Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
June 16, 2018
LCRP, Springville, IN
Executive Director Jay Jackson opened the meeting at 3:00pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Those in attendance were: Region 00-Bob Heaton & Sarah Dewitt; Region 01-Wayne Kopec; Region 02-Don ‘Bear’ Hewitt; Region 03-Scott Bowman & Justin Kennedy; Region 04-Jan Johns (arrived 3:56); Region 05-Tony Brummett; Region 06-Mark Thomas, Bob ‘Boots’ Sipes & Wayne Sullivan; Region 07- Ken Harris, Michael Harris, Ernie, Janet & Dolly Davidson; Region 08-Mike Jeffers; Region 09-Mo Kintner (arrived 3:25); Region 10-Thom ‘Hippy’ Henderson & Ben Henderson; Region 11-Zach Bird; Region 12-Brian Russell & Chris Blackburn; Region 13-Aaron Meyer; AdComm- Rick Thompson; DIRT-Roy Garrett; LCRP-Rayce Guthrie; LINC-Mike Meyer; MRF State Rep-Roberta Meyer; Event Security-Mike Clendenen, Gary Cook & Danny Bertolet; Vendor Coordinator-Harold Davidson; Marketing Committee-Mike Seiler; Road Crew-Olin Reed; Boogie 1stAid-Mike ‘Hadji’ Barnes & Angie Crawford; New Creations Restoration Ministry-George ‘Midget’ Whirley; Secretary/Treasurer Tina McCormack; Administrative Assistant-Dana Surd.
ITEM 1: Tina referred to the March/April financial packets. She then explained that we are allowing a property tax consulting company to review & appeal our property taxes in Allen County. The only fee we will incur is half of the 1styear’s tax reduction if successful.
She asked the directors to share the reporting logs with their secretaries & treasurers, & to submit their expenses in a timely manner.
Tina then asked for any questions or comments on Jan/Feb financials.
MOTION 1
ITEM 2: Jay reviewed the reasons that we are not hosting a Miracle Trail Ride event this year. He then summarized this year’s Miracle Ride, which was its 25thanniversary. The cumulative total has surpassed $6.5 million. Scott added that the event was well organized; Zach agreed.
ITEM 3: Roy stated that he, Jay & Rayce attended a US Forestry Service meeting this week, to no avail for our agenda with Hoosier National Forest (HNF). Jay added that we have had a legislative planning meeting with some off-road folks, & will include some legislators in our next meeting. We are hoping to at least get our resolution introduced, & possibly legislation passed.
Roy informed the board that we are conducting Dirt Bike School classes. Tina asked about the status of the Wabash DBS range. Scott stated that we are ready to start classes; Roy & Tina will devise a schedule. Tina added that 2 of our current rider ed instructors are now DBS certified & would like to teach a DBS class in Wabash.
Jay advised that, although the previous version is still valid, we have updated our Tiny Tots procedure manual. Jay & Wayne summarized the event where Region 1’s members were trained on Tiny Tots. Thom ‘Hippy’ & Rayce shared their experience with the outdoor event in Bedford today, where they took the Tiny Tots. Rayce said they were asked how much we charge to bring the Tiny Tots to events. Tina & Jay answered that, at a minimum, we would like the event to provide the liability insurance, & if the hosting organization were so inclined, they could make a donation to ABATE; Jay reminded the group that we do not promote tipping from the participants.
ITEM 4: Jay invited Rayce to speak about Lawrence County Recreational Park. Rayce updated the group on renovations & improvements being made to the property.
As Executive Chairman of the Motorcycle Dealers’ Association of Indiana (MDAI), he reminded them about the flat track race in Terre Haute next weekend. Region 12 members will man a booth to represent ABATE.
MDAI is also educating dealers about E85, as well as promoting rider education. Their next meeting is July 7. Jay clarified that we are not stating that ethanol is bad, but that it is illegal & not for use in small displacement engines such as motorcycle engines.
Jay informed the board that Kurt Hayden sold his dealership, Hayden Honda; the new name is Kendallville Powersports. A statue was dedicated to the late Nicky Hayden (MotoGP world champion) last weekend in Kentucky.
ITEM 5: Jay commented that Coliseum Bingo’s numbers are about average; revenues fluctuate with weather events, but we’re still profitable.
Jay reminded all directors that ABATE of Indiana does not conduct gaming other than our events that are licensed. He asked the directors to include this discussion periodically in their respective meetings.
ITEM 6: Mike Meyer reminded the group that our resolution regarding motorized recreation in HNF did not pass this year. He informed everyone that Evansville has passed a noise ordinance. Mike reminded the group of the law concerning colored lights on motorcycles; Mo added that he saw on the local news that the law will be enforced.
Jay brought attention to the current US Senate race TV commercials. As a 501(c)(3), ABATE of Indiana cannot & will not endorse or contribute to any political candidate, but we have interest in their positions that could affect motorcyclists.
ABATE co-sponsored a Flag Day ceremony with USO, hosted by First Lady Janet Holcomb, held at the Governor’s residence. Jay, Scott, & Dave Monroe represented ABATE. Scott commented that the attendees were very receptive.
ITEM 7: Roberta spoke about MRF’s Bikers Inside the Beltway event in May. The Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) had its 2ndmeeting. She encouraged everyone, member or not, to subscribe to MRF’s weekly email bulletin, Riding Free in DC. Jay added that MRF’s CQ engage is also open to non-members.
Jay requested RSVPs from those interested in attending Meeting of the Minds in Denver, CO, & reviewed ABATE’s reimbursement policy. Once confirmed, attendees will be responsible for their registration, reservations, & submission of their expense report after the event. We will confirm our annual contribution to MRF at our August BOD meeting.
The MRF & SMSA (the national association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators) have partnered to form the NMSA, National Motorcycle Safety Alliance. We held the introductory meeting in September at the annual summit of the SMSA. We are meeting again this September, & have engaged in teleconferences to look at issues we can collaborate on regarding motorcycle safety nationwide. This has brought together about 10 national associations & agencies.
ITEM 8: Jay reviewed the increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2017 over 2016. The MRF is working on a rider ed project, which will be based in Indiana. The Driver’s Ed Association has offered for us to be involved in some of their awareness projects. IMPD (Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department) requested our assistance in promoting responsible riding through peer pressure; we continue to work with Indiana State Police (ISP) on motorcycle safety campaigns.
Next Step Academy, a current RSI provider, will no longer be under contract with the Indiana BMV as of July 15.
Jay summarized our Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month event held on Monument Circle in May.
Our 1stclass in Merrillville is taking place this weekend. Aaron relayed that law enforcement in Vincennes has offered their assistance to help us obtain a rider ed site. Discussion followed regarding site acquisition & instructor prep. Jay updated us on the status of our three wheel training course. We are prepared, & are waiting on BRP/Can Am to proceed with loaner bikes.
ITEM 9: The AdComm met via teleconference last week. Their written report is provided with this meeting’s documents. Wayne provided further information for a submission.
MOTION 2
Jay reminded the board that LCRP is still in need of a UTV. We have been unsuccessful in obtaining sponsorship. The directors began discussion.
MOTION 3
ITEM 10: Tony asked the status of the regions’ memorial walls. Scott was waiting for further plans; Tony will follow up.
ITEM 11: Jay reminded the group that Motorcycles on Meridian (MOM) will host a Vendor Village this year. We need volunteers to work the event. Title sponsorship opportunities are still available for this year’s event.
ITEM 12: Rayce gave notice of a leak between the roof & overhang on the LCRP office trailer. He will follow up with a proposal.
ITEM 13: Mark requested permission to build a shed beside Region 6’s shelter house. Jay suggested that Mark & Rayce agree on storage space at LCRP instead, since Region 6 stores the region trailer at LCRP.
Scott conveyed his concern for sanctioned event expenses. Discussion followed. Jay asked Dana to prepare a cost analysis for specific segments of ABATE, such as Tiny Tots, to be presented at our August BOD meeting.
MOTION 4
Meeting adjourned , 5:11pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina McCormack
Secretary/Treasurer
The next scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be August 19 at Freedom Hall in Fort Wayne.
MOTIONS
Motion 1: Don ‘Bear’ Hewitt motioned, & Scott Bowman seconded, to approve the Jan/Feb financials. All regions present voted yes; motion carried.
Motion 2: Aaron Meyer made a motion to approve the recommendations by the AdComm for ABC distributions, with the second by Ken Harris. All regions voted yes; motion carried.
Motion 3: Mo Kintner motioned, & Thom ‘Hippy’ Henderson seconded, to approve the purchase of a UTV for use at LCRP for a maximum of $15,000. Regions 2 & 13 voted no, all other regions voted yes; motion carried.
Motion 4: Ken Harris motioned to adjourn regular meeting, Don ‘Bear’ Hewitt seconded. All present in favor; motion carried.
ABATE Foundation Boogie Minutes
June 16, 2018
LCRP, Springville, IN
Executive Director Jay Jackson opened the meeting at 5:27pm. Those in attendance were: Region 00-Bob Heaton & Sarah Dewitt; Region 01-Wayne Kopec; Region 02-Don ‘Bear’ Hewitt; Region 03-Scott Bowman & Justin Kennedy; Region 04-Jan Johns; Region 05-Tony Brummett; Region 06-Mark Thomas, Bob ‘Boots’ Sipes & Wayne Sullivan; Region 07- Ken Harris, Michael Harris, Ernie, Janet & Dolly Davidson; Region 08-Mike Jeffers; Region 09-Mo Kintner; Region 10-Thom ‘Hippy’ Henderson & Ben Henderson; Region 11-Zach Bird; Region 12-Brian Russell & Chris Blackburn; Region 13-Mike Meyer; AdComm- Rick Thompson; DIRT-Roy Garrett; LCRP-Rayce Guthrie; LINC-Mike Meyer; MRF State Rep-Roberta Meyer; Event Security-Mike Clendenen, Gary Cook & Danny Bertolet; Vendor Coordinator-Harold Davidson; Marketing Committee-Mike Seiler; Road Crew-Olin Reed; Boogie 1stAid-Mike ‘Hadji’ Barnes & Angie Crawford; New Creations Restoration Ministry (NCR)-George ‘Midget’ Whirley; Boogie electrician-Russell ‘Gus’ Beers; A&A Quick Pump-Ron Craig; Secretary/Treasurer Tina McCormack; Administrative Assistant-Dana Surd.
The group reviewed each crew’s schedule & preparedness.
Ron Craig will deliver port-o-lets on July 13th& 14, with the 1stservice on July 19. Some units will be relocated this year. Jay asked that anyone with suggestions submit a map with their preference marked.
Scott requested permission for Region 3 to paint the green rooms on the main stage this year. They will clean on Monday & paint Tuesday. With a limited schedule this year, shuttles will plan to include a route to the vendor area. Checkpoints are reduced to the top & bottom of Swannie Hill. Discussion ensued regarding 3 “cooling stations”, & placement within close proximity of the 3 1stAid stations. Parking crew is to consider painting primitive RV sites the week before Boogie. Olin will forward a map depicting placement of light towers. Brad Hawkins requested a “beer ambassador”. George’s ‘Midget’ NCR ministry will serve the spectators during events in Thunder Alley.
Meeting adjourned, 6:45pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Tina McCormack
Secretary/Treasurer
