Executive Committee Meeting July 30, 2024

GREEN MOUNTAIN CLUB, MONTPELIER SECTION

Minutes of the Executive Committee

July 30. 2024

The meeting was held via Zoom on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 6:30. In attendance were Steve Bailey, Heather Bailey, Morgan Irons, Scott Richardson, Heidi Kunkle, Rob Penney, Phyllis Rubenstein, Ken Hertz and Missy Ethridge.

Minutes of the May 19 Meeting. Motion by Heather and seconded by Heidi so approved as written.

Minutes of the Annual Meeting were sent to me but I had thought all were copied. So just sent a copy to Steve.

Trail Talk/Newsletter Report. Morgan was able to do the editing, formatting and printing but mentioned that Nancy who did it previously had solicited photos, reports and would even pull writeups from other websites. Morgan just does not have time to do all that Nancy had done. Could others pitch in and send reports and photos. Maybe those who lead outings could submit reports as small articles and photos. Should we send an email out to members to solicit reports? Chasing down people to get reports is time consuming. The schedule to submit reports would be mid February for the spring newsletter, mid May for the summer, mid August for the fall and mid November for the winter. Phyllis could put in some naturalist articles and mention the Apps to be used to ID plants. Rob could write about volunteer opportunities and about people who adopt trails. We discussed putting this out on Front Porch Forum as that could get others to join.

Recap of Annual Meeting. Feedback on the location was that it was decent but it was too nice a day to be inside so maybe we should go back to having the meeting on Friday evenings where there would be a potluck meal where we would all bring food. Maybe have a short hike before the meeting. The meeting may tentatively be scheduled in May (but not the long weekend) and maybe just have one speaker.

Plans for Upgrading Website. It was David Hathaway who connected us to John Reed who had stated that he could help us build a new website on WordPress for free. WordPress is much easier to post on. But Steve has not heard back from him so may get in touch with David again. Ken said he has found a person who would be willing to update it for us but we would have to pay him. We do have $3000 set aside to have the website upgraded. The main chapter does not provide a template as all chapters have something different. It would be nice to harmonize our website with the main chapter. Phyllis may bring it up with them to get their thoughts.

Survey Results. Steve sent us all the survey results (with him being one who replied). With so few respons/es it is hard to determine what people really want so hard to generalize. Even though most wanted moderate hikes it appears the easier hikes are drawing more people. Maybe we should add to the survey whether one would be interested in leading a hike or exactly where they would like to hike by having an Other_______ spot that they could fill in. It was suggested that some may want a social event afterwards. Also the discussion of allowing pets on the hikes was brought up but some areas do not allow dogs so this should be the leaders choice and not necessarily put in the description of the hike.

How to get more people to participate. In the past the VP would send out a request to all asking if they would like to lead a hike. It is hard to schedule these out 3 months so now we can schedule these 2 weeks before a hike which makes it easier. We now post the events on Front Porch Forum so some non-members have been coming on these. Not sure how many join up.

Treasurers Report. We started the fiscal year with $9,738.64 in checking and $1,680.68 in savings. We have received $295 in section dues and $.68 in dividends and incurred $93.24 in expenses leaving our current cash amount to $11,261.76. We have the $3000 earmarked for the website but could spend more if needed. Maybe we could send money to the main chapter to update our website? Phyllis went to a meeting 5 to 6 years ago and they discussed section websites but the main chapter was not interested.

Trail Maintenance. Heidi mentioned that a chainsaw course is to be held Sept 6-8 in Johnson and will cost participants $660. Could each section sponsor them? Vermont may require certification to use chainsaws. Heidi would like to go but Scott is tied up at that time. Phyllis stated that we should sponsor Heidi and pay the full $660. Maybe we could get 3 people in the chapter to get certified so Heidi will reach out to other people. Phyllis made a MOTION to pay for 3 people to get certified and Rob seconded it but Scott said maybe they should do 1 day of trail work. Phyllis accepted Scott’s friendly amendment and the motion passed. We have all the safety equipment. Heidi is planning work hikes in October, possibly the 5th and 12th but the 12th thru the 14th will be the long weekend over the Indigenous Peoples Day on the 14th. It was discussed that maybe it shouldn’t be scheduled over the long weekend.

Membership. We currently have 330 members. The numbers are down in all chapters but Burlington.

Long Trail Day. This will be held on 9/21. People can sign up. Other years a table was set up with snacks etc. We will sponsor this.

Next Meeting. The next meeting will be scheduled for October 8th at Steve and Heather’s house.

The Zoom meeting ended at 7:56.

Respectfully submitted,

Missy Ethridge, Secretary