St. Louis Area Geocaching Association

MEETING MINUTES 2020

22 June 2020/ 6:30 PM / via Zoom (internet meeting platform)

ATTENDEES

Steve Bromley, Carolyn Jaycox, Michael Smith, Melissa Pierce, Jan Salvaggio, David DeWitt, John Elfrank, Bill Lange, Patricia Hutchison 

Meeting called to order at 6:37 pm.

Motion Called to approve May 2020 minutes by Carolyn, seconded by Michael. One correction noted by Steve. Meeting for June scheduled for 6:30pm, not 6:00pm as noted in the minutes.

Motion called to approve May2020 treasurer's report by Melissa, seconded by Michael.

Events

• MOGA 2020 GC8F5PX is now set for October 10, 2020. John gave updates on the progress thus far. 
  • Adventure lab for the area has been turned off for now at the request of the Corp of Engineers until the visitor’s center is reopened.
  • Can publish the caches when we want to via permission of the Forest Service.
  • Michael reported that we have sold 53 shirts at this point.
  • GeoCoins and awards have been designed by Jesse Tuttle of AFK Designs. 
    • Have not heard from Jesse recently about the geocoin situation.
    • We do have knowledge that production in China has been reduced again at this time. 
• Community Celebration Event will be hosted by John on July 18, 2020 at the Riverside Pavilion at Cliff Cave Park. This will be in place of both the spring and summer picnics. GC8HMMJ
  • Concerns on safety for attendees due to Covid-19
  • St Louis County Health Department is now requiring a gathering permit.
    • Will follow up to see how or even if this will affect us
    • May move the event to Jefferson County if needed 
  • Suggestion was made to see about having an ice cream truck or shaved ice truck stop at the event depending on cost, minimum sales, etc
    • Another option could be getting individually packaged Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Michael  will send the information he has on this to John.
    • John will look into these options.
  • Attendees will bring their own food and utensils. Do not share with others.
  • SLAGA does have hand sanitizer and disinfectant that can be provided.
  • We need to do our due diligence to protect our membership to the best of our ability.
  • John is both the host and reviewer and will send announcements on the status of this event as we get closer to it.
• Community Celebration Event and Fall Picnic is October 31st, 2020 from 9:00am to 4:30pm and is being hosted by Patricia at Love Park in Ballwin MO. GC8HKB0
  • Attendees are asked to follow current Covid-19 guidelines for gatherings.
  • Also asking attendees to bring their own food and utensils.

Ongoing Business

• Award Coins for SLAGA have been designed by Jesse Tuttle. 
  • Have not heard from Jesse on the status of these coins.
• 20th Anniversary geocoins. 
  • Have heard from the organizer. Coin production is once again delayed as China is having a resurgence of Covid-19 currently.
• Volunteers will be needed for the September 12th GC101 class
  • Conflicts with the event at Mingo.
  • Will get with Laura about what will be required in September in regards to safety due to Covid-19
  • 2021 GC101 class dates have been set up.
    • March 27 and June 12 will be outside as they are remodeling the building.
    • October 2 will be inside.

Other Business

• SLAGA officers call for nominations for President, Vice President, and Treasurer has been sent out. 
  • Melissa will send out a “last call” email for nominations.
  • Nominations needed by June 30, 2020. 
  • Notices to the nominees will be sent out at that time for them to accept or decline.
  • Voting will be open from July 15- August 31, 2020
  • New officers will be announced at the Fall Picnic on October 31, 2020

New Business

• Missouri reviewers are now approving events with a disclaimer placed on the event.
  • Disclaimer reads:
    • Effective as of June 1, 2020. As the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) situation is evolving rapidly around the world, Geocaching HQ urges all Event hosts and attendees to prioritize the safety of themselves and their attendees. At this time, we advise Event hosts to consult their regional health authorities to understand the guidance regarding the gatherings of people. Generally, Geocaching HQ leaves the decision to Event hosts on whether to continue hosting the Event and to attendees on whether they will participate.
• Will start putting up events on Facebook as events in order to hopefully spread the information to those who do not read emails or go to the website.

Meeting adjourned at 7:34 pm by Michael, seconded by Steve.

NEXT MONTH’S INFORMATION

6:30 pm, Monday, July 13th, 2020 via Zoom.