ABATE of Indiana Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
August 25, 2007 --- Freedom Hall, Ft. Wayne In

Jay Jackson called the meeting to order at 12:10. Those present were: Region 01-Al Putman, Region 04-Chuc Hunter, Region 05-Elmer Brown, Region 06-Dave Polanco, Region 07-Dennis Tyger, Region 08-Brian Smiddy, Region 09-Mo Kintner and Rick Meadors, Region 11-Kenny Casey, Region 12-Dave Hawkins, Ad Com-Gary Williams, Secretary–Kim Tyger, Treasurer-Tina McCormack, Editor in Chief-Marc Falsetti, and Mike Meyer from Region 13. (Region 00-Teresa Bodle and Region 10-Lenny Stancombe arrived late). Everyone rose for the pledge of allegiance.

Item 1: Tina presented the financials for May and June 2007 highlighting various line items. She gave an overview of the Boogie report which is not yet complete. A dashboard of year to date 2007 and comparison of year to date 2006 was also distributed to the directors. Discussion followed.

Al Putman brought up questions about the March and April financials. Discussion followed.

Tina stated that the office had received several payments from advertisers that had a past due balance. Discussion followed.

(Motion 1)

Item 2: Marc addressed the board concerning the security system placed at Freedom Hall and how to access the system from your home computer. The board members were encouraged to log on to the site to observe during operating hours and to call Cindy at the hall and let her know that you are watching. LCRP also has a monitoring system which cannot currently be accessed do to the internet system in that area.

Cindy Norris spoke to the board concerning the smoking ban in Ft. Wayne. She stated that other halls within close proximities are not under such a strict ban. Cindy believes that they have gotten some new participants since the ban and may have lost a few. She currently doesn’t notice a major impact.

Physically, they have been doing some painting on the exterior of the building. The roof is still in need of some minor repairs and the organization continues to work on this with the roofing company and manufacturers.

Non-profit groups are encouraged to call to utilize the facility. Discussion followed.

Marc discussed a previous vote by the board restricting advertising in the HMC. Discussion followed. Marc will use discretion and communicate with Region Directors.

(Motion 2)

Item 3: Tina highlighted Boogie reports stating “preliminary” numbers. It appears that there were 8,011 arm bands sold at the gate. A Boogie review committee was established to look at possible ways to reduce expenses and continue to improve the event. Members of the committee are: Tina McCormack, Brian Smiddy, Dennis Tyger, Mo Kintner, Dave Hawkins, Al Putman, Chuc Hunter, and Jay Jackson. Discussion followed.

***Action Item*** Information in guidebook pertaining to attorneys at events, advertising, etc.

Elmer discussed Region 05 concerns over their camp site at the Boogie. Elmer also stated that he would be resigning at the end of this meeting.

Item 4: Chuc Hunter discussed the shower in the bottoms at LCRP. Region 04 is looking at putting up an improved shower house. Regions 04 and 03 are looking at sharing a space at the Boogie for field events and the hole shot contest. In addition, Region 04 has obtained materials to construct a series of terraces (stairway) on the west side of Hummel Hill. This will alleviate having pedestrians on the hill when bikes and shuttles are trying to use the hill. Assistance from other regions would be appreciated. Jay requested that Gary Williams work with Region 04 on this project. (Williams is working with a hydrologist on Ray’s Crossing and can consult with him concerning the stairs and the existing roadway. The concern is to avoid washout on the hill.)

Ray’s crossing was discussed concerning the many short term fixes we have done over the years to repair damage caused by rain. Estimates were presented to the board for more permanent options.

Jay extended a thank you to members of Region 06 for helping out when needed at LCRP.

After receiving approval from the board, LCRP was used over the August 16th weekend for XC racing. Jay and Dave Hawkins went to observe and help out at the event. The event was a success and generated income for LCRP. It appears that this group will continue to work with us. Discussion followed.

The waterless toilets now have pads around all four sides and vents. Water pressure in the showers was discussed. The plumber is looking into this.

Jay told the board that approximately 20 tons of granite slabs have been donated to the organization. The board discussed how or if they could utilize this.

The board agreed to continue our relationship with American Income Life for the $2000 accidental death and dismemberment policy which is no cost to the organization or the members. Discussion followed.

Item 5: Jay read a letter from a member making a donation of $100 to the organization to help fight the ten dollar increase on motorcycle registrations for the spinal cord and brain injury trust.

In the 2008 legislative session we can expect to see legislation introduced to resolve this issue, motorized bicycles, and right of way legislation. Jay is meeting with Senator Lawson and a constituent concerning the constituent’s son’s death resulting from motorcycle accident. Discussion followed.

Terry Eads will be resigning as LINC director. Jay is looking at a few individuals that might fill this position.

Elmer presented pamphlets to the board from West Virginia detailing recommended motorcycle routes and tourism. Discussion followed.

***Action item*** Look into getting a similar pamphlet in Indiana.

Item 6: Jay highlighted topics from the MSD Newsbrief. The Martinsville training site has been a victim of vandalism and theft. The local police department is looking into this.

We will be conducting BMV updates in the spring.

Recently the motorcycle safety state program recognized the 75,000th student.

ABATE of Indiana did not attend the SMSA conference and have suspended our sponsorship of the SMSA based on their absence of support for Team Oregon’s safety program.

Motor GP is coming to the Indianapolis Speedway next year. We anticipate being involved in this in some aspect.

Jay and John Bodeker continue to work with Dan Jeffries (Indiana Criminal Justice Institute) to clarify the 2006 numbers for motorcycle fatalities.

It is our intent to open a site in Richmond in 2008 on a limited basis. A location is being looked into.

Item 7: Media coverage for the Governor’s ride was favorable. Jay thanked Region 07 for their efforts in supplying food for the Seymour stop. There were over 200 bikes that made the majority of the ride. Dignitaries as well as civilians came out to meet with the Governor at the stops. The ride was a success in promoting motorcycle awareness.

**Action item*** Check on emails and faxes sent out to directors concerning the Governor’s ride.

As part of our working relationship with Purdue University, Jay set up on the campus this week and at the State Fair to distribute safety brochures and reach out to the young drivers to be more aware of motorcycles on the roadways.

HB 1001, the Budget Bill, was made available to anyone that would like to read all 253 pages.

Kenny Casey asked the directors to give him feed back on their charity rides. Questions arose concerning how an individual earns a chance on the motorcycle and the trip. Discussion followed. The committee is going to look at putting together a list of guidelines.

Indiana Children’s Wish Fund continues to have issues where they are confused with the Make a Wish Foundation both with ABATE and in their other efforts. Their organization is working on ways to combat this.

***Action item*** Get with Teresa Bodle concerning the printing of the revised ABATE of Indiana policies.

***Action item*** Check with Michael Beason of ABATE Legal Services concerning incorporating the release form with the membership application.

Item 8: The format for the Fall Seminar was discussed.

Jay and Marc will be attending the Meeting of the Minds. Discussion followed.

Workers party is coming up. Directors need to submit their list by September 8th so that the office can mail out the invitations.

A member has requested that ABATE of Indiana Inc assist in his efforts to get supplies out to the US military troops. Jay is checking with our attorneys to make sure we can do this.

Whiteland Raceway has expressed an interest in offering to give $2 of the admission fee collected from ABATE members back to the organization. Jay is going to meet with him to discuss this further.

Jay has asked for feedback from any members that have attempted to use the ABATE discount through Porter Paints.

Putt asked for a report of lifetime and charter members. He recommended a gift such as a t-shirt/jacket to recognize long term members.

Bad address lists will be given out to directors in a few weeks. The office is waiting to get feedback on Boogie memberships that are being sent out.

2008 sanction dates need to be turned in by the October board meeting.

Elmer brought up the construction of Region Memorial Walls. Chuc and Jay will look into finding the original guidelines. Region 08 has constructed a wall that does not match the others as they were not aware of any set guidelines.

Jay discussed raising money for ABATE of Indiana throughout the state and what these monies are intended for. Many events take place throughout the year with the profits being donated to outside charities. If counties and regions are going to hold events for local charities it is important that the money is accounted for properly through the organization so that ABATE can receive the credit for the donation. It was also pointed out that ABATE of Indiana is a charitable organization representing motorcyclists in Indiana and as such needs financial contributions to continue to fight/support legislation and maintain/improve our existing properties. ABATE of Ohio is currently facing financial struggles and may soon if they haven’t already lose their office.

Putt brought up bonding for the treasurers. Jay will get with Rod and Gino on this issue.

Joe Adams, Henry County Rep spoke to the board on behalf of Elmer giving his support. Several other members were with him.

(Motion 3)

MOTIONS

Motion 1: Kenny Casey made the motion to accept the March and April financials. Dave Hawkins seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous. Motion carried.

Motion 2: Elmer Brown made the motion to rescind the previous policy with regards to limits on advertising in the Hoosier Motorcyclist. Chuc Hunter seconded the motion.
Regions 00, 01, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 12 voted yes. Regions 10 and 11 voted no. (9 yes, 2 no, 3 absent). Motion carried.

Motion 3: Dave Hawkins made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Dennis Tyger seconded the motion. Vote was unanimous. Motion carried.

Revised 10/01/07