THE AMERICAN LEGION PETER WOLLNER POST 288
Executive Board Meeting 27 May 2025
The meeting was called to order by Commander Kristin Burkart at 1900 hours followed by the appropriate opening ceremonies.
Roll call of officers was taken with 12 present and 3 absent. Quorum present.
Guests: Eric Albrect, Executive Board Member, elect.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1st Vice Jim Lee – Jim reported that Post membership is at 96.06%. He has sent out the last letter for the membership year asking members with unpaid dues for 2025 to please pay their dues now or they will be dropped from the roster. If they are unable to pay their dues for whatever reason the Post will consider paying their dues for them.
2nd Vice Gene Szudrowitz – No report
3rd Vice Jerry Smith: Excused. Through the commander Jerry expressed his appreciation for all the Post members who participated in the Memorial Day activities and to those members responsible for formulating the program and implementing it. Job well done and the weather was superb.
Finance Dennis Loberger – No report
Bar Report Rick Siefert – Rick reported the Bar did quite well in May. He reported on the cash deposit, Credit Card totals, bills and Rent and Donations.
House Chair Ed Downey – Absent
Chaplain PJ Glavey – Excused
Judge Advocate Tom Ingram – No report
Past Post Commander Dennis Jaeger – No report
George Maumee – George was pleased with the performance of the marching unit during the Memorial Day Parade. He related the unit had good alignment and most were in-step. George also said he had spoken with Jerry Smith and Jerry said his back surgery went well and he is mending. Jerry said there is an 80% chance this surgery will successfully solve his back pain.
Debbie Gabert – As she oversees publicity for the Post, Debbie was happy to see the Encampment was on the front page of the News Graphic.
Ray Ronchetti – Ray voiced concerns regarding the PA system (feedback) at the Memorial Day program. Commander Burkart said it occurred when she adjusted the microphone down towards the podium and the sound bounced off the podium. Short take, no problem with the sound system.
Janet Radtke – No report
Adjutant Bob Batty – No report
CORRESPONDENCE
Commander Burkart read two letters from the Lions Club both containing checks. The first check was for $1300 for use of the Post and bartenders and the second check for $300 was a donation.
Commander Burkart read a thank you note from the Chuck Bowser family for the presentation of a Bible, plant and Military Funeral Honors.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Finance Officer Loberger announced several bills to be paid totaling $1,800.54. Motion and second to pay all the bills. Motion carried.
Dennis Loberger reported on the cabinet refacing bids. He received two bids, the first for $44,610 with a price reduction (as we are a nonprofit VSO) to $35,688 to reface all the cabinets. The second bid was to reface only the bottom cabinets and replace all drawers with the bottom cabinets matching the top cabinets in color. The price is $21,576 but discounted to $19,576 again for the above reasons. Current hardware would be reused. Work would be performed by Savers Kitchen and Bath next October and would take 2 to 3 days to complete. Motion and a second to recommend to the General Membership that the Savers bid for $19,576 be approved and performed as stated. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Tom Ingram needs help with distributing cemetery flags and then taking them out. Over 1070 flags are put on the graves of veterans throughout three cemeteries. After discussion it was decided to bring this topic up at the Regular Membership Meeting and put together a list of volunteers. The most difficult part is finding the graves when distributing the flags, taking them out is easy.
Fish Fry – Bob Batty recommended that the July Fish Fry be canceled as it falls on the same weekend as Department Convention in Green Bay and too many Legionnaires and Auxiliary members who regularly volunteer for the Fish Fry will be gone. After a lively discussion it was decided to cancel the July Fish Fry. Motion and a second to cancel the July Fish Fry. Motion carried with one nay.
The Post Membership Service Years Awards, Community Awards and Spaghetti dinner will be held on July 8, 2025, which is the Regular Membership Meeting for July. There was discussion as to who would prepare the spaghetti dinner. Bill Raymond and Ted Jershefski have done it in the past, if they are unable to do it, we may be able to find a caterer willing. Post officer picture will take place at 5:45 pm with dinner at 6 pm and the meeting following at 7 pm.
The Post Chicken Roast will be held Sunday, July 27, 2025. Tickets should be available at the July Regular Meeting, July 8th. Dennis Jaeger will investigate ordering the chickens. Sign-up sheets will be available at the July 8th meeting.
Commander Burkart presented two rental agreements from the CFD, one for parking at Maxwell Street Days and the other for parking at Strawberry and Wine and Harvest Fest. The parking agreement for Maxwell Street is a split of net proceeds at 60% CFD, 40% Post. As this has been the arrangement over the past several years the commander signed the contract. The CFD is asking for the same split for the two Fests as contained in the rental agreement for Maxwell Street Days. After discussion by the board, it was decided to have the commander propose to CFD a revenue split of 50-50. If not accepted by the CFD the commander is empowered to negotiate a fair settlement. Motion and a second for the commander to propose a 50-50 revenue split for Strawberry and Wine & Harvest Fest and if not accepted by the CFD to negotiate a fair settlement. Motion carried.
Rick Siefert brought up raising bar prices and passed out a handout of current Post bar pricing. Beer, liquor and wine costs have gone up substantially. Discussion ensued and it was decided to look at market prices and compare to what the Post is currently charging. Consensus of the Board is that bar pricing should be increased but more information is needed before concrete decisions are made. Commander Burkart will investigate pricing and report back to the Board next month.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEGION
Commander Burkart still has raffle tickets for anyone who might be interested in purchasing them.
Gene Szudrowitz mentioned the dolly used to move the folding chairs stored in the garage is broken and either should be repaired or replaced. Will have the House Chair look into this matter.
Post Fish Fry June 20th.
Thursday morning coffee at Jim’s Grille 10 a.m.
There being no further business the meeting ended with the appropriate closing ceremonies and was adjourned at 2010 hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert S. Batty, PDC
Adjutant
Peter Wollner Post 288
Department of Wisconsin