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Monday, March 1, 2021
FROM THE SUPREME LODGE February 3, 2021 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of SPJST Supreme Lodge held via online video conference PRESIDING The meeting was called to order by Supreme Lodge Chairman John Engelke on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 9 a.m. ATTENDING: Brian Vanicek, President; Delisle Doherty, Vice President; Leonard Mikeska, Chief Financial Officer; Roy Vajdak, Controller; Donnie Victorick - District One/Supreme Lodge Vice Chairman; Jesse Pospisil - District Two; John Engelke - District Three/Supreme Lodge Chairman; Bobby Davis - District Four; Bradley Stavinoha - District Five; Annie Vahalik - District Six; Regina House - District Seven; Melanie Zavodny, Editor/Director of Communication; Janie Coakley, Recording Secretary. OPENING OF MEETING The meeting was opened by Supreme Lodge Chairman Engelke with a welcome to all. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a moment of silence was observed in respect to our departed members and in honor of our government officials, military troops, law enforcement, firemen, EMS, healthcare workers, and others affected by COVID-19, especially our members who have been affected. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska led the Supreme Lodge in an opening prayer. ANNOUNCEMENTS President Vanicek announced there will be three visitors today - Larry White of AQS Asset Management at 1 p.m. to report on investments; Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena at 2 p.m. to report on the camp; and Bruce Bading of BFB Consulting at 4 p.m. to report on cyber security. APPROVAL OF SUPREME LODGE MINUTES After review of the following minutes - October 20 and 21, 2020 Regular Meeting; November 3, 2020 Special Called Meeting; November 5, 2020 Special Called Meeting; November 21, 2020 Special Called Meeting; and December 22, 2020 Special Called Meeting, Controller Vajdak moved we accept all the minutes as written. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously.
VĚSTNÍK INVESTMENTS Chief Financial Officer welcomed Larry White of AQS Asset Management to the meeting. Larry reported on the portfolio yield rate of return from inception with AQS and current yields. He also discussed SPJST’s current and proposed assets. Director Victorick moved that we raise the total amount that can be invested in a commercial direct loan mortgage from $500,000 to $1,000,000. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved that we approve the Investment Policy Statement with corrections made on page 8, correcting the purchase limits of invested assets. Director Pospisil seconded the motion, and the motion passed unanimously. CAMP KUBENA President Vanicek moved that we add Editor/Director of Communication Zavodny as a member of the Camp Kubena Advisory Committee. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, presented the proposed 2021 budget for Camp Kubena. President Vanicek, on behalf of the Camp Kubena Advisory Committee, moved that we accept the proposed budget as presented. Controller Vajdak added there would be a depreciation amount of $28,000 in the budget that was not listed. This motion does not require a second due to the Advisory Committee making the motion. The motion passed with eight in favor, two opposed, and one abstention. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director House, and Director Vahalik. Voting in opposition: Director Davis and Director Stavinoha. Abstained: Vice President Doherty. Rob Clift, executive director of Camp Kubena, presented the proposed cost to upgrade the existing “Tractor Barn” to become the new “Maintenance Barn” with a concrete floor, fence, and upgraded electrical and plumbing. This will provide a safer, organized, and visually appropriate location for the maintenance needs of Camp Kubena.
OLD BUSINESS The executive officers each presented a report on their old business, and each report was accepted as presented.
Director Victorick moved to proceed with the relocation of the maintenance barn and accept a bid of $145,648 from Round Top Builders. Director Engelke seconded the motion, and the motion carried with eight in favor, one opposition, and two abstentions. Voting in favor: President Vanicek, Chief Financial Officer Mikeska, Controller Vajdak, Director Victorick, Director Pospisil, Director Engelke, Director House, and Director Vahalik. Voting in opposition: Director Stavinoha. Abstained: Vice President Doherty and Director Davis.
Recess for lunch was taken from 12:08 to 12:40 p.m.
Recess for break was taken from 4:05 to 4:10 p.m.
MANAGEMENT TEAM MEETING NOTES The management team meeting notes were reviewed.
CYBER SECURITY Bruce Bading, president of BFB Consulting, discussed the risk of cyber security. NEW BUSINESS The executive officers each presented a report on their new business, and each report was accepted as presented. President Vanicek discussed the physical condition of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje and items that need to be corrected. Director Victorick moved that the Supreme Lodge directs Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek and SPJST District Six Director Annie Vahalik to act expediently in working with the lodge to ensure that the structural integrity of the Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje building remains intact and the overall neat appearance of the property be maintained. Director Vahalik is further instructed to proceed posthaste in contacting a property insurance company to insure the building against sudden and/or catastrophic loss. Expenses aligned with this project are subject to review and approval by Supreme Lodge officers. Correspondingly, the Supreme Lodge reserves the right to request compensation or to assess Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje at a later date. In the interim, any plans to sell, lease, and/or otherwise reassign the use of the lodge building and property are subject to review and discretion of the Supreme Lodge. The motion was seconded by Director House, and the motion passed unanimously. Director Victorick moved that Controller Vajdak be requested to audit the financial records of Lodge 40, El Campo-Hillje. Director House seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reported on three meetings concerning investments: October 29, November 18, and December 10. Director Pospisil moved to ratify as presented. Director Stavinoha seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved for approval of the recommended rates on annuities as presented in his report. Director Victorick seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. The rates remain the same from last quarter. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska moved for approval of the recommended rates on universal life as presented in his report. Controller Vajdak seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously. The rates remain the same from the last quarter. Chief Financial Officer Mikeska reported on five delinquencies; he stated all are well secured. He will continue to monitor and collect payments. Controller Vajdak presented and reported on the quarterly statement and statement of operations dated December 31, 2020, and the proposed 2021 to 2025 budget.
