The Rotary Club of Kirkland held a special meeting online on February 7, 2022 using Zoom.
President Dave DeBois called the club meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Attending were George Anderson, Pete Anderson, David Aubry, Scott Becker, Rich Bergdahl, Gary Cohn, Terry Cole, David DeBois, Monica Fratita, Margie Glenn, Brandon Honcoop, Michael Hunter, Jim Meniketti, Joann Primavera, John Pruitt, Patti Smith, Bill Taylor, and Rick Walter; 18 of the 42 members on the club’s roster (43%) attended the online special meeting.
Guests:
There were no guests at this membership-only special meeting.
Announcements & Club Business:
President DeBois presided over the meeting to discuss the results of the survey of Club members regarding in-person meetings during COVID-19, the current club venue at the Courtyard by Marriott, the food at meetings, and possible changes.
The survey revealed several things – most respondents believe that poor attendance currently is caused by concerns about COVID-19, people out of the habit of attending in-person meetings, and perhaps some dissatisfaction with the situation at the Marriott.
It was discussed that all hotels are struggling with COVID-19 restrictions, finding enough staff, and coping with the conditions under which they can be open. Everyone seemed to agree that the staff at the Marriott were very helpful, pleasant, and go out of their way to provide services for us. We discussed that conversations with the Woodmark revealed that they currently could not provide staff for our normal Monday meetings, even if we could reach agreement on returning.
We then discussed the possibility of meeting at the Kirkland Women’s Club, with food provided by the Catering Company, the people who catered the gift wrapping and holiday party. We could get meals for about $22 per person, but would have to do our own set-up, take-down, cleanup, as well as provide our own beverages. Renting the Women’s Club would cost $2-300 per meeting, a significant sum if we only have 15-20 people attending. While everyone liked the experience at December’s party, there seemed to be consensus that there were significant logistical and financial obstacles to that option.
Another option that received some attention was the idea of raising Club dues significantly such that dinner was covered for some standard number of attendees and everyone paid the same whether we attended or not.
One important subject discussed was the need to return to in-person service and social activities as soon as possible. We may do a joint meeting with the Kirkland morning club, and/or a ‘social’ meeting at another venue such as the Flatstick Pub.
After much discussion and input from most attendees, it was decided that we will remain at the Marriott for the foreseeable future, and continue to work with them to provide the best possible experience.
Adjournment:
President Dave adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Dave Aubry – Acting Scribe