Meeting Minutes

The December 5, 2007 meeting was called to order by president Dale Steinborn at 7:00 p.m. at the Bonfire Grill in Hutchinson, Minnesota.

Present were officers
President: Dale Steinborn
Vice President: Jim Orn
Treasurer: Tammy Winkels
Secretary: Rebecca Martinson
Chapter Rep: Wendy Steinborn
Sgt. at Arms: Al Salisbury and Rich Winkels

Our new members are Bonita Hackbarth and Joe Amonte, who are from Cosmos; there were 22 members in addition to officers named above.

SECRETARY’S REPORT was read by Rebecca Martinson. Motion made to waive reading by Lori, seconded by Peggy, passed by hand vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chapter Products by Tammy. We have three SC t-shirts, and assorted pins, cups and coolers. Please buy so we can order new products.

Gambling by Jim. Nothing to report. However, we should be selling raffle tickets for ABATE U; next meeting on December 8 at Backlunds in Elk River; we can sign out tickets then.

Ways & Means by Al. Next meeting January 6 at the Ugly Bar. Still need new members.

Membership and Retention by Dale. Meeting on December 9 in Mankato; we need someone to attend. In reviewing the lists of members, there was lots of duplication, which is being cleaned up.

State Rally by Dale. There wasn’t much to report. (However, again!) SC once again got the most sponsors, the plaque is in our display case. We will need help next year particularly for front gate and security. Last month, it was reported that the contract WAS signed with the fair board, however, it has not been; the concern is about smoking. We will still have the 20th anniversary rally in 2008 at Litchfield. Joe W. suggested we have a parade instead of the memorial ride, and a bike show for the locals, perhaps even at the park in town. We will need a new ride captain as Rich W. is resigning that position.

Dial-a-Ride by Dale. Next meeting January 19 at the BoD meeting; there were no calls this year; next year Dale will need help in covering any calls.

Joe Matter Scholarship Safety Riders Course by Artie. Nothing to report.

Buddy Bears by Charlie.

PGR Riders by Galen. Just the “normal” stuff. They had a WWII mission; the family of a law enforcement officer asked for a PGR escort. Watch the website for upcoming missions.

STATE REP REPORT by Wendy. Southwest District meeting December 22. Big push to write letters to our legislators, look in the recent Road Noise for an example. ABATE U tickets are for sale; let Wendy know if you want a room near the pool at the hotel. Galen wanted to bring up inequity in chapters’ participation and target those chapters who don’t participate.

VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT by Jim. “I have nothing to report.”

OLD BUSINESS by Dale. The fundraiser netted $629 in ticket sales and $1713 for the silent auction. There was a spirited discussion that the fundraiser is for the kids, not our chapter, and an informal vote that the chapter shouldn’t be taking any of the proceeds, everything should go to the kids. There were about 280 toys and $3,000 split between two counties – Meeker and McLeod. There was a discussion about including clothing donations, particularly outer clothing, food shelf donations, etc. next year. There were suggestions that items could be picked up throughout the year at garage sales for donation. These issues will be discussed at future meetings. There was a motion made and seconded by Mark to have all money raised during or donated for the fundraiser to go to the Kids campaign, not split with SC. Passed by hand vote with one abstention. Dale passed out plaques to those who pulled a duty shift during the fundraiser. A reminder that Biker Day is February 27; we need as many people as possible to participate. Dale will bring the limo if numbers warrant it. Another reminder to see Wendy about rooms for ABATE U.

NEW BUSINESS by Dale: Chapter officer nominations beginning in January; a discussion about whether we’ll have another Spring Fling fundraiser in April or May; we could have posters ready at ABATE U and we’ll need the funds particularly if we give all fall fundraiser proceeds to the Kids campaign. Jim would like to see us get people from the community more involved, with events like a hog roast, broomball, softball, spaghetti dinners, a brat feed, car washes, a pool tourney, etc. Everyone needs to brainstorm over the next month and come to the January meeting with suggestions, with particular suggestions for how to implement your idea. Dale will bring the limo to the Buffalo Ridge chili feed, and the plan is to stay overnight. Artie suggested doing a food drive during the February and March meetings; a motion was made by Artie and seconded by Mark that we bring a donation to the March meeting for the Litchfield food shelves, and a motion made by Charlie and seconded by Mona that we do the same for the February meeting for donation to the Hutchinson food shelves. Both passed by hand vote. We can park the Dial a Ride trailer at grocery stores and put out posters asking for donations.

OPEN DISCUSSION: There was some discussion about the possibility of outdoor fires being banned statewide and how that might impact the rally, and a reminder that there is a recall on 2006 and 2007 HD switches in the steering column.

Motion made by Kristy to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Pat, passed by hand vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.


Rebecca S. Martinson
Secretary, South Central Chapter

Meeting Minutes