Executive Committee meeting April 16, 2020

Executive Committee meeting

Thursday April 16 2020

Minutes of EC Meeting 4/16/20

Green Mountain Club

MONTPELIER SECTION

Executive Committee Minutes

April 16, 2020

Present: Steve Bailey, President and Treasurer; Ken Hertz, Vice President; Kevin Ryan, Publicity Coordinator; John Buddington, Webmaster; Nancy Jordan, Trail Talk Editor; Linda Trono, Membership Coordinator; Alan Paschell, Trails and Shelters Coordinator; George Longenecker, GMC Director; Andrew Nuquist, Alternate GMC Director; Phyllis Rubenstein, Secretary; and Dana Lawrence, president nominee.

Steve called the meeting to order about 7:15 p.m. via zoom.

Old Business

George moved to approve the minutes from the meeting of January 28, 2020, Linda seconded the motion, and the minutes were approved.

Format and date of Montpelier section Annual meeting (currently scheduled for May 2)

Steve reported that we have two options: either to conduct the meeting by zoom or postpone it. The bylaws require that we hold the meeting by the end of May. Ken suggested that we hold the meeting by zoom and have members vote either online or by mail. Phyllis suggested we simply have an online vote. We discussed that we could email the membership with a link to the packet of reports, including the reports of the nominating committee and the budget. Ken pointed out that we do not have email addresses for about 30 members. We discussed that those members could be sent a letter with a link to the website and/or containing the materials. Phyllis moved that as soon as the annual meeting packet is ready, that Steve and Ken email the packet to the membership and Ken mail out letters to people without email address. The letter will explain that the membership meeting is cancelled, and that we are asking the members to vote online (or by mail) on the slate of officers and the budget within two weeks from the date the packet is sent out. Alan seconded the motion, and it was approved.

Steve reported that the nominees are: President – Dana Lawrence, Vice President – Ken Hertz, Secretary – Kathy Gohl, Treasurer – Steve Bailey, Membership Chair – Heather Bailey, and Trails and Shelters Coordinator – Alan Paschell. John Buddington, Kevin Ryan, and Nancy Jordan retain their positions.

President’s Report

See above.

Phyllis also reported that the Wilderness First Aid Training scheduled in April was cancelled, and that the WFA Training scheduled in June has also been cancelled.

Director’s Report

George reported that there are no work hikes or events in May. The schedule after that is up in the air. Some sections are posting outings with a caveat that they may be cancelled due to Covid-19. Phyllis suggested we postpone trips in July and August until the main club speaks with the presidents per an email she received today from Kristin McLane. George continued to explain that the Trails Committee may not hire new field staff this year and only use former field staff. It is unclear if there will be a Long Trail Patrol and caretakers this year. The Long Trail and its side trails are closed, state parks campgrounds are closed, and it is unclear about the status of the Green Mountain National Forest. Trails on state parks are open but with mud season protocols. Most of the Appalachian Trail is closed. However, the GMC is concerned about finding a lot of people at trailheads. (Phyllis added that the PCT is closed. It is also a concern on the AT that some trailheads are packed with cars.). Most of the work contracts with partner agencies, including U.S. Forest Service, have been extended until 2021. Bear canisters are recommended, and bear-proof food storage is now required, in the Green Mountain National Forest.

Trail Talk Editor’s Report

We then had a lengthy discussion about whether or not to send out the newsletter as scheduled. Steve said the GMC is meeting with the section presidents between April 21 and 24. We agreed to extend the deadline for submission of articles to Trail Talk to April 27, and that we would not list any scheduled outings. Instead we would focus on proper hiking protocols for the pandemic season and include recent trip reports.

Vice President’s Report

Ken reported that we had only four trips in the last quarter; the rest had to be cancelled. Andrew will notify the speaker for the annual meeting that the event is cancelled. We hope to have the speaker appear at a meeting next year.

Trail and Shelter Coordinator’s Report

Alan reported that there is a tree down on the Bamforth Ridge Trail and that the privy at the Bamforth Ridge Shelter needs attention. He would like to draft new trail crew members.

Publicity Coordinator’s Report

Kevin reported that he has not sent out any press releases this month. Ken suggested we publicize the change in our annual meeting in an advertisement in the Bridge and/or donate money to the Bridge. We discussed that the Bridge is not the right format, as the letter to the membership will be long, and the timing will not work out as the Bridge is only publishing once a month right now. Andrew moved to donate $50 to the Bridge. Kevin seconded the motion. It was approved.

Kevin will send a notice out to the list serve about the change in the annual meeting.

Webmaster’s Report

John gave a brief report, saying the website is working with the new host. Ken clarified that our new web host does not allow emails to comcast, which is the address for Kevin and Andrew. He will add Kevin’s gmaill address; Andrew does not have one to add, so members must add that one themselves.

Treasurer’s Report – Steve reported that the total balance in our account is $6331.95. We spent $1300 more than we took in. Our 2021 budget includes $2100 for Wilderness First Aid Training and a $1000 donation to the main club. We will have less than 150% of our operating budget on account. Andrew said the 150% factor is a recommendation of the Executive Committee and does not have to be adhered to. Steve agreed.

Membership Coordinator’s Report

Linda reported that in the last three months 9 members joined, 66 renewed, and 11 rejoined. Ken has a list of all the members and will work with Linda to prepare the Membership Report for the annual meeting packet.

Next meeting: The next section meeting will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at 7 p.m. by Zoom.

The meeting was adjourned at about 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted on April 19, 2020.

Phyllis Rubenstein, Secretary

Respectfully submitted, Phyllis Rubenstein, secretary