ABATE of Indiana Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
June 10, 2023
LCRP, Springville, IN
Executive Director Jay Jackson opened the meeting at 1:12pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. Those in attendance were: Region 00-Jerry & Sherri Gordon; Region 01-Russ Zawacki; Region 02-LeAnn Tunis; Region 03-Scott Bowman; Region 04-currently without a director; Region 05-inactive; Region 06-Dakota Whelchel; Region 07-Dave Howell, Jennifer Wainscott, Donju Taylor & Jeff Britton; Region 08-Ethan Herrera; Region 09-Mo Kintner; Region 10-Suzanne & Bob Eckert; Region 11-Mile Seiler; Region 12-Brian Russell; Region 13-Christian & Heidi Harper, & Brenda Wiscaver; AdComm-Rod Taylor, Rick Thompson & Justin Kennedy; LCRP-Rayce Guthrie; DIRT-Roy Garrett; MRF-Roberta & Aaron Meyer; Marketing Committee-Mike Seiler; Administrative Assistant Kelly Jackson; Secretary/Treasurer-Tina McCormack; Guests-Melinda Harvey, Ken & Andru Harris, & Amayi; Boogie Guests: Mike ‘Mongo’ Pottorff, Mike Clendenen, Larry Banks, Kaykee Deckard, Ron Craig, Ben & Joyce Koughn, Chris Reed, Reno Richardson, Mike ‘Hadji’ Barnes, & Angie Crawford.
ITEM 1: With no questions regarding the January/February financials, Tina McCormack requested a motion to approve.
MOTION 1
Tina then reviewed finances for March/April.
ITEM 2: Jay updated the directors on current projects at Freedom Hall. We intend to purchase vinyl banners to replace the panels that were blown out by high winds earlier this year. We continue to work toward replacement of the fire suppression system.
ITEM 3: Roy Garrett stated that they continue to host Dirt Bike School (DBS) at LCRP. He and Rayce conducted a DBS class for Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Rayce Guthrie added that the IDNR students were impressed with the experience. Rayce will forward a video of the class and trail ride to Marc to be posted on the ABATE website. He informed the directors that he & Roy would like to have more DBS coaches.
ITEM 4: Rayce then discussed an LCRP list of projects that can be completed during Boogie preparations this year. Updates to the Motorcycle Safety Memorial are planned, as well as new signage for the park. LCRP will host the National Racing Association (NRA) race in August. Anticipated attendance for the event is several thousand. LCRP is working with Lawrence County to accommodate eclipse spectators in April 2024. Rayce is researching music for that weekend.
Jay discussed the laser engraved bricks for the memorial walkway. He informed the group that the panel with a QR code for guest registration has been added at the walkway entrance. The beach has been removed from the main stage field.
ITEM 5: Aaron Meyer discussed the successful Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB) event last month. 535 legislative offices were contacted by members of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). MRF member Russell Radke will be inducted into the Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame - Freedom Fighters in Sturgis, SD this year. The MRF Meeting of the Minds (MotM) is September 21-24, 2023. The MRF notified California’s Clean Air Resources Board (CARB), stating motorcyclists’ objection to their planned upcoming study. Roberta Meyer offered MRF membership applications. Jay summarized contacts made with legislators and/or their staffers during BITB in May. Jay, MRF President Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard, and the MRF’s Lobbyist, William ‘Rocky’ Fox had a productive meeting with the National Transportation & Safety Board (NTSB). Jay participated in a zoom session with CARB this week, and in the past two weeks, has attended meetings referencing vision zero, ethanol, alternative fuels, Hispanics in traffic safety, and manufacturers and electric vehicles. He added that the American Motorcyclist Association’s future legislative presence is uncertain due to the fact that their government relations staff has been considerably reduced.
In Indiana, HB1050 takes effect on July 1, which allows for hosts of rider education facilities to receive civil immunity.
ITEM 6: Jay then announced that ABATE of Indiana will resume administering the Rider Skill Test (RST), since the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) agreed to allow for additional instruction for the added curve component. Kelly Jackson requested directors share this information with their members. Jay also announced that we will begin conducting rider education at a site in Indianapolis, tentatively by the end of June. We have a potential training site in Lafayette.
MOTION 2
ABATE is in discussion with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to receive grant funds for awareness projects related to motorcycling.
Discussion ensued about underutilized or unnecessary region trailers.
ITEM 7: The AdComm met via zoom on May 22. They discussed the budget, fire suppression and sign for Freedom Hall, rider education, Bargersville projects, corporate sponsorships, Biker Approved Gas (BAG), handlebar hangars, fencing at the memorial, Boogie, and ABC applications.
MOTION 3
Jay informed the board that the Indiana War Memorial may be submitting an application to our ABC fund to replace an item that was stolen from their display.
ITEM 8: Aaron Meyer updated the group on the current status of the BAG program. Aaron requested assistance with visiting retailers that want to be part of the program.
The Memorial Committee recapped that the QR code at the memorial has been completed.
ITEM 9: There was no old business to discuss.
ITEM 10: Jay gave an update on Rick ‘Mohican’ Burch’s condition. The Burch family is hosting a fundraising event for Rick. Jay announced the passing of a former instructor and a former officer. He reiterated the importance of honoring those who pass.
ITEM 11: Jay began the Boogie segment of this meeting with Ron Craig of A&A Quick Pump. We are looking for a crew to oversee ice sales. Products booth, parking crew and 2nd shift box office & gate need personnel. Products booth will be open for workers only Wed eve; Scott Bowman will contact Cyndii Underwood for Boogie art; Dakota Whelchel requested hand soap dispensers be placed in the shower house, & announced that Region 6 is adding a mini-bike show this year; Kelly Jackson asked for clarification of acceptable special needs documentation; Jay explained the revisions to the stage front concerning VIP area; Dave Howell updated the group on shuttles & routes; Donju Taylor made known that the shuttle crew will add a VIP only tug daily at 12 noon & 6pm; Donju then displayed signage for the shuttle carts; Bob Eckert requested help in deterring vehicle traffic, shuttle crew will check the south lot more frequently; Christian Harper asked for more spare tires for golf carts; Ben Koughn requested 10 barriers for Road Kill Road Crew; Rayce Guthrie informed the group that Lawrence County Emergency Management Agency will have a cell tower set at the front gate; Rick Thompson stated that Marshall Township Volunteer Fire Department will fill pools this year; Larry Banks clarified that we will have 20lb bags of ice for vendors to purchase; Tina McCormack asked for paperwork for ice delivery & returns this year. Jay, Reno Richardson & Dave Howell will inspect panels after this meeting & generate a list of electrical needs. Tina reminded them that we need electric for ATMs ready on Tuesday. Jay, Larry Banks & Kaykee Deckard discussed vendor tent arrangement. Jay reviewed the volunteer reimbursement. Kelly Jackson asked all crews and directors to engage with their volunteers prior to Boogie. Jay presented a golf cart operations agreement that we will utilize for golf cart drivers.
Meeting adjourned 4:37pm.
MOTION 4
Respectfully submitted,
Tina McCormack
Secretary/Treasurer
The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2023 at Freedom Hall in Fort Wayne.
MOTIONS
Motion 1: Suzanne Eckert motioned to approve the March/April financials, seconded by LeAnn Tunis. All regions present voted yes; motion carried.
Motion 2: Brian Russell made the motion to approve the purchase of the 24’ all aluminum trailer for $9,000 to be used for rider ed, with a second by Dave Howell. All regions present voted in favor; motion carried.
Motion 3: Suzanne Eckert motioned to approve AdComm’s recommendation for the ABC grant to Evanston Civic Association, with Autism Rocks, Stone City, Foster Care & Pet Refuge still pending. Mike Seiler seconded. All regions voted in favor; motion carried.
Motion 4: Mo Kintner motioned to adjourn, with a second from Jerry Gordon. All regions present voted yes; motion carried.
