I agree with approaching the owners of SMS.  This would give us enough time to come up with alternatives if the the board still wanted to get together in person.

Agree with Bob!

Here is the thing about spruce mountain.  If the owners are going to have similar restrictions as last year I think we would be best served to avoid that back and forth between them and the board.  I suggest we pick a pavilion at a state park or forest, schedule a run, and a meeting.  If people want to camp the night before or after that is up to them.  Let's have a transition year and then go back there.

I honestly don't want all the drama of vaccinations, temp checks, participation caps, etc.  Have a safe outdoor meeting, run, and cookout.

looks great!

@daniel, how about I talk with the owners and see what their thoughts are?  I agree with you that I don't want to proceed with any restrictions or stipulations.  I can circle back to the board and discuss via email rather than waiting for our next e-meeting.  

I agree with @daniel. SMS is a beautiful and fun location and I want the Annual Meeting to be held there. I respect the rules the SMS owners set, but last year was a bit of a mess with the last minute negotiations. Let's make a plan early to host at a state park /national forest with pavilions and trails. We can even do Seneca Shadows if we still want to be in the Spruce Knob region. Or perhaps Watoga? There should be plenty of capacity as long as we make a plan early.

If we approach SMS owners now, I'm sure we could make a reasonable agreement for the Annual Meeting. But what happens if a new variant appears in late June? Let's play it safe and select an alternative location.

@acasseday No harm in approaching SMS owners first, then deciding on another location later. Perhaps we can set a date to finalize the Annual Meeting location? End of February, or end of March? That should give use enough time to possibly reserve space somewhere else.

If that's the consensus, I would recommend forming a committee to evaluate options and bring information back to the full board for recommendation.  Would anyone be interested?

I am willing to communicate with SMS owners about possibly holding the Annual Meeting there, and also list alternative locations. I could do this and report back to the Board by end of February.

@arhodes5, I am supportive of this action.  Everyone else ok with this plan?  No vote necessary, just discussion and general consensus required.

Good discussion.  Agree with Andrew reaching out to SMS to see if they are willing to host and reporting back in February.  

Sounds good, Andrew. Thanks.