Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Western Michigan Yachting Association
August 1, 2007
Location: White Lake Yacht Club
Attendees: Directors; Jack Rillema, Larry Larsen, Brian Wrase, Joan Manny,
Midge Verplank, Steve Schiller, Kevin Haviland, Mark Wipper
Delegates; Tom Munroe, Don Nelson, Barb Van Fossen, Steve Christian, John Knape, Jim Flood, Erik Petersen, Kurt Rivard, Sally Rivard, Jandy Sprouse, Pete Price
Absent: Ted Keller
Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by Commodore Jack Rillema
A moment of silence was held in memory of all who died in the past year, especially Chuck Harrett
Roll Call:
A sign up sheet was passed around and submitted to Executive Secretary Joan Manny.
Reading of the Minutes:
A motion was made by Steve Schiller to dispense with the reading of the minutes, and was seconded by Larry Larsen. The motion passed unanimously.
Treasurers Report
Joan Manny discussed the treasurers report and noted that since the meeting was moved from the fall to the opening night of the Western’s it only reflected the activity through August 1, 2007, and did not include any revenue from the regatta nor the vast majority of the expenses.
Assets were detailed on her report with the association having a net worth of $11,650.54.
Joan reported that two lakes are in arrears, Lake James and Lake Macatawa have not paid their dues for the past two years. Each has been contacted three times and had until August 1, 2007 to make payment in full.
Discussion followed about how to handle the two lakes in arrears. A motion to remove them from the roster of the WMYA was made and seconded. The motion passed with one vote against.
Report of Officers:
Brian Wrase stated that the WMYA regatta will be hosted by the Grand Rapids Yacht Club August 6 to August 9, 2008 at the Muskegon Yacht Club. The Commodores ball will be held on Friday night.
Though Ted Keller was absent, the Torch Lake Yacht Club will host the WMYA regatta August 6 to August 9, 2009.
Crystal Lake Yacht Club will hold the WMYA regatta in August 2010. Mark Wipper will confirm the dates, but likely will be August 5 through August 8, 2010.
Kevin Haviland stated that Spring Lake would be ready in 5 years to host the WMYA regatta.
Old Business:
Steve Schiller updated us on the status of the arbitrator. He reviewed the advantages and procedures. The arbitrator will hear the arguments from protesters then make a decision as to the outcome.
The applicable rules were handed out to all in attendance and are included by reference (Article 16 Protest Arbitration) in the minutes.
Once the arbitrators decision is rendered, each skipper has the right to request a hearing with the protest committee.
After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to appoint an arbitrator for the 2008 WMYA regatta, and that the WMYA board has discretion to appoint the arbitrator.
The motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The topic of the timing of the WMYA regatta was discussed. Spring Lake prefers the second weekend in August due to an annual conflict with the Coast Guard Festival.
Glen Lake and Crystal Lake prefer the first weekend in August, though Pete Price pointed out that not many boats from either lake were in attendance.
Steve Christian, Commodore of CLYC, stated that he would make an effort to encourage more participation from CLYC, and that they have a number of younger sailors that are interested in traveling to future WMYA regattas.
Discussion regarding the timing of the Annual Meeting focused around the pros (hopefully better attendance) and the cons (lack of meaningful financial information). The general consensus was that it was a better time for those that have to travel. For 2008 the meeting will again be held the evening prior to the start of the regatta, Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 7 pm. at which time it will be put to vote as a permanent change to the Bylaws.
Further discussion focused on how to get better attendance at the WMYA regatta from the Northern lakes. It was stated that all delegates and board members should strongly encourage their sailors to attend the regattas. Larry Larson emphasized that each member lake should understand the expectations and encourage consistent participation.
The question was raised about having a Jr. delegate to the WMYA from each Club.
Motion to appoint a Jr. delegate from each member club, in addition to the three adult delegates, was made and seconded.
The motion passed.
It was noted, and Midge Verplank was thanked for providing a trailer for storage of WMYA racing equipment. Torresen will store the trailer inside, keeping all our racing equipment together.
Pete Price thanked the Board and Steve Schiller for their hard work and for the smooth transition after Chuck Harrett’s sudden and untimely death.
Nominations for Flagline and Directors for 2008;
Commodore Brian Wrase Grand Rapids Yacht Club
Vice Commodore Ted Keller Torch Lake Yacht Club
Rear Commodore Mark Wipper Crystal Lake Yacht Club
Secretary Kevin Haviland Spring Lake Yacht Club
Treasurer TBD Muskegon Yacht Club
Past Commodore Jack Rillema White Lake Yacht Club
Executive Secretary Joan Manny
At Large Pete Price Torch Lake Yacht Club
Ex Officio/ Race Official Steve Schiller
Ex Officio Midge Verplank
Motion passed effective October 2007.
A motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed unanimously at approximately 8:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
J. Mark Wipper, Secretary, WMYA
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