Tuatha de Bhriain Summer Solstice Meeting Minutes
6/26/04
In Attendance
Eberwulf
Aonghus
Brogan
Valerian
Colin
Vollund
Faellon
Falgon
Dairchain
Elysia
Not Attending
Momus
Guthrum
Finnoula
Sil
Meeting called to order at 1:35 PM with a blessing from the Druid
What News
Brogan: made a batch of Henbane Beer, from a period recipe, which, according to Brogan can produce feelings of euphoria and invincibility.
Valerian: In the process of buying land and a house. Looking to start a candle making business. Informed the Clann that Lynette and Angus are looking to host an event on their property in Maine over Columbus Day weekend. She will keep us all informed.
Falgon: Has been busy with work. Not done much medievally.
Colin: Has been busy with the new house. Work and his girlfriend, Victoria taking a lot of his time
Faellon: Has also been busy at the new house. Just got a smoker and is experimenting with it.
Vollund: Has been working at News 12 and is learning to edit tape for the news broadcasts.
Eberwulf: Put up a new pool. His advice to everyone: Pay someone else to do it! Has been working and playing video games.
Aonghus: Has just finished his first year of Irish Gaelic lessons.
Elysia: Went to a book signing for a book of poetry that was written in the Irish language. First book of it’s type written in many years. Got a new wrought iron gate for their garden.
Treasury Report
Treasurer not present, nothing to report. Valerian asks that the Treasurer cash the checks that she gave him.
Old Business
Eberwulf: Proposes to change the guidelines for voting in new members to make a provision to allow new members to be voted in without a unanimous vote. The contents of the new law are as follows:
Procedure for electing new members
Preamble: The following procedure sets out a three-vote process for electing members into the Tuatha de Bhriain. It is expected that most probates will go through the three-vote process, but it is possible, upon a unanimous vote, to obtain membership on the first or second vote.
1. When a sponsor believes that it is time to bring up his/her probate for membership, the sponsor shall inform the Clan at the meeting prior to bringing up the vote.
2. Any member who will not be able to attend the meeting is entitled to send a proxy vote either supporting the probate for membership, or stating that the member would vote “no” should a vote be called. Such message shall be sent in writing. The absent member should give reasons for their support or lack thereof, in accord with Clan Law, which requires members to state reasons for their votes.
3. Any member who is not in attendance, and does not contact anyone or send any message regarding the probate will be presumed to support the probate’s membership.
4. At the meeting, the members shall discuss the merits of the probate, and give opinions as to whether or not they think the probate is ready for membership. During the course of this discussion, the sponsor shall make a determination as to whether or not the time is right to bring up the probate for a membership vote. Only the sponsor can move for a vote on the probate’s membership, no one else may force a vote. The sponsor has the following options:
a. If the sponsor feels that not enough of the Clan would support the probate, he/she can end the discussion without a vote, and later have a discussion with the probate about whether or not the probate wishes to continue to remain a probate.
b. If it becomes apparent that there is unanimous consent (including any proxy messages) to approve the membership, or if the sponsor feels that the probate would receive a ¾ majority of the votes, the sponsor may move for a vote. The motion is stated as follows:
“I hereby move that probate X be approved for membership and initiated as a full voting member of the Tuatha de Bhriain at ‘the next event.’” i.e., Beltaine Samhain, etc.
5. Should the probate fail to obtain a ¾ majority, the motion for membership is defeated, and it is in the discretion of the sponsor and probate as to whether the probate wishes to continue his/her probateship. If the probate elects to continue, the issue of membership may be raised again at any time according to these rules.
6. Should the probate pass by a ¾ majority, but not unanimously, the membership consideration shall be automatically tabled for a First Review (detailed in Paragraph 8) in six months time, i.e., the planning meeting after the next two events. The issue of that probate’s membership may not be raised again before the First Review. Example: probate X receives a ¾ majority at the Samhain planning meeting. The First Review will occur at the Beltain planning meeting, and no sooner.
7. Should the probate pass unanimously, the probate will be deemed a “member elect,” and there will be a ceremony at the following event to bestow full membership rights unto him/her.
8. The First Review: Once again, the sponsor must remind the Clan at the meeting prior to the review that the probate’s membership is coming up for First Review. The process will be virtually the same as at the original meeting. Non-attending members may send in a proxy, and if they do not, they will be assumed to support membership. At the First Review, a sponsor MUST move for a vote. If, for some reason, the sponsor cannot be at the First Review meeting, another member may be delegated to move for the vote.
9. Should the probate fail to obtain a ¾ majority at the First Review, his membership bid is defeated, and it is in the discretion of the sponsor and probate as to whether the probate wishes to continue his/her probateship. If the probate elects to continue, the issue of membership may be raised again at any time according to these rules.
10. Should the probate again pass by a ¾ majority, but not unanimously, the membership consideration shall be automatically tabled for a FINAL REVIEW in six months time, in the same manner as the previous tabling for the First Review.
11. Should the probate pass unanimously, the probate will be deemed a “member elect,” and there will be a ceremony at the following event to bestow full membership rights unto him/her.
12. The Final Review: This review is held in exactly the same manner as the First Review, with all of the same requirements, i.e., reminding the clan at the prior meeting of the upcoming review, proxy votes, and a mandatory motion to vote.
13. Should the probate fail to obtain a ¾ majority at the FINAL REVIEW, his membership bid is defeated, and it is in the discretion of the sponsor and probate as to whether the probate wishes to continue his/her probateship. If the probate elects to continue, the issue of membership may be raised again at any time according to these rules.
14. Should the probate pass by a ¾ majority vote at the FINAL REVIEW, the probate will be deemed a “member elect,” and there will be a ceremony at the following event to bestow full membership rights unto him/her. A unanimous result is not required at FINAL REVIEW.
Eberwulf brings this motion up for a vote
Aonghus seconds the motion
Motion Passes with 6 approving, 2 abstentions.
Cathedral Pines:
There is a new staff at the park. Our traditional camping sites have been newly designated as “Youth Group Camping” sites. Aonghus is awaiting a call from the park to verify that we will still be able to get our sites when we need them.
Trailer:
Faellon Proposes a trailer workday to clean out the trailer and assess the damage. Aonghus seconds.
Trailer workday will be held on July 31st at 1PM at Aonghus’ shop.
New Business
No new business presented.
Presentations
Brogan presents an article in a Beer magazine about what is now the oldest known brew house in the world. It is 3000 years old and was found in Bavaria. It is believed to have been built by Celtic people and used to supply Romans with beer. The Romans paid or traded with the Celts in exchange for the beer.
Brogan also presented his Henbane Ale, which was opened and sampled by the Clann.
Personal Business
None at this time
Aonghus motions to adjourn meeting
Faellon seconds
Meeting adjourned at 3:20 PM.