13 January 2009 Meeting Minutes

 

President (Dave Airola) called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM.  10 members present, including 2 brand new members, Rich Cline and Brian Schnieder. 

 

Minutes from last meeting were reviewed.  Motion to approve, seconded, and carried.

 

Treasurer’s report (Mike Dunn):

            Current balance is $800.58.

 

New Business:

   + Base Safety Meeting:

            President and Secretary (Dave Bliujus) met with SSgt Benjamin Hill, 55 WG Safety Office Motorcycle Safety NCO last month. President relayed points of interest discussed.

-       MSF Riders Safety Courses will begin in April

-       Looking for people willing to write motorcycle safety articles for base paper, possibly submitted for high level publication. Once a quarter

-       Looking for people to provide riders’ mentoring; volunteers will have priority to attend Experienced Riders Course for free

-       Offered for us to use the MSF Waiver form for rides/events we sponsor

-       Would like us to develop a checklist for riders to use checking out their bikes before going on a ride

-       Some 55th Wing policy letter changes may be coming by Spring; pertains to colors of outer garments and back packs

-       Safety is interesting in helping sponsor “fun runs”

-       Open use of range by ORA whenever it’s not being used

-       Would like ORA business cards to hand out to Motorcycle Riders course attendees and others who may visit their office (business cards provided tonight for Steve to deliver)

 

   + Cyclefest and Rodeo

            Vice President was going to discuss this topic, but he could not attend the meeting.  President explained that Omaha chapter of the National Safety Council holds an annual CycleFest for young bicycle riders.  ORA has put motorcycles on display and helped in the past.  The Council also provides kits for groups to hold their own bicycle rodeos.  Vice President wants to discuss whether the ORA would like to participate again this year and possibly hold our own rodeo for base bicycle riders.  Discussion tabled until next meeting.

 

Open Discussion:

-       The issue of dues was brought up. Some would like dues to be increased to $10 per month ($100 a year if paid in full) and funds used to pay for certain events during the course of the year without additional out of pocket expenses. Some didn’t want dues to rise to the level of discouraging members to join based on cost. Other comments were somewhere in the middle. Some suggested have a fund to pay for flowers and cards in case of deaths or injuries of members.  It was discussed we needed a criteria for what significant events the group would provide flowers, etc., for.  Further discussion is needed to decide what dues should be and what they should be used for. Item tabled at the time.

-       Spring Tune-up ride: It was suggested we do a ride to Lincoln for the Huskers football Red-White game on 18 April. Tickets are free and it might be a good opportunity for a good ride and fellowship.

-       A bikers social network, www.bikerfanclub.com, is up and running and Event/Public Relations Chairman (Rordy Smith) has established an ORA Group on the site. He says the number of participants is increasing and encouraged us to check it out.

-       Lincoln Bike Show is Feb 20-22. Event/Public Relations Chairman will organize a car pool over for members to ride together over to see.  Target date is 21 February.

-       Yellow Ribbon Run is scheduled for 14 June.  Huge event to raise funds for the Friends of the Family Support Center to support/assist deployed troops and their families.  ORA assistance most likely not requested except to support and ride.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM

 

50/50 was $15 to the winner who was Pastor Rordy Smith.

 

Next meeting will be 10 Feb, 6:30 PM, Rumors Lounge basement meeting room.