ABATE of Indiana Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
October 13, 2007 --- Lawrence County Recreation Park, Springville, IN

Meeting was called to order at 12:15 by Executive Director Jay Jackson. Those present were: Region 01 – Al and Karey Putman, Region 02 – Dave Frost, Region 04 – Chuc Hunter and Jan Johns, Region 05- Josef Adams, Region 06- Dave Polanco, Region 07 – Dennis Tyger and Bill Schoentrup, Region 08- Brian Smiddy and Terry Penn, Region 09 – Mo Kintner, Region 10 – Lenny Stancombe, Region 11 – Kenny Casey, Region 12 – Dave Hawkins, Region 13 – Mike Meyer and Skip Willis, ABATE Legal - Rod Taylor, ABATE Security – Bobby Coffey, Ad Com – Gary Williams, State Office – Kim Tyger and Tina McCormack. Regions 00 and 03 were absent. Everyone rose for the Pledge of Allegiance. A few introductions were made.

ITEM 1: Tina went over the financials for July and August that were distributed today for all entities. The dashboard and Aging Summary were also discussed. Al Putman asked questions pertaining to the May/June financials. Discussion followed.

(Motion 1)

ITEM 2: Dennis Tyger asked Gary Williams to report on the shower house, waterless toilets, and the DNR grant. Gary stated that adjustments have been made to the water flow at the shower house. It appears that a head tank may be needed in the future. The waterless toilets are undergoing a few cosmetic upgrades. We are still waiting on the Board of Health to get back with us concerning the mound system design. Gary and Jay met with Bob Bronson-DNR, concerning the grant. The next step is to get Lawrence County Board of Health, State Board of Health and DNR out to the property to approve the facilities and then proceed with reimbursement. Dave Polanco recommended we have a shower room attendant to collect donations to keep the showers clean during the Boogie. Discussion followed.

ITEM 3: Primary legislation issues for 2008 will be the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Trust Fund, scooters, and Right of Way legislation. A number of legislators have expressed support including the bills original author. She has requested our assistance in finding an alternate source of funding. There is concern over the language in the original draft of this legislation with regard to the funding mechanism.

Coordinators meeting will be in conjunction with the Fall Seminar this year. The intent is to expose both aspects of the organization to each other.

There will not be a training site in Martinsville next year. We are planning on holding a few classes in Richmond next year.

Through the SAFE TEA LU funds we are getting a few new trailers for our sites. The Angola site is in need of some repairs after having been hit by a truck this year.

A meeting is scheduled for this month with the BMV to review the motorcycle knowledge test.

The Board discussed the impact of the AltMOST skills exam on the rider education program.

ITEM 4: Jay updated the Board on the meeting with the family of the 20 yr. old that died in a motorcycle crash on Hwy 37. The meeting consisted of the mother, an advocate for her, a motorcycle dealer, Jay, Senator Lawson, and Judge Bob Freese. The discussion was based on guidelines/laws pertaining to the sale of motorcycles. It is possible that the mother will become an advocate for motorcycle safety courses. Discussion followed.

David Polanco shared with the Board that he lets the state office/Jay know of any motorcycle fatalities in his area. It was recommended that all of the Region Directors do the same and that the office keep a file. Discussion followed.

Jay and John Bodeker are still working to get the actual crash reports from 2006 to compare with the FARS data. The 2006 fatality numbers are appearing in various documents inconsistently. One document stated 92 then changed to 97 and then again changed to 96. On September 13 NHTSA released Traffic Safety Facts Comparison of Motorcycle Rider Fatalities and Traffic Crashes 2005-2006. NHTSA obtains their numbers from the same place that we get them and yet the numbers were different. NHTSA is reporting 110 motorcycle fatalities in Indiana. The MRF has established a statistics committee which Jay will chair. Their intent is to get the reporting agencies to question their statistics and set up guidelines to make them more accurate.

The NTSB release recommending nationwide mandatory helmet laws was made available to the Board. The recommendation was based on the investigation of six motorcycle crashes and incorrect data.

BMV is working on motorized bicycle legislation for next session. Recently there was a 14 year old killed in an accident while driving a scooter, not wearing a helmet, and carrying a 12 year old passenger. Another incident occurred in Muncie this week.

A large office supply chain has mandated that employees are no longer allowed to ride their motorcycles for company business.

Organization Day at the State House occurs in November. Normally we do not have a strong presence at this event. This year we would like to have a few dozen in attendance to draw attention to our presence.

IMA reception is January 23rd.

We are working with the State House to schedule ABATE Day and Kid’s Day at the State House. The intent is to have flyers available by the Fall Seminar.

ABATE of Indiana will be sending delegates to Washington DC to meet with legislators in November. The Board agreed to send up to three members. Gary Williams, Chuc Hunter, Jay and Rod Taylor have offered to go dependant upon scheduling. Rod offered to fly the delegation if his schedule permits.

(Motion 2)

ITEM 5: The Freedom Hall roof repair is still being looked into. Calls have been made to the contractor and to the manufacturer.

Bingo revenue has been down. This is normal for this time of year but we are watching to see if the smoking ban is playing into this.

ITEM 6: Dave Hawkins reported on the new Boogie review committee. Subcommittees were formed to look at increasing revenue, decreasing expenses, sponsorships and the bike raffle.

Dave Hawkins reported on the bylaw/policy committee. Teresa Bodle is working on compiling the policies.

The electronics committee was waiting for the Boogie report to look into finances for laptops. At this time it does not appear that the funds are available.

Jay has spoken with a few state agencies concerning the motorcycle travel brochure. He will continue to work on this.

Prior to Meeting of the Minds an email was generated seeking a consensus on the donation to the MRF. This was not to be a vote but a courtesy reminder to the Board.

ITEM 7: Sanction dates need to be turned in.

Lenny asked if Region 10 could proceed with building a shelter house. Region 09 and Region 01 would also like to build one.

(Motion 3)

Region 05 asked for guidance for drainage for leveling their area.

If you have suggestions for Fall Seminar please let Jay know. Registration starts at 9 and the seminar starts at 10. Discussion followed.

Kim reviewed the Region/County report card concerning treasurer’s reports and minutes. Chuc stated that their counties do not have treasurers. Kim explained that if a county is raising money then that county needs to report those funds and show that it was turned in to the region. Discussion followed. If anyone has questions concerning these reports please call Kim or Tina at the State Office.

Kenny Casey stated that the State Charity Committee will be meeting to review the procedure for obtaining chances for prizes.

Chuc asked if each Region is supposed to be a sustaining member of the MRF. This is a policy for the organization.

Mo asked if the ABATE Creed could be printed in the Hoosier Motorcyclist or in the mailings. Jay will speak with Marc about publishing this.

Jay stated that the State Charity Ride for Indiana Children’s Wish Fund donation is below six figures. The MRF has asked that they be considered for the 2009 State Charity. MRF is struggling financially. Chuc stated that in Region 04 they have voted to keep 10% of proceeds from all charity ride they host for ABATE.

30 year plus memberships were discussed.

The drawing was conducted for the State Charity Ride Sportster. Mel Whitesell of Decatur, IN was the winner. Wabash Valley MC was drawn for the trip to Vegas.

(Motion 4)

Respectfully submitted,

Kim Tyger

MOTIONS

Motion 1: Motion was made by David Hawkins and seconded by Kenny Casey to accept the May and June financials. Vote was unanimous. Motion carried.

Motion 2: Motion was made by David Polanco and seconded by Dave Frost to approve a trip to DC for up to four people. Vote was unanimous motion carried.

Motion 3: Motion was made by David Polanco and seconded by Dave Frost for Regions 01, 10, and 09 to build a shelter house subject to approval of specific location. Vote was unanimous. Motion carried.

Motion 4: Motion was made by Kenny Casey and seconded by Joe Adams to adjourn the meeting. Vote was unanimous. Motion carried.

Revised 10/25/07