Jackson Model Rocketry Club
December 11, 2004
Meeting Minutes
Roger Sadowsky and Scott Miller called the meeting to order at 2:11pm. Minutes were recorded by Mark Palmer. All 2004 Club Officers were introduced. All Officers ran for their office unopposed, no nominations were submitted. All Officers were unanimously elected by the quorum present at the meeting. The following is a list of JMRC Club Officers for 2005:
Treasurer & Financial Affairs: Paul Tobias
The Club support staff was also introduced:
Newsletter Editor: Paul Hilse
Special Event Rocket Cakes: Susan Fennelly
Photography and Special Events: June Hasbrouck
Equipment Maintenance: Shawn Dalton
Fund Raiser: Barbara Roberts
Immediately following the election, Paul Tobias gave a review of the club’s current financial position and a review of expenditures over the last year. Current bank account balance is $108.03. Proceeds generated by the club in 2004 were $2865.00 ($1323.00 in lunch fees and membership dues, $512.00 from the 2003 Holiday Raffle and $1000.00 from Willow Run Airport Air Display fundraiser). Expenses paid were for equipment, and Porta potty (including the balance owed on club trailer). Current liabilities are $0.00. The club is debt free. Paul indicated that due to the clubs Non-Profit status, all year-end contributions/donations are tax exempt.
The next major topic of discussion was the need to procure a new equipment trailer as the club has “maxed out” the capabilities of the current trailer. The general feeling of the membership was that the club should pursue a new, larger trailer to support the proposed growth of the clubs ground support equipment. Mike Wolfe suggested that the “Pad trailer” proposed to support larger rockets could also be used to store items. Roger explained that there would be some storage but pointed out that we have used our trailers as a base of operations at regional launches and that the contents would need to be secured. The “Pad trailer would have some storage capability but not sufficient to be a replacement for a new trailer. Paul Tobias made the following points that we as a group must consider:
1. Current trailer was financed for $3800 and required 3 years to pay off.
2. The new trailer would be significantly larger to pull and store.
3. We should raise at least half of the cost prior to purchase.
Mark Palmer put forth a motion that the board should begin investigation of trailer cost and should procure quotes. The motion was seconded by Tony Haga and was carried unanimously by the membership quorum present at the meeting.
Discussion then turned to fundraising. Rebecca Lubaway discussed the benefits of taking the trailer and launch to other locations and charging a fee for spectators to raise funds and awareness. Mark Palmer raised the possibility of selling refreshments at the launches as a way to support the needs of the fliers and generate funds for the club. Discussion centered on beverages and snacks (chips, candy) that would require little support equipment. Emily and Zachary Palmer offered to man a table at the MIS launches with profits going to the club. Ray Cramer suggested reviewing the launch and membership fees as a way to raise funds. Discussion ensued in which various pricing schemes were talked through. Mark Palmer put forth a motion that the 2005 fee structure be changed to the following:
1. Individual Club Membership (18 years and older) be raised from $20 per year to $30 per year.
2. Individual Club Membership (18 years and under) Remain at $10 per year.
3. Family Memberships be raised from $40 per year to $60 per year.
4. Launch fees for motors up to D impulse remain free
5. Launch Fees from E through G impulse be raised from $5 per launch to $10 per launch.
6. Launch Fees for High Power (Impulse H and up) be raised from $10 per launch to $15 per launch.
The motion was seconded by Dale Hodgson and was carried unanimously by the membership quorum present at the meeting.
Following this motion, the 2005 launch schedule was discussed. The board took member input as to the desirability to have a launch in January and February. Various members discussed alternate activities including a convention and equipment maintenance. Final decisions regarding the schedule are pending a board decision and finalization of the MIS Race Schedule for 2005. However, it was generally agreed that the target launch date would remain the second Saturday of the month where possible. General discussion also focused on the possibility of night/dusk launch in the spring and fall (at Gumberts Field) and on hosting a 2 day launch in the spring. March was suggested so that there would be no contention with other regional events in April.
Special Dates for 2004 were reviewed as described in the Meeting minutes.
The Equipment Update followed and was centered on the development of a new and improved replacement for the Hybrid GSE allowing multipad hybrid operation of up to 5 pads (including 2 Hypertek systems). Also reviewed were the clubs plans for building a portable “Large Project” launch pad. Jim Russell has offered to donate a 19 foot Boat trailer (1500lb capacity) and may be able to secure further donations of materials to support this project. This type of equipment will allow JMRC to support projects that other regional clubs may not be able to handle and will be a draw to perspective members.
Open discussion of various issues and opportunities ensued and included:
§ Outreach focused on the “Rockets for Schools” program. General consensus was that this is something requiring substantial development (in excess of 100 hours) and would be pursued on a developmental basis for 2005.
§ Outreach focused on individual school and scouting support.
At 3:10 Mark Palmer put forth a motion that all remaining non-critical agenda items be covered via the Yahoo Group forum in order to facilitate the raffle. The movement was seconded by Paul Tobias was carried unanimously by the membership quorum present at the meeting.
The Raffle followed with donations by:
o SFSM Industries www.SFSMIndustries.com
o Cesaroni Technology Inc www.pro38.com
o LOC/Precision www.locprecision.com
o Commonwealth Displays www.commonwealth.net
o Public Missiles Ltd www.publicmissiles.com
o Flowers by deAvila 313/963-7438
o Booster Vision/ Cowboy Rocketry www.boostervision.com
o Sky Ripper Systems www.skyrippersystems.com
o RATT Works www.rattworks.com
o Red Arrow Hobbies www.Redarrowhobbies.com
o US Rockets www.usrockets.com
o Discount Software www.papab.com
o Club Members:
§ Tony Haga
§ Paul Hilse
§ Mark Palmer
§ Eldred Picket
§ Roger Sadowsky
§ Jeremy Silas
§ Paul Tobias
The meeting was closed at 4:12 pm after the raffle was completed.