CSS Meeting Minutes 95.0425
Apr 30, 2009 23:14:28 GMT
Post by Andae Blakus on Apr 30, 2009 23:14:28 GMT
Command Staff of Section 47
Monthly Meeting Minutes for 95.0425 – April 25, 2009
Voting Members Present
Fleet Admiral Karynn McCormick – Section Executive Officer
Admiral Magellan Lin – Personnel Officer
Rear Admiral Sonak Reckus – Biographies Officer (Second Officer)
Commodore Steven Smith – Trivia Officer
Commander First Class Andae Blakus – Chief of Communications
Non Voting Members Present
Commander First Class Jack Crane – Fleet Representative
Apologies
Section Admiral Paul Drew – Section Admiral
Vice Admiral MC7_of_9 – Personnel Fleet Commander
Captain Carl Torek – Ranks Officer
Captain Matthew Reynolds – Commendations Officer
Commander First Class Megan Garrett – Notetaker
The meeting was called to order by Fleet Admiral McCormick at 15:11 EST/19:11 GMT
Votes from Section Admiral Drew and Captain Torek were submitted by proxy from Fleet Admiral McCormick.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
OLD BUSINESS
1. An Update on the Section 47 Hall of Fame (McCormick)
Following the previous month’s tabling of this item, Admiral McCormick was to update the CSS on the status of Section 47’s Hall of Fame and the writing of biographies for the Hall of Fame’s members. Admiral McCormick informed the CSS that unfortunately no further progress had been made with this, and that the matter would be attended to as soon as was possible.
No Motion was held.
As this was merely an update on progress, no motion was held.
2. Discussion on Reforming the Current Acting Ensign System (MC7_of_9)
A discussion was held following up on Admiral MC7_of_9’s suggestion to reform the Acting Ensign system. The suggestion was to allow all new members, upon joining, to instantly be recognised as holding the rank of Ensign, thereby removing the full training period. A number of points were made by the CSS regarding this, primarily centred on the lack of information regarding Acting Ensign status in Commanding officers’ Ship Reports. It was generally agreed that the removal of the Acting Ensign rank would eliminate this problem. Concerns were raised regarding the submission of new member biographies and weekly trivia, both requirements that Acting Ensigns must fulfill in order to graduate. A number of suggestions were made in an attempt to address this, and it was eventually agreed that sending a biography template with new members’ welcome letters would give them an instant starting point in fulfilling the obligation of writing a biography. With this issue resolved, the matter was brought to a vote.
Motion to Abolish the Acting Ensign Rank and Training Period
Ayes – 5 with the FR in agreement
Nays – 1
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
3. Discussion on the Current Ranks and Promotion System (MC7_of_9)
The CSS acted on a request from Admiral MC7_of_9 to discuss the current ranks and promotion system. Admiral MC7_of_9’s primary concern was that the distribution of ranks within the Section are currently too ‘top heavy’, with many members holding the rank of Commander First Class or Commander. It was suggested that the trivia point boundaries between some or all of the ranks be increased, as to prevent rapid promotion. It was then stated that the only modification to the system that the Section Admiral was in favour of was a lessening of the number of trivia questions, and hence the number of points available every week. It was soon established that the members of CSS present agreed with this idea, and it was brought to a vote.
Motion to Decrease the Number of Weekly Trivia Questions to Ten
Ayes – 6 with the FR in agreement
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
4. Discussion Regarding a Redesign of the Main Site
Following previous discussion the matter of a new design for the main site was addressed. Admiral McCormick presented an idea for a redesign, but with no example to work with the CSS came to discuss only who would have the capability and sufficient time to produce a working example. A number of names were suggested for this, and it was agreed that a brief would be produced and shown to these persons when ready.
No Motion was held.
As this was a matter of discussion and with the writing of a brief agreed upon, no motion for a vote was needed.
5. A Report on Preparations for Section 47’s 9th Anniversary
With last month’s discussion on plans for the Section 47 Anniversary, an update was requested as to the status of the preparations. Admiral Lin reported that a special set of Anniversary trivia had been written. Commander Blakus reported that he was to write an edition of the Section 47 Newsletter for the Anniversary, and that he wished to make the Newsletter a more regular feature of the site. There was discussion on the primary focus of this Anniversary: to hold a special thread based in the TOS Era of the site, with a view to attracting new members whom may be drawn by the impending Star Trek feature film.
No Motion was held.
As this was merely an update and a matter of discussion, no motion was held.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request on the Status of the LOS System (Drew)
The CSS were informed that Admiral Drew had requested reassurances that the Length-of-Service (LOS) award system was now operational and would operate correctly. With the Commendations Officer’s site-wide LOA, it was suggested that a new temporary Junior CSS position be created to fulfill the awarding of LOS. It was suggested that Commander Jack Crane be given the position. Commander Crane agreed to accept the role and the matter was brought to a vote.
Motion to Temporarily Appoint Commander Jack Crane a New Jr. CSS Position to Manage the LOS System
Ayes – 6
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
2. Request on the Status of the Fleet Representative Election (Drew)
Admiral McCormick requested a status update on the FR election on behalf of Admiral Drew. CSS were informed that there had been no more applicants for the FR role, and thus the matter of what to do in this unique situation, with no election possible, was discussed. Discussion was had on how the election should be conducted, and after some consideration it was suggested that, in the absence of a second candidate to contest the election, CSS should vote on whether or not they agree that the current Fleet Representative be reinstated to a new 4 month term.
Motion to Agree on CCS’s Reinstatement of Commander Jack Crane as FR
Ayes – 6
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
PROMOTIONS, MEDALS, AWARDS AND COMMAND ASSIGNMENTS
1. New Commanding Officer for the USS Nevada-B (Lin)
With the stepping down of Admiral Drew from command of the USS Nevada, the Personnel Officer was to present to CSS his recommendations for the CO position. As Admiral Drew was absent from the meeting, there was an issue that the Personnel Officer could not present his recommendation to him. Nonetheless, the merits of several candidates were discussed. However, Admiral Lin was hesitant to advance the discussion in the Section Admiral’s absence and it was suggested by Admiral McCormick that the item be tabled for later consideration, and that the Personnel Officer assign interim command officers.
Motion to Table the Item due to the Absence of Section Admiral Drew
Ayes – 5
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion to Table Passed
2. This Item was Marked as “Confidential” for the Public Meeting Minutes
3. Nomination for Captain Savot to be Awarded the Literacy Excellence Award (Reynolds)
Following up on the nomination of Captain Savot for the Award of Literacy Excellence, CSS held discussion on whether or not Captain Savot would receive it. The CSS had only praise for the officer’s writing skill and what he brings to Section 47, and the matter was brought swiftly to a vote.
Motion to Award Captain Savot with the Literacy Excellence Award
Ayes – 6 with FR in agreement
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Admiral McCormick at 17:15 EST/21:15 GMT
Minutes written and submitted by Commander First Class Andae Blakus – Chief of Communication Corps
Monthly Meeting Minutes for 95.0425 – April 25, 2009
Voting Members Present
Fleet Admiral Karynn McCormick – Section Executive Officer
Admiral Magellan Lin – Personnel Officer
Rear Admiral Sonak Reckus – Biographies Officer (Second Officer)
Commodore Steven Smith – Trivia Officer
Commander First Class Andae Blakus – Chief of Communications
Non Voting Members Present
Commander First Class Jack Crane – Fleet Representative
Apologies
Section Admiral Paul Drew – Section Admiral
Vice Admiral MC7_of_9 – Personnel Fleet Commander
Captain Carl Torek – Ranks Officer
Captain Matthew Reynolds – Commendations Officer
Commander First Class Megan Garrett – Notetaker
The meeting was called to order by Fleet Admiral McCormick at 15:11 EST/19:11 GMT
Votes from Section Admiral Drew and Captain Torek were submitted by proxy from Fleet Admiral McCormick.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
OLD BUSINESS
1. An Update on the Section 47 Hall of Fame (McCormick)
Following the previous month’s tabling of this item, Admiral McCormick was to update the CSS on the status of Section 47’s Hall of Fame and the writing of biographies for the Hall of Fame’s members. Admiral McCormick informed the CSS that unfortunately no further progress had been made with this, and that the matter would be attended to as soon as was possible.
No Motion was held.
As this was merely an update on progress, no motion was held.
2. Discussion on Reforming the Current Acting Ensign System (MC7_of_9)
A discussion was held following up on Admiral MC7_of_9’s suggestion to reform the Acting Ensign system. The suggestion was to allow all new members, upon joining, to instantly be recognised as holding the rank of Ensign, thereby removing the full training period. A number of points were made by the CSS regarding this, primarily centred on the lack of information regarding Acting Ensign status in Commanding officers’ Ship Reports. It was generally agreed that the removal of the Acting Ensign rank would eliminate this problem. Concerns were raised regarding the submission of new member biographies and weekly trivia, both requirements that Acting Ensigns must fulfill in order to graduate. A number of suggestions were made in an attempt to address this, and it was eventually agreed that sending a biography template with new members’ welcome letters would give them an instant starting point in fulfilling the obligation of writing a biography. With this issue resolved, the matter was brought to a vote.
Motion to Abolish the Acting Ensign Rank and Training Period
Ayes – 5 with the FR in agreement
Nays – 1
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
3. Discussion on the Current Ranks and Promotion System (MC7_of_9)
The CSS acted on a request from Admiral MC7_of_9 to discuss the current ranks and promotion system. Admiral MC7_of_9’s primary concern was that the distribution of ranks within the Section are currently too ‘top heavy’, with many members holding the rank of Commander First Class or Commander. It was suggested that the trivia point boundaries between some or all of the ranks be increased, as to prevent rapid promotion. It was then stated that the only modification to the system that the Section Admiral was in favour of was a lessening of the number of trivia questions, and hence the number of points available every week. It was soon established that the members of CSS present agreed with this idea, and it was brought to a vote.
Motion to Decrease the Number of Weekly Trivia Questions to Ten
Ayes – 6 with the FR in agreement
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
4. Discussion Regarding a Redesign of the Main Site
Following previous discussion the matter of a new design for the main site was addressed. Admiral McCormick presented an idea for a redesign, but with no example to work with the CSS came to discuss only who would have the capability and sufficient time to produce a working example. A number of names were suggested for this, and it was agreed that a brief would be produced and shown to these persons when ready.
No Motion was held.
As this was a matter of discussion and with the writing of a brief agreed upon, no motion for a vote was needed.
5. A Report on Preparations for Section 47’s 9th Anniversary
With last month’s discussion on plans for the Section 47 Anniversary, an update was requested as to the status of the preparations. Admiral Lin reported that a special set of Anniversary trivia had been written. Commander Blakus reported that he was to write an edition of the Section 47 Newsletter for the Anniversary, and that he wished to make the Newsletter a more regular feature of the site. There was discussion on the primary focus of this Anniversary: to hold a special thread based in the TOS Era of the site, with a view to attracting new members whom may be drawn by the impending Star Trek feature film.
No Motion was held.
As this was merely an update and a matter of discussion, no motion was held.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Request on the Status of the LOS System (Drew)
The CSS were informed that Admiral Drew had requested reassurances that the Length-of-Service (LOS) award system was now operational and would operate correctly. With the Commendations Officer’s site-wide LOA, it was suggested that a new temporary Junior CSS position be created to fulfill the awarding of LOS. It was suggested that Commander Jack Crane be given the position. Commander Crane agreed to accept the role and the matter was brought to a vote.
Motion to Temporarily Appoint Commander Jack Crane a New Jr. CSS Position to Manage the LOS System
Ayes – 6
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
2. Request on the Status of the Fleet Representative Election (Drew)
Admiral McCormick requested a status update on the FR election on behalf of Admiral Drew. CSS were informed that there had been no more applicants for the FR role, and thus the matter of what to do in this unique situation, with no election possible, was discussed. Discussion was had on how the election should be conducted, and after some consideration it was suggested that, in the absence of a second candidate to contest the election, CSS should vote on whether or not they agree that the current Fleet Representative be reinstated to a new 4 month term.
Motion to Agree on CCS’s Reinstatement of Commander Jack Crane as FR
Ayes – 6
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
PROMOTIONS, MEDALS, AWARDS AND COMMAND ASSIGNMENTS
1. New Commanding Officer for the USS Nevada-B (Lin)
With the stepping down of Admiral Drew from command of the USS Nevada, the Personnel Officer was to present to CSS his recommendations for the CO position. As Admiral Drew was absent from the meeting, there was an issue that the Personnel Officer could not present his recommendation to him. Nonetheless, the merits of several candidates were discussed. However, Admiral Lin was hesitant to advance the discussion in the Section Admiral’s absence and it was suggested by Admiral McCormick that the item be tabled for later consideration, and that the Personnel Officer assign interim command officers.
Motion to Table the Item due to the Absence of Section Admiral Drew
Ayes – 5
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion to Table Passed
2. This Item was Marked as “Confidential” for the Public Meeting Minutes
3. Nomination for Captain Savot to be Awarded the Literacy Excellence Award (Reynolds)
Following up on the nomination of Captain Savot for the Award of Literacy Excellence, CSS held discussion on whether or not Captain Savot would receive it. The CSS had only praise for the officer’s writing skill and what he brings to Section 47, and the matter was brought swiftly to a vote.
Motion to Award Captain Savot with the Literacy Excellence Award
Ayes – 6 with FR in agreement
Nays – 0
Abstentions – 0
Motion Passed
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by Admiral McCormick at 17:15 EST/21:15 GMT
Minutes written and submitted by Commander First Class Andae Blakus – Chief of Communication Corps