The 2020 sailing has been an adventure with the introduction of covid-19. After a rather slow start to the season we have reached a very positive level of membership with 68 registered members, 2 pending and ready to join and 4 more who are considering membership. our hope is that this trend continues and we can exceed our expectations. Below I will present the major activities that have been accomplished and those yet to come.
FINANCES:
We have made some changes in our approach to finances. The major change is that we have set aside monies for capital projects so that we can avoid any special assessment. Currently the $12,210 in this fund as of June 30, 2020. This account is being funded by new member initiation fees and funds being paid by the B dock assessment. These monies will be used for major projects like roof replacement, adding riprap to to shore line and other major projects. In addition to the capital fund we have sent aside $11,000 as an emergency fund to provide us with a protection plan in the event of a catastrophic event. In addition to these two funds we have an escrow balance of $22,555 to cover our obligation to the City of Muncie for dock fees which are paid at the end of the sailing season. We also have an escrow account for ice. Any monies that have been collected for ice are placed in this fund and as we pay for ice the fund is depleted. At the current time the fund has a balance of $2,148. this is a high point for the fund since we are just now being charged for ice that has been consumed.
Since our social activities have been curtailed because of covid-19 we have spent very little on social events. Maintenance expenses continue to be a significant item and this year we have encountered multiple unexpected expense that we did not foresee but we remain in budget for this item. When all things are considered we have unrestricted funds of $27,105. This puts us in a strong financial position and allows us to maintain the current fee struct. A complete financial summary is attached for your review.
HOUSE & GROUNDS:
At the end of last season a few sink holes began to develop near the launch ramp. In early March the drainage system was excavated and a break in the pipe was discovered as well as a blockage. The pipe was repaired and the blockage cleared and the trench backfilled. We are letting the ground settle before we replace the asphalt which will be at the end of the sailing season. At the same time Mike Jackson leveled the Hobie hut which was in disrepair and not being used. Later the demolition of the hut was completed and the debris removed from the site.
We stated the season in early March by installing a porch structure on the clubhouse that eliminates a tripping hazard when entering the house. The porch deck is level with the house floor and steps are equal from step to step.
Shortly after completing the porch the pressure tank on the well failed and needed to be replaced. Since the system that was installed did not allow for a quick change the plumbing needed to be modified to allow the tank to be replaced without disassembling the entire system.
BOATS & MOTORS:
Aside from normal maintenance on the pontoon boat and the picket boat the fuel line and the motor mount mounting border were were replaced on the pontoon boat. Both of these were safety issues that required immediate attention. The pontoon boat also had the prop repair which has made a significant improvement in the performance of the boat.
The O’Day 17 club boat had all the wood work refinished over the winter. We added a reefing system to this boat to allow it to be sailed in heavier weather. As we opened the main sail to very reefing point we found the luff of the sail was damaged and needed tone repaired. As part of the repair the repair shop added grommets and slugs to the sail which will make the sail easier to raise and lower. We will be conducting information instruction sessions on how to properly rise the main sail and how to reef the main. Look for when these sessions will be held.
DOCKS & SHORES:
At the time the hoist was mounted to the crane it was determined that the plug corroded and damaged. It was also identified that the power cord was chafed and posed a shock hazard. The plug has been replaced and the chafed wire removed from the line.
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Covid-19 has put a hold on all training sessions. in the next few weeks we will be putting together a limited training plan for those that are looking for information. At this time training sessions will be limited and conducted in the shelter so that we can provide proper spacing. The number of participants will also be limited and face masks will be required. Our intentions are to conduct these session during the week end and evenings during the week. There will be dry land classes as well as on the water classes for those who have requested them.
As we enter the second half of the sailing season we will continue to monitor the impact the impact of covid-19 and adjust plans accordingly. I would expect that we will continue to conduct those social activities where we can be gather but maintain safe distancing. At this time the best safe social event we can have is to load the lake with our boats and entice others to join us.
Be safe and sail on!