In person at Leesburg and virtual (https://meet.google.com/ese-azox-rje)

Attendance: Jim Waldron, Scott Silvers, Mary Waldron, Jennifer Chu

Reviewed previously discussed revisions to the Standing Rules in the FOR REVIEW document on the Google Drive. 

• If the group agreed to the "suggestion", Jen noted "Agreed" in the FOR REVIEW document.
• If the group rejected the "suggestion", Jen deleted it in the FOR REVIEW document.
• If the group could not come to an agreement and wanted to discuss the item at a future meeting, Jen noted "Postponed" in the FOR REVIEW document.
• One "suggestion" related to Corporate Membership was moved to the Bylaws document.

Discussed new revisions to the Standing Rules in the FOR REVIEW document on the Google Drive

• Section 3.3 Complimentary Memberships
  • Revise Section 3.3.2 to reflect that a complimentary membership should not be compensation for service to Makersmiths.
  • ==> Committee agreed.  
• Section 5 Membership Dues
  • Should we offer 6-mth and 12-mth memberships?  Perhaps with a bit of a discount?
  • This is a bigger discussion that the time allowed in tonight's meeting.
  • ==> Postponed to a future meeting.

Reviewed remaining proposed changes to the bylaws that were not approved or reviewed at the 11/20/2024 Board meeting:

• NB7: Changes to Bylaws 3.1.1 Political Activities
  • We would like to be able to influence legislation that may impact the organization.
  • ==> Revise proposed change to bylaws to remove limitations on influencing legislation.
    
    
• NB9: Changes to Bylaws 4.1.9 Start of Director term of office
  • The proposed change was already adopted at the 6/24/2024 BOD meeting.
  • Need to consider the scenario where the first election is not successful and a second election is necessary
  • ==> Propose change to bylaws to clarify that the Directors' term of office shall begin at the start of the Annual Meeting of the Board following their election. 
    
    
• NB25: Changes to Bylaws 6.4.2 Waiver requirement
  • Previously proposed change - "Failure to execute such waiver will result in immediate suspension."
  • This change is not necessary since Bylaws 6.4.1 "An application shall be admitted or renewed as a Member so long as any applicable dues are paid in full, after their membership application is approved in accordance with the Standing Rules and by their signature on the Makersmiths standard waiver.  Members agree to execute and affirm such waiver from time to time as may be required by the Board." already requires that a waiver be signed to become a Member or to remain a Member .
  • ==> Disregard the previously proposed change to bylaws.
    
    
• NB26: Changes to Bylaws 6.9 Proxies for Meetings of the Membership
  • Current bylaws language is confusing and uses ADA terminology, such as "reasonable accommodations".
  • ==> Propose change to bylaws such that Members may not vote by proxy.
    
    
• NB27: Changes to Bylaws 6.9 - Add new rule that a Director may not vote by proxy for another Director
  • Per Virginia law, Directors may not vote by proxy anyway, so this new rule is not necessary.
  • ==> Disregard the previously proposed change to bylaws.

Reviewed Standing Rules related to Member storage:

• Discussed removing rules regarding storage lockers.
• Discussed revising rules regarding member storage in storage bins.
• ==> Propose removing rule regarding storage lockers.
• ==> Propose removing rule regarding storage bins.  
• ==> John drafted new rules regarding storage bins and sent them to the Secretary to add to the agenda for review and approval.  Jennifer added the proposed changes to the working copy of the Standing Rules on the Google Drive => Bylaws and Standing Rules Review 2024 => FOR REVIEW,

The previous set of proposed changes to the Standing Rules have not been submitted to the full Board for approval.  Need to have another Bylaws and Standing Rules Committee meeting in January to discuss the proposed changes with individual Board members.  Then the proposed changes can be submitted to the full Board for approval.