home of 1000 happy people....

and a few soreheads.

"Where a Handshake is still

a part of doing business"

Keenesburg Chamber of Commerce

Keenesburg, CO 80643 

Minutes of General Membership meeting

Opened Wednesday, January 5, 2005, 12 noon @ the Ponderosa Inn, 44 So Main St, Keenesburg, CO. by President Rob Pippin.

Meeting opened by Rob Pippin, the 2005 President of the chamber at 12 noon.

Minutes of December meeting were read by Sanford Vis, the 2005 secretary which was approved by voice vote.

Treasurer’s Report

The treasurer’s report was read and explained by the new treasurer, Lyle Klee. The balance in all accounts is currently $3239.06. A brief discussion on Keenebucks ensued noting that the balance in that account appears to be in deficit but actually is balanced by other funds in the general account. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was 2^nd and passed voice vote.

Presidents Report

Rob welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming despite the poor weather. He noted that the December meeting held at the Ironhorse Restaurant was not well attended with only 8 or 9 members present. There were however some decisions made and they would be discussed under the proper order of business.

Old Business

Janet discussed the Christmas Party and was pleased with the turnout. She noted she went over budget by about $300 because of the door prizes and accommodations for guests but the affair was well received by those who attended. She suggested whoever takes on the job for 2005 begin to plan the affair earlier and get a consensus as to when and where to have the party as soon as possible. She said Anna and Louie did a wonderful job catering it but may not be interested in doing it in 2005. After a brief discussion, it was decided to have the 2005 Christmas in Keenesburg on December 2^nd and 3^rd and the Christmas Party on the 10^th.

Sean Vis reported on the Christmas in Keenesburg program noting all went as planned and was well received by the residents and visitors alike. The booths selling hot food and drinks did well in their fund raising efforts. This was a good idea and should be expanded upon for the 2005 Christmas in Keenesburg celebration. More entertainment and daylong festivities on Saturday could provide a better enticement for the retail sales.

Mark Gray commented on the pumpkins that were sold and given away at the last Oktoberfest were found smashed in several local residents yards and driveways. The committee should find a way to prevent this from happening this year. Regarding this year’s Christmas in Keenesburg, Mark noted that the debris and hay bales from the bonfire were still on railroad property and should have been removed the following day.

Sean Vis reported on the new chamber signage being proposed for the Market Street and Woodward Ave. He noted that the header would read “Welcome to Keenesburg” rather than “Welcome Home.” This had been decided by an impromptu vote at the Christmas Party.  He further discussed the size and available colors for the signs and the cost to each participating member.

Mark Gray noted that the placement of the proposed sign might not be a permanent site as it is on a “paper” road and might have to be relocated if that road and adjoining property were to be developed.

Judy brought up the paving brick project to be located in Schey Park. Bricks are available; for more information, she should be contacted.

The topic of personal and organizational liability insurance was brought up. The Oktoberfest insurance premium was covered but event insurance may be more expensive in the future and should be examined. Sean Vis suggested the chamber become a non-profit corporation for its own protection and to safeguard the officers from personal liability due to law suits over events sponsored by the chamber. He will look into the cost and procedure for this.

New Business

Rob suggested the chamber create a calendar of events for publication to help keep all chamber members informed of upcoming events such as the Pioneer Arts Festival, July 4^th Celebration,  and the Rodeo. More participation by members will make things easier and more manageable. A committee was created to prepare for these events consisting of Jean Savage, Sandy Vis and Sean Vis. A budget will be prepared and submitted.

Several questions were posed regarding the bylaws as they are written. A question on whether the $40 dues should be in the bylaws was made. Rob suggested a committee be created to review and propose any changes to the bylaws. Mark Gray will chair that committee with the assistance of Tim Smith and Judy.

The Ironhorse Restaurant will be available for all future meetings whether they are lunch or evening meetings according to the owner. A motion to keep the meetings at noon on the 1^st Wednesday of each month was made, 2^nd and passed voice vote. Each member present submitted their email addresses in order to create a database with which to keep members informed of the meetings and events.

Sean Vis asked if the chamber would donate ¼ of the money needed to pay for the Christmas candy provided by the fire department.  A motion to that effect was offered by Judy, 2^nd by Ken Gfeller and passed voice vote.

Sean then asked whether the members would prefer window stickers or plaques to indicate their membership in the chamber and whether members would pay for them. The matter will be considered at the next meeting.

Anyone wishing to have a topic brought up for discussion should submit that topic to the president in advance of the meeting for placement on the agenda.

Adjournment

With no further business to discuss, a motion made by Janet to adjourn at 1pm was 2^nd by Ken Gfeller and passed voice vote.

Respectfully submitted,

Sanford Vis, secretary.