May 1, 2007 Meeting Minutes
TWO RIVERS DOG MUSHERS ASSOCIATION
May 1, 2007
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Scott Chesney, President, called the meeting to order at 6:37PM
11 members present
MINUTES REVIEW: The minutes of the April meeting were reviewed.
MOTION to accept May minutes as presented, was made by Julie Hedgecoke, seconded by Art Stoller. No objections.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Becky Cummings, Treasurer presented the financial report.
OLD BUSINESS:
- Discussed Membership survey. Trails were rated as good to excellent, while information was rated poor. Will work on improving the website and getting the information disseminated in a timely manner.
- Stage Race Update – Art Stoller
Art Stoller reported that the stage race will be held February 15-17 at Chena Lakes, with mileages of 25, 45 and 35 miles. The race would have no dog-marking, limit 10-12 dogs, substitutions from a pool of dogs allowed on an honor system. Dog substitution is allowed, no holds barred. Press release to come soon; Rod Boyce offered to assist with writing the press release. The race will promote sound nutrition and health care for sled dogs. Committee has met and are fine-tuning the race rules. Bob McAlpin will be in charge of trails. Discussion ensued regarding whether the race is a TRDMA event or endorsed by TRDMA. “Endorsed by” wording was clarified. Members stated the possibility of continuing the even as a TRDMA race in future years.
STANDING COMMITTEES REPORT:
- Sponsorship: Val Mackler reported getting sponsor “thank-yous” mailed out. Voiced concerns of stretching dog food and feed companies as sponsors.
- Race/Rules: Scott Chesney reported that the Chatanika Challenge trail will be proofed by January 15, 2008. Fun runs will be scheduled over the proposed CC 200 trail.
- Trail: No report.
- Junior: No report.
- Public Relations: No report.
NEW BUSINESS:
- New Meeting Place: A new meeting place is needed for meetings, as the school will be unavailable during the summer months. Bob Hauer suggested the Two Rivers Nazarene Church for a small fee for utilities compensation each month.
MOTION was made to hold meetings at the Nazarene Church by Bill Greenslade, seconded by Becky Cummings. No objections. - Bylaws Review: Scott Chesney, Val Mackler and Tammi Rego will meet to hold a review of the bylaws.
- Wes Rau Workshop – Scott Chesney
Scott has been in contact with Wes Rau on conducting canine physical therapy workshops this summer. The idea will be to put the workshops on video, which Wes has expressed interest in doing for some time. Scott Chesney will work with Wes to organize the event and work out the details. More information to follow. - Yukon Quest Checkpoint – Scott Chesney; Tammi Rego
Scott Chesney reported that several members have expressed that TRDMA should not sponsor the Chena Hot Springs Quest Checkpoint again in 2008. Tammi Rego reported that she did speak with the Yukon Quest office and they stated that they would like to hear what problems TRDMA volunteers were concerned with and how they could help make the checkpoint better. The Quest office desires TRDMA to continue its support of the checkpoint.MOTION was made to discontinue hosting the Quest checkpoint by Becky Cummings, seconded by Maureen English.
General membership discussed – concerns were that there were no lights at the checkpoint, no warm areas available for volunteers, bridge traffic created havoc for bringing teams in and out of the checkpoint, vehicles and tourists interfered with checkpoint operations, the checkpoint cost the club cash resources. Tammi Rego suggested that the club speak with the Quest office about concerns. Club members offered other possibilities for checkpoint locations, being Angel Creek or possibly Twin Bears Campground.
MOTION restated to discontinue hosting the Quest checkpoint if it is held at Chena Hot Springs by Janet Smith, seconded by Tammi Rego. General Membership agreed.
- Neglect/Abuse Presentation – Cathy Crissman, Fairbanks ACO Officer Crissman covered neglect and abuse of animals, discussed educating owners, stressing proper care in dog lots and covered dog bites, wounds, etc.
Meeting adjourned at 7:45pm, next meeting will be on June 5, 2007.
