Executive Committee Meeting April 21, 2021

Executive Committee Meeting 21 April 2021

Members present: Dana Lawrence, president; Ken Hertz, vice president; Steve Bailey, treasurer; Heather Bailey, membership coordinator; Kevin Ryan, publicity coordinator; George Longenecker, director; Andrew Nuquist, alternate director; Alan Paschell, trails and shelters coordinator; John Buddington, webmaster; Morgan Irons, nominating committee; Cynthia Martin, nominating committee; Kathryn Gohl, secretary

1. The meeting was called to order, on Zoom, at 7:00 p.m., and the minutes of the February 17, 2021, meeting were approved.
2. Vice President’s Report
   
   Ken said he had nothing in particular to report. He asked that officers send him reports for the annual meeting, which he would put up on the website.

3. Annual Meeting Schedule and Format
   
   We agreed that we would send out ballots via email to those members on the email list and send a hard copy to others, and ask that voters return their ballots to Dana. We would send the ballots out about May 1 and ask that they be returned by May 15.
4. Nominating Committee
   
   The nominating committee, consisting of Morgan Irons, Phyllis Rubinstein, and Cynthia Martin, reported on the nominees. Steve Bailey would run for vice president and Michele Cota for treasurer. Morgan Irons would work as trails and shelters coordinator until another person could be found. Andrew Nuquist would run as director and Steve Bailey as alternate director. Dana Lawrence would run for another year as president and Heather Bailey for another year as membership coordinator. A secretary has not as yet been found. (The jobs of webmaster and publicity coordinator are not elected offices.)
5. Director’s Report
   
   George reported that the main club been contacting trail workers informally rather than advertising trail work. Long Trail patrols and caretakers would be out working this year. The capital campaign is starting up, with funds raised to go to trails, the endowment, and headquarters renovation. The main club itself is doing well financially. The directors have been considering whether to remove the Seth Warner shelter and replace it. The bear situation at shelters was discussed, along with requirements for the use of bear canisters and the possibility of free loaners. The annual meeting will be June 12, and it will be virtual. George also noted that he would be leaving the Trail Management Committee at headquarters when he left the directorship and wondered about the mechanics of appointing Andrew.
6. Trail Talk
   
   Nancy reported that the current issue of Trail Talk was at the printers. The summer issue could be out at the end of June if we wanted, but perhaps a summer/fall issue was more likely. And, while outings are a topic for Trail Talk, the content doesn’t necessarily depend on whether there are hikes scheduled. In the end it was decided that she should go ahead with the summer issue, and the deadline for articles would be about July 1.
7. Plan for Section Outings
   
   Again we discussed whether and when to resume outings. The governor says we can resume activities in small groups, but what does the main club have to say? What about vaccinations? Can we car pool?
   
   Steve said that the earliest he feels comfortable scheduling an event is July, but who knows if anyone will show up. Front Porch Forum was suggested as a good way to publicize trips quickly. Andrew suggested that perhaps we should try to reach only members or we may have too many people show up.
   
   Dana suggested that we schedule a section-wide event for August at Elmore or Groton, for a hike and picnic, and perhaps reserve a pavilion. It was moved and seconded that we approve funding for renting a pavilion. Dana said he would look into the possibility of a reservation and let the EC know.
8. Spring Trail Maintenance
   
   Alan said he had sent out emails to core trail workers for the dates of May 15, 22, and 29 to do spring maintenance. He reported that he had not bought any tools last year and will do an inventory before he leaves as coordinator. If anyone has tools out, he asked that they be returned.
9. Membership Report
   
   Heather reported that membership has gone up by 25 persons since February, from 545 to 570.
10. Treasurer’s Report
    
    The quarterly report shows that the Montpelier section has $10,000 in the bank. The committee decided that after the 2022 budget is approved we should donate $5,000 to the main club.
11. Webmaster’s Update
    
    John commented that he’s been doing the job of webmaster since 2002 and recommends that the section begin thinking about someone to replace him.
12. Publicity Coordinator Update
    
    Kevin said he doesn’t do much in the way of publicity and, frankly, sort of forgets what he used to do.

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn Gohl, secretary