Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity Vancouver Alumni Chapter

Meeting minutes for August 11, 2003

Present: Kevin Deane-Freeman (President), Jan Erik Laursen (Vice President), Brent Dozzi (Business Manager), Tyler Borges (Social Coordinator), Edmund Gin (Secretary), Shaun Hodgins (House Liaison), Darren Farnworth (Western Province Councillor), Ron Byrne.

Late: Maciej Zielinski, Bryce Bendickson.

As a quorum was achieved, the meeting was called to order at 7:05pm.

1. Executive Reports:
• Secretary
  • Newsletter spews are now due.

• House Liaison
• Currently have 6 residents (3 non-Frat)
• At least 2 people moving out at end of month
• At least 2 people moving in
• Breakeven point is at around 5 people
• Vice President
  • Nothing to report.

• Social Coordinator
  • Pub Crawl was this past weekend
  • Lost: lunches, TBorges' Visa, JMalcolm's cell phone.
  • Christmas Party coming up quick, probably at Grover's

• President
  • Thanks to TBorges for organizing the Pub Crawl

• Business Manager
  • Tabled until later.

2. National Report

Tabled until Convention Report.

3. Convention Report

JELaursen handed around the Convention Reports and Risk Reduction binder. Re: Risk Reduction -"Haven't heard this many ways about how we're fucked". Also reported that Eta Chapter messed up badly - served alcohol at a house function, got in trouble with the University and lost their House, although remedial steps are being taken. Reported that National is pursuing a "National Insurance Policy" - basically a liability insurance that covers National Officers, Alumni Chapters, and Active Chapters against litigation. They are requiring that we either join the policy or ensure similar coverage. KDeane-Freeman suggested exploring options.

JELaursen also mentioned that National missed us at Convention, even though we were on time for everything, including paperwork. It was noted that the Convention Report that he submitted was not included in the final document.

DFarnworth and JELaursen listed the new officers: Alix Minden as Grand VP, Jon Schultz as Eastern Province Councillor, Steve Weiss as Communications Director, Paul Lindner as Foundation Board Member. Brother Eric Newell (Theta, ChE '67), CEO of Syncrude Canada, was nominated and selected as this year's recipient of the Professional Achievement Award. Congratulations, Brother Newell.

DFarnworth mentioned National's vision of having a Joint Convention in 2005 - one which would include the Theta Tau and Triangle Fraternities, as well as Engineering Sororities. Possible venue was Las Vegas. Aim was for individual business sessions, but larger group activities and seminars of common interests. Possibilities include larger Alumni base to draw from for seminars as well as corporate sponsorship.

Other business conducted at the Convention included the doubling of dues for Alumni Chapters (from $200 US to $400 US per year), the introduction of Beta Gamma Chapter, and a change to include the Treasurer of the National Office as a voting member of the Supreme Council.

4. Officer Reports, Part 2
• Business Manager
  • Current bank balance (all a/c included) is at $1410.67
  • $3625.41 outstanding from Actives due to Property Taxes and Insurance
  • Utility bill was sent to BDozzi in error, amount came to $185.75
  • Operating account at around $152.00
  • Insurance policy changed from replacement value to cash value
  • Ethical fund is growing slowly, balance at around $13165.
5. Dues

Owing to the fact that National dues have now been doubled, we have a need to raise more money. Paypal as a payment option is available, but it might be an issue for Canadians, as a lot of personal details are requested. A discussion ensued regarding funding and budgetting, with no concrete solutions. A point was made that for the newsletter, the Christmas Social and fundraising sections should be on the same page.

6. Newsletter

KDeane-Freeman reiterated that newsletter spews were due. EGin submitted the Secretary's report.

7. Pitchers

MZielinski provided 1 of his 3 pitchers owed. BBendickson provided 1 of his 1 pitcher owed.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:44pm.

Prepared by:
Edmund Gin
Secretary