American Legion Post 118 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Executive Board Meeting Minutes
January 20, 2024

Attendees

Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 10:01

Hand salute

Pledge

Prayer - Chaplain

Motion to accept December meeting minutes as read: Ron motioned, Kim seconded, motion carried, minutes accepted.

Guests - Tom Schubert

Jim Hay welcomed new members to the housing committee: Jay Wilcox and Tom Schubert. *these members do not have voting rights.

Kim thanked Tom and all of the people who helped to repair the bar.

Motion made to accept the finance report as read by Kim, seconded by Paula, motion carried, report approved.

Bill read the membership report: 492 members. We are at 85% and need 87 more to hit 100%. Travelling trophy will go to the post with the highest membership. Ron motioned to approve, Robert seconded, report accepted.

First Vice:

• Swamp cooler dropped and will need to be removed from overhead. Will need assistance to pull it down.
• Suggested removal of two swamp coolers and the installation of mini splits for the heating and cooling in the bar and the pool room. Two quotes have been received, waiting for one more.
• Requesting any money raised go to the building fund and this could be used to install mini splits, repair holes and remove old swamp coolers. Estimated at $27 to $32k for all work to be done. Work will not be done until money is raised. Ron motioned as long as the $ is raised ahead of time he approves, Paula seconded (unless there is an emergency situation that would require the use of the funds), motion passed.
• Doug requested permission to raise prices in the bar on drinks due to increased cost without prior approval of Executive Board. Bill motioned to approve and Kim seconded, motion passed.

Second Vice:

• Entertainment committee plans to have one big event each month
• February superbowl party starts at 2pm and game starts at 4pm
  • 50/50
  • prize raffles
  • pot luck (finger foods)
  • Dick Hassell offered to donate all pizza needed for the party with the understanding he will speak to the attendees for 15 minutes
  • drink specials
  • Carl donated firesticks to allow the game to be put on the tv's in the pool room and the hall
  • Motion to have presentation at 3:30 made by Bill, Kim seconded, motion carried
• St. Patrick's Day March 16th (Saturday). We will have a sit-down dinner from 5-7pm and live band from 7-10pm. The band is donating their time to raise money for the post.
• Carl requested creation of an entertainment fund, money could be deposited into the newly created fund (from sale of raffle tickets), Garry motioned and Kim seconded, motion passed. This will be a separate account and the committee will not need prior approval from the board unless the amount is over $300
• Tonight, karaoke will be in the hall and the football game will be in the bar.
• Commander read the proposal for Shellie and Chris to purchase a brand new tv and have it auctioned off to raise money. Any money beyond the cost of the tv will go to the post. Net funds received from raffle will go to the board for allocation.

Jim reported that the building committee is waiting on quotes

Dick, Service officer, reported that he is having new cards with his contact information on them printed. Dick works with the concretional aid department at the Albuquerque office. He will meet with veterans as needed

Unfinished business - none

Commander:

• Commander spoke with the officials and confirmed that we will be able to have bingo. We are exempt and are permitted to have bingo once a quarter for legion and aux since each have their own tax id #. This is in compliance with the gaming commission and the lawyers. Bill presented concerns over a letter, however the Commander stated there was a misunderstanding with the 50/50. The first bingo will be January 26th. Robert motioned to proceed as planned and Bill seconded, motion passed

New business:

• Kim asked for people to attend the Four Chaplains Sunday. This will be held on February 4th at 1:30 pm. Kim needs help with setting up and is requesting post participation this year.
• National commander is coming next Sunday and Bill is picking him up from airport.
• Robert reported that the bylaws changes were received. Robert as judge advocate has put in the changes and they are highlighted in red. Commander asked for everyone to review the changes and we will vote on them in February. Robert asked if we have written regulations since it refers to them in the bylaws. We need to add Doug’s ability to adjust pricing in the bar without Executive board approval in to the regulations
• Trustees will be creating the slate to be presented to the board. All current officers plan on staying on with the exception of Kim who is making the decision soon.
• Motion made to fund Doug Williamson to attend the legion college. Carl motioned and Robert seconded, motion passed

For the Good of the Legion - Nothing

Adjudant not present due to death in family

Chaplain - Closing Prayer

Carl motioned to adjourn and Jim seconded, motion carried

Meeting adjourned at 11:01