USS TOPEKA (CLG 8) ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
August 19, 2000 At San Diego, CA
Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the ’99 Reunion Business Meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer’s Report:
We are solvent at this time. All bills are paid when due.

Estimate of remaining Reunion Expenses:

Approximately $18,000 in reunion costs to be paid.

Jack Connery gave the Ship’s Store report. Copy attached including the corrected copy of 1999 report. Noted that the $600 loan from the Association to the Ship’s Store had been repaid in full.

Treasurer’s report was approved.

Membership Report:
962 in the database (52 additions since the last reunion)
802 Active (on the mailing list, mailed 800 Newsletters Aug’00).
72 deceased (16 widows on the mailing list)
Dues: 353 Paid through 2000. (44% of those on the mailing list)
90 Paid beyond 2000.
42 Paid 5-year dues
At Reunion (as of 8/21/00)
106 TOPEKA crewmembers at Reunion
185 members and spouses/guests at Friday "Picnic" by the pool.
195 members and spouses/guests at Banquet

Old Business:
1. Jack Connery : Baka Hachi Report; Jack advised the Baka Hachi Revision should be ready by Christmas.

2. Newsletter Editor Job; Jack Connery says he’s done the Newsletter for 10 years, he is looking to find a relief. He is talking to prospective candidates for the Newsletter editor job.

Discussion: Consensus is that Jack Connery has done an exceptionally good job, we would hate to see him go. He will have to find an exceptionally well-qualified and motivated candidate to replace him.

New Business:
Election of Officers: All current officers are standing for re-election. John Reynolds opened the floor for nominations. All current officers were re-elected.

Board of Advisors: No nominations for additions, current board of Advisors re-elected.

Proposal for Sites for 2001. Buffalo, NY was proposed last year, Dick Walker is attending graduation of his son at NTC Great Lakes and is not here. Jerry Craig proposed Atlanta.

Jerry Craig made presentation for Atlanta. Has a hotel in mind with rooms for $79/night, close to the airport. Connections to Metropolitan Atlanta Transit Authority (MARTA) rail avail for $1.50. Atlanta is a flight hub, so air prices reasonable. Lots of things to do in Atlanta.

Jerry talked about many desirable tourist attractions.

A motion was made to select Atlanta in October 2001 as the site for the next reunion.

Discussion: Sandi Tipton: Lots of people can’t get off in October, those who teach school or are involved with school can’t get away except for the weekend. Several: It’s too hot in Atlanta in August, hot, humid, and terrible. Tom Eagling: Rates quoted were for an August date, rates may go up in October because it is nicer weather. Several: it won’t matter what the weather is, we will be in air conditioning all the time. Several: if it goes to Atlanta in October, they will be disenfranchised on votes for other sites, they can’t be there in October.

Motion for Atlanta in October was seconded.

Voice vote: Too close to call.

Show of hands: Counted 57 for Atlanta in October 23 opposed.

Motion carried for Atlanta in October.

Proposal for Reunion Sites for 2002. Sites proposed for 2002 from Branson ’99 Reunion were Tulsa/OK City by Jack Connery; Denver by Ken Noble and Minneapolis by Don Nelson. Don Nelson not here.

Jack Connery: Jack said he proposed Tulsa and Oklahoma City two years ago and again last year. In fairness to himself and to the association, Tulsa is a fine place to live and he wanted to defer to Denver.

He withdrew his nomination of Tulsa.

Minneapolis: Would Cal Ladd like to present Minneapolis?

Cal Ladd: He had presented Minneapolis two years ago. Hotels are a little high, in the $129 to $139 ranges. Lots of nice things to see.

Not sure, possible he and Don can present Minneapolis next year.

Ken Noble and Terry Jones presented Denver. Denver is nice in August; they have looked at several good hotels, with price ranges of $85-99. There are lots of attractions close by. Colorado Springs is a ways away, might be able to get a NORAD tour. Hospitality rooms seen are in the range of 1300 square feet. Believe can get price breaks if can commit to 2 years out.

Motion was made by Jack Bock to have the 2002 Reunion in Denver in August. Seconded. Denver in August was approved for 2002 by voice vote.

Nominations for 2003 site: John Reynolds pointed out 2003 will be the West Coast again.

Las Vegas a possible; no one present wanted to take on Las Vegas.

Portland OR: There’s lots to do in Portland. John Keith had nominated Portland in the past. John Keith said he could give a presentation on Portland with Bud Zimmerman’s help.

Santa Barbara: Walter Crane to take a look and see if Santa Barbara could be a possible site.

Plankowers: Show of hands for plankowners present.

Announcement re pictures to be taken immediately after this meeting.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted:
Jack E. Timmons
Secretary/Treasurer