Treasurer’s Report: Presented by Craig Louthain. See attached report. We are starting the year with a good balance! We gained $389 over the entire year of expenses and income.

Summer 2003 - Philmont: Philmont is saying that we owe them for one other camper. Bill is waiting for the other troop to determine what they paid. It will be decided at a separate time.

Christmas Wreaths: Al submitted a report – $1343.00 profit. This does not include the sales from the lot. Last year the troop made approximately $2000.

Xmas Trees: We threw away 29 trees this year. We sold 362 trees this year, which is more than last year, but we bought more trees this year. We made about $168 less than last year. In general, the trees seemed lower quality than last year. Frazier trees sold out quickly. We pay $25 per tree and sell them $50 per tree. Fritchens sold their Frazier Firs for $80 per tree and had many left over. They lowered the price to $65 near the end. Sales technique is very important! Next year the troop may wish to buy 60-70 Fraziers. Eric would like to suggest advertising next year (flyers with wreath sales, bulletin boards at grocery stores, over free outlets, Register Star has done articles on us last two years see if they will do another early). Next year we need more twine and netting (2 cases). We also need to buy more balsam roping – many requests for that.

Swim Night: Marcus will be there tomorrow, and Sandy confirmed it with the school.

2004 District Annual Meeting: Bill put together a flier for this. Price can be determined in the next month and sent in a mailer to the various units. Last year the price was $12 in advance and $16 at the door. Date – April 4; Time – 3:30 pm for registration, 4:00 pm for meeting. Gretchen Horan will head the subcommittee. Thanks, Bill, for making the flyer! Pack 429 will donate their decorations from their Blue & Gold Banquet. [Gretchen Horan, Bill LeFevre, Adam LeFevre, Eric Schmidt, Judi Nichols and MaryAnn Bushaw are the sub-committee.]

Florida Sea Base (Summer 2005): Calling for dates will be in February.

White Water Rafting (2004): Eric reported that 22 people signed up to go as of this date. Eric paid a deposit for 23 people, but we have only paid half of the whole cost. The final cost may vary some. These dollars are just for the rafting. The troop still has the rest of the trip to determine.

Skiing: Scheduled for Camp McCoy on Jan. 30- Feb. 1. The troop will stay at Dannette Hollifield’s second home; 17445 Circle Lane, Richland Center, WI, 53518; 608/647-8776. The cost for food is $7. Other fees, such as ski rentals or tow fees, will be published. $13 for lift pass & $20 for lift pass and ski rental. Adults are $23 for lift and rentals; $16 for lift only. The troop will pay $6 for Scout and $10 for both. For adult fees, there will be a 50/50 split. Instruction is an extra charge, splitting the cost 50/50 with the troop.

Summer Camp 2004: Sandy and the PLC selected six (6) summer camps for scouts to present to the troop. We will try to do summer camp at the end of June.

Troop Development Committee: Sandy shared several ideas for activities to complete the troop’s calendar. One event is going to the Rockford Art Museum on May 15^th, which is having a 2-hour special program. Sandy has 6 confirmed Webelos who are crossing over to the troop. February 28 will be Pack 401 & Pack 429 B&G Banquets.

Up-Coming Events: New Leaders’ Training; Lake Ripley (1/16/04); Klondike Derby (Eric will recruit a couple of Scouts to run an event – same weekend as Lake Ripley campout).

Dual Charter: Eric reports that the District and the church want a stand-alone troop at the church. A dual charter could be done. Any equipment at the beginning belongs to the fire station. A written agreement would be done, indicating any new equipment would be split in the future. Bill is concerned that you have to get the Webelos interested in our troop regardless of what our charter is (no one from Pack 181). Dan indicated that the fire station is a neutral setting, while a troop at a church is less so. Motion to set up a dual charter was made and not passed. (1 yes, 10 no, and 2 abstention)

Religious Awards: Two of our boys – Nick Horan and Patrick Bushaw will be receiving religious awards on Scout Sunday at St. Peters.

Heaters: The troop has 2 or 3 heaters in the basement, according to Eric. Marion bought one, which was much appreciated. Adam LeFevre found the old heaters; the troop is willing to buy Marion’s heater from her.

Tax Return: Paul raised the question as to whether we should file a nonprofit organization tax return. Craig will check with the council about this question.

Adjourned at 8:03pm