MOVING ON TO PLAN B

Your Board worked hard to try to come up with a plan to "fast track" the building repairs. The plan would have included borrowing quite a bit of money and would further have required everything to fall into place in a pretty precise manner. This plan was never fully developed, understood, and supported by all Board members, and as a result, was never fully explained to the Membership. While a lot of effort was expended to get the Members fully involved through the use of absentee ballots, a regular Members meeting at the club, and some talking, the Members did not respond in sufficient numbers as required by the By-Laws to permit the necessary borrowings and related actions required to fast track the building.

That said, it's now time to move on to plan B. The building will not be restored to its original grandeur all at once any time soon. Logically, we will attempt to get the back meeting room up and running using funds we have on hand and local donations. This will permit development of a meeting schedule and have people returning to the Creek. With winter coming on, we feel we can build out this room, and after checking the electrical system, have a heated facility since the heater is in the attic and was unaffected by the flood waters. This also provides time for the new Board, which is seated in January, to develop its own approach toward completing the facility, doing fund raising, having a membership drive, etc. and perhaps having another Members' meeting in the spring.

The point is that we are not dead yet, and while we may not be a fully functioning 24 hour club for a while, we are going to try to get started once again soon. Stay tuned to this station for additional news when it develops.

MEMBERS VOTE DOWN CLUB REBUILDING PLAN

The members voted down any plans to borrow money to rebuild the club. The By-Laws require approval of a 2/3 majority of all voting members to borrow money, to pledge club assets, and to spend amounts over $5000 on any one item. All three proposals, which were interlocked and interdependent, were defeated by virtue of not meeting the 2/3 majority required. At this time, new plans are being developed to consider alternatives to borrowing money for club repairs, but since the new Board is seated in January, it would appear at this time to be an agenda item for the new Board next year.

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED FOR 2009

The annual members meeting elected the following officers and Trustees to serve beginning January, 2009.

President - Randy B
Vice President - John L
Exec Vice President - Hilda J
Treasurer - Cindy S
Secretary - Steve R
Tr at Large - Ken W
Tr at Large - Joe C

Good luck to these poor suckers for the coming year

ABSENTEE BALLOTS AVAILABLE

As we near the annual Members' Meeting scheduled for 3PM next Saturday, there are a few crucial items on the ballot relating to financing the reconstruction of our building that require as much Member participation as possible. Therefore, we are making available Absentee Ballots for those of you voting eligible members who may wish to vote but who will be unable to attend the meeting. Please contact any of the Trustees or contact me by e-mail (ghinyard@verizon.net) or phone (281-532-3001) to see about getting an Absentee ballot on file before the meeting. Should you vote absentee and then wish to show up and vote in person, your absentee ballot will be discarded. We really need a good turn out on this matter to assure By-Law compliance and to keep moving forward.

MEMBERS' MEETING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2008

The annual Members' Meeting of CCEDII will be held as usual on Saturday, ANovember 8, 2008 at the Club premises. Our By-Laws require member approval of certain financial transactions relating to the reconstruction of the building, so it is definately important that you try to attend if at all possible.

I will be sending out absentee ballots to those whose addresses I have or to those who I can find. If you would like an absentee ballot, contact me by e-mail or phone and let me know where to send it.

This is a very important meeting, and in the overall scope of the history of CCEDII, probably the most important one since the Club was started. Whether we continue as we were or have to seek some alternatives is apparent at this time. Please try to attend, and I will continue to hound anyone who might read this site.

More later.

SUNDAY BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 19, 2008

The Board met with a quorum this week and covered a lot of ground relative to getting the restoration project moving forward and in filling the vacant Secretary position. Steve R. was elected by the Board to finish the term of the previous Secretary. We still have the requirements to provide damage assessment in dollars as a percentage of our appraised value to deal with, but we believe that we will fall under the 50% requirement demanded by the City and by FEMA to allow us to remain at grade. We continue to work toward obtaining flood insurance operating with the belief that we are grandfathered as the building was built prior to 1974, thus we should be able to provide flood insurance to SBA as will be required should they approve our loan request. We continue to seek qualified estimates and bids to determine the numerator of the equation and may at the appropriate time retain an appraiser to determine the denominator.

As to the actual repairs themselves, we obviously have to obtain the necessary permits, get the money rounded up, and get a construction plan in place. Should the SBA deal not make, we are then faced with the prospect of seeking private donations and grants to do the project.

On another front, the members' meeting is set for 3PM on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Club facility. The members will be asked to elect a slate of officer/trustees for 2009 as well as to deal with technical matters regarding borrowing money, pledging assets, etc. If you are a member and are reading this, please make every effort to attend. It was also agreed to send out ballots by mail to help assure everyone the opportunity to participate in this election and to have a voice in the Club affairs.

Several people participated in a Saturday "clean-up" the grounds around the property, and it really looks much better. The weekly Saturday clean-up will continue to go on each week so long as people continue to show up to help. We believe that all of these efforts enhance our ability to demonstrate ourselves as an asset to the community, which we feel is very important at this time.

Other housekeeping matters were also dealt with. More later.

BOARD MEETING OCTOBER 12, 2008

Due to the lack of a quorum, the regularly scheduled Sunday afternoon emergency meeting of the Board of CCEDII could not conduct any formal business activities. However, informal reports included the fact that a loan application has been filed with SBA for disaster relief and reconstruction funding, we cannot get flood insurance until we have an elevation survey conducted, and other miscellaneous insured claims arising from Ike damage did not meet the deductible amount.

The bank account contains about $6700, and it was recommended that we spend no more money other than basic costs where we are now. It was reported that we continue to have water leaks and that the water should be shut off when not in use.

President Bill S. reported that he had found a master plumber to come look at our situation even though we have previously decided to go with a general contractor to conduct our repairs once we clear hurtles at the City. He's looking for a master electrician. It was noted that Patrick V's brother has an electrical contracting company and has offered to help. The Champions Club will be discussing holding a fundraiser on our behalf.

There will be a meeting at the Seabrook Intermediate School tomorrow (Monday, Oct 13) to discuss issues related to rebuilding and costs vs. damage estimates, etc.

The Board will attempt to hold its regular emergency meeting again next Sunday at 3:00PM.

DON'T FORGET TO MAIL DUES TO BOX 211

Member dues and other donations may still be sent to our P. O. Box 211, Seabrook, Tx. 77586. The phone is out of service, but you may contact me at 281-532-3001 and I'll try to answer any question you may have. I understand by the grapevine that there are some efforts underway to have some fundraiser events around the area to support our rebuilding efforts, and I'll post up any information that I get here.

There is a meeting at Seabrook Intermediate School Monday evening around 7PM according to the City of Seabrook website to discuss code requirements, rebuilding criteria, etc. The information might be valuable to individual homeowners as well as to CCEDII members as it relates to our future.

I submitted a loan package this morning to SBA along with an application. Since we have no idea of what all may be required to rebuild, there is no actual loan amount requested - just an open ended filing to get in under the deadline and to keep us moving forward.

More later as it develops.

BOARD MEETING SUMMARY OCTOBER 5, 2008

The regular weekly emergency Board meeting was held this afternoon with all Trustees present, as well as a number of members and other friends of CCC. Progress is being made on all fronts as the building has been basically stripped of all mold hiding areas and the good weather has allowed it to dry out pretty well. Of major import was the decision to rebuild/remodel with basically the same floor plan as previously existed - allowing for tweaks for code adjustments, door relocations, interior kitchen and custodian reconfiguration, etc. We will try to line up a few general contractors to offer bids and get this ball rolling. Parallel effort will continue regarding a possible SBA loan to support the costs involved in getting back to normal.

We further agreed to try to get the place weathered in and secured as well as to provide a working toilet as soon as is practical.

The Board voted to purchase flood insurance as it will be a required component of any loan we might want to pursue. That basically covers the highlights of the meeting. If you would like additional information, you can use the contact address or e-mail me at ghinyard@verizon.net. More later.

CLEAN UP UNDERWAY - READY TO REBUILD

The photos below show the progress made in cleaning up the building which has had to be taken down to the studs and concrete floor. There are a few meetings going on under the stars (and tents) and there is normally fresh coffee available every day. As you can see, the rebuild is a pretty big project which must consider mold remediation, changes to layout (if any), upgrades to building codes where necessary, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, floor covering, etc. not to mention funding sources (donations, loans, fundraiser events, etc.). Overall this is a pretty big undertaking, and we can't say enough thanks to all who are contributing their time, their sweat, their brainpower, and their money to see this thing through.

Please be sure to review the history or older files as this dinky little blog doesn't have a whole lot of room to display all of the older posts along with the current ones. If you have comments or questions, please use the comments section or go to Profile and send an e-mail.

If you have friends (or enemies) who may be interested in the Creek, regardless of where they are in this world (or any other world for that matter), please forward this URL to them. Just hit "File" and "Send Link" or copy the URL and paste it into your e-mail. We are starting to hear from some former members who have moved away, and they send their love to all of us. Our limited communications network makes spreading the word difficult, but maybe just sending this blog will help.

That's all for now - More later.

CCC SEPTEMBER SURPRISE-OCTOBER CLEAN-UP

SEND DUES AND OTHER DONATIONS TO OUR POST OFFICE BOX 211

Previously the question was raised as to how to handle payments to the Club such as dues, etc. All mail has been forwarded to our Post Office Box, and I would suggest that anything being transmitted to CCC be forwarded to CCC at Box 211, Seabrook, Tx 77586. At this time there is just no easy way to establish a secure drop box or something like that, so the P. O. Box seems to be the most realistic solution. Thanks, and more later.

BOARD MEETING SUMMARY SEPTEMBER 28, 2008

The Board held its weekly emergency Board meeting at 1310 5th Street, Seabrook, at 3:00PM, Sunday, September 28, 2008. Those in attendance were President Bill S., Treasurer Big Gene, Phil B. and John L, thus constituting a quorum of the Board to allow business to be conducted.

Larry N reported on the status of the building clean-up which is progressing. He further noted that until such time as the Board decides what it wants to do with any new construction that he considers his job done upon completion of the clean-up.

Gene recommended that the minutes formally reflect the increase from $2000 to $2500 for the approved clean-up budget based on a survey conducted after discussions with our contractor and the scope of the project.

John L requested permission to supply temporary power to the property at no cost to CCEDII - approved.

Steve R presented a status report on the nominating committee's activities leading up to the Members' meeting on November 8 and corresponding elections.

The Board agreed there is a need to develop and present a comprehensive plan to the Members in November which includes an outline for new construction plans, financing options, and other material activities required to get the building reopened for business.

The previously approved plan to contribute additional funds to the contingency reserve was rescinded given the uncertainties with our present situation.

Meeting adjourned.

KRISPY CAT SAMPLES LOCAL CUISINE

Krispy Cat, owner of Big Gene's Bait Camp, proves there is still time for a night of fine dining on local cuisine despite the ravenges of Hurricane Ike. "Locally grown foodstuffs tend to be more flavorful, fresher, and absent that harsh chemical taste often associated with processed foods" says Cat. "The Bunny Rabbit was absolutely awesome, but I warn you, stay away from the squirrel - I have a notch bitten out of my left ear from one of those little bastards."

WORK TO COMMENCE IN EARNEST ON BUILDING CLEAN-UP

Larry N, our project manager, reported today that he had obtained a storage unit to store our materials from CCC such as tables, chairs, books, signs, etc. Things that did not get wet are trying to be salvaged. Anything in the building that needs to be saved should be out by Friday. On Friday, a crew is coming in to strip everything off the walls. Anything left in the building will be thrown away.

The building engineer inspected our building and determined that there is no structural damage. This argument should go a long way in determining how we rebuild and what's required to obtain permits, etc.

Coffee was served this morning, and since we were outside, there was no need to start wearing boots due to the depth of the BS, but we are hopefully off to a good start there.

More later.

CREEK CLUB LIVES ON - MEETING TONIGHT

The Waterfront Group met outdoors under the stars (or heat and mosquitoes) this evening at the CCC premises. In spite of our meager accomodations, they made a generous financial contribution toward our recovery effort, however, we all know that increased activity and signs of life around there are what's really important. Thanks and our hats are off to the Waterfront Group for the inaugural "post-Ike" AA meeting. After all, the only reason the Creek exists is to provide a place for AA meetings, so it's certainly encouraging to see the people who are willing to "rough it" on our behalf.

A couple of temporary tents have been erected on the parking lot, and hopefully hot coffee will be served starting tomorrow morning. More news later.

BOARD MEETING SUMMARY SEPT 21, 2008

The CCC Board met this afternoon in emergency session to discuss our situation and to develop a plan to go forward. The Board agreed that it is important to establish a regular meeting place and time for the interim but that the effort to do so was more of a group function rather than an CCEDII function. Angie H agreed to conduct a search for temporary quarters to start a meeting.

Dealing with the building and property is a major issue, and Larry N agreed to take on the project of working with the various parties (City, contractors, clean-up people, etc.) to assist in development of a plan to restore the building to its previous grandeur. A budget will also be developed to assist in planning our financial needs.

Once we have a better understanding of our needs, a comprehensive financial plan which would most likely include reviewing cash on hand, fundraising, SBA borrowings, disaster grants, and other matters can be developed for the ongoing future of the CCC. The target date for this matters was to have it presented to the Members at the regularly scheduled meeting on November 8, 2008, or about 6 weeks from now.

The Board generally agreed that there need to be some special provisions presented at the annual Members' meeting for By-Law consideration such as one-time lifetime membership offers, waiving dues deadlines for October and November, and other such matters. Otherwise, the Board acknowledged that adherence to the By-Laws was especially important at this time since they do represent the Members' instructions to the Board as to how they expect the Club to be run.

The Board will meet weekly on Sunday at 3:00PM for the foreseeable future. The next meeting will be held outside at the CCC location.

Stay tuned here for additional updates as they occur. Keep in mind that this information is my summary of events and not the official CCC position on anything.

The communications system is still down, but if you with to contact me and have me pass information along, you may do so at ghinyard@verizon.net.

CLEAR CREEK CLUB IN SEABROOK DEMOLISHED BY IKE

We at the Clear Creek Club in Seabrook took a direct hit from Hurricane Ike. We had water from between 4' and 6 ' inside, all walls must come out, the stinking mud covered everything inside, and as you can see, everything is in total disarray. As you might expect, we had comprehensive insurance on everything which is worth nothing in a flood, an this is determined to be a flood which is not covered. We did not have flood insurance.

This is all unofficial and is not approved by the Board of Trustees or anyone else. This is just my thoughts and observations at this time, as well as what I'm hearing on the street so to speak.

Hopefully within a few days we will be able to present a plan to restart a meeting schedule, maybe in temporary quarters, as well as a comprehensive plan for restoring the building.

An Emergency Board meeting has been called for Sunday afternoon (September 21)at 3PM on the Creek premises to discuss future plans.

If you have interests in the Creek, please try to support us any way you can at this difficult time. Obviously money is always an issue, and while we do have some operating captial, we do not have anything like what will be required to move forward with any kind of restoration.

The telephone is not operational at this time.

Please send checks to:

Clear Creek Easy Does It, Inc.
P. O. Box 211
Seabrook, Texas 77586
281-474-9066

Since I have power and hot water, I am sort of serving as a clearing house for Creek stuff for now. Try me at:

ghinyard@verizon.net
281-532-3001

Thank you for any support you can provide, be it financial or spiritual.

A FEW PHOTOS OF THE BUILDING AFTER IKE