For opening remarks, Mike anticipates welcome, summary of this year, and what’s coming next year.  The speaker could be 30-40 minutes.  Then he would recognize the Eagle Scout candidate.  Mary noted that Brian has been on all the Thursdays, both South Slope projects, and the Devil’s Playground project.  Mary suggested having the recognition before the speaker.  The meeting is November 13.  Picnic Basket would like to start setting up earlier than last year.  Usually for drinks we offer soda and water.  Mike wondered if people would want something hot, like coffee or hot chocolate.  Mike asked for someone to order the awards.  Barry offered to do that.  Mike will get him the exact spellings and the troop # for the Scout. 

Invitations:

Mike has basically the same invitation as last year.  He needs the list of names from Michael B.  He asked for help getting the cards out.  Mike will send out an e-mail with the time and people can come help.

Retreat:

Mike put together a proposed agenda.  He’d like to examine what works well and what we need to change, then decide on projects, and focus on broader topics. 

First item would be examining what works.

Next would be projects.  Mike had a list of projects.  El Paso County has received the final plan from the consultant for Ute trail.  Mike has been in contact with Jeremy and Jason.  VOC has received applications for projects for Ute trail and for South Slope.  Thursdays for next year are up for discussion.  Mary asked Eric if CMC wants any help on Section 16.  Eric will check.  Mary was looking and found the only trail we haven’t worked on is Section 16.  Another possibility is rotating through trails we’ve already worked on.  For Thursday projects, we need something with ready access.  Mike wants to get dates on calendars and see how projects work together.  Ute could be early; South Slope needs to be later.  Barry mentioned posts down on Barr Trail, and wondered what to do with those.  Mike suggested that might be a good Eagle project.  Rail projects logistically make a good Eagle project.  The project is replacing broken rails first.  That was about 18.  Then they’ll replace rotted ones.  The project is October 16.  Mike found someone with a key to the gate at the top of Ruxton Avenue.  Mike will add a Friends of the Peak lock.  Ed and Eric each have a 3406 key.  The Longs Ranch Road key doesn’t work on Ruxton. 

Building the calendar will go to lunch.  Eric mentioned a barbecue place.  Ed mentioned a pizza place. 

After or during lunch, we can talk about leadership development.  Crew leader training and project management training are needed early.  Other issues are communications and membership management.  Communications involves several issues.  Membership has some issues.  Mike mentioned perhaps improving the database, perhaps with new software.  We could try to fix what we have or find new software, perhaps freeware.  What to do probably depends on who is handling it and what their preference is. 

Mike asked for additional topics.  Eric suggested coordination with TOSC on Ring the Peak.  Mary asked about participating with the city and TOSC in leading hikes on South Slope.  Sentiment was positive. 

Old business:

Mike mentioned the Barr Trail interactive system. 

Mary had the last Thursday work day, with 10 volunteers, 3 of them new.  Tool sharpening is Saturday, October 16.  Sharpening starts at 10:00 a.m.  Mike asked for an electronic copy of the waiver.  Mike has a project description from South Slope. 

Carol sent signing volunteer information to Mike and Michael.  Mike needs to send a report on volunteer hours to Forest Service.  We also need a list of volunteers for the newsletter acknowledging volunteers. 

Eric is still working on coordinating installing the interpretive sign for Fremont Experimental Forest. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.