Meeting Minutes

Monday, January 22, 2001

Dixie’s On Grand

1. Meeting called to order at 7:00p.m.

In attendance: Scott Adams, Jim Borchert, Dan Dobson, Jake Hamlin, Cindi Holton, George Ibach, Sue Johnson, Steph Johnson, Dave Johnson, Joe Ling, Bill Marhoun, Holly Reuter, Dan Reuter, Curt Shippy, Glen Terry, Bobbi Wiederkehr, and Matt Wiederkehr.

 

2. Approval of 1-22 MBA Agenda.

 

3. Treasurer’s Report.

Glen Terry reported a balance of $1609.81.

 

4. Committee Reports

1. Safety Seminar

The safety seminar is scheduled for Friday evening and the entire day Saturday, March 30 and 31, will occur at Aamodt’s Apple Orchard. Pilots, crew, and anyone interested in ballooning are encouraged to attend.

Members are finalizing speakers, arrangements, and cost for the seminar. Look for a link on the MBA web site for more information.

1. Old Business

1. Elections

Nominations for the offices of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary are due before the Monday, February 19 meeting. Dues need to be paid by the end of January in order to vote in the elections. 2001 MBA annual dues are $24.00. Contact Glen Terry at 612-532-0715 or ltairpilot@aol.com to determine cost of dues.

1. New Business.

1. Ed Yost Marker

The January 2001 issue of Ballooning contained an article about fundraising for the placement of a historical marker of the first modern hot-air balloon flight by Ed Yost. The marker is scheduled to be placed on May 22, 2001 assuming $4,500 is received by February 1, 2001.

After significant discussion membership determined that contributions would be sent to Glen Terry by Monday, January 29. A donation in the name of the MBA would be sent toward the placement of the historical marker.

 

2. Class B Airspace Expansion Proposal

The Minneapolis Air Traffic Control Tower is proposing to modify the Class B Airspace by:

extending the radius of the uppermost layer of the Class B Airspace from 20 to 30 nautical miles;

extending the floor of the Class B Airspace at 4,000 feet MSL from 20 to 30 nautical miles; and

establish the upper limit of the Class B Airspace at 10,000 feet within the 30 nautical mile radius.

Comments are being accepted until March 10, 2001 on this proposal. If you would like a comment form contact Jake Hamlin at 651-690-3987 or pboeandjhamlin@qwest.net .

A work group consisting of Jim Borchert, Dan Dobson, Jake Hamlin, and Curt Shippy will contact the control tower to determine if a representative can give a brief presentation and answer questions at the February meeting. In preparation for the February meeting a letter or conversation with air traffic control representatives will clarify the potential impact on ballooning.

3. Recognition of commitment to the MBA

An award of recognition was presented to the James Lawrence Company (Jim Wiersgalla) for contributing toward the establishment of the MBA web site.

4. Table at Hudson Hot Air Affair

The MBA will host a table at the craft fair on Saturday, February 3.

Holly and Dan Reuter are hosting the MN Lakes Sweetheart’ Balloon Rally from February 16-18, 2001. Contact Dan at (507) 245-3844 or hreuter@mctcnet.net .

Mentioned, but not confirmed, an event hosted by Ray Ebert in Cable, WI. This event is scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2001. See Ray in Hudson for confirmation.

Informal discussion occurred about a fun fly with pilots from Sioux Falls in Fairmont. Curt and Jim will pursue contacts with pilots and crew in Sioux Falls.

The next monthly meeting of the MBA will be Monday, February 19, 2001.