Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Western Michigan Yachting Association
August 5, 2008

Location:  Muskegon Yacht Club

Attendees:   Commodore                     Brian Wrase   (GRYC)
                    Vice-Commodore            Ted Keller      (TLYCC)
                    Rear Commodore            Kevin Haviland   (SLYC)
                    Secretary                       Mark Wipper   (CLYC)
                    Treasurer                       Ken Griswold   (MYC)
                    Past Commodore            Jack Rillema   (WLYC)

                    At Large                        Pete Price 
                    PRO                              Steve Schiller 
                    Ex Officio                       Midge Verplank
                    Executive Secretary         Joan Manny

The meeting was called to order by Commodore Brian Wrase at 7:05pm. He reviewed Roberts Rules of Order.

The 2007 Annual meeting minutes were posted on the website and approved at the fall 2007meeting.
Jack Rillema moved to dispense with the reading of the minutes. Seconded by Tom Munroe.
The motion was approved.

Joan Manny read the 2007 Directors meeting minutes held on November 17th.  Jim Flood moved approval, seconded by John Knape. 
The motion was approved.

Treasurers Report:
Joan Manny reported our net worth at this time is $9170.83
           
            1)  The switch to our August Annual meeting date affected the income and
expenses as reported as it did last year.  This will not occur next year since the     
meeting will be held at the same time as this year.              

            2)   All member clubs have paid and are in good standing.

            3)   We did incur some expense to purchase items for the race committee.

Treasurer’s report was moved by Steve Schiller and seconded by Jack Rillema. 
The report was approved.

Report of Officers:

Commodore:    Brian thanked the Volunteers from GLYC for their help.  All is running
                        smoothly right now.  There are many terrific WMYA items on sale at
                        the registration table.  The Southwestern Fiesta Dinner will be terrific.
                        Thursday night is Casino Night for the Juniors.
                        Friday night is the Commodores Ball.

Vice Commodore: Ted Keller confirmed that Torch Lake will host the WMYA
 August 6-9, 2009.

Old Business:

Joan Manny read the motion to elect a Jr. Delegate from each member club (age under 21) to represent the Jr. sailors on the board.
Moved by Ken Griswold, Seconded by Kevin Haviland.
                        Motion passed unanimously. 

Joan Manny read the motion to move the Annual meeting date to the evening preceeding the regatta.
                        Moved by Jeff Finer, Seconded by John Knape.
                        Motion passed unanimously.

                        Joan Manny read the motion to change the mailing address.
Moved by Steve Schiller, seconded by Don Nelson.
                        Motion passed unanimously.

New Business:
Joan brought us up to date on the formation of the 501-c (3).

A lively discussion followed.  Tom Munroe told us how donations will be tax deductible.  Joan read the appropriate sections of the WMYA Articles of Incorporation that will change for the 501-c (3).  Steve Christian was concerned about the benefit to member Clubs with the change. Joan told him that the member clubs will remain the only voting members with their delegates.
It was brought up that we will need different classes of members for those who are not members of a WMYA club. There was discussion about the impact of “outsiders” or non members on the WMYA.There was discussion about the fact that WMYA has no physical facilities and other clubs that have a 501-c(3) have physical facilities. 

A motion was made to go ahead with the 501c3 and make all necessary changes to our Articles and Bylaws as given to the Board and Delegates at this meeting.*
Motion was made by Steve Schiller, seconded by Kevin Haviland.
Motion passed unanimously.

Discussion ensued about the Opti fleet and its participation in the WMYA.  Questions were raised about the appropriate age for Opti sailors and whether they would conflict with the Butterfly fleet.  Should we have specific age limits for the Opti fleet?  It was pointed out that the Opti National Association has specific rules.

It was also pointed out that this is the first year for Opti’s in WMYA and we will need to see who registers and gauge the interest going forward.

It was brought up that there are some timing issues for various fleets:  MC and Laser fleets. Perhaps we should explore a different regatta schedule for MC, Laser and Butterfly to allow maximum participation?

Tom Munroe suggested that we poll the membership.

This issue, among others will be discussed at the Fall meeting to be held on November 8, 2008.

Upcoming Regatta’s:
            TLYCC Aug, 6-9, 2009,  SLYC Aug. 11-14 2010, CLYC Aug. 5-8 2011

The next annual meeting of the WMYA will be held at 7:00pm on August 5, 2009 at Torch Lake.

Election of Officers:

Commodore; Ted Keller, TLYCC
Vice-Commodore; Kevin Haviland, SLYC
Rear Commodore; Mark Wipper, CLYC
Secretary; Ken Griswold, MYC
Treasurer; Tom Munroe, WLYC
Past Commodore; Brian Wrase, GRYC
Executive Secretary; Joan Manny
PRO; Steve Schiller
At Large; Pete Price
Ex Officio; Midge Verplank

Moved by Don Nelson, seconded by Eric Peterson.

The annual meeting of WMYA was adjourned at 8:26pm
Motion was made by Steve Christian, seconded by Tom Munroe.

Respectfully submitted by,

Mark Wipper, Secretary,WMYA
Crystal Lake Yacht Club
*corrected 11-18-08

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