The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Lion President Joe Jackson. The invocation was given by Lion Joe Gallagher. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lion Bob Leonard. The quorum was established with fifteen (15) members present. Members present were Lions Joe Jackson, Joe Gallagher, Colin Raynor, Tom Swanson, Margie Gillette, Fran Metcalf, Darlene Faulconer, Tom Porte, Jerry Michota, Tim Grove, Terry Moore, Don Meek, Bob Leonard, and Ron Mancuso. There were no guests.

Action Items:
• Minutes of the February 13, 2023 meeting. Lion Joe Gallagher moved to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2023 meeting. Lion Jerry Michota seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
• Monthly Treasurer's Report. Lion Darlene Faulconer reported that the Administrative account has $49,030 while the Charities account holds $123,195. The Money Market account has $74,545. The Building Fund CD which is in the Bank of the Ozarks has $254,131, and the Fifth Third annuity has $254,158. Lion Tom Porte moved to accept the Financial Report. Lion Joe Gallagher seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
• Membership. Lion Colin moved that any person who has been invited to join the Lions Club that does not have a personal connection to the sponsor and/or a member must attend either a board meeting or a membership meeting. Lion Tom Porte seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Lion Joe Gallagher moved to approve membership for Lorri Besst, Irene Martell, Erica Martinez, Helena Nesbit, and Leigh Piscitelli. Lion Tom Porte seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Lion Fran Metcalf moved to approve membership for Sharon Conard. Lion Colin Raynor seconded the motion which was unanimously approved. Lion Jerry Michota moved to approve membership for Bob Bosi. Lion Bob Leonard seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
• Dues Increase. Lion Margie Gillette moved to increase dues to $88.00 per year for regular members as of July 1, 2023 because Lions Clubs International is going to make a three-year adjustment of dues beginning this year. Lion Tom Porte seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
• An Evening of Appreciation. Lion Joe Jackson said we will have both meat and vegetable lasagna. Lion Tom Porte moved that Bonita Springs Lions Charities, Inc. hold an annual appreciation event for volunteers and employees plus one. Lion Bob Leonard seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
• Grants. No report.
• Nomination Committee Recommendations. Lion Joe Jackson said there were still three openings for officers. He hopes to have those filled by next week’s Membership Meeting.
• Property Lighting Improvement Update. Lion Terry Moore said the lighting is complete subject to the review by Lion Fran Metcalf.
• Running/Walking Fundraiser. No report.
• Boy Scouts. Lion Joe Gallagher reported that there is be a joint bank account with Bonita Springs Lions Club and the Boy Scouts, and that the Boy Scouts will give us ownership of their property. Lion Joe Gallagher moved to accept ownership of the property of the pack and the troop. Lion Tim Grove seconded the motion which passed by 8 Yes and 2 No votes. Lion Joe Gallagher moved to assist the Boy Scouts in opening two bank accounts, one for the troop and one for the pack. Lion Jerry Michota seconded the motion which passed with one No vote. Lion Tom Porte moved to have an internal written document signed by those responsible for the duties contained in the agreement with the Boy Scouts. Lion Tom Swanson seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.

Discussion Items
• Engaging SCORE to assist the club in improving our services. Lion Joe Jackson would like to have the assistance of SCORE to improve the Pancake Breakfast and the Lions Thrift Store among other things.
• Upgrade of Property Amenities. Lion Colin Raynor will work on upgrading the irrigation system.
• Rental of Club Center. Lion Joe Gallagher contacted someone at St. Pete Lions Club for more information about renting their center. Zephyrhills Lions Club also has a building which they rent.
• Appointment of Constitution and By-Laws Committee. Lion Joe Jackson asked for members. Lions Joe Gallagher and Tom Porte volunteered.
Board Updates:
• President’s Report. Lion Joe Jackson said the Florida Lions Eye Clinic thanked the Bonita Springs Lions Club for the $500 donation for food and drink sponsors for the Vision Fest in January. He also read a thank you from Pat Ellis for the flowers that we sent to Lion Whitey Ellis’ memorial and a thank you from the Bonita Senior Center for our donation.
• Pancake Breakfast. Lion Tim Grove reported that there were only 44 customers last Saturday. Lion Tim Grove declined the manager’s job for next year.
• Lions Thrift Store. Lion Tom Swanson said the Thrift Store took in $49,300 in February. They need more merchandise and a look at a better use of the facilities.
• Bingo. Lion Fran Metcalf reported that Bingo is doing well. They are going to shop around for supplies at a better price.
• Thrift Store Building. Lion Tom showed three proposals for converting the property to a new building. He said that Proposal C was the best one according to the committee. There was some discussion about parking spaces.
• Florida Lions Eye Clinic. Lion Don Meek reported that the Clinic had 52 volunteers in February who worked 201 hours. They served 262 patients.
• Programs. Lion Don Meek said the program for March would be the Appreciation Dinner for volunteers and employees. The Boy Scouts will present a program in April.
• Tea Party Date. Lion Fran Metcalf said a possible date will be in May or June.
• Screening Project. Lion Joe Jackson said they have had two weeks of screening with two team leaders: Lion Colin Raynor and Elliott Garcia.
• Boy Scouts. Lion Joe Gallagher recommended putting our efforts into the Boy Scouts instead of Leos.
• Senior Center. Lion Joe Gallagher reported that the Senior Center held an annual meeting and election. There were 77 members present.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:47 pm