop walk-through. Russ provided the APS bill for the club which was $3K per month during the summer. The AC will be turned off now that we have cooler weather, and the roll-up door can be opened. AC units for the Machine Shop will be replaced by the Rec Center including a remote mechanism to adjust/monitor temperatures by the Rec Center.
Rose Robinson, widow of former club member Robbie Robinson, would like to donate shop equipment to the club. Dave and Lee will review the items; any items not needed by the club will be offered to club members.
No roundtable items were shared by Board Members.
Motion to adjourn made by Don, seconded by Ken W. Meeting adjourned at 11:35 am.
Submitted by Wendi Boos, Secretary
November 5, 2023