Minutes of RNBRA Annual General Meeting
Sussex, NB
October 18th, 2015
Attendees: Michael Lutes, Steven Stewart, Matt Wolf, Don Brown, Don Coleman, Shelley Gregan, Gordon Holloway, Lorraine Chapman, Edison Chapman, Francis Bezeau, Conrad Leroux, Paul Bastarache, Willie Cormier, April Brewer, Dollard LeBlanc, Brian Bastarache, J.R. MacDonald, Tony Wood, Charles Gregan, Adam MacDonald, Austin MacPhee, Ron Surette, Daniel Chisholm, Jean Claude Gautreau, Hugh O’Neill, Darlene Turner, Rodney Turner, Cheryl Bastarache, Daniel Bastarache, Michelle Cormier, Ken Kyle, Bert deVink, Edward Weatherdon, Ronald Mason, Amanda Bennett, Chris Lynch, Tom Nowlan
1. Call to order @ 9:35 am. The Rule of Order (Article 10-02 of RNBRA Bylaws) was read by President, Mike Lutes.
2. A moment of silence was observed to remember deceased comrades of the shooting fraternity.
3 President Mike asked each one of the Board members to introduce themselves and state their position on the RNBRA Board. He thanked those attending on behalf of the Board and stated that the Annual General Meeting is an opportunity to become informed of the news and business of the Association. It is a forum for discussion and input and an opportunity to honour those members who have given so much to the Association. It is also the responsibility of those in attendance to elect the President, two Vice-presidents, and three Directors at Large. Mike spoke of the RNBRA’s reason for existence which is to develop shooting ability in New Brunswick. In 2016 RNBRA will celebrate 150 years of doing that. As the provincially recognized sport governing body for shooting in NB, RNBRA receives funding from the province. As such, the RNBRA is accountable for that money. There is much work to be done and Mike encouraged those in attendance to consider what help they are willing to give. The full text of the President’s opening remarks will be included with the Secretary’s minutes.
4 The President then asked for approval or amendment of the meeting agenda. Bert deVink stated that he intended to put forward 2 motions. The first would be to “repatriate Fullbore funds”. The second would be “to allow more flexibility in using the money given to the Sections.” Steven Stewart said that Canada Games money is different and there are some financial issues. The AGM agenda was then accepted with the addition of Bert’s two motions.
Bert deVink moved acceptance of the agenda and it was seconded by Dollard LeBlanc. Motion carried.
5. The minutes of the 2014 RNBRA Annual General Meeting were accepted as circulated. Steven Stewart moved acceptance of those minutes and Don Coleman seconded the motion which was carried.
6. There was no business arising from the 2014 AGM minutes.
7.1 Mike Lutes delivered the Board Report. In it he spoke of successes with a Canada Winter Games Team, identifying and reconstituting RNBRA and Fullbore Trusts and Investments, the bringing up to date of Proceedings for inclusion in the Provincial Archives, determining how the RNBRA name was removed from the Restigouche Club’s lease, continuing with NFA insurance and having the 2014 revision of the Constitution and By-laws translated into French. A few suggestions were offered. One was exploring options for the storage and display of many historic and valuable RNBRA trophies. Another was long range planning for the Association, relationships between RNBRA and the sections need to be discussed and a policy developed. Still another was that money distributed to the sections be determined by the actual programs they run. The full text of this report will be included with the Secretary’s minutes. There were some comments regarding this report. April Brewer asked who refused to accept the New Brunswick Air Gun Association’s application to affiliate with RNBRA. She stated the $1,000.00
given to the Canada Games Team to be used if necessary has been returned. There was another $800 for Canada Games and April questioned when it was dictated how, when, where and why that money was to be spent. Tony Wood stated that at a meeting in Fredericton, the New Brunswick Air Gun Association became the section. The paper work to affiliate has been sent in and held back causing frustration. April asked Mike if he made that decision. Mike Lutes had stated that he would not accept that affiliation until the RNBRA Board accepted and that had not happened. Steven Stewart moved acceptance of the Board Report. Don Coleman seconded the motion. The motion was carried 26 votes for and 9 against.
7.2 The membership report was delivered by Membership Secretary, Don Coleman. There are twenty-two Affiliated Clubs, up one from last year. There are 3,015 Affiliated Members in the 22 clubs. Individual memberships are 144. Don stated that many of those are from Range Officer Courses and many of those will not renew. Don presented some thoughts on how to reduce the workload of the Membership Secretary. Their RNBRA card should be proof of insurance. All membership files should be copied to the RNBRA website with access to Board members but edit access only to the Membership Secretary and the Treasurer. He further suggested forms be filled out on the website and paying online be investigated. As memberships come in they are received by Lorraine and the information sent to the Membership Secretary and also to the Treasurer. Don suggested clubs and individuals make the jobs of the Membership Secretary and the Treasurer easier by joining on time. Don Coleman moved acceptance of the Membership Report which was seconded by Dollard LeBlanc. Motion carried.
7.3 Conrad Leroux presented the Auditor’s Report. He and Dan Chisholm were asked to audit the 2013-2014 fiscal year finances. There were no judgments on persons, it was just to see that the expenses had occurred. Certain expenses were verified. Only amounts going out were considered, not amounts coming in. There were no significant discrepancies. There was one item that he is going to meet with Treasurer Shelley to see if they can sort it out. Conrad did make some recommendations. He recommended keeping March 31st as yearend. The Annual Financial Statement should be prepared in the standard format acceptable to accountants. It was Conrad’s view that this is absolutely necessary and rather than expect a volunteer to prepare the Financial Statement, the Association should be prepared to pay for having it prepared. Conrad moved the adoption of his report and the motion was seconded by Michelle Cormier. The motion was carried.
7.4 Treasurer, Shelley Gregan, reported on the RNBRA finances. A detailed report had already been sent out to RNBRA members and clubs so there was no real questioning of what was presented. A question was asked regarding Fullbore expenses and Shelley broke that down for those in attendance. The full text of Shelley’s report and the audit that was completed will be attached to the Secretary’s minutes of the AGM. Shelley Gregan moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report which was seconded by Dollard LeBlanc and was carried.
7.5 Shelley Gregan reported for the Finance Committee. She reported that the Committee researched the RNBRA and Fullbore Trusts and Investments because some had been lumped together and the names and intentions of the original donors were supposedly lost. Some very useful financial information was found in a box of material that came from the former RNBRA President dating back to when Michelle Cormier was Treasurer. Critical to the thing was a paper from Ellen MacGillivray explaining to Michelle the names of the Trusts/Investments and the intentions of the original donors. Shelley acknowledged the efforts of Larry Schriver, Lorraine Chapman and Steven Stewart in preparing the funding request. This is a very detailed document and funding is decided on a point system. This is the source of most of the money for RNBRA to promote shooting in the province. RNBRA was given $23,500 because of this request. The term used for this request is the “Profile”. Shortly after Shelley became RNBRA Treasurer she was able to have the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year (April1, 2014 – March 31, 2015) audit completed in time to be included with the Profile. Shelley moved acceptance of her report and Ed Weatherdon seconded the motion which was carried.
7.6 Dianne Gould, the new IPSC NB Section Coordinator, delivered the Pistol Section report for Jody Waring who was unable to attend. Jody reported a relatively busy season with several events throughout the year. Shooting continues until the snow comes. Jody says IPSC NB maintains a website, facebook page and quarterly(+/-) newsletters. He says, “Being an Extreme Sport, we offer very challenging matches and something for everyone ranging from rimfire rifle, pistol, shotgun and rifle. We welcome everyone to visit us at our competitions to see exactly why IPSC is the exciting sport that it is.” Dianne Gould moved acceptance of the Pistol Section report. The motion was seconded by Austin MacPhee and was carried. The full text of this report will be included with the Secretary’s minutes.
7.7 Fullbore Section Chairman, Bert deVink, reported for the Fullbore Section. The Section has had a busy year with 22 sponsored matches attended by 204 participants. Bert spoke of Leo d’Amour, a longtime Fullbore shooter, who is being sponsored by the Section as a lifetime member of RNBRA. There are issues to be resolved such as the Fullbore Trust Funds. The Fullbore AGM is set for November 8, 2015 in Sussex. The Atlantic High Power Rifle Committee Meeting of the Fullbore Sections of the three Maritime Provinces will be held in Amherst, NS on October 25, 2015 at the Wandlyn Inn. This is the annual planning meeting to schedule major matches so that there is no conflict in dates. Bert thanked a number of people who have made his job as Chair of the Section an easier one. Bert’s full report will be attached to the Secretary’s minutes.
7.8. RNBRA 2nd Vice-president, Don Brown, gave a report of airgun shooting activity at The St. Croix Sportsman Club since the Canada Games. The athletes in this club have been highly successful and have won many matches and championships locally, nationally and internationally. Their record is most impressive and will be attached to the Secretary’s minutes.
7.9 Darlene Turner presented a report for the New Brunswick Air Gun Association. The report speaks of preparation and training for the Canada Winter Games. A full team of 8 members competed. The report states, “The Canada Games Team came home with medals and an experience of a life time.” She notes, “It should also be noted that New Brunswick won for the first time ever in 25 years the Centennial Cup for the province or territory who have improved the most at or between Canada Games.” There was a proposed budget submitted with this report,
Darlene stated that the Sackville Club had never ceased being a club even after the fire in their former location. She said the club reports to the Sackville Gun Club every month.
Dan Chisholm asked if there were any adults participating in air gun shooting. April Brewer said there are. Don Brown said he is meeting with eight to ten adults on Wednesday who are interested in that type of shooting.
8.1 Conrad had already spoken of the Audit so had no further report.
8.2 Mike Lutes, as Chairman, gave the Nominating Committee report. The list of nominees had already been published but two candidates were not present and one had withdrawn his name. The names of the absent candidates still stood but the withdrawn name meant there would be nominations from the floor for the position of President.
8.3 Steven Stewart spoke for the Program Committee. Steven said the Program used to be published in book form but now the information is available on the RNBRA website. Updates can be made monthly. If clubs wish to have anything put on, they just have to ask.
8.4 Lorraine Chapman, as Chairman of the Awards Committee, announced that the 2015 recipient of the Andrew Gunter Meritorious Award was Larry Schriver. Larry is a longtime shooter and supporter of the sport. He has done much work when serving as a Board member. Bert deVink read the citation for the award.
9.1 The Club Development Report and Past President’s Report were delivered as one by Steven Stewart. Steven highlighted the courses and workshops he has delivered this year including introduction to cowboy, IPSC, carbine (rifle), and pistol shooting. An introduction to electronic target and scoring system was introduced to some clubs. Steven has instructed on Range Safety Officer courses also. The full text of his report will be attached to the Secretary’s minutes.
9.2 The Coaching Coordinator Report was given by April Brewer. Coaches have participated in several coaching development courses this year. Presently, New Brunswick has no active Coach Facilitators/Evaluators and has not held a coaching course in several years. To be able to offer courses in this province will allow more coaches to become certified. Certified coaches bring credibility to sports programs. It is important for Provincial Sports Organizations to encourage and support coaches. The full report will be attached to the Secretary’s minutes.
9.3 Murray Watt, as Trophy Trustee, had submitted his report prior to the meeting. Murray stated he was still looking for a suitable place to store the RNBRA trophies, many of which are very valuable. Conrad will work with CFB Gagetown. Dollard LeBlanc stated that he believes he can help find suitable storage and will work with Conrad. Ed Weatherdon moved acceptance of the Trophy Trustee’s Report. The motion was seconded by Leigh Williams and was carried. Murray asked that he be replaced as Trophy Trustee. Bert deVink moved a motion to thank Murray for his years of service. The motion was seconded by Dan Chisholm and was carried.
!0. Cheryl Bastarache mentioned the financials for the New Brunswick Air Gun Association had been submitted. These will be included with the Secretary’s minutes.
11.1 As stated in the RNBRA By-laws, a new Audit Committee was chosen by the membership consisting of Steven Stewart as Chairman, Shelley Gregan and Ed Weatherdon. This committee will review the finances from the 2014 AGM to the present.
11.2 Two RNBRA members were nominated by the Fullbore Section to become life members of the Royal New Brunswick Rifle Association. They are Leo d’Amour and Conrad Leroux. Both have been very active in RNBRA activities and are deserving of such honour.
11.3 A time was allotted to discuss the President’s Report to the AGM. Lorraine Chapman spoke of the RNBRA and Fullbore Trusts/Investments. She wanted to clarify there was no mistrust of the Fullbore Section. It was the fact that these funds had always been managed by the Association and it was about honoring the intentions of the original donors. Furthermore, it was not thought that the 1st Vice-president would not make a decision that was good for RNBRA. He simply did not have the information and background to make an informed decision. He was given the information that morning and was doing his best to study it so he could make an informed decision.
April Brewer and Tony Wood disagreed with what was said regarding the Air Gun Coaches and Canada Games money. They said there were accusations and innuendos that should be removed. April moved a motion that the report be rewritten in a more positive way. Tony seconded the motion. The motion was amended to read: “….as it is written should be removed and not be part of 2015 Proceedings.” There were 12 in favour of the motion and 14 against. The motion was defeated. It was at this point that the Canada Games coaches and some others chose to leave the meeting.
11.4 There was discussion on the criteria to get funding out to the Sections for their programs. Would it be the size of the yearly budget, programs run, the number of RNBRA members participating? Gordon Holloway suggested that the Board look at what RNBRA wants to do and where we want to go. Bert deVink recommended that money be given only to duly formed sections. Steven Stewart stated that money given to the sections is for program development, workshops, promotion of the sport, training coaches and officials before money is given for shooter expenses. The Profile or Funding Request is the guideline used to disperse the funding.
Steven further said that Coaching training and Official training should come from RNBRA and be approved by the Governing Board.
11.5 Bert deVink put forth a motion to provide flexibility to the RNBRA Sections in the expenditure of moneys given them by RNBRA. The Sections would have no spending directives other than to provide a full accounting of the moneys received and to provide an annual report to the Board and membership of RNBRA. Those present were in general agreement with the motion. The full text of this motion will be affixed to the Secretary’s minutes.
11.6 Bert also put forth a motion to repatriate the Fullbore funds to the Fullbore Section. The motion was seconded by Ronald Mason. Lorraine Chapman said that the Finance Committee had spent many, many hours sorting out these Trusts/ Investments and to get any interest earned to the Fullbore section. She said it was not a matter of repatriating the funds as the Association had always had the management of these funds. She further stated that it was important that the intentions of the original donors be honoured. Fortunately, an e-mail from Ellen MacGillivray was found in which she answered a question from former Treasurer, Michelle Cormier. In this e-mail Ellen states the names of the funds/investments and the intended purpose of each. She states why the monies were given to the Association to manage.
The Fullbore Section has a legitimate concern that these trusts/investments not be lost or used for a purpose not intended by the original donors. Also, there should be no difficulty in them receiving interest owed to them as it is declared. It has been agreed that a separate section of Proceedings be given to RNBRA and Fullbore Trusts/Investments. It should include Ellen’s letter (as it provides the best direction we have found). There should also be copies of investment certificates naming the particular investment. Any other pertinent information should be included. It has also been agreed that when interest is declared, the Treasurer will inform the Board and issue a cheque for any Fullbore interest to the Fullbore Section.
A compromise was reached and the motion was amended so that there be 2 signatories on any Fullbore Investments-one from the RNBRA Board and one from the Fullbore Section. This motion was carried. The full text of the original motion will be included with the Secretary’s minutes.
11.7 Club reports were received from Upper Miramichi Firearms Club and Lake George Gun Club. Ed Chapman expressed a concern with how the Range Inspectors decide where the backstop is 1 metre thick. Mostly it is done by estimating and that club has asked that the Firearms Office find a more scientific method of determining it.
Ron Surette spoke of some of the difficulties he has experienced at the Club de Tir Saint Antoine Gun Club Inc. and the huge investment that club has made in satisfying expectations of the Range Inspectors.
12. Mike Lutes, as Chairman of the Elections Committee, assisted by Don Brown and Don Coleman conducted the election. There were no candidates for the office of President so nominations from the floor were called. Ed Chapman nominated Conrad Leroux seconded by Charles Gregan. Conrad accepted the nomination. There were no further nominations.
The following persons were elected to the RNBRA Board.
President- Conrad Leroux
1st Vice-president- Gordon Holloway
2nd Vice-president-Matt Wolf
Director at Large-Bert deVink
Director at Large-Steven Stewart
Director at Large-Lorraine Chapman
Mike Lutes is Past President.
Shelley Gregan will remain as Treasurer.
Recording Secretary is yet to be appointed.
Ed Weatherdon moved and Dollard LeBlanc seconded a motion to adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Lorraine Chapman
Recording Secretary(Acting)
No comments:
Post a Comment