Region Minutes 5/18/02

The Buffalo Area is hosting the next Region meeting. The next meeting will be at Indian Church Road at noon on July 20, 2002.

Rodney opened the meeting with the Serenity Prayer.
Joshua read the Twelve Traditions.
James W read the Twelve Concepts.

Roll Call
The Alle-Cat RCM and Secretary were not in attendance.

Mailbox
No mail was collected as the RD Alternate has stepped down and is turning the key over to the committee. Rodney will collect the mail this week and disburse it.

Minutes
A motion was made to accept the minutes from the March meeting with a few corrections. The Niagara Falls Area should be called just that not Rainbow Area. Nelson's phone number was incorrectly listed. It should be 433-1445. His email address is nelly14904@aol.com

Opening Balance: $3,158.00

Open Positions & Nominations

H&I - Leroy & James W (Leroy elected, 9-1)
Literature - Tracy D appointed by Chair
Chair - Rodney & Dave M (4-4 tie, Dave's name picked from hat)
Vice-Chair - Rodney nominated & elected
PI - Dale H nominated & elected
RD - Nelson Ni-O RCM nominated & Cedric Buffalo RCM nominated
RD Alt - Bob B nominated, closed until next Region
Treasurer - Open

Regional Delegate - Tracy RD
No written report was received. RD Zonal expenses are $235.00 to Tracy. Tracy requests $101.00 be sent to the Carolina Region because Freddy never cancelled his room at WSC and his roommate had to pay for the entire room. Discussion ensued regarding contacting Freddy for the money are it was his responsibility. Tracy made a motion to send check to Carolina Region, seconded by Cedric of Buffalo. Discussion about Freddy will continue under New Business.

Area Reports

Alley Cats - Not present, no report submitted.

Buffalo - Cedric RCM, Fred Alt RCM
The Buffalo Area met the second Sunday of the month as scheduled. The topics for discussion were finding a new bank to avoid paying fees when cashing Area checks, vacant Policy Chair position and lack of participation at ASC. Niagara Falls would like their hotline on Buffalo Area schedules. There is a need to update lost meeting or new meeting for World database. The Steering committee needs to back fill (?) Reggie and ship buir (?) resigned. The nomination for RD is Bob B and the nomination for RD Alt is Cedric C. The ending balance is $4,465.
Chautauqua - Art RCM
The last 2 ASC meetings began with the reading of Concepts 1 & 12. We've had some meetings close, the Tuesday and Thursday noon meetings and the Friday and Saturday TRIP meetings in Warren. The phone bill was $103.01, H&I needed $9.50 for literature, PI needed $22.50 for literature and the phone line needed $12.50 for a directory. Donations and Attendance have been down in our Area but we are still able to make Regional donation of $49.40. Art - Serenity In the Woods III June 21-23rd at Cooks Forest in Cooksburg, PA. Tickets will be sold until May 31, 2002.

Niagara-Orleans - Nelson R., RCM
Our donation to Region and World was $215.00 each, leaving the Area treasury at $197.95 for balance. A motion was passed to create an official phone line committee, no chair has been elected yet but the nominations are open. The Ni-O Area picnic will be held the last Sunday of July at Krull Park in Olcott, NY, featuring free food and live music. Our 2nd annual Day of Sharing is June 30, 2002 at the Royalton Ravine Park. Speakers are still needed. June 29, 2002 is the 3rd annual Fishing Derby at Wide Water Marina, Market street canal side. It is a statewide free fishing day which does not require a fishing license. Our Area has been receiving an increase of hits to more public relations work. We have a new meeting that meets on Tuesdays at 10am in Lockport, Keen to be Klean II.

Niagara Falls - Joshua, RCM, Annette, RCM Alternate
I have dragged my feet on my duties as RCM…Every home group received a copy of the 'CAR Lite' and tally sheets by March 20, 2002 but I am unaware if they have participated. The open positions were made known to the Area but I did not press the issue as I should have. I am happy to report smooth and stable conditions in the Niagara Falls Area. Groups were urged to donate and a few responded positively. Contempt and personal conflicts were put aside and together the Area became accountable for past financial transactions without causing more harm to trusted servants. The discussion of Regional donation was tabled. Meeting lists have been made available for all areas. The Area is requesting $60.00 for rent of the facility today.

Secretary - Melanie R.
Not in attendance, sent quotes to the executive committee for copiers.

Treasurer - Stacey D.
There is still a bill for the lawyers. Rodney discussed his meeting with the lawyers. We have a final bill of $686.71. Rodney suggests that we just pay the bill. Stacey made a motion to pay the lawyers bill, seconded by Dave M, all in favor.

Chair - Rodney M.
No written report was received with the minutes. The minutes state that the report in enclosed but nothing was written regarding the content.

Vice Chair - Dave M.
See attached report. Discussion ensued regarding the tax exempt status and the PI committee at Buffalo Area using it. Discussion was tabled as there is no new information on the tax exempt status. There doesn't seem to be a problem with PI using the number. Dave will speak to Lewis more about what we need to give them. We have a non-profit Federal status and an EIN number but we do not have a NYS tax exemption number yet. Recovery in the Woods would want to use it as well. No answer on this because they generate income and that would affect our filing and reporting status. Look into restrictions on maintaining our status.

Sub-Committee Reports

Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) - Vacant

Public Information (PI) - Bob B.
Didn't meet this month. Had a phone conversation with the Vice Chair. We talked about doing the regional meeting list so we need Thomas's number. We will get that from the attendance sheet. We have a new secretary Donna I (Buffalo). Also discussed and will start working on the guidelines/by laws next month and in a few months we will submit it to this body for approval or changes for Sept RSC. Chat PI - No report, AllyCatt - No report, NF - No report, Niagara Orleans - No report, Buffalo - They are doing a postal project to save area money on stamps. They are going up to $.37. With this meter project it will cost $12. They want to ask Region to ride on their EIN number. Dave has all the information from the Buffalo Correspondence Secretary. Thank you for a wonderful and fulfilling, satisfying, joys and free time as PI chair we have done a lot of good and it's because of this loving body that no addict need die alone. PI budgeted for $290.00 yearly. Asking for the same this year.

Convention - Paul N.
See attached report.

Literature - Vacant

Activities - Bill T
Still seeking direction on what the Region wants from the Activities committee. Rodney responded with some suggestions, as did Fred H. Some discussion followed about 50/50 drawings at activity functions. Rodney commented that we keep everything recovery oriented by giving away non-cash prizes.

Ad Hoc Committee Reports

Website - Mark T.
See attached report.

Phone Line - Dave M.

Legal Liaison - Liz Q.
Rodney will contact Liz in regards to terminating relationship with the lawyers. Tracy, Stacey and Rodney will visit the lawyers to dispute the bills.

Policy - Nelson R.
Nelson is requesting help because it is time consuming to do the research alone. Several members have volunteered to help. They need to know when a meeting will be held. Nelson will set up an adhoc meeting.
Nelson recommends that issues that go back to Areas become executive issues. The Chair would determine if issues are Regional business or executive business. Discussion ensued as to who are voting members and group consciences. All members voted in the past. A group conscience was taken that RCMs should vote. Until the adhoc committee comes back with recommendations, all vote except the RD Alt on Regional business. Minutes - how far do they go back?

Old Business

- Melanie was to look into the purchase of a region copier. Melanie will get three price quotes on portable copiers.
- Prudent reserve - We will have to look at standing budgets and possibly revise budgets. All subcommittees should put together their current budget or proposed budget.

New Business

- Should we approach Freddy about the money sent to the Carolina Region? It was decided that it is the Regions responsibility and not to hold Freddy accountable because it is ultimately our fault.
- The use of the tax exempt number by the Buffalo PI committee and Recovery In The Woods. Paul noted that we are opening a big can of worms if we let anyone use the number without better understanding the ramifications. Consensus was that non one will use the number until we find more information on the topic.

Treasurer
Closing Balance: $3,158.00
See attached report.

Position Name Address Email Phone
Chair Dave M. 6 Cindy, Amherst 14221 Dmyers1060@aol.com 632-0927
Vice Chair Rodney M. 110 Mapleridge Rd., Bflo 14215 837-1409
Treasurer Stacy D. 116 Brookedge Dr., Wmvl 14221 tomyd@pce.net 632-0031
Secretary Melanie R. 2528 Niagara Falls Blvd., NF 14304 mellow1399@yahoo.com 731-1540
RD Tracy D. 125 Edward St., Apt 3D, Bflo 14201 tracy@metronetusa.net 881-1080
RD Alt
Convention Paul N. 949 Amherst St., Bflo 14201 jgb8995@aol.com 877-5309
Literature
H&I Leroy 642 Longmeadow, Amherst 832-0899
Activities Bill T. 80 Corinthia St., Lkpt 14094 bill_tice2002@yahoo.com 433-8936
Website Mark T. 1436 Norby Rd., Jamestown 14701 mtuccio@alltel.net 484-2477
PI Chair Bob B. 44 Muskingum St., Depew 14043 looloo915@gateway.net 685-1409
PI Vice-Chair Dale H. PO Box 153 Warren, PA 16365 moe54sh@yahoo.com (814)726-9440
RCM AlleCat AlleCat ASC, PO Box 333, Machias 14101
RCM Alt AlleCat
RCM Bflo Cedric S. 37 Oxford Ave., Bflo 14209 dogg62@netzero.com 885-6070
RCM Alt Bflo Fred H. 171 E. Morris Ave., Bflo 14214 freddyrich55@msn.com 833-1961
RCM Chaut Art B. 704 Route 394, Kennedy 14747 ladyfrog@madbbs.com 267-4455
RCM Alt Chaut
RCM NF Joshua A. 225 14th Street, NF 14303 285-0949
RCM Alt NF Annette N. 1319 Cleveland Av, NF 14305
RCM Ni-O Nelson R. 109 Chestnut St., Lkpt 14094 nelly14094@yahoo.com 433-1445
RCM Alt Ni-O Raymond B. 177 Willow St., Lkpt 14094 l254260@netzero.net 439-1888
Visitors
Position Name Address Email Phone
Bflo Chair Jim L 155 Carmel Rd., Bflo 14214 834-9522

Vice Chair Report 5-18-2002

Due to the fact that I was unable to attend the last regional meeting, I have very little to report.

I have decided to run for chair of this committee and would like to get nominated for the position at this meeting. I am willing to run for vice-chair if I do not get nominated or elected.

I have been approached by the Buffalo area PI committee regarding the use of our non-profit tax ID number so they can get a postal permit number and I would like to discuss the subject under new business. I have attached a formal request to this report. The Buffalo area campout, Recovery in the Woods, has also approached me about using our tax ID number for their normal purchases to save the NYS taxes. We are here to serve the areas so I don't see a problem with either request although I think we should set a precedent that the use of our tax ID number should be by request only and cannot be used without our permission regardless of by which committee or the specific circumstances, until we can set up general guidelines.

I have brought a donation of $41.00 from my home group, Hope on Hertel.

Nominations and election for this meeting should be:

Nominations to open RD
RD Alt
Treasurer

Elections Chair
Vice Chair
Public Information

Positions open from past (currently vacant) Literature Chair
H & I Chair

In Service,
Dave M.

The buffalo area PI subcommittee is applying to get a bulk rate postal permit. This will enable us to do our yearly mass mailing at quite a savings. One of the requirements is to have a federal income tax exemption status and an employer ID number.
Since the Buffalo area does not have this and region does, the ASC was approached by PI about asking region if we can use the regions ID number and exemption to apply for the permit, with the Buffalo area supplying PI with the necessary postal service fees. The ASC gave it's OK this past Sunday.
Further the Buffalo area PI committee would use it's budget to renew this permit annually. What we are asking is regions permission to apply for the permit using regions name. PI would still use it's own post office box and number.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.

In service, Lewis S.

WNYRCNA VII Chair Report 5/18/02

Working balance $2,427.42

All positions have been filled according to the WNYRC guidelines

Passed out registration flyers to RCM'S

Regional speaker recommendations: Please forward to the Programming chair Ivan T. 892- 1945

Keep in mind that we will meet in July and give speaker choice for Regional speaker at next RSCM for this committee approval (Fri. Night speaker) which means there will be limited time available for disapproval and approval of different choice

Turned email list to website chair to create a data base and send registration flyer via email

I spoke on the changing of nomination and Election of Chair person for the Convention because of region meeting every other month, I would like to see chair person elected in September which would allow for ample time to begin putting together a sub committee, allowing all areas to have time to take back to areas and make plans for the meeting in January. (Did not go my way)

In service Paul Nichols chair person of convention

WNYRSC web site report 05-18-02

Hello family:

I am happy to report that that WNY regional web site continues to be up and running without incident.

As I laid out in my January 2002 report, my goals for 2002 included a regional chat room, electronic payment and/or registration for our regional convention and the possibility of selling convention merchandise on the web site. To date, the regional chat room is up and running. I am still working on understanding electronic payment, registration and the selling of merchandise on the web site. As I read more and develop a better understanding of how this works I will keep this body informed.

As for the chat room, I haven't really seen to much traffic in and out of the room. Honestly, every time I have been there to visit/chat, there has not been anyone there. I have asked some of my home group members if they have encountered anyone when they went to chat and they have found the same as me. No one is there.

Dan S., the PI chair for the CASCNA, suggested to me that we might have a well-publicized regional chat day/regional chat night once or twice a month as a means of generating more traffic into and out of the room. I thought that perhaps we might have the members of the RSC "present" to answer questions about regional business or have the members of the RSC "present" just to share their experience, strength and hope.

I think that this is a good idea and worth a try. The particulars can be decided upon today and we can implement in the future.

Submitted In Loving Service.

Mark T
Western New York Regional Treasurer Report
For the Month Ended May 2002

Income Debits Balances
Opening Balance 3,158.00

Donations
Alle-Cats
Buffalo 250.00
Chautauqua 49.40
Niagara-Orleans 215.00
Niagara Falls
Hope on Hertel 41.00
Weee Recover 15.00
Activities Reimb. 60.00

Total 630.40

Expenses Check #
Rodney Menifee 557 27.50
Graham Anderso 558 60.00
Tracy Diina 559 235.00
Carolina Region 560 101.00
William C Moran 561 685.71

1,109.21
End Balance 2,679.19
Deposit 5/20/02 630.40