The Richmond Beekeepers Association

Minutes February 11, 2020 

Meeting held in Kinsmen Pavilion at Richmond Nature Park, 7:30 pm

There were about 40 people in attendance.

Executives in attendance: Alan Wong (President), Jonathan Jakes (Vice President), Gregg Ashby (Secretary), Jean Stewart (Member at large), Barbara Rokeby (Treasurer)

1. Welcome and introduction of Newbees
   1. There were 4 “Newbees” in attendance who introduced themselves.
   2. Alan asked for contributions to the Newsletter – Member Highlight, where we interview one of our members, as well as photos that can be used in our Newsletter as well as our Facebook page.
   3. Lanyards are colour coded for region, to facilitate member networking.
      1. Vancouver – Royal blue
      2. Richmond – Red
      3. New West – Light blue
      4. Burnaby – Yellow
      5. Delta/Tsawwassen – Purple
      6. Surrey – Black
      7. North Van – Green
      8. Other – White
   4. Iotron sterilisation. We are looking for a volunteer to coordinate this.
   5. A thankyou gift was given to Barbara Rokeby for serving as Treasurer for last two years. Thankyou gift was also given to Barbara Forster-Rickards for the mentorship program and organizing our refreshments.
2. Minutes
   1. January 21, 2020 minutes approved.
3. Treasurer’s report
   1. Barbara presented the 2019 actual results, highlighting changes from the prior year.
   2. She then walked through the 2020 budget which includes a workshop. Total net budgeted loss of $375. The Seeley event budget planned for October is a major event, has not been finalized.
   3. Motion to approve Financial Statements for 2019 carried.
   4. Motion to approve 2020 budget carried.
4. 2020 Executive election
   1. Hugh Mawby chaired the election.
   2. Hugh asked for nominations. For all positions only one member stood for election so was elected by acclamation. The appointments are as follows:
      1. President – Alan Wong
      2. Vice president – Jonathan Jakes
      3. Treasurer – Jacques McCrae
      4. Secretary – Gregg Ashby
      5. Member at Large – Jean Stewart
5. Other Business
   1. A discussion ensued on the size and growth of RBA’s bank balance. Members were concerned that as a non-for-profit we shouldn’t be adding to our bank balance year after year. Hugh, who participates in a number of not-for-profits, suggested it was valid, but helpful to have a contingency fund. Alan added that having this contingency means we have the capital to fund and take initiatives such as bringing Tom Seeley to Vancouver.
6. Coffee break, raffle
7. Guest speakers
   1. Erika Plettner and Jorge Macias Samano presented their research into a compound that disrupts varroa mite behaviour, disrupting their life cycle and knocking down their numbers. The audience was very excited about a potential new treatment for reducing mite load.
   2. Jonathan thanked our speakers with a gift.
8. Meeting adjourned: 9:30 pm

Next Meetings: 

Bees and Beers, 6:30pm February 25^th at location to be decided.

RBA regular meeting, 7:30pm, March 10^th, Kinsman Nature Pavilion, Richmond.