Central Missouri Sigma Chi Alumni Chapter

Minutes of June 8, 2005 Meeting

 

Eight dedicated (out of a potential 295) membersof the Chapter attended the regular bi-monthly meeting at BTB, namely Brothers David Bear, Jeff Comparato, George Gale, Raymond Haight, Andrew Kassel, Thad McCanse, Eoghan Miller, and President Bruce Klaus.

 

For some reason a lengthy document about Duncan Matteson and San Francisco's bid for the 1912 Summer Olympics was passed around.  On close inspection it appears that Duncan Matteson is rich, attended the University of Missouri, played basketball, moved to California, and became a major figure in real estate and banking, all of which is nice to know, I guess.

 

Of greater interest were proposals from International Headquarters to amend the Sigma Chi Constitution and other governing laws.  In view of our experience with Headquarters, the proposals were viewed with suspicion, if not hostility.  Among the proposed changes are a proposal to give the Grand Consul dictatorial powers, i.e. to "interpret, contrue and enforce the Constitution, Ritual Statutes and regulations of the Fraternity."

 

Also of great interest was a proposal to amend statutes regarding property ownership.  It appears Sigma Chi's Executive Committee would have the power to buy assets as it may determine are necessary for the good organization and efficient operation of the Fraternity.  Three sections of the statute were deleted, including one about property owned by house corporations.

 

There was an extended debate about what all the changes meant.  Eight college greaduates, including two from law school, admitted they were unable to determine just why the changes were needed, what was intended and what was being said.  Brother Kassel opined we could trust Headquarters.  Others were not convinced.  The solution was for Brother Klaus to ask someone about this at the Grand Chapter meeting.

 

President Klaus pointed out that we needed a change in our by-laws now that we are a chapter and not an association.  Our expenses for postage are about $150 a year, and we have $685.85 in our checking account.

 

President Klaus also stated that there was lots of support at the upper echelon of national (International?) for reinstatement of Xi Xi.  It was moved by Brother Gale, seconded by Brother Bear, that we should meet with national regarding reinstatement, obtain a written statement of the precise requirements and procedure, and what our involvement will be.  The motion passed and President Klaus will ask national about this.

 

Brother McCanse stated that in view of the proposed changes regarding property ownership, we should sell 500 College to National.  Brother Bear found much merit in this approach, adding that we should set the price at $1,600,000, pay off the mortgage and use the balance however the law would permit.  Brother Gale said hogwash, or some such.

 

Brother Gale, as Acting Recording Secretary due to the unfortunate absence of Brother McCanse, read his "minutes" of the April meeting.  It is always interesting, if not entirely credible, to hear an ad man's version of events.  But the minutes were deemed close enough that they were approved with one "nay" vote.

 

There was a discussion about whether we should sponsor a golf tournament.  The downside is expense, work, and the fact that the St. Louis and Kansas City tournaments are open to all.  If the suggestion had merit it was not apparent.

 

Someone said we should consider selling our property to the University.  Also the cost of insurance was mentioned.  There was an update on the lawsuit against the Fraternity and some members by a Stephens security employee, to wit: nothing is happening.

 

As no one had any other ideas, the meeting was adjourned.