MEMBERS MEET AT LAKE TAHOE TO CONDUCT COUNCIL’S BUSINESS

More than 35 members and guests were present October 16, 2008, 10:00am to 11:30am, Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, when Executive Committee (EXCOM) voting members conducted the Council’s business.

Minutes of the May 24th on-line meeting were accepted and approved as amended.

A State of the Council document was provided indicating that the Council continues to be an ideal platform for serving the statewide military community. Yet, there are challenges brought on by cultural, economic, and social forces which are negatively impacting recruitment and leadership succession. The purposes are being carried out to the extent resources are available. The Council was awarded its 25 year Silver Anniversary recognition from National MOAA.

A Focus 2009 document was provided indicating that federal and state legislation and chapter support supplementing MOAA’s “Year of the Chapter” initiatives would be the specific aims in the coming year. Legislation actions will be taken by National MOAA and the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC). Area directors will provide chapter support upon invitation from specific chapter officials.

The 2008 finance report was presented by Col Rita Solander, Treasurer, along with a proposed budget for 2009. Membership totals and chapter dues have been declining; about a half dozen chapters still had not paid dues for 2008. The Council has sufficient financial resources to meet bylaws mandates and with a reasonable reserve. The 2009 budget reflects a probable 11% declining membership; the Council will avoid deficit financing by decreasing funds available for area director operating expenses and legislation costs, reflecting greater use of e-mail and the telephone as well as aggressive cost control.

Area directors provided comprehensive reports of chapter opportunities and challenges. Most of the larger chapters, particularly those situated near large metro areas and/or active installations, are doing reasonably well, yet with most showing membership declines and reporting difficulties motivating members to accept leadership positions. Some of the smaller chapters, and in particular those in isolated geographical areas, are in difficulty. On balance, many chapters are doing quite well as social entities with some moving beyond to serve the military community in a variety of ways.

A resolution pertaining to a new Alameda County chapter in formation was presented by CAPT Jim Torres who suggested it was better to have one strong chapter, Contra Costa Chapter, than two weak ones. The resolution provided for immediate suspension of chapter formation recruitment and other actions. The resolution was not passed, and probably on the basis that a packet of charter materials with bylaws, an officer slate, director slate, and other items has been submitted to National MOAA for charter consideration November 18, 2008.

It was recommended that the Council conduct its spring 2009 EXCOM meeting on line and the recommendation was accepted.

It was recommended that the Council condutct its 2009 Annual Meeting in San Diego in conjunction with the National MOAA annual meeting and the recommendation was accepted.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:30am.

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