National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING OF
21 September 2009

Opening Ceremony: Commander Abney called the meeting to order in proper form at 19:32 hrs on Monday, 21 SEP 2009, at the Post home with the POW-MIA flag being in place.

Roll Call of Officers: The roll call produced a quorum. 9 Officers and 2 Executive Committee Members (ECM) answered the Roll Call. Past Commander Erb is excused. 3rd Vice Loomis, Chaplain Kelly and ECM Martin are absent. Adjutant is vacant.

Reading of the Minutes: Commander Abney called for a reading of the Membership Meeting Minutes of 17 AUG 09. Historian Rein moved for suspension of the reading of the minutes and to accept them as published. ECM Kapes seconded and the motion carried. Judge Advocate (JA) Whiting [Acting Adjutant] reports that he has published the correction of the 03 AUG 09 minutes. 2nd Vice Morgan questions the report and Whiting offers a copy for review.

Introduction of Guests: Dick Martin introduced himself as a visitor from DAV Chapter 42.

Reports of Officers:

1st Vice Commander: 1st Vice Commander Stennis reported that as of today the membership is at 200 which is 65%. Judge Advocate Whiting moved to accept 1st Vice Commander Stennis’s report with a second from ECM Evans. In discussion, two questions arise from the floor: he answered that last year the post had 318 members and that a second notice for dues will go out the first week in October and must be paid by December 31st. The motion carried.

2nd Vice Commander: 2nd Vice Commander Morgan reported that attendance at the post picnic was down and our pork chop dinner [attendance] was terrible. Whiting moved to accept 2nd Vice Commander Morgan’s report. The motion got a second from Historian Rein. Under discussion, JA Whiting said there was competition with the Veterans Appreciation Day event which served free meals. The motion carried.

3rd Vice Commander: 3rd Vice Commander Loomis was absent. Commander Abney reported that the Color Guard participated in a Patriots Day event. He, JA Whiting, Trustee Gladen, Comrades Bob Moore and Lou Denes and Rich Rudloff (SAL) all helped. He explained that after he finished his speech, he said “God Bless America” and a rainbow shot over the sky. 2nd Vice Morgan told Commander Abney that there was also a second rainbow. JA Whiting congratulated the Commander for probably the best speech he ever gave and when the Commander finished, there was a tremendous applause from the audience of about 150 people.

Finance Officer: Finance Officer (FO) Rodecker reports that the inflow was $x,xxx and the outflow was $x,xxx.09 with a difference of $xxx.91. Our check book balance is $x,xxx.30. He made the loan payment of $x,xxx.30 and will probably get a small bill to finish the loan. Contributions from the Smolinski Family of $xxx and the Canteen of $xxxx helped. The report was distributed to the members. Historian Rein moved to approve FO Rodecker’s report. With a second from 2nd Vice Commander Morgan, the motion carried.

Historian: Historian Rein said that he, the Commander and others should get together to regarding the gift that the family of deceased Past Commander Frank Smolinski gave to the post. JA Whiting moved to accept Historian Rein’s report and, with a second from 1st Vice Commander Stennis, the motion carried.

Service Officer: Service Officer (SO) Chebra reports illnesses of Duane Workman, Robert Mac and a second time for Brenda Rodecker and cards were sent out. Also, Comrade Arnold Heisel’s mother, Letrus, passed away. JA Whiting moved to approve the report and, with a second from 2nd Vice Morgan, the motion carried.

Trustees: None present, report.

Chaplain: Absent, no report.

Judge Advocate: Judge Advocate Whiting mentioned previously that he had not prepared the change to the Trustees Rules of Practice as provided by Trustee Gladen’s motion to change the daily drawing from $.25 to $.50. Therefore, he presented a revised copy to the Commander and has one for each Trustee. He read the change to the members that will be signed by the Commander. He also thanked everyone who attended the Ondo vs Klann hearing held during the Special Meeting at 18:30 hrs 21 SEP 09. 2nd Vice Commander Morgan moved to approve JA Whiting’s report. With a second from ECM Evans, the motion carried.

Charity Committee: 1st Vice Commander Stennis reported that he will attendi a meeting that the State of Ohio will be having for obtaining a bingo license. Brian Rodecker suggested that the Canteen Manager accompany 1st Vice Commander Stennis to this meeting. Judge Advocate Whiting thanked Mr. Stennis for all his additional time he puts into his post. JA Whiting moved to approve the report and ECM Evans made a second. The motion carried.

Budget and Finance Committee: Commander Abney requested that he would like to get Dave Gilmour to head Budget and Finance Committee and anyone else who has experience with budgeting. FO Rodecker said that the most important area for raising money is the tickets and thought by sitting down and writing a budget for the year cannot be done. Commander Abney responded that it is a Planning Committee. He wants the Committee to discuss ideas and concerns that have been brought to the Commander’s attention.

SAL Advisor: No report.

Old Business: Judge Advocate Whiting mentioned a motion that was tabled for the changing of the By-Laws. He suggested that the work should be done by a By-Laws Revision Committee with a chairman appointed by the Commander. His issue is that changes made in the By-Laws need to be read three times at three different meetings and at the third meeting those present would vote on such changes. The issue remained tabled.

New Business: No new business.

Good of the Legion: Brian Rodecker mentioned on Veterans Appreciation Day, he came to the post at 11:10 a.m. and couldn’t find a parking space. He said it was fantastic and everyone did a super job and would like 2nd Vice Commander Stennis to comment about this. He is concerned that no one was taking pictures and there was no news media coverage. 1st Vice Stennis said that the News Herald was supposed to be there. He said that 800 raffle tickets were given to Veterans and the CBOC gave 464 flu shots. The Nurse Manager said that this was the best turnout he has ever had. 1st Vice Stennis will go to a meeting to discuss everything that happened. The CBOC staff enjoyed themselves. The atmosphere seemed like a reunion. Corky and Larry Gladen did an outstanding job and seemed to be cooking forever. 1st Vice Stennis said this is a Post 336 event and will stay that way. FO Rodecker suggested that next year there should be a committee to assist the CBOC team.

Judge Advocate Whiting moves for adjournment, Brian Rodecker made the second. The motion carried and Commander Abney adjourned the Executive Committee Meeting at 20:10 hrs. The Commander lead the ritual.

Transcribed and respectfully submitted for approval by the Membership of Painesville’s Brakeman-King Post 336, Lake County, The Dynamic Ninth District, American Legion of Ohio.


Ronald K Whiting
Judge Advocate and Acting Adjutant

05 October 2009