Meetings:
BROOKLINE SNOWMOBILE CLUB MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 2008
The meeting was held at John and Pat Eye’s house and was called to order at 7:45. There were 24 members present.
The Secretary’s report was read and accepted; the Treasurer’s report was read and accepted and showed an ending balance of $3204.06.
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Bernie has been in touch with Jim Massey who owns land around Lily Pond. He apparently had been upset because he hadn’t given permission to any club, so Bernie talked to him and we sent him a permission form. If he gives permission to one club, then all VAST clubs can ride on the trail. Also, if a landowner gives verbal permission to two club members, then those two club members can sign off on a permission form. Donald had talked to Mike Meyer about this also and Mike was going to find out which town the trails are on.
2) Bernie stated that Charlie Legeous lives on Athens Rd. and he used to know his dad. He also has land near Lily Pond and Bernie will try and get in touch with him.
3) Janet will order stickers for this year.
4) We will need to order signs and the trail masters will discuss that.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Election of officers: Donald Gokey has been nominated for President and Bob Samuelson for Vice-President and they were voted in. Janet is will to continue as secretary and April as treasurer and that was voted in. Trail masters will be Dale Clark, Mike Fontaine and Daryl Graves.
2) Eligible volunteers who did at least 15 hours of volunteering or attending meetings in the last 12 months were: Nelson Fontaine, Charlotte Fontaine, Mike Fontaine, Josh Fontaine, Daryl Graves, April Wellman, Ruthie Warren, Fred Warren, Derf Warren, Bob Samuelson, Bob Wistrom, Kaye Wistrom, Tom Brooks, Kendra Brooks, John Morrison, Debbie Pierson, Lee Severance, John Eyes, Don Gokey, Sheila Gokey, Bernie English, Janet English, Russ Bielawiec, Jim Rogers, Chris Duke, Dale Clark, Dave Ryder, and Alan Fabrizio.
Nine names were drawn and the following will receive reduced rate Volunteer TMAs for $45 if they want them: Fred Warren, Mike Fontaine, Ruth Warren, Lee Severance, Kay Wistrom, Nelson Fontaine, Sheila Gokey, Josh Fontaine, and John Eyes. We drew three runners-up in case one of the above declines: 1) April Wellman 2) Debbie Pierson 3) Tom Brooks.
It will be in the newsletter that the nine people that were drawn must let Sheila know by the next meeting (Dec. 1) if they are NOT going to use the volunteer TMA, so she can give it to a runner-up.
3) Janet read the minutes from the Windham County Meeting held on 10/28. The biggest news is that a $20 grooming surcharge has been added to the cost of every TMA this year. Also, Rooney is going to find out the process if anyone wanted to grant VAST a right-of-way for their trails instead of simply a permission form. Rooney is stepping down as Windham County Director and is being replaced by Tom Baltrus from the Deerfield Valley Stump Jumpers.
4) Discussed bridges that have been fixed and trails improved – Wards Bridge, two bridges at Parkers Landing, a cleared trail from the power lines down to the right-of-way going up toward English’s, trail cleaned from Cutt’s house and trail to Putney Mt.
5) We talked about Courtney Nau’s help with his equipment and time on fixing Ward’s bridge and we voted to send him a $50 gift card to Rick’s Tavern and April will see to that.
6) A committee was formed to go over the criteria for eligible recipients of volunteer TMA’s – Bernie, Sheila and April are on that committee.
7) Bernie will make new maps to be put on the bulletin boards out on the trails.
The meeting closed at 8:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet English, Secretary
BROOKLINE SNOWMOBILE CLUB MEETING
OCTOBER 4, 2008
The meeting was held at English's and called to order at 7:35 – there were 20 members present. The Secretary’s report was read and accepted. The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted and showed an ending balance of $3,354.06 – Trail Fund: $2425; General Fund: $928.41
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Memorial donations: Three people directly connected to club members have passed away recently. A motion was made that the club would donation $50 each in memory of Stella Dowley, Ed Dillistin, and Charlotte Fontaine’s sister. Sue and April will figure out where these donations should go. We decided that in the future during the off-season, any three members of the Executive Board can okay donations such as this.
2) Stickers: Derf has asked Hampden Signs if they would be willing to donation signs or stickers to our club. He is still waiting for a response.
3) Daisy received some correspondence from VAST about a pending bill and April will notify VAST that future correspondence should be mailed to her.
4) Daisy reported that Gene Litch from Putney said he has about 5 guys helping him with rerouting the trail around the beaver pond. He asked if any of our members could help and they would reciprocate by helping on our work parties. Bernie pointed out that we should have a coordinated effort on the trail maintenance between Putney, Brookline and Townshend.
5) Ward’s bridge has been dismantled. Dale Clark and Courtney Nau will be bringing out some 2 x 6’s next Sunday and after that stringers and headers brought in, then decking and handrails will need to be put on. Donald is trying to set up a time for a work party. Barclay has requested that a sign be put up stating “No Campfires at Anytime”.
6) Alan Fabrizio acquired some fiberglass pallets. He and John Eyes have been working on the trails. There was a discussion about the route of Ward’s trail. Work parties will be posted on the website and an email sent out as long as Janet is notified.
7) We will be ordering new signs. Trail coordinators should be consulted about trail work and buying construction materials.
8) Sue stated that Rink’s bridge has had the decking removed, is wide open and needs decking put down.
9) Jim Rogers said he and Chris Duke are willing to do another safety course this year. He would like to do it on Dec. 13th. Any snowmobile driver who was born after July 1, 1983, has to have a safety certificate and anyone who turns 12 by April 1, 2009. Jim stated he was disappointed that there were no participants from Brookline last year. April will be notifying Julie Lavorgne about the details of this course and she can post it on the Town of Brookline email list. The club voted to cover thecost of lunch - $150 for 20 people. If more participants, Jim will come back and request a reimbursement.
10) Meetings at 7:30 p.m.:
November 1 at John and Pat Eyes, Grassy Brook Rd.
December 6 at Daisy and Richard Anderberg’s, 37 Grimes Hill Rd., Newfane.
January 10 at Russ Bielawiec’s, 1170 Grassy Brook Rd.
February 14th after the FRED ROBINSON SCHOLARSHIP FUND STEAK COOKOUT.
March 7 at Sue Clark’s, 1178 Grassy Brook Rd.
April 4 at April’s, 353 Grassy Brook Rd.
Radar Run: Bernie will contact Donald about that.
11) Bernie announced that he is stepping down as club President as of November. He thanked everyone for all the support he has received over the past 8 years. A nominating committee was formed consisting of Bernie, April, Sue Clark and Derf. It will be held at April’s house on October 18th at 7:30.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet English, Secretary
BROOKLINE SNOWMOBILE CLUB MEETING
April 5, 2008
The meeting was held at Joe and Gayle Juhasz’s house and began at 7:45. There were 17 members present. The Secretary’s report was read and accepted. The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted and showed an ending balance of $3698.22 which includes $1872.15 in the Trail Fund and $1826.07 in the General Fund.
Frank Rucker, Business Officer at Leland and Gray High School, attended our meeting to discuss the details of the Fred Robinson Scholarship Fund. The Fund began in the late 70’s. The principle is not at risk with Treasury Notes or bonds and generally shows a 5% yield. Interest each year goes to the fund balance. The fund balance is now $17,492. Annual audits go out to bid each year. Donations to the fund need to be made by the end of June in order to go to the recipient, a graduating senior. The fund continues to grow because award is the direct donation from the club. If we eliminated the fund-raising cookout, we could fill out a form saying that interest is the award – “No more than 5% of fund balance” as an example. The club can determine the dollar award from the donations from the cookout and how much from interest. The Finance Committee will make its recommendations. Recipients are determined in late April/early May. Any changes in the default fund arrangements need to be made in writing. Frank will send update on scholarship fund yearly to April.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Fred Robinson Scholarship Fund Steak Cookout profits were $933.05. Per previous club vote, that amount was rounded up to the nearest $100, so a total of $1000.00 will be sent - $700 to the student and $300 to the fund. April will send a letter stating this decision.
2) Barclay Ward notified us the need for repair or replacement of the bridge on his land. A letter will be sent telling him when we will be fixing this bridge and that it is a top priority of our club.
3) Pressure treated wood is still available at the town garage. It was suggested that we have a work party to gather wood and pallets. An email will go out with the date of this work party.
4) Darryl suggested that in the future we vote for money to go for bridge repairs. Donald will contact person for buying materials at cost. The Executive Committee will decide about guidelines for paying for materials.
5) Membership drive went well with Kendra assisting Sheila this year. We have about 90 members – up from last year but down from the previous year.
6) The Safety Course curriculum is available through VAST.
7) Derf will give letter to Hampden Signs to see if they can give us some donations.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet English,
BROOKLINE SNOWMOBILE CLUB MEETING
MARCH 1, 2008
The meeting was held at April and Darryl’s house and was called to order at 7:45. There were eleven members present. The Secretary’s Report was read and accepted; the Treasurer’s report was read and accepted and showed an ending balance of $4,317.42.
OLD BUSINESS:
1) The Radar Run proceeds were as follows: Run tickets = $485; Food = $523; 50/50 raffle = $145.00 for a grand total of $1,153.00. The club voted to round that figure up to $1200.00 which will be donated to the Newbrook Fire Department.
2) The Fred Robinson Scholarship Fund Steak Cookout proceeds were as follows: Steaks = $1005; Raffle = $346; 50/50 raffle = $130 for a total of $1,481.00. After the cost of the steaks, the profit amounted to $933.05. A discussion followed regarding how much money should go to the scholarship fund itself, how much to the student, whether we should have a $500 cap on the General Fund and give the rest to the recipient, and when and if the fund would ever become self-perpetuating. No determination was made as to the donation this year to the Scholarship Fund and Bernie will be calling Frank Rucker to see if he can attend the next meeting and give us an overview of what’s in the fund and answer any questions we might have.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Discussion about trail maintenance that is needed – bridge repairs and small new bridges needed in places; the possible need to reroute some trails to avoid water holes. Darryl suggested marking the trouble spots now for work in the summer months. He also reported that Linda Robinson’s driveway needs to be plowed before anyone rides on it.
2) John Eyes mentioned the need for better signage on the trails.
3) Derf asked if he could have a letter asking for donations from Hampden Signs for either signs or stickers, explaining that we are a “not for profit” organization. He also said he had 2 new drags made for a total of 4.
4) Bernie asked for volunteers to represent our club at the annual VAST meeting in September. He also asked for people to begin thinking about taking over some of the positions in the club - officers, membership, whatever. Grooming reports need to be given to Janet by Monday of each week. If anyone sees problem areas on the trails, notify the Trailmasters.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet English, Secretary
Brookline Snowmobile Club Meeting
February 2, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. There were 16 members present. The secretary’s report was read and accepted. The Treasurer's report was given and accepted. There is a balance of $2,109.42.
Old Business:
1. The radar run will be on 2/9 and Donald requested more volunteers to assist.
2. Ruthie Warren reported that preparations for the Fred Robinson Scholarship Fund Cookout are complete. 100 steaks have been purchased.
3. John Eyes repaired the bridge behind his house. The cost of the boards he purchased is approx. $60 and he will submit a bill at the next meeting.
New Business:
1. Joe reminded trail groomers to report their hours to Janet to insure payment by VAST.
2. Bob Samuelson reported that some additional signs marking the trails have been put up, and reiterated the need to remind snowmobilers to stay on the trails.
3. The trail to the Airport has not been broken. The trail across from Eye’s house is open.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.
BROOKLINE SNOWMOBILE CLUB MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2008
The meeting was called to order at 7:45. There were 16 members present. The Treasurer’s Report was read and accepted and showed an ending balance of $1386.43. The Secretary’s report was read and accepted.
OLD BUSINESS:
1) Ruthie Warren said she’s buying rib eye for the Fred Robinson Scholarship Fund Steak Cookout from Arnold Meats at $5.49/lb. She will need volunteers on Friday, Feb. 15th at 1 p.m. for setup. We discussed who would make what for the cookout. Derf offered to make posters to advertise the cookout. The cost will be $12/steak and the rain date will be Sunday, Feb. 17th. Janet will send out this information in an email and notify VAST News of the rain date.
2) It was reported that John Eyes has gotten new boards for the bridge behind his house, purchased at WW. There were questions as to why VAST isn’t paying for this repair and it was explained about submitting paperwork for financial assistance from VAST for these types of projects.
3) The Safety Course run by Jim Rogers and Chris Duke in December was a success. About 20 people attended and all passed the course. Pizza was purchase for lunch and Jim will be giving us the bill for that. Discussion about what people should carry with them to prove they were born before July of 1983 and therefore doesn’t need a Safety Course certificate.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Bernie asked that people report on their grooming to Janet by Tuesday so she can submit the grooming log to VAST.
2) We will make up some maps to be put on the bulletin boards that Don Gokey has made up.
3) We voted on having a Radar Run this year and Donald will ask Howard Osgood if we can use his field. This will be on Saturday, February 9th from 10-2 p.m. Donald will get a committee together to organize this. April and Daryl will make posters for the bulletin boards. Janet will write to VAST so this gets on their calendar for the Feb. VAST News.
4) We need to get the word out that snowmobilers must stay on the trails. It has been reported that they are going down Grassy Brook Rd., Radway, and onto Route 30. Also, riders must stay on established trails and not just follow tracks in the snow.
5) Sheila reported that TMA sales are up about 3 times what they were last year.
6) Discussed trail across from Eye’s house. It is broken but not sure of condition. Trail has been going thru Lee Severance’s yard for now.
The meeting adjourned at 8:40.
Respectfully submitted,
Janet English, Secretary
Click on Archives page for minutes of all meetings last year.