Minnesota Ballooning Association (MBA)
Meeting Minutes
Monday, August 21, 2000
Washburn Public Library
5244 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
In attendance: Roger Adams, Wynn Gustafson, Jake Hamlin, Dave Johnson, Ruth Peterson, Bill Marhoun, Becky Pope, Curt Shippy, Glen Terry, *Todd Ullom, and Matt Wiederkehr. Joe Ling
*New member
Motion: Wynn Gustafson moved that the 7-17 MBA Agenda be approved. Matt Wiederkehr seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Copies of the 7-17 minutes were distributed.
Motion: Roger Adams moved that the 7-17 minutes be approved. Glen Terry seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Glen Terry reported a balance of $1,252.81. The balance is based on $733 in the general fund, $344 from the April 2000 safety seminar, $147 from the sale of pins, and $27 cash.
Glen stated that $181 was spent to cover the cost to post the web site through July of 2001.
The safety seminar will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2001. Presenters have committed on the topics of practical weather application, FARs, first aid, and tresspass-traffic obstruction. Additional presenters are needed.
The site for the seminar will be confirmed at the September 7 meeting of the safety seminar committee.
If you are interested in committing to help in the organization of the safety seminar contact Dave Johnson at Dave_Johnson@campls.org . The next meeting of the safety seminar committee is scheduled for Thursday, September 7.
No report.
No report.
Becky suggested a Saturday get together and function at the corn maze in Hampton, MN. No date was confirmed, but stay tuned.
The MBA will host a Christmas Party this winter as well.
The Minnesota State Fair occurs from August 24 – September 3. Members are asked to sign up for the core hours from 11:00-2:00 and 4:00-7:00 each day. Contact Glen Terry at (612) 661-1517 or email at glen.terry@gs.moore.com to volunteer time at the fair. Admission will be provided.
Members are to represent the MBA, yet may display commercial literature only when present. No individual commercial literature may be available when a member is not present.
Each MBA member will receive an official MBA pin (white background) and each additional pin for members as well as pins for non-members are available for $2.00. The first order of pins were produced on a yellow background (manufacturer’s mistake) and can be purchased for $1.00 each, no reasonable quantity limit.
Membership cards are available and will be mailed to members along with August meeting minutes.
Kevin Knapp is being transferred, thus he resigned the vice presidency. The MBA appreciates Kevin’s contributions and we wish him well.
There is no protocol within the by-laws to follow. Therefore, membership suggested that nominations be accepted through the next meeting date. A vote for the office will occur at the September 18 meeting. The member elected to the vice president office will assume the office until the next general election. Contact any board member to suggest a nomination.
An amendment to the by-laws would provide a protocol for similar situations in the future.
Board members prompted a discussion regarding the need for committee reports at monthly meetings. In order to maintain committee activity and credibility, accountability is necessary. Board members shall contact committee chairs prior to the September meeting to determine interest levels in serving as committee chairs. No action will be taken until current chairs are contacted, a discussion occurs clarifying the issue at the September meeting, and a motion is made if necessary.
Curt stated that anyone owning or operating an inflator should be cautious when working with an inflator that has a two-piece tapered hub. The hub is the connecting piece from the shaft to the propeller. Curt cited a few examples of the hub failing, one instance causing the loss of fingers.
A number of factors may be attributed to the failure of the hub in these instances. The hub is not truly circular, thus the impact of the imperfect hub is multiplied at the end of the propeller as it rotates. An imperfect hub can cause excessive vibration on an inflator. Another potential actor is that a key-pin holds the propeller to the shaft, whereas it is safer to bolt the propeller through the hub to the shaft.
Curt suggested an inflator should be serviced once a year. A servicing includes changing the spark plug, replacing the oil (synthetic for winter use), addition of a block heater for winter use if applicable.
Other important considerations about inflators according to Curt are: always educate crew about the position, throttle, on/off, and any other peculiarities on an inflator; consider throttling down an inflator prior to shutting off at full rpms; and store the propeller in a horizontal position so that moisture cannot run the length of the propeller.
D. WELCOME NEW MEMBER "TODD ULLOM", Todd found us through the internet. Without hesitation has joined the MBA. When you meet Todd give him a warm welcome.
B. Round Barn Fun Rally (Bill Marhoun)
The event will be held September 30-October 1, 2000 in Beldenville, WI. Food, propane, and refreshments will be provided. Contact Bill Marhoun at (715) 792-2181 or bmarhoun@pressenter.com for more information.
VIII. Meeting Adjourned
Motion: Roger Adams made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Becky Pope seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
IX. Next Meeting
The next monthly meeting of the MBA will be Monday, September 18.