Posted by Nancy Graydon on May 28, 2024
Rotary Club of San Francisco
The Rotary Club of San Francisco Board of Directors met on April 23, 2024 via Zoom. President Sunny Singh called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m. Nancy Graydon, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were Emily Borland, Dan Davies, Nancy Graydon, President-Elect Bob Hermann, Scott Plakun, President Sunny Singh, Todd St Vrain, Christopher Wiseman, Ozan Yasavur, and Frank Yoke, constituting a quorum. Absent were Margaret Miley, Maureen O’Shea, Alex Omoko, and Bill Poppen. Today’s guest was Mary Liu.
 
Minutes
The Board reviewed and approved the March 25, 2024 minutes.
 
New Business
Vice President of Vocational Services for 2024-2025: Alex Omoko has decided to not continue as Vice President of Vocational Services beginning July 1, 2024 due to other obligations. The Board unanimously appointed Bridget Mahoney to fill this vacancy and to serve as Vice President of Vocational Services beginning July 1, 2024.
 
Club Picnic: Frank Yoke discussed the picnic in Golden Gate Park on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to honor President Sunny and invited everyone to attend.
 
Pride Parade: Scott Plakun announced the District’s involvement with the San Francisco Pride Parade. On the day of this Board meeting, there was room for two Club members on the District's float.
 
New Contract with Hotel Nikko
President Sunny outlined the elements of the new three-year contract with the Hotel Nikko for our lunch meetings. The most notable changes include the increase in price for parking to $25, and the minimum headcount at each lunch will now be 30. The cost of food is also increasing. President-Elect Bob Hermann noted that the Hotel is planning to put up a plaque to recognize Rotary’s partnership and considering a corporate membership with our Club.
 
The Board unanimously approved the new three-year contract with the Hotel Nikko.
 
Other Cost Increases
President-Elect Bob presented several price increases to help offset the increased meeting costs. The Board unanimously approved the following increases that will go into effect on July 1, 2024:
 
  • ZOOM registration to attend lunch meetings will cost $15.
  • Sharing good news at lunch meetings will be known as $25 for 25.
  • The annual amount for a Leave of Absence (LOA) will be $225 in 2024-2025 so that dues for Rotary International and Rotary District 5150 are covered. Since these dues are likely to increase again, the amount for a LOA will be reviewed each year and adjusted if necessary.
Rotarian of the Month
The Board selected Brian Lan for the April 2024 Rotarian of the Month in recognition of his outstanding work with the recent Bike Build.
 
Youth Services
Todd St Vrain provided an update on RYLA and noted that 190 camper applications had been received ahead of the May 15th deadline. He pointed out that there is typically a 40% drop-off rate. Next year, the priority will be to find new channels to attract more facilitators to accommodate the rise in camper applications and interest. Diversity also needs to be prioritized to ensure RYLA is inclusive and reflective of our local community.
 
Treasurer's Report
President Sunny communicated to the Board that he had met with Treasurer Bill Poppen regarding the financial reports and indicated that we are close to budget. The focus for the next few months would be the collection of outstanding dues.
 
Membership Report
President Sunny presented Adedeji Ogunyemi for membership. The Board approved Adedeji as a new member of our Club.

There being no further business, the Club meeting was adjourned at 4:51 p.m.
 
Rotary Service, Inc.
President Sunny Singh called the meeting to order at 4:51 p.m. Nancy Graydon, Secretary, recorded the minutes.
 
In attendance were Emily Borland, Dan Davies, Nancy Graydon, President-Elect Bob Hermann, Scott Plakun, President Sunny Singh, Mary Liu, Todd St Vrain, Christopher Wiseman, Ozan Yasavur, and Frank Yoke, constituting a quorum. Absent were Margaret Miley, Maureen O’Shea, Alex Omoko, and Bill Poppen. 
 
Minutes
The Trustees reviewed and approved the March 25, 2024 minutes.
 
Treasurer's Report
President Sunny communicated to the Board that he had met with Treasurer Bill Poppen regarding the financial reports and indicated that we are close to budget.
 
Grant Recommendations
President-Elect Bob Hermann reported that 31 grants were submitted, and the Board would vote at the May 28th Board Meeting on which proposals to recommend to the San Francisco Rotary Foundation on June 1, 2024. President Sunny added that the Board must review the grant recommendations before May 28 and ask questions, if any, so that a vote could be made on May 28.
 
Board Reports
Each Committee gave a report on its status to date.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:14 p.m.
 
EDITOR'S NOTES: These highlights are from the April 23, 2024 Board minutes that were approved on May 28, 2024.