Ace Club-Maadi Committee Meeting Minutes
Minutes for 8th Dec '09 Committee meeting
ACE CLUB COMMITTEE MEETING
December 8TH , 2009, 7 P.M.
The meeting was opened at 7.05.
Present:
Allan W, Ian M, Peter C, Kaitlyn L, Vicki C
Neil W, Adam M, Mark T
Apologies:
Ray B, Simon H
The previous month’s minutes will be discussed and approved at the committee meeting in January, 2010 as they were not discussed on the night of the meeting.
Treasurer’s Report
Neil reported on the available statements, but the final accounts are still being worked on by the club’s accountant.
November presented as the second highest grossing month in ACE history. Food profited In November slightly. When asked about why there was a profit for the service, Ian noted that all of the St Andrews night food had been donated, which offsets some of the incurred food profits.
More money is required for Farag to finish the outside bar.
Local wine is now the biggest seller in wet bar sales.
Neil repeated his offer to provide the current (but unofficial as of yet) club financials to any member who requests them in hard copy.
Neil also tabled the possibility of changing accountants after the accounts are completed and closed.
Neil also provided numbers for the amount of donations given out so far under the current committee.
Club Manager’s Report
Kaitlyn tabled Flemming’s business as he was unable to attend the meeting.
On the 17th December the club will provide 150 mince pies and 150 glasses of mulled wine from 6pm onwards. Flemming and Mike D will sort out the details.
Astroturf was discussed to replace the dying grass in the garden as a more permanent solution.
Ian M suggested that the garden be tiled instead. Pete C will inquire about a quote.
A crepe machine was approved for the new tuck shop.
The Christmas day opening hours for the club staff was agreed at 10am‐5pm.
It was noted that as of this meeting, there are now 3 night cleaners for the bar, and the committee requested that the night manager always be the last person out of the club to ensure its security.
A decision was made that Adam and Ian M would meet with Flemming to discuss these matters that have been brought to the committee’s attention regarding the club.
Social Events
Kid’s Christmas Party
Ray B, via correspondence, reported “I believe it went well, seemed to be a lot of smiles on the children’s (and parent’s) faces. Thanks to all staff and particularly the kitchen staff who worked extremely hard. Thanks to Linda and Beverley who put an enormous amount of effort into present purchases and wrapping. Thanks to Ian, Peter, Colin and Helen for their efforts on the morning (and afternoon) of the party. Thanks to Kevin and Paul for their particular roles at the party.
I am unable to submit a formal financial report as this is linked to the staff’s gifts, which is not closed yet. I will submit this in due course and as soon as possible.”
Christmas Day
On Christmas day, the committee decided to keep the bar open later and Kaitlyn and Adam agreed to bartend in the evening.
New Year’s Party
The New Year’s party at the ACE Club was to be a disco. A sub‐committee headed by Ray B with Vicki C, Pete C, Mark T and Kaitlyn in supporting roles.
Charitable Donations
Staff Scholarships
A letter was sent to the committee by Ian M that advocated providing financial aid and support to staff who wish to pursue furthering their education or learning a trade was liked by all, with some reservations and stipulations.
Allen and Kaitlyn proposed ensuring financial security for those enrolling in university for all four years, based on academic merit.
Vicki noted that the sponsorship "should be local and short‐term" as the money being offered was insufficient for international study. Mark T argued that any help the ACE Club can provide should be proffered.
The committee decided that it was an idea worth pursuing, but the details needed to be re‐worked. It was proposed that it work on a case‐by‐case basis, up to five employees per year, based on the quality of their service to the Club as employees and their submitted application to the committee.
Children’s Cancer Hospital
Dave Sargeant asked the committee for a donation to the Children’s Cancer Hospital. It was decided that once it was determined how the funds would be used, the ACE Club would match the amount raised by Dave and the teachers at NCBIS.
ESMA
Denise Wilkerson brought a petition for ESMA. It was asked that the Club to help provide for the 175 stray cats currently living at the facility. The committee decided to give them a one‐time donation.
Complaints and Disciplinary Action
Mass Emailing of Personal Details
The matter of the mass emailing to members and non‐members of the ACE club was once again raised. Vicki C, having sent the first mass email, asked for censure of Dianne Fuqua for writing a response email which contained the details of John and Haji’s salaries.
Ian M provided a copy of his email correspondence with Dianne, which stated that Sami Al Kheir had provided her with the information as he was “close to much of the staff.”
It was decided by the committee that this issue should be put to rest in the best interest of all involved. Vicki was not in agreement and said she intended to send another email to her previous email list to garner support for her position.
A Child Standing on Wall, a Member's child was caught climbing and standing on the 6‐foot outer garden wall by a committee member on the 4 th December. It was noted by several members of the committee that her parents had been asked to monitor their child as per Rule 9 of the RULES FOR MEMBERS of the ACE Club.
Pete C noted that parents must mind their own children in the garden and proposed posting signs saying that.
Ian M volunteered to write the official letter to the parents regarding their responsibilities whilst in the club.
AOB
Pete C will look into doubling the size of the terrace upstairs and what the costs will be.
The committee voted to end the smoking ban in the upstairs bar, as an insignificant number of members have chosen to opt for the smoke‐free environment upstairs.
Pete C expressed his concern over the weekend carvery take away, where members load up an inappropriate amount of food to be taken home. Staff need to dole out the portions for the weekend carvery.
Adam was unable to table his business regarding club security and the taxi ID cards because the meeting had run too late and he was unable to stay. He will bring it to the committee meeting on January 12 th, 2010.
Pete C asked that it be put in the minutes that should Vicki C conduct herself in the fashion she has over the past 4 meetings, he will resign from the ACE Club committee.
Close of meeting: 9.47pm.