Overseer Leroy Watson called the meeting to order via telephone at 8:45 a.m. in the 10th floor Saunders Library of the National Grange building in Washington, DC. Also present via telephone were Executive Committee member Sheri Watson and, later, President Joan Smith. Present in the library were Treasurer Amber Bell, Ceres Beverly Mitchell, Lecturer Samantha Johnson, Secretary Richard Weiss, Lady Assistant Steward Jessie Cope, and Pomona Grace Boatright.
The October 18, 2011 meeting minutes were approved as posted on line. The December 12, 2011 holiday dinner meeting minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Reports
Treasurer Amber Bell reported the following:
- As of 12/31/2011 the Operating Fund balance at BB&T Bank was $740.84
- As of 12/31/2011 the Kile Fund balance at PNC Bank was $29,220.85. Three payments totaling approximately $1,000.00 will be made from the balance to reimburse National for catering fees for the holiday dinner and expenses for the National Convention.
- As of 12/31/2011 the Kile Fund at Bank of America stood at $275,035.52
- During 2011 the Kile Fund paid Potomac Grange #1 $12,917 of which $10,764 was interest and $2,153 was drawn from principal.
Discussion followed regarding reimbursement of principal paid out by Bank of America according to the dictates of the Kile Trust Fund. The principal cannot be returned to the trust so it was decided and moved to create a tax free “Kile Capital Fund” at PNC Bank with the same tax ID number as the current tax free savings account and to immediately move $20,000.00 from said savings account into the “Capital Fund” and then to determine how much principal has been paid out over the last ten years and make up the difference from the $20,000.00. The motion was seconded and passed.
It was further moved that each January the amount of principal paid out the previous year by Bank of America will be deposited in the “Kile Capital Fund.” Interest earned that previous year by the capital fund may be applied to the principal make-up amount. The motion was seconded and passed.
Old Business
There was consensus that having the holiday dinner in the Goss Conference Room of the National Grange building worked well and that we should do the same next year. Jessie Cope asked that there be a committee to assist her with the planning and execution of the dinner.
Treasurer Weiss suggested that Potomac Grange #1 make a $2,500.00 contribution to the Youth Garden at the National Arboretum and that Potomac consider some kind of ongoing commitment. In discussion that followed the feeling emerged that Potomac’s contribution to the Youth Garden should go towards a specific project such as a new pavilion for which Potomac Grange can get specific recognition. It was decided that Treasurer Weiss will assist Lecturer Johnson in contacting the Youth Garden development person to discuss possible projects to support. Once the project is determined, the amount of contribution can be discussed.
New Business
The 2012 Fly-in is scheduled for May 14 – 16. The nature and amount of Potomac Grange #1’s contribution to the Fly-in is yet to be determined.
Samantha Johnson reported that National Grange Month packets will go out in February.
Jessie Cope pointed out that dues and bonding payments will significantly reduce our operating fund and a fund raiser should be consider for some time in the next six months. It was decided to offer a spring scent of Yankee Candles, a previously successful program for National. Samantha Johnson will have materials and information for the February meeting.
Junior Grange
Rachael and her Junior Grange friends in Wisconsin are learning snowboarding.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.
Next Meeting
The next Potomac Grange #1 meeting will be February 21, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. in the Saunders Library of the National Grange Building.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard B. Weiss, Secretary
Potomac Grange #1