MINUTES OF THE 96^th ANNUAL MEETING OF THE

SHAVER LAKE FISHING CLUB

JULY 23, 2000

SHAVER LAKE, CALIFORNIA

By Starr Shepard, Club Secretary.
 

The meeting was called to order at 11:25 a.m. by President Bill Lerrigo.

A warm welcome was extended to a number of guests attending the meeting, and their input during the proceedings was invited.

A traditional moment of silence was observed to remember past members of the Club.  They set the stage for our reasons to gather here today.

Lerrigo gave a summary of topics intended for discussion in this meeting:

• President's issues
• Membership
• Club lease

Lerrigo celebrated the BBQ social event on the previous day.  Thank you to Mikki and Steve McDonald and family for hosting the occasion.  Steve reminded everyone that special SLFC hats are available (chef's hat $12 and fishing hat $10).  It was suggested to have the hats at future events.  Jay Thorwaldson suggested having a special celebration for the coming 100-Year Club Anniversary.

Lerrigo mentioned that the Shave Lake Historical Society's office is located by the new post office near the old U.S. Forest Service building, and is open 5 days a week.

Lerrigo noted that Chaddock's book, 120 Degrees in the Shade (and There's No Shade), has gone out of print, but that each cabin site should have a copy.

Lerrigo pointed out that copies of complete sets of past SLFC Minutes are available for a $25 copying fee.

Minutes from the 1999 SLFC Annual Meeting were read by Secretary Starr Shepard.  Corrections were recommended concerning the trash pick-up fee ($150 month) and Edison's participation in recent SLFC social events.

Lerrigo thanked Tim Nora for making sure water was available for the BBQ picnic.   

Lerrigo began what he termed his "Park Ranger" discussion concerning issues of responsibility among SLFC members and cabin users – chiefly, respect for others and responsible behavior.  A range of problems occurring during 1999 were reviewed:

• Fire hazards – no fires are allowed on the beach per Edison rules (the Boy Scouts have special permits for campfires on the beach);
• SLFC members are responsible for their guests (they must leave if they cannot obey the rules);
• No fireworks are permitted anywhere;
• Noise control, especially loud music – generators must be enclosed;
• Traffic issues – dust and driving too fast;
• Dog control, especially aggressive dogs – complaints have been received specifically about Airedales at the Shepard cabin;
• Water system – the system is antiquated and remedied only with money; caution about over-use (John Good reported that the pump has been working well, but everyone should remember that the water is not potable, and repairs on the pump should not be attempted without a good understanding of how it works);
• SLFC "visibility" in local Shaver community – we must avoid any negative image (example: Suburban Propane – 2 cabins have not paid their bills);
• Bears – be more cautious to avoid attracting them by disposing trash properly; be mindful that bears will kill pets that challenge them;
• Gate combination – general question about any problems? – Tim Nora moved to change the combination for the 2001 season (discussed but no vote taken);
• Communication between members and families.
• Lerrigo reviewed SLFC finances.  Club account balance is currently $4,000 – 5,000, with all Club bills paid.  1999 tax returns have been completed.  Lerrigo pointed out that SLFC is not a Category 501C3 "charitable" organization, but a Category 501C4 "paternal" organization, a different non-profit classification.  The Club has $1.5 million liability insurance coverage, but each cabin should carry their own coverage for material loss.

Lerrigo proposed to continue the current Club fees: $175 per member, $175 per cabin site.  The Club precedent for expulsion based on lapsed dues is 3 years (to give the individual a chance to catch up).  Currently, 1 member has lapsed.  A general observation was made that the fees are not too expensive, even though personal income within the membership varies widely.

Lerrigo calls a 15-minute intermission.

The meeting was reconvened, and Lerrigo reiterated 2 particular "Park Ranger" issues:

1. Dog control – Shepard cabin Airdales must be tethered on the porch at all times;
2. Litter – the Club is responsible to Edison to keep the south beach clean, from the pump eastward to the Elliott cabin; pick up trash on the roads, too.

Discussion was directed toward general membership and composition of the Board of Directors.  Jay Thorwaldson moved to re-elect the Board as currently composed; seconded by Josh Thorwaldson; and the motion was approved unanimously by vote:

• President – Bill Lerrigo
• Treasurer – John Good
• Secretary – Starr Shepard
• Counsel – Jim Quashnick

Lerrigo recommended to continue with the current Board composition and re-evaluate any positions after membership issues have been resolved.  Various subcommittees of the Club were also reviewed.

Discussion is directed toward Club membership.   The Board of Directors held a special meeting in 1999 to address the issue specifically, with the following observations:

• a Membership Committee was formed but had not met;
• current membership is a continuation of a system based on the male side of families of early cabin builders;
• membership was recently expanded to include Steve McDonald for his connection with C. B. Shaver; Jim Quashnick for legal assistance (volunteer); and Genevieve Tueson as the first female member to symbolize progress toward involving more females as members.

A proposal resulted from the 1999 Board meeting and included the following points:

• new membership shall be limited to those within the 11 historic cabin sites, including Elliott;
• each cabin site shall be allocated 5 votes;
• each cabin family shall discuss and decide upon potential new members from within their family group;
• each cabin family shall designate one representative member to present the nominees at the next annual meeting;
• each prospective new member shall write a letter explaining their desire to enter the membership; and
• each new member shall accept obligations for dues and responsibilities.

John Good moved to accept this proposal; seconded by Jay Thorwaldson; followed by discussion, including questions concerning the following:

• Possibility of different classes or categories of membership, such as "charter" members (from historic cabin families) and "regular" members;
• Possibility of potential non-cabin-based new members and the possibility of new cabins (probably there will be no new cabins, but there could be new "campsites").

Discussion returned to the membership proposal, with the recommendation that written application should be waived for certain potential female members.

A vote was taken, and the motion to accept the membership proposal passed without opposition.

Jay Thorwaldson made a separate motion to offer immediate membership without written application to selected women, such as Margaret Passmore and Nancy Tueson, who represent first generation daughters of original cabin builders, and to extend this offer to other women in this special category, such as Gloria Shepard Hyde and Marta Aten Miller.  A vote is taken, and the motion passes unanimously.  Welcome Margaret and Nancy as new Shaver Lake Fishing Club members!

It was noted that the Burford cabin family is still not represented in a Club office or subcommittee, and the Burford family is requested to present their nominees for new membership and also present a candidate for Club officer or committee member.

Discussion is directed toward the Club lease.  Lerrigo noted that Edison's position is closely related to water rights issues that are tied to deregulation of the power industry.  Steve McDonald posed the question of how SLFC can be more proactive, such that the Club would be missed if it were gone – for example, as a sponsor of Big Brother and Big Sister events or of fishing derbies at the marina.  Josh Thorwaldson agreed that the Club should be proactive in this regard and volunteered his time for such events.

It was reiterated that written applications from prospective new members should be accompanied by a check for the $175 in dues.  These must be submitted by Labor Day 2000; if not, they must wait for the next call for candidates.  The next general meeting will be held on Labor Day Sunday, September 3, 2000.

The meeting was adjourned by Bill Lerrigo at 2:15 p.m.