June 2008 Minutes
The Arlington Lions Club
Arlington, Minnesota
We Serve
June 4th Meeting of the Arlington Lions Clubs
Draft Minutes
Lion President Paul Wiemann called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. at the Arlington Haus with five members present.
There were no guests present
Secretary’s report approved as read.
Treasurer’s report was also approved as read.
Old Business
1. Lion President Paul Wiemann reported on the Lions Track Meet, which had been rescheduled due to weather. The meet was successful and had sufficient workers; unfortunately, most were not Lions. A discussion ensued regarding the continuance of the event as a Lions activity. It was decided to continue the event due to the upcoming merger. Membership and enthusiasm may change after the new club forms. Moved, seconded, and unanimously approved to sponsor the 2009 Lions Track Meet.
2. Lion Paul stated that we should meet with the Green Isle Lions Club board to discuss our mutual involvement in the track meet as well as other mutual issues regarding donations and service. The membership agreed that this would be beneficial.
New Business
1. Lion Paul Wiemann stated that the club received a request to donate money to the charity of record for Mike’s Fun Run. Lion Paul noted that this group, of which he is a member, has received funding from the Green Isle Lions for a number of years. The group wondered why the Arlington Lions did not make a similar donation? Lion Paul pointed out that this type of donation did not meet the club’s giving policy. He made no recommendation to the club regarding funding due to his relationship with the Fun Run. Lion Darwin asked whether the event is likely to continue and could it be a Lions Club event? Lion Paul said the continuance of the Fun Run is in jeopardy and there were no plans to ask the Lions Club to take it on. Although the charity is most worthy, the membership declined to make a donation motion due to the Giving Policy.
2. Lion Paul stated that the club’s financial records would be routinely audited locally as a necessary step in the merger process. Lion Treasurer Peter Arneson and Sibley East Treasurer Eunice Rucks will take part. Lion Eunice will be succeeding Lion Peter as club treasurer, so it is a good opportunity for her to become familiar with the club’s finances. The membership limited the audit to a one-year “look back”, which is to be as close as possible to the Lion fiscal year.
3. Sponsorship of a Sibley East Booster Club membership was discussed. The new booster club format sounds like a great idea for local businesses, service organizations, individual donors, and local students. The membership would meet the club’s giving policy in many areas. Moved, seconded, and unanimously approved to purchase a “Gold” level membership for the 2008-09 school year for $100.
4. A request was received via Lion District Governor Mary Spille to support a “Couls Child Mentor Program” for Sibley County students as part of a grant request. The request had few details and a one-week window or opportunity. It was pointed out that a mentorship program for district students had been tried recently and failed after one year due to the inability of local adults to fill needs due to their own work situations. Due to the short lead-time and lack of information, the request was tabled until after the merger.
5. Lion Steve Harter spoke as a representative of the Gaylord Library board. He provided the club with additional information regarding the possible donation of a “low sight reader” to the Gaylord Library. The reader would assist individuals with vision problems so they can read printed material. Readers are available in the $2500-$3000 range.
Lion Harter was asked whether the City of Gaylord would consider fronting the cost of the reader with the Arlington Lions paying off the cost over time, possibly using the Hot Shot Basketball Tourney proceeds to do so. Lion Steve thought such a request would be feasible. He will approach the City of Gaylord.
It was mentioned that there would be a similar need in Arlington with the club donating a comparable machine to the Arlington Library. Once again, would the City of Arlington front the money?
Lion Harter said that other service organizations might wish to help with this project in Gaylord. The membership felt that the club was capable of taking on the project in its entirety and would like to mark the machines as solely a Lions Club donation.
Since the donation would be paid for with a designated project, the Robert Major estate fund "notification to members" policy would not be needed.
Lion Harter and Mathwig will look into competitive prices and report back to the club after the merger. This project had already received favorable comments at the joint board meeting. It is assumed that the project stands a good chance of being approved after the clubs merge. The request was tabled pending more information and a hearing before the merged membership.
6. Lion Darwin spoke to the club as Vice District Governor Elect. He is expected to have a hospitality room at the next 5M2 convention. Typically, the VDGE’s home club helps with this expense. He wanted this discussed prior to his installation as Arlington Lions Club president, as it creates a conflict of interest. He also mentioned that another candidate for Vice District Governor might be coming out of the new club. He felt it was important that the matter was settled for the benefit of that individual’s candidacy as well. He stated that costs may run close to $1000, but various income sources generally pay for most of it. He was wondering whether the club would consider funding the rental of the room, which may be about $350. The membership was supportive of this request, but no vote was taken. The club will wait for more cost information from VDGE Darwin.
Announcements/Information/Thank You’s
• Lions Day with the Twins; Wednesday June 18, Contact President Wiemann or the 5M2 Newsletter for more information
• Veseli Lions Charter Night July 20th. Contact Lion Paul if interested in attending
• Le Sueur Lions Annual Charity Golf Event, June 23rd, Contact Lion Paul
• Thank You received from the KC’s/Will be posted on the website
Next Meeting
• Thursday, July 10th/Time and location to be determined. Lions Darwin and Nancy will make appropriate plans
Meeting adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Lion Dan Hislop
Secretary, Arlington Lions Club
