EMZoomer‘s business meeting   Sunday February 1, 2026

Dan A. started the meeting at 8:30.  Ron P. led us in the serenity prayer

 Committee reports

GSR: Darlene is absent today, we will hear report next month.

Grapevine:  Darlene is absent today, we will hear report next month.

Secretary’s Report: Lisa U. Shared the minutes from January‘s business meeting have been posted on our website for the past three weeks, and reminded all are welcome to review and make comment. Michael A. made a request for detailed notes on our discussion of new business regarding chairpeople. Lisa assured detailed notes.

 Books and Coins: Mary reported no books or coins went out this month.

Service Chair: Michael A. Reported we elected three new chairpeople and two new hosts this past month. All rolling along well.

Treasurer’s Report: Deb B. reviewed the treasurers report. Deb tried to screen share with us— Mary offered to show Deb how, so she can screen share her report with us next month.

Website report: Herb is absent today, we will defer website report till next month.

Mary made a motion to accept the committee reports, Michael A. seconded, all were in favor and passed unanimously.

Old Business:  Dan A. summarized that we had taken the month to think about concerns regarding the chairperson’s responsibilities.  Members of the group had brought specific concerns to him regarding chairpeople making lengthy openings and making too many remarks after other members shares. His personal opinion is this is more of an outlier problem and perhaps the host or service chair could offer a gentle reminder when a chairperson looses sight of the guidelines. Mary shared she likes the idea of a gentle reminder and has noticed improvements. She appreciates the time spent deliberating on this so we respond rather than react. Michael A. shared he had reflected on this issue this past month. He offered his opinion that we let this issue sit. His concerns about offering feedback, particularly to new people chairing could offend and create another hurdle for new people, precisely when they’re taking the risk and agreeing to chair. He’s concerned stricter guidelines could ultimately disturb the quality of spiritual unity EMZoomer‘s possesses. Dan A. commented that the people who brought forth these concerns also speaks to the standard and quality of spiritual unity. Terri offered the suggestion to include some directions for the chairperson on the guidelines document. Fred P. commented, it’s not necessary to add to the morning script, he suggests we put the reminder in the chairperson‘s guidelines, reiterating that chairpeople share about three minutes and don’t make comments between other members shares. He offered we can point out gently, and he has experience of this particular issue in another meeting, and how to resolve.  Dan A. commented when we elect new chair people we review the guidelines. Kevin D offered, how about putting a comment about cross talk in the script. Mary suggested perhaps outgoing chairpeople could guide the next chairperson and offer guidance, particularly when the incoming chair is newer to the program. Dan A. requested Fred P. polish our existing guidelines to be more informative and clarifying. Fred P agreed. Deb B offered, she’s noticed an occasional tendency for a chairperson to put themselves above the group when their job is to facilitate. She wondered if the service chair could be responsible to remind chair people when they need a gentle reminder. Deb offered the tendency can also happen with the chair of the business meeting and can move beyond facilitating and take a hierarchical position to the group. Deb commented she hoped this did not offend Dan. Dan shared he was not offended, and that the business meeting is run differently then an AA meeting. Dan also reminded the group we follow Roberts Rules of Order when having a business meeting. Ron P. offered we have the chairperson’s script, it can’t hurt to add an additional reminder for chairperson not to speak too long. Michael A. commented that as service chair he’s willing to direct people to the written guidelines and offer gentle reminders when necessary.  Also sharing that people who have done these infractions are newer and wants to remind us that love intolerance is how we continue to grow. He is not going to intervene on every infraction and wants the group to continue the inner work of being more patient and tolerant. Dan A offered. It’s not just new people making the infractions. Michael A. offered if the service chair job requires policing the chairpeoples guidelines, he may not be the right member for the job. He will support whatever this group decides. Jeff H. offered the value of diplomacy and being careful and compassionate rather than confrontational to create better outcomes. Jeff offered the helpful example of the bus boy with the pants hanging too low at the job, and the subtleties of approach can make all the difference. Mary reminded us ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’. Jeff shared historically chairpeople have been working out well; perhaps guidelines could be made simpler with bullet points to put information at people‘s fingertips. Sal V. shared his experience of wanting to do his job as chairperson as best as he could. He thought he was supposed to add to the conversation and support people throughout the meeting, he would prefer the method of a gentle nudge rather than a document creating worry when people are new to the job. (Secretary’s note: personal experience never fails to powerfully inform). Terri reiterated chairperson script at the bottom of the script, she also commented she felt the nature of the business meeting had changed and has concerns about how Roberts Rules of Order are being followed. She would like this discussed at next months meeting. Dan A. agreed and reminded the group that Roberts Rules were approved by the group as the format for the business meetings. Fred P. and Jeff H. will work together to refine the chairperson‘s guidelines and bring that back to us next month.

New business: Kevin D. requested we think about singing happy anniversary at the end of the meeting when someone has an anniversary. Terri requests a review of Robert’s Rules of Order.

Lisa U. made a motion to adjourn the meeting Dan A. seconded, all were in favor. All were thanked for their attendance and service.

Yours in service,

Lisa U

Treasurer’s Report