General  Meeting March 14^th, 2009

Meeting at the “new” Arlington Community Hall was called to order at 12:55pm. By Bruce Jensen.  About 128 were in attendance. 

Herb Krentz entertained us with concertina music prior to the start of the meeting. 

President Jensen noted that he had received a formal invitation from Scott Carver Threshers president Ron Scott to be their featured club at the August 6,7,8 2010 show.  Chapter 15 had previously approved a verbal invitation.  The written invitation is a formality.

A motion was made by Duane Runke, seconded from the floor, and approved to give Jim Hadfield a paid membership for hosting, maintaining, and acting as Web master for Chapter 15’s web-site.

Guest speaker Guy Faye gave a presentation on 2009 RPRU, talked about his experience authoring books, and Talked about his experiences as a volunteer at the IH Archives.  The archives are open to the public Monday thru Friday from 9-5, Saturday 9-4, and on-line at WisconsinHistory.org, Guy is available to answer questions at Mayguyma@execpc.com.

A motion was made by Mel Melcher, seconded by Gail Suter, and approved to accept the Secretary’s report as printed in the newsletter.   A motion was made by Dave Kanten, seconded by Ken Eckstrand, and approved to accept the Treasurer’s report as printed in the newsletter.

Dave Kanten posted a map showing the location of members.  The center of members is close to Arlington.

Bruce has received an e-mail from Dalton inviting us for 2015.  A motion was made by Dave Kanten, seconded by Orville Deling and approved to accept the invitation to Dalton in 2015.

Bruce had a banner made for the 2011 RPRU. He will also be getting large magnetic signs $80.00 per pair, small signs $40.00 per pair, and refrigerator magnets for $5.00 each.  National has approved the contract with Freeborn County for 2011.

The National Chapter has 7400 members, and $4.00 per member goes for insurance.  The National will NOT cover the following activities:        TRACTOR RIDES, TRACTOR PULLS, and STEAM ENGINE ACTIVIRIES.  Local chapters WILL not advertise these activities in their newsletter, web site, etc.

Linda Klein merchandise manager thanked all who helped at Winter convention in Waterloo Ia.  She also introduced new merchandise vendors from Green Isle, Pat and Terry.

Nathan Hanson confirmed the clubs incorporation with the State of Minnesota.  He reported on obtaining 501c3 educational status for the club.  The cost is $500.00. The chapter by-laws will need to be updated to reflect the 501c3 status..    A motion was made by Mel Melcher, seconded by the floor and approved to obtain the 501c3 status for the club.  Nathan will proceed with the application.

There was discussion of the by-laws.  It was noted that they are outdated. Chapter members have to approve any updates to the by-laws.  A motion was made by Gail Suter, seconded by Bruce Neiman and approved for board member Duane Runke to re-write the by-laws as directed by the Board of Directors, and send out, and, or have available at the next general membership meeting.

Dorthea Paul showed her new Farmall A&B paintings.

Kansas is interested in Chapter 15  purchasing a white demo, they would do the restoration, and both chapters would sell raffle tickets, and share the proceeds.

There was some discussion of the requirements necessary to pursue that project, gambling license, time for moving the tractor around, a trailer, etc.  It was the consensus of the membership to not participate in the raffle project.

Toy Committee for 2011 RPRU: Eric Koepp has volunteered to be chairman.  There was discussion of having a gold 826.  There is a 18 month lead time with a minimum order of 1500.    Case IH dealers will commit to the purchase of 1000 of those tractors.  There was also discussion of having a pedal tractor.  The source of these would be Scale model and Joe Ertl.

A motion was made by Dave Alstad, seconded by Orville Deling, and passed to have as the toy a model 826 gold demo with no ROPS, wide front, and curved pipe.

A motion was made by Orville Deling, seconded by Mike Kaufmann,and  approved to reserve the Arlington Community center for two years out for the March and December meetings.

A motion was made seconded and passed to adjourn at 2:45.

Filed under: Chapter 15 Meeting Minutes