HENRY COUNTY RC CLUB MARCH, 2013 BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES - Mar. 30, 2013

On a beautiful late March morning, the following members attended the regularly scheduled business meeting: President ~ Vic Echevarria, Vice-President ~ David Mitchell, Sec. ~ J.R. Murphy,  Curtis Miller, Larry Przyborowski, Chad Sheppard, Tim Bigley, Joe Ryan, Mike Sigler, Lee Stimmel,  Greg Wright and Ron Hargrove.

1)  Vic called the meeting to order and reminded the attendees that during the February business meeting we agreed to raise the bar on field conditions and provide for better care of and a weekly mowing of the grass runway.  This would be possible by the club purchasing a 54 inch mowing machine and using it to supplement the Henry County Parks and Recreation crew’s mowing operations.  We discussed the fact that we are presently viewing a 54 inchHusqvarna mower and have agreed on a price of $2,000.  It was pointed out that this mower has an automatic transmission and a question was raised as to whether it would handle the large roller.  Dave said he would check out this question with a local Husqvarna dealer prior to moving forward with the possible purchase.  After significant discussion Vic offered a motion to the floor that if this mower qualified for all the tasks that we would need it to perform, we could move forward with the purchase.  It was seconded and carried without opposition.  It was mentioned that the small mower located in the storage building is suitable for the infield but not for the larger areas.  It was also mentioned that this mower would be transported to Andy Ripple’s home where he will see if he can provide some well needed maintenance for the machine.     

2)  Vic explained that we implement a “Sign-In Log” recently showing the name of the person, the date & time they arrive at the field, and if they are a member or visitor.  The sign-in log as been well received and is now in use.  This information will now be used by Vic to substantiate the monthly report submitted to the County.
3)  Vic mentioned that the work day resulted in some significant improvement in the field appearance and was certainly appreciated.   However, we have still not been successful in getting the County to bush-hog the outside areas surrounding the flying field.  Vic said he will continue to request this action.  
4)  Vic mentioned that the first grass runway treatment had taken place and that it appeared that some of the broad-leaf vegetation is already showing signs of its demise. 
5)  Ron Hargrove addressed the Paved Runway situation and said that maintenance on this runway is long overdue and without some significant rework, we may lose the runway altogether.  Following Ron’s strong reminder of our need to take action on the runway, we agreed to try to get Jim Joyce out to the field this week and begin the process of finding out from the applicable County Engineers just what we might be able to do to save the runway.  Ron said we could consider a fund raising program designated for use for the runway repair and that coupled with some of the funds from the club’s general account, we might impress the County into some correction action on their part.
6)  Vic stated that we are in receipt of the AMA certificate of liability insurance for field operations.
7)  Vic pointed out that the Pattern Competition is scheduled for next weekend - April 6 & 7.  Victor Cruise is the AMA designated Contest Director and will be managing the program.  Vic reminded us that the contestants begin arriving around noon on Friday and do a significant amount of flying Friday afternoon and evening.  Saturday is a heavy flying day and the field is quite busy with the competition flights.  Sunday morning is again quite busy but that the afternoon becomes less involved with contest flights.  There is a $35.00 registration fee for those participating.  Members will be impressed by the performance of the participants and their flying machines.  See you at the field.......   
  JRM, Club Secretary