Hello there,
This year our squadron is tasked with relocating to a new squadron building. The building we are currently in is dilapidated, as well as to be demolished and built over by a company at the airport. I'm here to ask what advice you all can provide me concerning:
1.) Finding a new location, and
2.) Important factors that need to be taken into account when finding a new location, planning the move, and moving.
Also, what do the National/Regional/State/Local CAP levels of Chain of Command say about squadron relocation? As far as I have been informed, it is up to the squadron to figure out where the squadron meets up.
We have until early/mid October to get into a building.
Much advice is appreciated, and thank you in advance! :) ;)
For starters, review CAPR 174-1 Chapter 6, "ACQUIRING AND ACCOUNTING FOR REAL PROPERTY AND FACILITIES FOR CIVIL AIR PATROL"
It is definitely on the squadron to find a place to meet. That doesn't mean that your Group/Wing can't be of assistance. We had to do this a couple of years ago and this is what we did:
1. Ask the SMs and cadet parents if they knew of a place we could meet
2. Ask the Group and Wing for suggestions
3. Made contact with local schools and Guard/Reserve facilities to see if any were willing to host
I don't know if the new location will have radios installed. If so, it's best to put the radio room on the ground floor, close to the power entrance, to facilitate good grounding.
Do not overlook the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts. They may be very active in the community, and would like to extend service by having an organization like us.
1. Good you're starting now instead of Sept.
2. Determine your unit's needs - # of members, storage space needed, access, drill space, hangar/tie-down (if you have an aircraft), comm room, etc. List "Must haves" and "Like to haves" separately.
3. See if the airport has anything available, since you're already there.
4. Use this opportunity to get rid of unneeded equipment and supplies - those things that pile up "just in case we might possibly some day maybe sorta need them". If you haven't used something in two years, chances are you don't need it.
5. Don't overlook churches. Many love to let youth groups meet at their facilities and many will only ask for help with non-religious activities. My unit met at a church and the only 'rent' we paid was helping with the annual church clean-up and their annual community support fund-raiser. Two days of work for dedicated storage space and meeting space whenever we needed it - including weekends.
Also check with any other airports in the area. Take out the local sectional and see what you can find. A small city airport will sometimes be more accommodating that the larger ones. Especially if they are wanting to get their airport noticed and expanded.
All good advice. Please remember, though, when you find the "perfect place", DO NOT SIGN A LEASE. That is for the CAP/GC to deal with.... ;D
Quote from: FW on March 13, 2018, 06:50:18 PM
All good advice. Please remember, though, when you find the "perfect place", DO NOT SIGN A LEASE. That is for the CAP/GC to deal with.... ;D
Also have the GC send a copy of the CAP Insurance policy
Awesome!! Thank you for providing me with this advice, I will definitely utilize what you have provided me. I read through the manual and will definitely make sure to keep in contact with our GC. :)