Lehigh Valley Kayak & Canoe Club
Executive Committee Meeting
Minutes – January 4, 2014
Location: Linda Martin’s home, Quakertown, PA
Executive Committee attendees:
President – Scott Douglas
Vice President – Linda Martin
Recording Secretary – Sharon Karpiszin
Treasurer – Mike Stewart
Membership Secretary – Dan Rempp
Member(s) at Large – Sheldon Linn
Executive Committee members not in attendance: Member at Large Bob Brunda
Following a delicious dinner prepared by our hostess, Linda Martin, President Scott Douglas thanked Linda and opened the business meeting at 5:33 PM. All present introduced themselves.
OLD BUSINESS:
Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the December meeting were approved as corrected: Motion by Jim Schulte; second by Larry Palmer. Motion carried. Dan Rempp pointed out that there were 101 “hits” on the previous minutes and that they are being read.
Treasurer’s Report: Mike Stewart reported that there is a balance of $2,271.19 in the checking account and $5,560.16 in savings. The large decrease was due in part to the payment of $3,276.09 to Lafayette College for the pool rental..
Membership Report: Chairman Dan Rempp has not yet received the records from the previous chairman, Don Harris.
Webmaster: Dan Rempp reported that access to club information is available on our web page, the forum, Facebook and Meet Up. The cost to continue our Meet Up page is $76 for six months; executive committee members agreed to continue sponsoring the group which currently has 206 participants. Members who volunteer to be trip leaders will be given access to the site. Dan encouraged members to join Meet Up since club information stays posted and current (as compared to Facebook). He also asked that we post photos and reactions to trips so that people will see how active our club is. We should also continue to share Facebook postings to bring club information back to the top of the page. Dan reminded trip leaders that all paddlers on club-sponsored trips must be club members; he will supply trip leaders with a current membership list. Enter.Net has offered to create an app for our club’s website at a cost of $900; it was determined that we have no interest.
Pool Classes: Pool sessions are scheduled for 13 weeks, January 12 through April 20 (no sessions on January 26, March 16 and 23). Lifeguard training will occur on January 12 at 5:00 PM. Pool rules will be posted both on the website and at the registration table. The slalom race will be held on April 20.
Paddler/Young Paddler of the Year: Submit nominations to Scott Douglas by the March meeting for paddlers of the year, male and female. Nominees should demonstrate helpfulness, sportsmanship on the water and support club activities. Jeff Wartluft designed and created a paddle to be awarded to the recipient.
Ice Breaker Dinner: The catered dinner will be held on Friday, April 4, at the Tri-Boro Sportsmen’s Club in Northampton. Chairperson Lisa Aderhold will provide further details.
Larry March Slalom (September 13 and 14): Dan Rempp expressed concern that we might lose instructors due to the fact that Nationals begin on September 7. Members felt that there was no need for such concern.
World Canoe and Kayak Slaloms: Kathy Rako suggested club support for the championships to be held September 17-21, 2014, in Maryland, possibly a club-sponsored trip.
Leaser Lake: When asked to report, Jim Schulte pointed out that Dan Rempp gets credit for attending the meetings. Jim is willing to assist and attend meetings if possible. Dan reported that problems continue at the lake, the dam is still leaking. Priscilla Kistler and Mary Giorlando have committed to seek adaptive paddling certification through the ACA. Mike Stewart motioned to approve up to $600 for one instructor to get adaptive paddling certification; second by John Rako. Scott Douglas is not in favor of committing funds when the project is incomplete. Motion passed. Interested candidates will be informed that funds are available for training. John Rako suggested inviting the instructor to a club meeting to instruct all members.
NEW BUSINESS:
Dues: A motion was made by Jim Schulte to raise individual dues to $20 beginning with the 2014-2015 season. The motion was seconded by Larry Palmer. Dan Rempp suggested that there be separate dues for individual and family memberships. Jim amended his motion to include family memberships at $25; second by John Rako. Motion carried.
Tuesdays on the Lil’ Lehi: Dan Rempp met with the new Allentown Parks director on December 17. They would like the park to be included in our club insurance coverage. Dan reminded paddlers to steer clear of prime fishing dates and suggested sending the director a letter with our intended paddling dates.
Program Committee: Linda Martin will continue to chair the program committee.
Focus for 2014: Dan Rempp said that the past several presidents have had specific focuses (i.e., training) and asked Scott if he had a focus in mind. Scott commented that the most important thing this club does is to provide instruction, especially to young people, and that the club should continue in that direction. Jim Schulte suggested organizing a family rafting trip on July 4 with Jerry McAward from Dunbars to the Lehigh Gap Nature Center concluding with a picnic at the pavilion. Jim also suggested classes on Tuesday nights on the Lil’ Lehi geared to kids.
Meeting Location: A motion was made by Dan Rempp, second by Larry Palmer, to schedule future meetings at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center. Gene Berliner suggested contacting the Pool Wildlife Sanctuary in Emmaus as a possible meeting location. Dan amended his motion to schedule meetings for February, March, May (meeting room and pavilion), September (meeting room and pavilion), October, and November, 2014, at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center; second by Mike Stewart. Motion carried.
Term of President: Scott Douglas questioned the perceived requirement of a three-year commitment in order to serve as club president. He suggested a variation whereby one would serve one year each as president elect, president, and past president. Jim Schulte explained that no one is required to serve for three years if they prefer not to. Jim also quoted the by-laws regarding the submission of an amendment to the by-laws.
Good of the Order: John Rako commented on how successful our club is, thanks to the members.
Gene Berliner pointed out that several club members belong to the National Canoe Safety Patrol and they might be willing to offer training to members. Scott asked Gene to develop the idea and present it at the February meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM. The next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2014, starting at 7:00 PM at the Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Karpiszin
Recording Secretary
