April 13, 2010
President Marsha Putnam called meeting to order at 6:45 P.M. at the Brown residence.
Directors present: Marsha Putnam, Sue Chant, Pat Brown, Jackie Fisher, Gale Moore, Carrie Barr, Chanda Donnan, Gary Fortin, and Mike Wood.
Directors absent: Mary Mallory, Barb Drake, Connie Frey, Lonnie Buck, Val Lau and Janet Phillips.
Members present: None
Marsha presented the agenda which was accepted by all.
Marsha presented the President’s report.
The State has not had time or resources to address volunteer use of the gators under the premise that we would restore them for our use. We do have access to a Gator for the 4-25 work bee. The restriction on using the gators to haul gravel appears permanent.
Marsha covered some developments that impact trail riding across the state and the Board discussed multi-use trail pros and cons. The consensus was that we should try to preserve some horse only trails for lesser experienced riders, speed/special events and green horses. However, multi-use trails appear to represent an inevitable part of the trail system and we should prepare our members to train themselves and their horses to share the trails.
Marsh lead an extensive discussion of the requirements, workflow and paper trail needed for our special use camp overs. A detailed set of instructions and rules, including guidelines for granting association paid camping to hosts and state supported free camping for work bee participants will be published. The required records will be completed by the Host and delivered to the Treasurer after each camp over. The Treasurer will remit funds to the State after completing an accounting of the event as reconciled to work bee participation and the State’s fee schedule.
A consideration that Board addresses was the minimum and upfront fees required by the state. The following two motions codify Board decisions to date.
Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as supported by Pat Brown, it was unanimously resolved for the Association to pay the registration fees of the Host Rig.
Upon a motion by Mike Wood, as supported by Gale Moore, it was unanimously resolved that the Association front the registration fees for all events.
The need for a host rig banner was discussed and tabled.
Some suggested/requirements for the camp over publication included:
- One camp fire per event to be held in the designated location
- Stay on Trails
- Pick up hay and manure and dispose of in designated areas
- All non-members camping over must sign a waiver form
Manure handling at the staging area was discussed and table until the May Board Meeting.
Marsha reported upon a state initiative to bring equestrian groups together for input into a uniform set of rules for the state trail system.
The State is looking for donations to fund construction of a loading dock for their one-ton truck.
Mike Wood presented the minutes with Marsha requesting several changes.
Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as supported by Pat Brown the corrected minutes of the March 9, 2009 meeting were unanimously approved.
Pat Brown presented the Treasurer’s report. Receipts since the last meeting totaled $492. There were no expenses. The checking account carries a balance of $3,081.96. The portfolio of certificates of deposit total $28,000, before accrued interest.
Pat requested input on the appropriate terms for the CD. Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as supported by Gale Moore, it was unanimously resolved to renew the April 19th CD for one year.
Upon a motion by Chanda Donnan supported by Gale Moore, the Treasurer’s report was unanimously approved.
Gale reported on Michigan Horse Council Trail Committee meeting and developments. Our grant application for 2010 has been delivered. Gale reported that MHC will fund a grant to build an equestrian event location on Mackinaw Island below the Grand Hotel. The Grand Hotel is putting in a boarding stable for visitors to the island.
A right to ride bill has been passed. It can be viewed at the MTRA web site.
Gary reported on Draft Horse event preparations and plans for plow day. A press release was authorized for Mike Wood to send out. Waiver forms will be collected from participants. New this year will be armband for volunteer workers, compliments of Barb Drake.
An apparel order was discussed. Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as supported by Carrie Barr, it was unanimously resolved for the Treasurer to place an apparel order not to exceed $ 500.00.
Gary and Gale reported on acquisition of a pole-chain-saw. Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as supported by Pat Brown, it was unanimously resolved for Gary to purchase a Poulan pole saw for approximately $180.00.
Pat suggested that the Association request to preserve the outhouse scheduled to be demolished located at bridge to the island, as this would be an appropriate facility to have on the trail expansion.
Sue Chant suggested that a CD be maintained on a 90-day term to fund unforeseen expenses and investments in improvements like the one passed above.
Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as seconded by Carrier Barr, it was unanimously resolved to maintain one CD with a 90-day rolling maturity date.
The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be Tuesday May 11, 2010 starting at 6:30 at the Brown residence.
Upon a motion by Sue Chant, as supported by Chanda Donnan, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:45.
Respectfully Submitted,
Michael A. Wood
Secretary
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