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Hello Members and Associate Members -

Due to crowded beach on holiday weekends (lack of parking) and our Associate Member List at historically high level of 80 and a few other issues, I am placing a temporary pause on the Associate Member List where no new Associate Members will be accepted at this time until we have time to review and discuss.

As a reference point, The CMBC Constitution explicitly states the club focuses on boating education, boating activities, and boating safety.  Beach activity is not even mentioned in the Constitution, but I see  our beach as a great service and supplement to complimenting our boating activity.

The Associate Member list was originally designed to be on a "waiting list" to become a member and obtaining a permanent slip.  They were just as active as Members because they wanted to show they would be a great member when they had their chance to earn a permanent slip. I don't think one needs to own a boat to be an Associate Member, but it is expected that they are very active in the club just like we request that from our members. I can say we have many active Associate members that do not own a boat and thank goodness we have them as we need that to thrive. It does seem however that some of our new Associate Members from the last couple of years are joining just so they can have vehicle access to the beach and do not plan to do anything more than that. The CMBC has never been meant to be a bargain priced beach club. I have reviewed the Associate Member list and there seems to be a possible group that do not plan to do much more than pay their "beach access" fees.  We need active Members AND active Associate Members. Again, I am placing a temporary pause on this until the EC and general membership can dive into this more. I am always opened to anybody's ideas that can help in this area.

Again, I can rattle off  many names of Associate Members that do not own a boat that are very active with the club and thank goodness that we have them!

An issue associated with this is the use of Gate Keys to unapproved guests. Guests are anybody that are visiting or staying with a Member or an Associate Member.  "Approved guest" is a vague term, BUT IT DOES NOT PERTAIN TO OTHER NEIGHBORS IN THE COMMUNITY AND THEIR GUESTS.  A Member/Associate Member can NOT give their gate card to another neighbor and their guests. Remember, you are responsible for your guests' behavior even if you are not on the beach and that is hard to do if you do not know them. It is not required, but it is a Best Practice to be present at beach when using your gate card. It is required however for Member/Associate Member to be present if a guest is using the boat ramp (and must have proper insurance coverage).

I hope this helps for now.

Thanks

Gerry - Commodore