American Legion Post 118 Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Executive Board Meeting Minutes
February 17, 2024

Attendees

Minutes

Meeting called to order at - 10:02

Hand salute

Prayer: Bill Jennings

Motion to accept January meeting minutes as read: Robert motioned, Doug seconded, all members accepted

Guests: Tom from housing committee

Finance Officer read the finance report, Bill motioned to accept, Doug seconded motion carried

Membership report was read: goal membership is 579 members, we have 502 signed up, need 77 more to renew dues

Second Vice report:

• The Superbowl party was successful. $300 was put in the entertainment committee fund
• St Patrick's Day sit down dinner and band will be held on March 16th. Dinner starts at 5:00 pm. Jim Hays' son is cooking the meal. The band will play after the meal, the cost for the band is $200 (discounted price). Tickets will be sold at the bar and possibly at the door.

First Vice report:

• No updated report for the bar
• Tom from the Housing Committee reported on the work being done in the game room: drop ceiling is being removed, walls are being stripped and painted, holes in ceiling being repaired, sheet rock and drop ceiling tiles being replaced (Joe reported that this will not cost the Post any money)
• Bill motioned to approve the work, Doug seconded, work approved by all members

Service Officer report: Absent

Unfinished business:

• National Commanders' visit went well. A Patron at the conference mentioned Post 118
• Bill Jennings is running for Department Commander for State of New Mexico. He is asking to be endorsed by the Executive Board of Post 118. Doug motioned to endorse Bill and Paula seconded. Motion was carried, Bill Jennings is endorsed by the Post for the position.

New business:

• Mayra Munoz stepped down as Adjutant and Jerry Conclasure stepped up to take the position as assigned by the Commander
• Bill Harrington made a motion that all motions should be made by a show of hands so that Commander knows that everyone agrees. Doug motioned to approve, Bill Jennings seconded, motion carried.
• Bill Harrington raised concern over the fact that the cost of drinks in the bar being increased by the Bar Manager without prior Executive Board approval should not be in the Bylaws. It should be an understanding between the board and the Bar Manager. The updated Bylaws and the House Rules (Regulations) have been updated and sent out via Facebook, Post Website, Meeting minutes reflect the updates being made to the Bylaws and House rules for the past 3 months, and there is a hard copy at the bar. The section in the Bylaws regarding the cost increase understanding between the Bar Manager and the Executive Board will be removed. Motion made by Ron to accept the updated Bylaws and House Rules, once the department approves in June, the Bylaws will be enforced, Joe Cook seconded, motion carried.
• The House Rules (Regulations) are going to be posted in the bar area
• Bill Harrington motioned that anyone who wishes to smoke should do so in designated areas. The back patio and side area are the two smoking areas that are designated. No other areas should be used for smoking. The door in the game room should not be left open for any reason. This will be added to the house rules. Joe suggested posting signs that tell people where to go to smoke. Doug seconded the motion, motion carried.

For the Good of the Legion:

Ron presented the Officer Slate the trustees had put together for next year. The Officers serve for one year and the Trustees serve for two years. A nomination may be made at the March meeting for any member of the post who would like to run for an office. April 20th will be the voting (if needed).

• Commander: Scott Swanson
• First Vice: Doug Williamson
• Second Vice: Carl Fitzgerald II
• Finance Officer: Bill Jennings
• Chaplain: Kim Schnepper
• Historian: Phil Merryweather
• Sgt. At Arms: Joe Cook
• Service Officer: Richard Haslet
• Trustees who are serving one more year: Ron Szych and Paula Abeyta, all other Trustees have completed their two-year terms

Closing Prayer: Bill Jennings

Carl motioned to adjourn and Jim seconded, motion carried

Meeting adjourned at 10:44