Minnesota Ballooning Association (MBA)
Meeting Minutes
Monday, September 18, 2000
Washburn Public Library
5244 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
In attendance: Dan Dobson, Jake Hamlin, Dave Johnson, Joe Ling, Glen Terry, and Todd Ullom.
Motion: Glen Terry moved that the 9-18 MBA Agenda be approved. Jake Hamlin seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Copies of the 8-21 minutes were distributed.
Motion: Glen Terry moved that the 8-21 minutes be approved. Jake Hamlin seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
Glen Terry reported a balance of $1,360.81. The balance is based on $841.78 in the general fund, $344 from the April 2000 safety seminar, $147 from the sale of pins, and $27 cash.
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 2001 seminar is Aamodt’s Apple Orchard. A Friday evening get together is scheduled and a Saturday afternoon barbeque will be provided.
If you are interested in committing to help in the organization of the safety seminar contact Dave Johnson at Djohnson@CAMpls.org . The next meeting of the safety seminar committee is yet to be determined, but is likely after the October MBA membership meeting.
Due to Kevin Knapp’s reassignment to South Carolina the MBA is in need of a new chairperson for the Balloon Education Committee. This person would be or become familiar with the BFA Junior Balloonist program and identify other activities to encourage young individuals to participate in the sport of ballooning.
No report.
No report.
Many thanks to all the individuals who were present at the MBA booth throughout the state fair. Contacts were made with pilots and landowners in other categories of aviation during the fair.
Special thanks to Matt Wiederkehr for the use of his basket and to Kevin Knapp for spending time every day at the booth. Roger Adams, David Bracht, Wynn Gustafson, Jake Hamlin, Betty Henneberg, Dave Johnson, Kevin Knapp, Ruth Peterson, Glen Terry, Matt Wiederkehr, and Jim Wiersgalla each helped to bring recognition to the sport of ballooning and the MBA at the 2000 Minnesota State Fair.
The MBA will pursue future opportunities to maintain an annual presence at the Minnesota State Fair.
All MBA members should have received one complimentary pin and a membership card. If you have not, contact Glen Terry at LTAirPilot@aol.com or (763) 753-6884.
A formal amendment to the MBA by-laws will be prepared for the following motion. Motion: Jake Hamlin moved that the by-laws be amended to read, upon the vacancy of an MBA office, the President has the ability to appoint an acting officer subject to the review of the MBA membership when a quorum is present. Todd Ullom seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
C. Acting Vice President
The only nomination made and accepted for the office of Vice President was for Jake Hamlin. The members present voted unanimously for Jake to take the position and Jake accepted
Dave Johnson read the letter from Steve Johnson. Steve’s intent was to raise awareness of the potential altitude and monetary situation related to flight instruments in hot-air balloons.
Motion: Dan Dobson moved that a letter be drafted to Ball Variometers stating the concern regarding the likely limited availability of a basic and inexpensive flight instrument package for hot air balloons in the future. A copy of the letter will be forwarded to the BFA, hot air balloon manufacturers, and others. Glen Terry seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
It is unlikely that the MBA will participate in the Flight Expo in 2001. The event itself is being reviewed by the Office of Aeronautics and may be organized into a different format.
Based on this information Dave Johnson suggested that an annual event occur in the place of participating in the Flight Expo. A landowner in Sauk Centre has offered an opportunity for a launch from his property. Dave suggested that this site might be a prime location for potential long jumps. Any pilot interested in participating in this event (the second weekend in February should contact Dave at Djohnson@CAMpls.org or (612) 781-6174.
C. Winter Carnival
Dan Dobson is going to contact Winter Carnival officials to determine if an opportunity for a fly out exists for the upcoming Carnival. Based on the response from Winter Carnival officials the MBA will move forward accordingly.
D. Advocating the Sport of Ballooning in Schools.
Dan Dobson inquired about the possibility of conducting presentations at schools. Dave Johnson stated that Washburn Aviation Magnet School would be a potential site to present information about the sport. Members do present on the topic of ballooning at some schools on annual basis.
A formal amendment to the MBA by-laws will be prepared for the following motions. Motion: Glen Terry moved to accept nominations for MBA offices in January and voting for MBA offices occur at the February General Membership meeting on an annual basis. The motion was seconded by Dan Dobson. The motion passed.
Motion: Glen Terry moved that effective January 1, 2000 the MBA membership due structure be based upon the calendar year. All current membership dues will be prorated accordingly and due on January 1, 2001 on a basis of $3.00/month. The motion was seconded by Dan Dobson. The motion passed.
A gentleman at the State Fair passed on the enclosed scholarship that is aimed to benefit working adults. If you know of working adults interested in various aspects of aviation please forward the enclosed application to them.
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.
IX. Meeting Adjourned
Motion: Glen Terry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Todd Ullom seconded the motion. The motion was passed.
X. Next Meeting
The next monthly meeting of the MBA will be Monday, October 16, 2000.