ROTARY CLUB OF WINDSOR Meeting Minutes – May 21, 2019
Opening – The meeting was officially opened by President Sandy Krutz at 7:30 am followed by the pledge of allegiance lead by Daniel Myers.
Inspiration – The inspiration was given by Susan Cole: “Be grateful for people who make us happy for they are the gardeners who make our soul happy.”
Song/Exercise – The exercise was led by Carol Martin who began by stretching and followed by the song “I am a little teacup”.
Guests – The following guests were introduced: Allison Huber introduced the Graduation Project Director Holly Schmidt.
Announcements
District Conference 2019 – Ken and Pam Moulton reported about the District Conference held this past weekend at the Peppermill Resort and Hotel in Reno, Nevada. This was the first ever four District Conference in Rotary history. Special acknowledgment to District Governor Barbara Spangler for collaborating on something new. A special shout out for Pam Moulton who was selected Masters of Ceremony from our District and became the coordinator for the other three MC’s. The theme for the Conference was “Be the Inspiration” and featured guest speakers that represented the theme. Dave Dravecky, former major league pitcher, spoke about determination while Senator Mike McGuire emphasized his background of growing up raised by his mother and grandmother and never giving up. On Sunday, inventor Mike Marggraff, talked about the future and never saying “Can’t or Impossible”. The Conference ended on a high note with the Youth Exchange Students of four Districts highlighting there life changing experience participating in the program. Our own Sato and counselor Rene Hyde represented our Club. A special thanks to Rene and Paul for all they have given to Rotary Youth Exchange.
Rug Readers – Wally Krutz announced the need for a couple more volunteers to go to Cali Calmecac to read to first graders today at 1:00 pm. Ken Moulton volunteered to read today.
North Bay Met Academy – Volunteers are needed for the Careers Day on May 28, 2019, to be held at the North Bay Met Academy in the Windsor Unified School District.
Kaboom July 4th Celebration – The 20-30 Club will again be sponsoring the July 3 Fireworks Celebration in Windsor. They have asked for volunteers for three-hour shifts and will be given two free tickets for the event.
Windsor Robotic Rumble Competition – The Windsor Robotic completion will be held this weekend at Windsor High School in room E107. Glen Sugden has been working and advising students and encourages members to attend and support the students he has been mentoring.
WHS Grad Night – Allison Huber introduced Holly Schmidt, Director of Grad Night, who again asked for volunteers for this event to be held on May 28 in the WHS Gymnasium. The Club presented Holly with a check for $4509 to support this worthy event.
Rotary Foundation – Bill Bolster was presented with his second Paul Harris award. Bill also committed to becoming a Rotary Benefactor which requests a bequest of $1000.
Storage Trailer – Wally Krutz announced the acquisition of a storage trailer to store many of our supplies for the Margarita Booth and fundraising activities. Wally will need some help to transfer these materials. Please contact Wally if willing to assist.
Counsel on Legislation – Wally announced that JB Leep will be providing the Club with some of the pertinent legislation recently passed in the Council of Legislation in Evanston on the operation of Rotary Clubs.
Acknowledgments
Allen Christensen was acknowledged for his two-week vacation on the island of Bonair located for the coast of Venezuela. A good time was had by a large family reunion with a lot of scuba diving and followed with a communion for his grandson. He will make a contribution to the Club Foundation.
David Culley was recognized for his recent two weeks in London. He will make a contribution to The Rotary Foundation
Speaker: Keith Woods – CEO for the North Coast Builders Exchange
-JB Leep introduced Keith Woods, the long-standing CEO for the North Coast Builders Exchange. Keith Woods, a proud graduate of Cal, Berkeley, has served as CEO of Builder Exchange since 2000. There are over 1250 members in Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake counties. He acknowledged Pegi Ball, Tom Boylan and Brian Ling for their contributions to the community.
Keith addressed his observations on the trends in the building industry both before and after the devastating fires. The following are the highlights:
- A housing crisis existed before the fires with a great need for affordable housing and single home dwellings.
- The fires contributed to the crisis by over 7000 homes (5%) being destroyed in Sonoma County alone. Paradise lost twice that many.
- It will take at least 9 years to complete rebuilding of those home lost in the fires due to the lack of construction companies, under-insured homes, and properties that are being purchased by speculators.
- Projections are that between 1500-2000 homes may be rebuilt in Sonoma County by the end of 2019.
- Much more difficult to rebuild in Fountain Grove than Coffey Park due to infrastructure and code allowances increasing costs.
- Projections is that it will be 5 years before 50-60% of homes in Sonoma County rebuilt.
- Worker and construction shortage complicates rebuilding. North County Builders partnering with vocational education to provide more workers in the future.
- Future housing crisis must include more apartments, lofts and granny units. New thinking required for housing Sonoma residents in the future.
Closing – The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 am by President Sandy Krutz.
