Region 6 Meeting Minutes - February 2, 2010
Bob called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
Officer Attendees - Bob Bemmels, Brian Hagen; Ev Johnson; Mary Hilke; Beckie Zweig
Attendees - John & Bernice Bautch, Bob Goering, Judy Beckstrand (RTCA); Chris Hause (Star Trail/Stillwater); Mike Read, Tim Holm (SnoDragons); Don & Nancy Nordine, Scott Lipa, Lance McKenzie, Curt Zweig, Judy Bemmels, Paul & Arlyss Onken (Sno-Cruisers); Pat Roberts, John & Shirley Manick (MnUSA); Grant Johnson (SnoGhosts); Larry Lulf (SnoTrackers); Don Halversen, Ray Vellenga (Forest Lake)
Secretary's Report - Mary motioned to approve the Secretary's report as written, Brian seconded, motion carried.
Financial Report - Ev read the Treasurer's report and it was approved for audit.
Bob then introduced Doug Franzen, MnUSA's lobbyist and his son Christen who is working along side with his father.
Doug talked about the legislature and stated we, as snowmobilers, have plenty of opportunity to get fired up. His number one scary item is the fiscal status of Minnesota. We have a $1.2 billion deficit. With this deficit, it could mean that our dedicated fund could be under fire and has already been suggested to use. Doug stated that he cannot fight this battle alone…power & influence is snowmobilers! Our involvement is what will help.
It was stated that a number of legislatures do not like us so it is on our behalf that we find out who represents each and every one of us in our regions. Numbers are the key situation. Doug stated a few items that have been brought up for discussion. These items are, dropping insurance coverage down from $1.5 million to $1 million which will save clubs money on premiums; stud ban to be eliminated on asphalt trails except for areas that the commissioner states to keep closed and registration/trail pass to combine and streamline eliminating more of the middle man and making it easier to buy at local facilities.
Doug also reminded us that this is an election year and we must focus on the issue of who you will support for snowmobiling. Political success is a good thing for MnUSA. He also stated that there are approximately 600,000 people in Minnesota who ride a snowmobile.
OLD BUSINESS
MAYOR'S RIDE - There were over 100 registered riders. The mayor's of Anoka, Ramsey and Andover attended along with Jim Abler and other city councilmen. All monies went to the Youth First program. All involved are hoping to have this ride again next year with it being bigger and better.
SILENT AUCTION - Bob thanked all the clubs for their donations and is also trying to get the 50/50 raffle to be included.
SCHOLARSHIP - Mary reported that this is moving forward and the program has a $3,000 allotment. The essay topic is "What can my age group do to improve the quality of our snowmobile system". Applications are on the MnUSA website and are due April 1st.
MEMBERSHIP - Bob reported that Region 6 is down 104 members.
NEW BUSINESS
ELECTIONS - February's nominations are as follows:
Directors - Brian Hagen
Bill Prinsen
Ev Johnson
Beckie Zweig
President - Brian Hagen
Secretary - Beckie Zweig
Treasurer - Ev Johnson
Mary motioned to close nominations, Ev seconded, motion carried.
UPCOMING EVENTS - Winter Rendezvous (Feb 12-15) Grand Casino-Hinckley
Take A Friend Snowmobiling Week (Feb 12-22)
Summer Campout (July 16-18) Madelia
CLUB REPORTS
SnoDragons - 23 attended a ride at Banning Junction, riding was good.
Stillwater - Trails are in pretty good shape, just a little icy.
RCTA - 21 attended a Hinckley ride which had good riding. Trail is not being groomed until we get more snow.
SnoGhosts - Have been responsible for marking trails on Mayor's ride.
Cottage Grove SSS - Club ride in January at Odona, WI, trails were great. Our trails have a good base but need more snow. Club has received 1 complaint.
Forest Lake - Good ride at Philips, WI, 15 attended in group. Eight attended a ride at Sandy Point and rode 500 miles.
Sno-Cruisers - First club ride was in Iron River, WI, trails were great. Second ride canceled due to weather and the third ride will be in Chisholm.
SnoTrackers - Rode at Crosslake and the first 2 days were great but then it rained. Will try and ride that area again.
GOOD TO THE ORDER
Arlyss Onken won the drawing and donated her winnings to the Veteran's Ride.
Curt motioned to adjourn the meeting, John seconded, motion carried, meeting adjourned at 8:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Beckie Zweig
