Minutes of Region Meeting
Western Michigan Region, NSP
March 10, 2004 Brann’s Grand Rapids
Present: Erika Krol, Chip Knappen, Bob Mayberry, Sue Brann, Jim Williams, Kathy Young, Ken Young, Larry Klose, Colleen Wolfer, Jackie Bottomley, John Jenkins, Kathy Jacobs, Ron Edwards, Michael Walenta, Mike DeVriendt, Mike Fick, Brian Klebba, Tony Wolfer, Patrick Mulvihill, Carl Schiner, Pat Livingston.
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 7pm at Brann's Restaurant.
Secretary’s Report: Secretary’s report from the meeting date 10-8-03 was approved. No minutes available from the January 21, 2004 meeting – quorum not achieved.
Treasurer’s Report: Larry Klose presented the financial report as of March 5, 2004. John Jenkins questioned the total number of members represented by this report. New members have gone into Division as a separate group. The number of members (477) represents limited growth. Treasurer’s report (3-10-04 Region only) accepted.
New Appointments: Michael Walenta is stepping down as Nordic Advisor effective 3-14-04. Martin Monsma will take his place.
Calendar Updates: October 23, 2004 OEC for Section III at Caberfae. October 24 would be CPR and chair evac at respective areas. Sept 18-19.2004 for Section 1. Section II – Oct 9-10, 2004. Question from John Jenkins – “Is it acceptable to this group to continue a board meeting early the same day at the Region Banquet?” Banquet is at Cannonsburg on May 15. If dates are sent to John by April 24, he will consolidate the calendar, address any conflicts and have it ready for the May meeting. Budget items by April 24 as well. Larry will send out budget form by e-mail.
Director’s Report: The ballot has already been sent out – see pg 42 Ski Patrol Magazine Winter 2004– for National Board of Directors. Choices are to accept the slate or reject the slate. Please encourage colleagues to vote. Chip Knappen encourages patrol leaders, sections chiefs etc .to contact every member and remind them to vote. Deadline March 31. Spring meeting is coming up in Chicago. Erica Krol will take John Jenkins place, April 3-4, 2004. Thank everyone who provided input on radio frequencies. If you are an elector you recently got a card from Mike Peters. Jim Woodrum is the only candidate for Division Director. Michael Walenta would go as a write in candidate. Last item – keep Aug 15 in mind – financial reports are due in to Larry Klose. We have done a good job in the past and should continue.
Unfinished Business: Mike DeVriendt moves that since we previously accepted the new Policies and Procedures without quorum that we officially accept the Policies and Procedures. Motion passed.
Program Reports:
Avalanche: Carl Schiner – one person from our region and two people from another region took the Avalanche program.
Alpine: Chip Knappen: Senior test held at Crystal Mountain. – eight candidates passed everything – 11 candidates total
Jackie Bottomley - Encourage Basic and new patrollers along with seasoned patrollers to use shaped skis. Goal is to have a SES and TES in every section next year.
Sue Brann – two SESs held. No ladies program this year. Steve O’Neil ran a good program at Cannonsburg. This meets the ski area associations request that the Ski Patrol look better to the skiing public.
Nordic: Michael Walenta – this weekend is the MTR weekend. Expecting sun. snow and rain.
Alpine Snowboard: Bob Mayberry – 2 clinics this year which were not well attended. More people seem interested in skier crossover for next year.
Awards: Kathy Young – awards did not get to Kathy by deadline. Nominations are back from committee and ready to be signed by Region Director tonight. For the first time Kathy did this job things went well. Kathy will not be handling Region database. We will handle this as it was previously handled. Jim Williams would like John to take this up the ladder as the database is not updated. Discussion followed. Brian Klebba moved that we approve John’s recommendation that Erica take our proposal for database entry by line officers to Chicago. Seconded by Tony Wolfer. Motion passed. Brian also moves that those who have problems draft a letter addressing the problem. Pat Mulvihill seconded. Motion passed. John Jenkins will form a subcommittee to handle letters stating the problem.
Section and Patrol Reports:
WM1 Section: Sue Brann – Bittersweet will be open again this weekend. Jim Williams – meeting was held regarding perceived problems between the patrols – non-issue. Timber Ridge is closed.
Section 2: Patrick Mulvihill – 15 of 17 candidates passed at Basic Hill test. May 15 is the banquet date. $300 is current amount that the Region Board donates – can we increase this amount. Will be deferred to Items from the floor. OEC will begin April 12 – Mondays and Thursdays – until Memorial Day – reconvenes in Sept until Thanksgiving. Candidates can e-mail MFICK@xrite.com . Mike Fick says they would like to focus on Region. Section and National awards only.
Pando: Tony – Pando closed but will reopen for this weekend. New candidates – 20% increase in patrollers.
WM Nordic Patrol: – Michael Walenta - Basic candidates 4 of 6 passed but no new seniors.
WM3 Section: Brian Klebba – Senior program hosted at Crystal has been successful. Two new seniors, Brian Balduc and Chip Hurley.
Caberfae: John Jenkins – concluded their biggest season for new candidates ever. This weekend is Winter Carnival weekend. Projecting daily operation through Apr 21.
Crystal: Ron Edwards – Crystal will be open through the second week of April – lots of snow. Five candidates have completed their Basic requirements through their two year program.
Items from the Floor:
Brian Klebba has made a motion that we increase the amount that Region subsidizes for the banquet. Larry Klose recommends doubling the amount. Discussion followed – reduce the amount of the ticket price to get more patrollers to the banquet if amount increased? Sue Brann concerned with precedent being set. Motion to increase to $800 from Brian Klebba, seconded by Patrick Mulvihill. Motion passed. Sue Brann and Jackie Bottomley were nay votes. Larry Klose abstained.
Pat Livingston proposes Instructor Development classes 4-29 and 5-6. Contact plivingston@wolvgroup.com Please place notice in Blue and Gold.
Next Meeting Date: Next meeting will be May 15 at Cannonsburg at 2pm.
Meeting adjourned 8:51 pm.