08 Dec 09
This is a short summary, for the full Bulletin in PDF, click the following link:
PP John opened the meeting by extending a warm welcome to our guests and fellow members.
Four way test done by Rtn. Don in English & Chinese
Sergeant-at-Arms Rtn Charles welcomed guests.
Visiting Rotarians
- Rtn. Helen Boyle, RC London
And visiting guests:
- Caroline Wu, guest of Rtn. Raphael
- Muriel Riviere, guest of Rtn. Raphael
- Charck Simon, guest of Rtn. Raphael
- Lucy Li, guest of Rtn. Priscilla Wong
- Ding Jin, guest of Rtn. Priscilla Wong
- Arics Lam, guest of Rtn. Ruby
- Gian-marc Widmer, guest of Rtn. Curt
- Alexander Glaser, guest of Rtn. David
- Rolf Diet mar, guest of Rtn. U. Nieter
- Hubert Charbonneau, guest of Rtn. Charles
Banners were exchanged with the following Rotary Clubs:
No Banners were exchanged:
Reports & Announcements
John gave a brief PowerPoint recap of the board meeting which shall be included on the website. Notable was the boards decision to designate 50 of the 150 thousand RMB earned at the Christmas Bazaar to a joint community service project with Rotaract. Christoph was asked to coordinate a presentation to the membership about how Rotaract has organized itself and its goals. The funds shall be held by the RCB until a project is approved by both boards.
The board shall do its annual review of its sister club relations those wishing to participate should write John or plan to attend the January board meeting which shall be on Jan 11 2010. The current list of sister clubs are:
- RC of Copenhagen
- RC of Hong Kong
- RC of Shanghai
- RC of Del Mar
- RC Rabat
Friendship club relationships:
- RC of Hong Kong South
- RC of Hong Kong Metropolitan
- RC of Hong Kong Metropolitan
Due to RI’s decision to stop supporting its database software system the club has decided to purchase the Club Runner system which will be used to collect and transmit required information to RI. Purchase shall be contingent on identifying administrative budget cuts equal to or greater than the $500 US annual cost. Going to a virtual office is being considered. The system will also allow the club to create and maintain a Pay Pal account which can accept credit cards and be used to accept donations and transfer funds.
Jens gave an update on the finances, a couple of questions were asked about specific expenditures which were satisfactorily answered. It was announced that we are down to three people who have not paid their dues from the last half year and that a final message will be sent indicating payment must be made.
Elections
The Secretary declared that there was a quorum constituting 35% of the active members of the Club. As there were no contested officer or board seats, a motion en-bloc was made to approve the slate proposed by President-elect Gilbert at the Nov. 3 meeting (Gilbert was not present due to travel), motion made by Peter, seconded by John and passed unanimously.
Club Constitution and By-laws
Club Constitution
The secretary asked if all present had received electronic copies of the proposed RCB Constitution approved at the Nov board meeting and presented to the membership on Nov. 3 and an additional copy on Nov 27, all indicated in the affirmative. There being no amendments, a motion was proposed by David to approve the By-laws as stated, seconded by Don and passed unanimously.
Club By-laws
The Secretary asked if all had received the original proposed by-laws approved by the board at its October meeting and presented to the membership Nov. 3, and the proposed amendment, Amendment Number 1, sent Nov 27, all indicated in the affirmative.
It was proposed to deal with the amendment first. It was explained that the motion as stated would create a 10 member board, with one seat being elected specifically to be a Rotaract representative. Without a motion being made there was a brief discussion. It was indicated that the Board had discussed the matter at its Dec. 7 meeting and had voted not to support the Amendment Number 1, because it would set an unusual precedent and create an even numbered board. Christoph who proposed the motion indicated that the motion as stated was not what he intended and asked that it be withdrawn. The Amendment being withdrawn, a motion to approve the proposed by-laws as stated was made by Kevin, seconded by Jens and passed unanimously.
Jens as the newly elected President-elect thanked the members for electing him and the Board and indicted that they would seek to justify the honor and responsibility entrusted to them.
