Minutes from Troop 9 Committee Meeting on January 9, 2007
Present: John Risk (acting as Chairman), Dave
Scocca (COR), Gregg Gerdau (SM), Trish Clemens, Andy Pate (Father of new scout
John Pate), and Philip Hock (ASM)
Previous months minutes were not available for a
reading.
Treasurer was not present.
Gregg distributed the list of new Patrol Equipment
to be provided each patrol. One set was purchased at a cost of
approximately $850 (when completed). A vote was taken to approve the
purchase and future purchases of 2 more when the Troop grows. The plan is
to charge the patrol leader with the care and storage of the patrol equipment at
their house. Inventory will be taken at the end of each year, or with the
change of patrol leaders. Each patrol will replace used, worn, or lost
equipment, although the method of funding was not discussed. (Editors
Note: expensing the equipment with a 5 year life, come to about $170 per patrol
per year, or about $20 per boy per year for a patrol of 8 boys). A motion
was made by Dave Scocca, and seconded by Trish Clemens to approve the
expenditure. The vote was passed 6 - 0.
A discussion followed concerning the amount of Dues
that we should be charging. Gregg gave some numbers of what he knew of
other troops, and stated that we were well below them, and perhaps the cheapest
in the area. He suggested after the meeting that we could take a quick
poll of other troops.
We recalled Lisa Ripperton's concern that our last
month's balance of approximately $3500 was a large number to have in reserve
despite the fact that we have slowly dropped from a high of around $5500 about 5
years ago. The purchase of 3 patrol boxes (this year and next) earmarks
about $2500 of the reserve, with the registration payment still to be paid next
month ($400 - $500??). Our reserve will effectively be around $500 come
April. We are also experiencing recruitment cost this year which may be as
high as $300 or more. I don't expect recruiting to be that much every
year, but it is clear that we need to budget at least $100 to $200 a year for
recruiting. Trish Clemens indicated that she appreciates the Troop not
being involved in fund raising as part of our budget. Andy Pate indicated
that he wouldn't mind a larger Dues, but would not like all of the nickel and
dime fees that some troops charge (trip fee, joining fee, etc). Gregg also
suggested 2 changes in policy. He suggested that The Troop purchase
handbooks to have on hand and give them to new scouts, paid for with dues.
He also suggested that we charge a prorated fee for the partial year of incoming
scouts. In the past, scouts didn't join until late April, or May, and it
was a non issue. Now we look at new scouts joining as early as January or
Feb.
No vote was taken, but it is clear that with the
new direction on camping and the emphasis on patrol equipment, recruiting
expenses, Scout Handbooks, and a general increase in registration fees, that it
is necessary to raise dues. It is clear that we will be spending $30 to
$40 per boy per year on additional services. Next month we will bring to a
vote on the amount (currently $60) and if we should charge a prorated fee for
new scouts.
Advancement was discussed. Gregg is planning
to conference with each boy, and to start a chart to be posted on
advancement. Dave Filpus is checking on Council's records to make sure
that they coincide with ours. Trish said that a better effort needed to be
made to get requirements signed off on trips. We were reminded that we
have a court of honor scheduled for the 30th of this month. (we have one every 4
months.)
Gregg announced that this month's camping trip to
Sam's Knob in the shining rock wilderness was canceled due to expected cold
weather. In place of that is a 2 day trip to the Eno River this coming
weekend (13th and 14th). The following Sunday the 21st will be a day hike
at Johnson's Mill from 1:30 to 4:30. This is a recruiting trip for Webelos
II's. We have about 12 cubs going and the invitation was sent out district
wide (too early for responses yet)
Brian (bean) Clemens and Daniel Ripperton are now
den chiefs for Troop 845. They are jointly helping a Webelos II and a Bear
Den. This is our best method of hands on recruiting.
Gregg also mentioned that Tom Hock is trying to
organize a trip to SEA BASE. There is a possibility of a joint trip with
Gregg's old California Troop.
From John Risk
In Attendance:
John Risk, Dave Scocca, Gregg Gerdau, Tricia Clemens, Philip Hock, Andy Pate (visitor).
Meeting called to order by John Risk.
Minutes: Minutes from the previous meeting were unavailable.
Treasurer's Report: Due to absence of Treasurer, an updated report was
not given but, based on previous report, balance estimated at
approximately $3,360.00. Gregg Gerdau had purchased a patrol box
and supplies at an approximate amount of $850.00. Motion made by
Dave Scocca to approve this purchase and the purchase of two more (one
for the leaders and one for another patrol) as a budget item; motion
carried. Discussion regarding increasing dues followed.
Tricia Clemens voiced the opinion that traditional fund raising
activities (e.g. popcorn sale) do not seem to yield much of a return
for the Scouts. John Risk agreed that this had been the
troop’s experience in the past. Currently, the troop does
not collect pro-rated dues from new members (i.e. new Scouts joining
the troop from Webelos 2) nor an “initiation fee.”
Dave Scocca requested the committee be presented with “real
numbers” for past operating budget figures and proposed increase.
Trips & Activities: The camping trip for this month has been
rescheduled for January 12 -14 at Eno River. A day hike with
Webelos 2 has been scheduled for January 21 at Johnson’s Mill
Preserve. Gregg Gerdau has sent invitations to the Webelos 2
mailing list.
Weekly Program/Merit Badges: A Court of Honor is scheduled for
January 30 so the next two meetings will be focused on checking
Scouts’ advancement and merit badge “catch up.”
Gregg Gerdau has purchased a rank advancement chart and is waiting for
a report of the Scouts’ current status to better track
advancement.
Next committee meeting will be Tuesday, February 14.
From Patricia Clemens
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