12/17/16 12/17/16

Board Minutes 12-15-16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes12-15-16The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PMBoard members present were:

Jeremy Verbeke
Steve Vigneau
Mike Fitzpatrick
Marty Shue
Nick Shue
Alice Jacobs
Kristen Barry

Non board members present

Dean Fitzpatrick

Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 11-16-16 board meeting were read and approvedOld Business

City of Utica MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)
- Jeremy Verbeke reported that he met with the current mayor, Jackie Noonan, and the MOU was on the city council agenda but for some reason unknown it was removed and he didn’t get the opportunity to bring it up at the city council meeting.
- A data fact is that only .27 miles of the River Bends trail system is on the city of Utica’s property – option to reroute maybe
- There will be new mayor elect soon and Jeremy said that we can give it another try
Chapter Trailer for Groomer
- Jeremy V. reiterated that we need to upgrade our groomer trailer with an appropriate size one that accommodates the snowmobile and the groomer. Nick said that there is a drive on/drive off trailer available at reasonable cost.
- Jeremy said he will continue his search to find the new trailer for the groomer/snowmobile and report back.
Signage, Wrapping
- Marty said she will follow up on the items below:
  - will check with Johnson printing about the cost of wrapping on the trailers and the TWA signs
  - cost of 6 new “Trail Work Ahead” signs
SWOT planning session
- Despite IMBA’s issues this is still on for January 22
- Melissa will lead us
- Nick will confirm and get back to us with details
Chain Saw Safety Certification (revisited)
- Steve forwarded an email from Jenny Schultz (POTO secretary) on chain saw safety and certification
- Two days, Level 1 first day, Level 2 second day
- 8 to 12 per class
- $2000.00 total (CRAMBA has a 500.00 donation ear-marked for this training
- CRAMBA, MCMBA and Poto are the three chapters interested so about $670.00/chapter
- Jeremy V. will email our interest to Jenny by January 9^th
Trail Maintenance Shirts (revisited)
- Kristen reported that we still have a $500.00 approved for trail maintenance shirts
- Steve said he has had no response from Holly High School print shop
- Marty said she will contact Armadillo for these shirts and report back

New Business

Friends of Michigan State Parks Summit, Friday, March 3, Saturday, March 4, 2017
- Steve attended last year – would prefer not to this year
- Held in Roscommon
- Kristen said that Mike Semaan might volunteer – she will contact him
- This is a no charge event
- FYI this is mostly an equestrian conclave
- Will discuss further at next chapter meeting
Bike Patrol Year End Party
- Jeremy V. asked for $300.00 for a year end appreciation party for our Bike Patrollers.
- Motioned by Kristen, 2^nd by Nick, passed unanimously - $300.00
- Scheduled for Jan 5^th, at the Hamlin Pub
Membership Recruitment
- It was stated by several board members that we can get free smart-phone card readers through PayPal (super!)
- The basic Blitz idea
  - Recruitment will take place at 13 trail heads on Saturday, June 17
  - Equipment consists of a card table, two chairs, two signs, and literature
  - crewed by two CRAMBA members wearing CRAMBA colors
  - payment by cash or credit card after sign-up sheet is filled in
  - sign-up sheet needs a segmented/boxed grid for email addresses
- We set a stretch goal of 100 new members
- Mike will get firm commitment for 26 volunteers –training on the card readers mandatory
Basecamp
- Basecamp is a leading web-based project management and collaboration tool. To-dos, files, messages, schedules, and milestones
- Yearly membership is $500.00
- Jeremy V. moved CRAMBA sign up for Basecamp at 500.00/year for one year. Nick 2^nd, passed unanimously
- Jeremy said he would set up the following committees
  - Chapter
  - Executive
  - Membership
  - Trails
  - Events
  - Merchandising
- Nick said “please do not put up .doc files – use pdf only”
Winter Grooming Fund Drive
- Jeremy said we need some sort of funding for the expenses of grooming
- A discussion concluded that we could use Aye CRAMBA as a grooming fund raiser
- Nick said he would look into a “grooming fund button” for our Facebook page
Bike Weekend Festival at Boyne
- Last weekend in August 25, 26, 27
- Used as a fund raiser
- Cost of $300.00 which includes 5 meals
- This might be an avenue for paying for our Executive Director Melissa Werkman
- Melissa is organizing (?)
MMBA update by Nick
- Our ARD (Assistant Regional Director) has been laid off by IMBA
- Retaining Melissa Werkman would cost about $50.000.00 per year
- Steve talked with Bruce Alt (basically acting executive director) from IMBA to get information and wasn’t successful in learning much
- IMBA was running a $500,000 deficit – with the 20% staff pay cut and lay-offs they are now running a $250,000 deficit
- There was talk about the 60/40 split going to 50/50
- We (CRAMBA) should know more by early January
- Steve and Nick cautioned against any knee-jerk reaction to the IMBA problems – we need more information in detail
Year Book Ad
- Board received an email from Ryan Zajac soliciting an ad in the Utica Warrior Yearbook
- From $125.00 to $300.00
- Short discussion took place with no decision
Communications Committee
- Kristen said she will send out an email this Saturday or Sunday on the following:
  - Aye Cramba
  - Chapter meeting on January
  - Winter grooming information
  - Cramba membership info
Treasurer’s Report - Kristen said our balance after expense is about $24,000

Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PMNext board meeting will be just before the January 10 chapter meeting at the Rochester Mills Brewery.

11/21/16 11/21/16

Board Minutes 11-16-16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes11-16-16The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.Board members present were:

Jeremy Verbeke
Steve Vigneau
Mike Fitzpatrick
Chris Westerlund
Marty Shue
Nick Shue
Alice Jacobs

Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 10-20-16 board meeting were read. Jeremy V. motioned to approve as read. 2^nd Nick S. passed unanimously.Old Business

Confirmation of the following upcoming chapter meeting dates/places for 2017
- Jan 10, Tuesday, 7:00 PM at Rochester Mills Brewery – Mike F. confirmed w/Matthew at RMB
- April 13, Thursday, 7:00 PM at Rochester Mills Brewery – Mike F. Confirmed w/Matthew at RMB
- July 13, Thursday, 7:00 PM Pontiac Lake Recreation Area. Jeremy Verbeke will confirm with PLRA TC Zandra
- October 19, Thursday, 7:00 PM at Addison Oaks (note sunset at 6:44 PM). Marty will contact Bob first to discuss then contact Katie (Addison Oaks park manager)
Got Clinic
- Tentative dates of July 30, Sunday, and maybe August 19 or 20?
- Yes, Marty is interested in leading 2 clinics.
- Marty said she would like to see more CRAMBA members become trained ICP (Instructor Certification Program) IMBA instructors. The course is a Friday, Saturday, Sunday time commitment and it costs the individual $482.00. IMBA needs a minimum of 6 people. Marty will contact IMBA for the schedule.
- Alice said she would be interested. Mike F. said that he would sponsor her.
Massive Fallout, October 15, Recap
- Nick pointed out that, for insurance reasons, waivers should be printed on individual sheets that are signed by the participants
- Jeremy Verbeke reported he purchase a 4 drawer filing cabinet to hold all of our archived paperwork such as old waivers. This cabinet is now located in our rented storage space
- A minimal discussion took place on the socialization after Massive Fallout: T-shirts, barbecue, brewery sponsored, food, BYOB, etc. Further discussion is needed

New Business

Chapter Trailers
- Jeremy V. said that we need to upgrade our groomer trailer with an appropriate size one that accommodates the snowmobile and the groomer. This trailer should have drive-on/off capability
- Jeremy said we should be able to get away with one enclosed storage unit (at $400.00/year) because the other trailer can be stored for free at River Bends
- Jeremy will coordinate the effort to find the new trailer for the groomer/snowmobile and report back.
Signage, Wrapping, Branding
- We need 6 new “Trail Work Ahead” signs – especially needed at Holdridge
- Marty will check with Johnson printing about the cost of wrapping on the trailers and the TWA signs
It was noted that CRAMBA has 4 standing committees not 3 as stated in the last minutes. The missing one is, Trail Committee headed by Nick Shue
Chapter Branding
- Jeremy suggested that CRAMBA have T-shirts and Jerseys available at every event we sponsor
- Marty said that we have a good relationship with Dave (owner) of Armadillo. Armadillo makes custom T-shirts and jerseys.
- Nick is handling the CRAMBA jersey. Nick said “more work needs to be done”
- Nick said a wool jersey is a possibility. Maybe a mid-December email sent by our communications director, Kristen, could gage interest?
- A discussion followed that CRAMBA probably needs a “Merchandise Manager”. Tony McGee’s name was mentioned. Jeremy said he would ask Tony if he is interested.
- A short discussion that the goal of merchandise selling is not profit but brand awareness but it should be, non the less, self-funding
Utica Meeting
- Jeremy will be attending a meeting at Utica Parks and Recreation to get formal approval for trails already built on city property. This should be just a formality.
- Upon approval signage can be installed on the trail
- Jeremy will ask for a MOU (memorandum of understanding)
IMBA Summit Meeting report
- Steve reported on IMBA is working on regulating, in some fashion, e-bikes but the categories are not well defined yet. The industry is using the Type system with Type 1 limited to 20 mph or less
- Chris said the federal Consumer Product Safety Act has already classified e-bikes as electric powered bike with less than 750 watts output.
- Steve said that the MMBA should push the state to adopt the Type format - Type 1, Type 2, etc.
- Steve said that e-bike sellers have an obligation to educate their customers that this is a “motorized” bike and to please observe the “no motorized vehicle” signs
MMBA update by Nick
- Nick attended an advance trail building session. He said the main take away was to “scope out your trail day ahead of time” – e.g. have supplies in place, tools to do the job, assigned areas to work, etc.
- MMBA will be sponsoring a 3 day festival type of event possibly at Boyne City
- Nick said it would be worthwhile to have a 5 year strategic planning session facilitated by Mellissa our ARD from IMBA (and executive director of MMBA) Nick will propose this in January
Riverbend’s Trail Day
- Jeremey said it went very well. Thanks to everyone but especially to two volunteers, Jim O’Kane and Mark Senyk for their equipment and labor.
Membership Committee
- Mike briefly reported that our paid membership on 11-14-16 stands at 387 (current +lapsed). This compares to 364 (current + lapsed) members on 10-11-16. This is an increase of 23 net members in the past month.
- The use of point of sale credit card reader’s for phones was discussed. Whether we can link directly to the IMBA account or not. Mike will check with our ARD Melissa and report back
2017 board meetings
- It was decided that we will have monthly meetings on the 3^rd Thursday of each month in 2017
- The one exception will be January 10 which will combine the chapter meeting and board meeting.
- Jeremy V. will put dates on the CRAMBA google calendar
Take a Kid Mountain Biking
- Is Jeremey Kozak interested?
- River Bends?
MTB101 Community Event
- This event is sponsored by Shelby Township
- The discussion brought out that this is not a CRAMBA sponsored event and our involvement should only be 2.5-3 hours as a participant not an organizer
- Should be limited to 18+ riders
- Jeremey Kozak to lead?
Volunteer Rewards
- A discussion took place as to how do we reward hard working volunteers? The general conclusion was that the recognition is the best reward. This might be a photo on our website with words recognition. Also maybe a subsidy for Bike Patrol fees.
Treasurer’s Report
- Kristen texted in our balance at $24,058
- Rodney, Steve, Kristen, still need to meet at a branch of Huntington Bank to sign signature cards

Meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM (gad!)Next board meeting will be December 15, Thursday, 7:00 PM, at the Fitzpatrick Pub.

10/21/16 10/21/16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes 10-20-16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes10-20-16The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.Board members present were:1. Tony McGee2. Jeremy Verbeke3. Steve Vigneau4. Kristen Barry5. Mike Fitzpatrick6. Chris WesterlundNon-board members present1. Rodney Gullett2. Dean Fitzpatrick (first ½ hr)Iceman ExpoA short discussion on the purpose and mission of having a presence at the Iceman Expo MMBA booth. It was concluded that there are two main reasons to be there:• Public Relations. CRAMBA visibility, information on our chapter, friendliness, etc.• Membership. Recruit new CRAMBA members on laptop ideally because it needs no transcription but at the very least on a sign-up sheet.• Kristen brought up that the Iceman website has a section that highlights an IMBA chapter and it is CRAMBA’s turn. She has put together her thoughts in a whimsical manner. Steve will take what Kristen has written and modify it with his thoughts (e.g. AY-Cramba, Stony Creek’s Master Plan, Massive Fallout) and maybe even mention that CRAMBA donated $1000.00 in the past to buy land to secure the Iceman route for future years.Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 9-23-16 board meeting were read and approved as read.Old Business• Massive Fallout, October 15, Recapo Kristen Barry the event manager and gave a follow up report which is highlighted belowo Great weather, big success, about 250 riders, no injurieso Profit of about $1000.00 from donations and shirt saleso Ran out of waivers, had riders sign the back. It was suggested that next year the waiver look like the Iceman waiver with the verbiage at the top and multiple signature lines belowo It was suggested that these waivers might be used to contact non-CRAMBA riders to solicit new members. To this end Chris suggested that next year we have a check-box for CRAMBA member on the waiver formo Mike said his Garmin’s turn-by-turn for Massive Fallout worked only marginally in the trails at Stony. T-by-T might not be applicable on close looping single track trails.o Jeremy Verbeke said the trail intersections must be marked next year. Spray paint, even food color spray paint is not allowed – must have removable signso Mike Fitzpatrick reported that he got 25 riders to sign up for membership in CRAMBA. He sent each an email with an embedded link to the CRAMBA sign up pageo Conklin connector was not trimmed – should be trimmed next yearo Next year’s Massive Fallout will be on Saturday, September 30 with an alternate date of Saturday, October 14tho Chris Westerlund will be next year’s Massive Fallout even managero Jeremy Verbeke made a motion, seconded be Steve, that CRAMBA purchase a 4 drawer filing cabinet to hold all of our archived paperwork such as old waivers. This cabinet would be located in our rented storage spaceNew Business• Chapter Meetings Dates for 2017o January 12, Thursday, 7:00 PM at Rochester Mills Breweryo April 13, Thursday, 7:00 PM at Rochester Mills Breweryo July 13, Thursday, 7:00 PM at Pontiac Lake Recreation Areao October 19, Thursday, 7:00 PM at Addison Oakso Mike Fitzpatrick to secure Jan. and Apr. dates with Rochester Mills Brewery (the room should be at no charge)• Ay-Crambao 2017 Ay-Cramba will be on Saturday February 4th with an alternate date of February 18tho Advertise pot luck but have a grillo BYOBo Steve said email notifications to the bike shops should be sufficient• Got Clinico Tentative dates of July 30, Sunday, and August 26, Sundayo Marty might be interested?• Event Custom Shirtso Steve said that he might have a connection to Holly-Holdridge High School print shopo The $500.00 pre-approved Volunteer shirts might be printed there• Financeso Kristen reported that CRAMBA has approximately $24,500.00 in the bank after she makes pending deposits and writes checks for current expenseso Rodney, Steve, Kristen, need to meet at a branch of Huntington Bank to sign signature cards• Standing Committeeso It was discussed that we have 3 standing committees that all need chair persons. Chris and Kristen volunteered:▪ Event Committee, chair Chris Westerlund▪ Membership Committee, chair Mike Fitzpatrick, Rodney, Chris▪ Communications Committee, Kristen Barry• Membership Committeeo Mike reported that our paid membership on 10-11-16 stood at 342 members. He stated that 500 members over the next 12 months is not an unrealistic goalo Mike proposed the idea of a blitz Saturday when all CRAMBA trails have recruiters at the trail head. Jeremy V. said this would have to be cleared with each Park Director.• Communications Committeeo Kristen proposed that her acquaintance, Lynn be allowed to update CRAMBA’s websiteo Kristen proffered the idea of a newsletter with photos• Trail Gnome Award – The Scott Scudamore National Volunteer Leadership Award honors outstanding individuals who are making a significant contribution to the mountain bicycling community.o IMBA will present ten (10) awards. The funds will be distributed via unrestricted grants to the chapters to which the awardees belong.o Nominations for 2016 are due no later than Monday, October 31st.o Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of IMBA staff and volunteers who will make assessments and final decisions on various merit factors.o Ron Arnott, Holly-Holdridge TC was suggested as a nomineeo Steve Vigneau volunteered to submit his nameMeeting official adjourned at 9:00 PMAfter adjournment discussion:What seems to be missing at Massive Fallout is any type of social gathering at the end. It doesn’t seem quite right to just leave the parking lot without some socialization. Various ideas were brought up: T-shirts, barbecue, brewery sponsored, food, BYOB, etc. Further discussion is needed.Next board meeting will be November 16th, Wednesday, 7:00 PM, at the Fitzpatrick Pub.

10/12/16 10/12/16

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting 10-11-16

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes10-11-16Jeremy Verbeke chaired the meeting. It was called to order at 7:30 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportNo minutes of the previous meeting were availableOld/New Business

Pete Kresmery Recognition
- Aaron Burgess presented a plaque of recognition from the City of Sterling Heights to Pete Kresmery for his “…hard work and dedication…tireless effort and construction of the CRPT since 2009.
- Thank you Pete from all of us!
Membership Status
- Rodney Gullet reported that we have the highest ever membership at 342 current and 364 current + lapsed (lapsed is less than 6 months)
- Jeremy said the CRAMBA is always in need of members to leverage our impact with the local parks and communities
- CRAMBA also needs volunteers for the our several committees including event committee
Addison Oaks Race Recap
- Roger Class was event manager
- Conclusion that it was a great success – many unsolicited compliments
- Had a major sponsor – Miller’s Big Red Cider Mill ($1200.00)
- Participation was up about 15 from last year
- Race had no rider injuries
- Roger will head up next year’s race on September 10, 2017
Massive Fallout, October 15, Update
- Kristen Barry is the event manager
- She has enough volunteers
- This is a ride not a race!
- Long sleeve special Massive Fallout shirts will be available for $20.00
- Ride starts at 8:00 AM with a mass start at 10:00 AM with photo
- Pete, Catherine and Kristen will handle the food
- No SAG available
- correct pavilion for food will be to the left as you enter the clearing at Addison
Trail Updates
- Addison Oaks
  - Great shape – thank you Pauli
- Bald Mountain
  - Scott Cervin is the TC.
- Bloomer Park
  - Erik Silvassy reported that we need some gravel in a wet corner – will get to it soon
- Clinton River Park
  - Aaron Burgess reported a watershed project destroyed the asphalt path
  - Working with some Eagle Scouts on projects on October 22 and 29
  - Will build multi use – 2 sides – one for walkers and one for bikers
  - Received a $1250.00 check from Joe Burns for trial building
  - Received a $250.00 check from Joe Burns to spend at American Cycle and Fitness
- Holly-Holdridge
  - Ron Arnott, TC, purchased a DR brush Hog and it works great
  - Did 26 miles of trail
  - Had to bench cut a couple of off-camber areas for safety reasons – only a couple of complaints
- Genesee County Park
  - Ben Lindstrom is taking the lead on potential trails in Genesee county
  - No dedicated mountain bike trails now exist in Genesee county
  - Ben is circulating a petition to gage interest
  - Jeremy Verbeke reiterated that a trail to be successful needs grass roots, home town support
- Pontiac Lake
  - Pontiac trail coordinator wasn’t present but Jeremy said the trail was in great shape.
- River Bends Park
  - Jeremy said that using the rented heavy equipment was a big help installing the new sections
  - Newly installed Carsonite one way signs and intersection signs have been installed
  - Thank you to Metro Bike for installation of the bike repair stand.
- Stony Creek
  - Dave Schall and Pete Kresmery are trail coordinators
  - Dave has work on the pines with drainage and berms - Thank you
- Stony Creek Skills park
  - Dave said the skills park for younger riders is a feeder for the mountain bike trails later
- Foundation Trail at Holly High School
  - Josh McCreedy built these trails with volunteers and has turned them over to CRAMBA
  - This trail will be listed officially as a CRAMBA trail soon
Rodney said it should be obvious to everyone that mountain biking in general and CRAMBA specifically have excellent momentum so let’s keep it going
Jeremy cautioned all riders to observe the one way direction of trails
Board Elections
- 5 current returning board members are: Kristen Barry, Alice Kaufman, Jeremy Verbeke, Chris Westerlund, and Mike Fitzpatrick
- 3 formerly term limited board members returning: Nick Shue, and Marty Shue, and Steve Vigneau
- 1 returning sabbatical board member: Tony McGee
- Jeremy said that our by-laws allow 12 board members and opened up the floor for nominations but there were no names submitted.
IMBA World Summit
- Steve Vigneau will represent CRAMBA at the IMBA World Summit in Arkansas
Bike Patrol
- Jeremy Verbeke reported that we have 53 current members of the Bike Patrol
- Jeremy will hold a training session for new members on October 30^th
Financial Report
- Kristen reported that our beginning of the year balance was $19000.00 and our current balance is about $19,000.00.
E-bike position
- The MMBA’s position is that trails that have a “non-motorized” restriction must stay non-motorized – no exceptions (at least yet)
- A question/discussion was brought up for the possible exception for a handicapped person – enforcement might be an issue
Thank you to:
- Thank you to Eric and Christy for cooking tonight
- Thank you to Rodney for being CRAMBA’s president last year

Next chapter meeting will be in January at the Rochester Mills Brewery.Meeting adjourned approximately 9:00 PM.

9/23/16 9/23/16

September 2016 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes9-22-16The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM.Board members present were:

Roger Class
Jeremy Verbeke
Alice Jacobs
Kristen Barry
Mike Fitzpatrick
Jeremy Kosak

Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 8-18-16 board meeting were read and approved as read.Old Business

Massive Fallout, October 1, Update
- Kristen Barry is the event manager
- Waiver are printed and will be signed at registration
- Maps are printed and will be available at registration
- Kristen will pick up the shirts on September 30
- Kristen will bring cash for change for shirt sales
- Ride starts at 8:00 AM with a mass start at 10:00 AM
- Mike Fitzpatrick will set up a card table for new membership solicitations
- Scott Cervin and Steve Vignue will trim the Conklin Road connector
- Pete, Drew and Kristen will handle the food
- SAG is out – Kristen will remove from CRAMBA website description
- Spray paint on ground will direct riders to correct pavilion
Addison Oaks Race Recap
- Roger Class was event manager
- Kristen reported that CRAMBA made $8000.00 – a new record
  - $1200 form Big Red title sponsor
  - $750.00 from food jar donations (food actually cost just under $1000.00)
- 340 participants this year up about 15 from last year
- Race had no rider injuries
- Roger volunteered to head up next year’s race on September 10, 2017
Chapter Meeting, October 11 Update
- Roger will bring a microphone/speaker system for the speaker
- Jeremy V. will bring the grill
- Kristy, Eric and Kristen will handle the food
- Group ride to start at 5:30 PM
- Food serving to start at 6:30 PM
- Meeting to start at 7:30 PM
- Kristen suggested that the speaker/chair stand in the middle
- Jeremy Verbeke will bring plug in lights
- Jeremy Verbeke will lead the meeting using a written agenda
- Kristen will promote this meeting as an election meeting on CRAMBA’s website
- Roger to send an email to the entire CRAMBA group to promote this Chapter meeting
Chain saw safety class is out for now. Mike Fitzpatrick said he prefers the CRAMBA keep his donation ear marked for a future chain saw certification class

New Business

Insurance
- Kristen reported that officer insurance may be through the MMBA next year. This should offer a cost savings
Jeremy V. and Kristen proposed that we use Google Docs for all recurring tasks such as taxes, insurance, renewals, annual races, etc. Who will implement?
Jeremy said Nick Shue will report on CRAMBA jerseys when he returns
Our IMBA regional director, Andy, has been promoted within IMBA. A national search for a new RD is on the way. Melissa, as our ARD, is unaffected by this change
Kristen’s Treasurer’s report
- Current balance is $24,512.00
  - We received, so far in 2016, $2800.00 in donations
  - End of 2014 we had $7,000.00
  - End of 2015 we had $19241.00
- Kristen suggested a round table discussion on how best to spend this money
Our ARD, Melissa, wanted CRAMBA presence at the Iceman booth at the expo. Mike said he would call and find out the details of time and what is involved and will help out.

Next board meeting will be on October 20 at the Fitzpatrick Pub at 7:00 PM (please note the time).Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

8/23/16 8/23/16

August 18, 2016 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes8-18-16The meeting was called to order at 7:10PM.Board members present were:

Roger Class
Jeremy Verbeke
Drew Williams
Alice Jacobs
Kristen Barry
Mike Fitzpatrick

Non-Board attendees

Nick Shue
Marty Shue

Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 6-23-16 board meeting were read and approved with a spelling correction – Pete Kresmery.Old Business

Massive Fallout Update
- Jeremy Verbeke suggested that this event, since it isn’t a full blown fund raiser, should be promoted as a simpler event – maybe just a group ride event
- Kristen Barry will be taking this over as the event manager
Addison Oaks Race on 9-11-16
- No title sponsor yet
- Guinness Bikers will support this event with their membership
Kristen will check if the CRAMBA website has changed the description of the trails at Stony Creek from beginner to intermediate.
CRAMBA is not doing the fall, October 1^st “Take a Kid Mountain Biking”
The CRAMBA trailer is still at the Shelby Township site
Kristen to check into the cost of a PO box at Utica – might be cheaper
Jeremy Verbeke said the mechanized trail building at River Bends went well. The new trail could not have been duplicated by hand. It was 300.00 well spent.

New Business

Bike Patrol
- Jeremy Verbeke reported that we have 5 new bike patrollers. They have been trained but still need CPR training and certifications.
- CPR training cost $40.00 per individual – training instructor/student ration ideally is 7:1
- CRAMBA now has 54 Bike Patrollers
CRAMBA Jerseys
- CRAMBA jerseys are a chapter fund raiser
- Nick will finish the set up on the on-line store
- Cost of jersey has yet to be determined
- Need a “media-blast” posting on the front page of the CRAMBA website
Chain Saw Safety Class
- Motor City bowed out
- Cramba and Poto are still in
- Consists of 2 one day classes
- Costs is $84.00 per – $50.00 from the chapter and $34.00 from the individual
- Mike Fitzpatrick pledged a $500.00 donation, ear-marked for this training, to CRAMBA to help defray costs
Next Chapter Meeting
- October 11 at River Bends
- This is an election meeting that needs promotion as such
- Food should be ready to eat early enough to minimize interfering with the meeting
- The following suggestions to improve this meeting
  - Have a written agenda
  - Group ride starts at 5:30 PM
  - Have a fixed starting time – decided on 7:30 PM (sunset at 6:56 PM)
  - Jeremy Verbeke will provide lighting for the meeting
  - Roger said he will bring a microphone/speaker/amplifier system to aid the chair’s communication
GOT Clinic on July 24th
- Marty Shue reported that, despite the rain, almost everyone who signed up showed up – about 27 women
- Most riders were better prepared and had better equipment than in the past
- Most riders basic skill set was higher than in the past
- Marty concluded the GOT clinic is reaching its target audience
- The August 27^th clinic has about 20 women already signed up
Nick Shue Report
- Discussion took place about the future of the MMBA. Questions asked: Is the MMBA forum dead? Is the Website active?
- Our new Assistant Regional Director, Melisa is the executive director of the MMBA
- The Michigan Trails Advisory Council is meeting this Sunday in Bellaire Michigan and Nick is CRAMBA’ representative.
- Mountain Biking needs a slot on this advisory board
Treasurer’s report
- Kristen Barry reported that we have $12,893.00 balance

Next board meeting will be on September 15 at the Firehouse at 7:00 PM (please note the new time).Meeting adjourned about 9:02 PM.Mike Fitzpatrickmike.Fitzpatrick@fitzpatrickmfgco.com

6/27/16 6/27/16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes 6-23-16

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes6-23-16 (added/corrected 6-29-16 by Mike Fitzpatrick)The meeting was called to order at 7:35PM.Board members present were:

Rodney Gullet - president
Roger Class
Jeremy Verbeke
Drew Williams
Alice Jacobs
Kristen Barry
Mike Fitzpatrick

Non-Board attendees

Ben Lindstrom
Zandra
Ernie

Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the 5-19-16 board meeting were read and approved without additions or corrections.Old Business

Massive Fallout Update
- Kristen Barry and Roger Class will help mark the trails
- Robin and Shari Scurr and Pete Kresarey will help with food
- Rodney will be the Massive Fallout event manager
- Rodney will procure T-shirts for the event
- Scott Cerdin will help with grooming the Conklin Road connector
Addison Oaks Race on 9-11-16
- Bill Sloney from KLM is the race coordinator
- Roger Class said that his chiropractor might be interested in being the corporate sponsor for both the $1000.00 and number plate $500.00

New Business

Oak Wilt Disease

We received an email from a rider named Liz that noticed Oak branches being trimmed at River Bends. She sent us and email alerted CRAMBA to the Oak Wilt disease exacerbated by cutting and trimming oaks. The following statement was read. “"The best way to deal with oak wilt is prevention. Avoid wounding oaks from April to August. Don’t prune during that time. Be careful with the lawnmower and weed-whacker. If possible, put off construction activities around oaks until the late summer.If an oak wound does occur in the spring, this would be one of the few reasons to apply a wound sealant. In most other cases, wound sealants are not recommended. However, when the sap-feeding beetles are active, immediate application of a sealant will prevent them from reaching freshly exposed tissues"

Jeremy Verbeke forwarded Liz’s email to the River Bends Land Managers
CRAMBA will educate our trail maintenance volunteers to avoid trimming oaks to avoid this Oak Wilt disease

Survey of New Members Results
- 93 new members, 16 responded or 17%
- New members come from 47% social groups, 53% individual although social groups are probably more because of MDMB and the Guinness groups
- Reasons for joining are many and varied
- Conclusions – maybe just keep doing what we are doing.
New Rider Robert’s Complaint Email
- Robert sent CRAMBA an email complaining the way new riders are treated on the no-drop Wednesday rides at Stony Creek. His email in part reads “…I could not wait for the event to end or the first opportunity to leave the group and head back to the Stoney Creek High School Parking lot event meet point. What was that made me feel this way was a bunch of arrogant egotistical spandex clad clowns who became impatient toward less experience Mountain Bikers…”
- Chris Westerlund, a CRAMBA board member who was on this ride replied to Robert with a conciliatory email which reads in part “…I really am sorry to hear you felt this ride was awful. CRAMBA is a large organization of 300 members. Our group rides are a mix of members and non-members, as well has old friends and people meeting for the first time. Sometimes people that show up are not pleasant, some people say things others find offensive, often not towards each other, but just in general. It is a social gathering with random strangers. Everyone is always afraid to ask questions their first time…”
- Some further discussion and possible action and remedies for future rides of this type
  - Educate our CRAMBA board members to adopt a leadership role in the presence of new riders
  - Start out the ride with a reminder of the etiquette of a no-drop ride
  - Maybe, with a large group, split into three skill groups led by experienced riders
  - Why the Stony Creek High School start – implies we are skirting the park fees and are riding as bandits?
  - Remind all CRAMBA members through our social media that these rides are mainly a recruiting tool – e.g. be nice!
  - Jeremy Verbeke suggested that Stony Creek be categorized as an intermediate trail and River Bends as a beginner trai
Genesee County Park Possible Trail System
- Ben Lindstrom, blackbeardben@gmail.com, who lives in Davison, attended our board meeting to promote the idea of a new mountain bike trail at Richfield Park, in Genesee County, maybe 5 miles.
- Questions came up as to how to gage the depth of local support for this new trail.
  - A suggestion to Ben was to drop off a petition at each of the 3 local bike shops to get names and email address of riders that are interested.
  - Ben said that he is relatively sure he has 12 local riders, including BMX riders, that will support building the trail
  - He also has the support of Al, the owner of Al's Quick Release Bicycle Sales and Service in Davison. This is the closest shop to the trail.
- Jeremy Verbeke commented that this is a long process even with support from local riders. Ben will have to have the support of the local park authorities, local political officials, DNR, etc. – Ben has to be in it for the long haul.
- Jeremy Verbeke assured Ben that if he has local support, CRAMBA will support his efforts
Take a Kid Mountain Biker Feedback
- We had 52 kids and 42 parents – a great turnout (6 kids last year)
- Mike F. said the race number plates were a hit with the kids
- Having spare helmets is a good idea
Board Meeting Dates and Times
- Mike Fitzpatrick suggested that our meetings be held at 7:00 PM instead of 7:30 PM. All were in informal agreement.
- The tentative forward meeting schedule is as follows
Stony Creek Need for Volunteers
- Jeremy Verbeke passed on a memo from Katie Kowalski, volunteer services coordinator for Huron Clinton Metroparks, asking for volunteers to help with park visitor counting. This is more an FYI for the board and will not be posted on our social media

Treasurer’s Report

Kristen reported that we have about $10,000 in the bank.
She suggested that we have our official address a post office box in lieu of Nick and Marty’s house. It was motioned, seconded, and passed unanimously. Kristen will set this up.
Jeremy Verbeke said that the chapter trailer can be stored outside at Universal Storage for $380.00 per year. It was motioned, seconded, and passed unanimously to do this.
Jeremy Verbeke asked for up to $400.00 to rent a mini-excavator to cut a new .3 mile trail at River Bends. It was motioned, seconded, and passed unanimously. He will do this work on July 8 & 9. Rodney cautioned that using this equipment requires skill-experience so don’t expect to master the machine quickly.

Next board meeting will be on July 21 at the Firehouse at 7:00 PM (please note the new time).Meeting adjourned about 9:28 PM.

6/9/16 6/9/16

May 2016 Board meeting minutes

CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes

5-19-16

The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM. Present were:

Rodney Gullet - president
Roger Class
Jeremy Kozak
Drew Williams
Alice Jacobs
Kristen Barry
Mike Fitzpatrick
Jeremy Verbeke

Recording Secretary’s ReportNo minutes were read.President’s Report

Tony McGee has resigned as recording secretary. This position needs to be filled to comply with non-profit status. Mike Fitzpatrick volunteered to be recording secretary
The IMBA and the STC (Sustainable Trails Coalition) issued a joint statement declaring their cooperation to work together more productively than in the past. The intention is to encourage supporters of both organizations to pull together when opportunities arise.
Jeff Buerman resigned as president of the MMBA. Steve Schnell is the new president. Tony McGee has resigned as VP. Nick Shue is CRAMBA’s new representative for MMBA
Upcoming chapter events
- Stony Creek Master Planning Meeting is at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 21. Please support
- Take a Kid MTB day. Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 AM River Bends
- Next Chapter meeting at River Bends on Tuesday, July 12 at 5:30 PM (rain-out day July 13). Jeremy Verbeke to reserve pavilion. Food?
- Trail Building 101. River Bends. Conducted by Nick Shue. Sunday, May 22, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Massive Fallout. Rodney is calling all parks, will reserve shelters at Addison and Stony. He is working on marking, signage, and advertising. He has secured a use permit for Bald Mountain
Pontiac Lake Recreation trail coordinator – maybe Zendra?
Propaganda
- Kristi poster “CRAMBA built and maintains…” on hold
- New bottles ordered. Alice suggested that the bottle say “Proud Supporter of CRAMBA” instead of just CRAMBA. This will be considered on the next order
- T-shirts for trail day volunteers. $500.00 was voted on and approved for 50 T-shirts of a bright color that include the CRAMBA letters
Addison Oaks Race. First planning meeting on May 24^th at the Shelby Firehouse. Planning is open to all. We are seeking a title corporate sponsor for $1000.00 and # plate sponsor for $500.00. Race is scheduled for September 11
Membership. Current membership stands at 319 current and 33 recently lapsed. We signed up 7 new members at the Island Lake event. Andy from IMBA gave us Kudos! Mike Fitzpatrick suggested that we set up the CRAMBA tent at the trail head at Stony and solicit members. Jeremy Verbeke said we really don’t need permission from the park to do this.

Treasurer’s Report

Kristen reported that we have $14,000 in the bank. Our 10 x 15 storage renewal is coming up at $550.00 per year – apparently a really good rate – so we’ll renew.

Next board meeting will be on June 23 instead of June 16 to avoid a conflict with Waterloo’s Grand Opening. It will be at the Fitzpatrick Pub.Meeting adjourned about 8:30 PM.

5/11/16 5/11/16

MMBA Meeting May 2016

Notes from the May MMBA board meeting,MMBA Meeting

- Steve (TOMMBA) leads meeting

- Introduction and quick summery of actives by Melissa Werkman

- Review last mtg notes (no mtg notes, Jeff made hand written notes on agenda)

- Treasurer report

- Discussion about funding. Issues about equal funding vs 'pledged' amounts. CRAMBA and MCMBA will be working with Steve Schnell to work out adjusted pledges.

- Election. Steve Schnell President, Gordie Allen VP, Lori Hauswirth Secretary, Kim White Treasurer

- Ebikes. Chapters giving updates on their adopted/voted on positions. No position was taken, the MMBA has no position.

- Discussion about future meetings. Steve is going to send out a doodle poll to find the best day of the month to hold monthly meetings for the foreseeable future.

- Two standing committees. Governance Committee, to review the by-laws and bring any other governance issues that we need to resolve. Those participants are Jason Aric Jones, Steve Schnell, Lori Hauswirth, and Steve Steinberg. Oversight Committee, to participate in periodic progress reviews of our ARD. Those participants are Gordie Allen, Nick Shue, Jason Aric Jones, and Steve Schnell.

5/1/16 5/1/16

April Chapter meeting Minutes

CRAMBA CHAPTER MEETING4-13-167:15pm call to orderStony Creek Open House- Was a great success there was huge voter turn out for the new trail. Thank you to all the members that showed up. Steve and Pete are putting together a plan together for the trail. This trail will be part of a 5 year master plane with the park.The new winter groomed trails page is up on the web site. Thank You Nick for putting together.Melissa Werkman is has been hired as the IMBA ARD for Michigan.Membership- We are at 339 that is 73% increase. Means we now split 50/50 with IMBA.Treasure- Kristen has report. With donation of $100 from Macomb bike and $50 from sales force. $350 from Back to the Beach half marathon for bike patrol training.Nick to handle CRAMBA jersey. Cost will be somewhere around $75 design is being finalized.Board is looking into key chains and water bottles.Trails:

Addison- Is doing a control burn in the next couple days.

Stony- Trail Day 23^rd will work on rock garden, boardwalk. Joe is donating wood for Boardwalk.

Bald Mtn- Trail day soon.

River bends- Jeremy and Steve have been in talks with Shelby tsp. They have agreed to pay for the signage for the trail.

There also was a recent trail day where a 10^th of a mile new trail was cut. There is about another 150 yards of new trail still to be cut in. This will make the blue loop one way trail.

We are going to try and hold a trail building 101 & 102 classes with Nick and some other TC’s at River Bends.

Clinton River Park Trails (Sterling Heights)- is under water from all the rain.

Holly- Trail day the 23^rd

Bloomer- Eric had a meeting with Alan. They discussed some different project. Eric will write proposals and present for approval. Also thinking about starting a Thursday night group ride. Along with maybe by weekly trail days on Mondays.

Josh from Holly High School spoke about his plan to build a trail behind the high school. And what he has already done and what his plans are to finish. And if CRAMBA would like to help.

Orion oaks manger also spoke about the trail system they are trying to promote.

Bike Patrol- New member orientation on April 30^th. Will have 6 new members when done with orientation. Should increase number of patrollers to 48!Events:

Group rides- River Bends on Tuesday. Stony Creek on Wednesday see web site or Facebook for details.

2016 Tri-Chapter Ultimate Trail Challenge- 33 trails check CRAMBA.org

Island Lake Spring Bike Demo Day May 7^th.

Saturday June 11^th Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day. More info to come

Girls on Trails Clinic- 2 days this year. July 24^th and August 27^th

Dismissed at 9:30pm

4/2/16 4/2/16

March 2016 Board Meeting

CRAMBA BOARD MEETING3-24-16Attendance:Kristin Barry, Steve Vigneau, Mike Fitzpatrick, Jeremy Kozak, Jim Owens, Chris Westerlund, Roger Class, Drew Williams, Rodney Gullett, Nick Shue, Marty Shue, Tony McGeeExcused:Jeremy Verbeke, Alice JacobsCall to Order @ 7:40CRAMBA-

Discussed and reviewed the CRAMBA elevator speech. Rodney passed out copies to the board.
Rodney also brought fliers for members to pass out to the local bike shops. Kristin was stopping by Main Street 26-mile rd. Nick offered to stop by RBS. Jeremy K to stop by Main Street LO.
Web Site is being updated nicely. According to Rodney.
It looks like most of the CRAMBA Board will be in attendance at the Stoney Creek Planning Meeting on April 2^nd.
Jeremy V to post a list of trail days for Trail Coordinators.
Waiting on an estimate for bridge repair for pines.
Take a Kid MTB will be on June 11^th. ACF and Main Street have offered to help. (More info to follow.)
Nick has offered to head up CRAMBA Jersey sales. Just need finished product from Kristi.
CRAMBA Chapter Meeting will be April 13^th @ 7pm. (Rochester Mills)

IMBA-

ARD has been found and hired.
CRAMBA re-incorporation paperwork has been started. The president, treasure, & secretary are ones signing.
Kristen has started a document for recurring items.
World Summit expenses based on # attending. Will look at past summits for information on how reimbursement was done.

Trail Coordinators-

PLRA prospect MR. Smallwood has been put in contact with Dave to discuss trail.
Rodney has Kristi to work on CRAMBA takes of this trail with examples for trail kiosks.
Jeremy V has a potential contact/meeting with the City of Utica pertaining to Riverbend’s trail addition.
Jeremy & Steve have been working on color coded signage for Riverbend’s. The cost is to be split between Shelby Twps. and CRAMBA. (Cost should be roughly $2000.00) Steve motioned for a vote. Roger 2^nd. A vote was taken 9-0 to approve a $1000.00 to go towards signage.

Bike Patrol-

Orientation April 30^th
CPR new/renewals to paid for by BACK to the Beach
We have 41 patrollers at this time.
Jeremy would like to discuss Bike Patrols own yearly budget. For income and expenses. Bike shops already donate supplies for patrol.

Races and Rides/Events-Addison Oaks- Roger to head up committee with Steve, Kristen, Jeremy & Nick. With Bill Solan as project manager.Massive Fall Out- Steve has offered to help Drew with getting the permits for the ride.Girls on Trails-

11 signed up for July
2 signed up for August
Marty, Jeremy & Jeremy helping plan.
Kristi to help instruct
Jeremy V to ask Bike Patrol for help that day.

Triple Trail Challenge- Is underway at this time.Island Lake- MCMBA is putting on the DEMO May 7^th. MCMBA would like us to invite local bike shops. If they need info contact Loren at MCMBA.Membership-

30 new members
Sitting at 310 members
Mike has recruited Dean Fitzpatrick, Victor Hicks, & Jean Dylong to help with membership.
Chris has built a spreadsheet to help with tracking clubs & teams. So that we can invite them to meetings. Or to speak at their function.

Treasures Report-

$13,886 in bank.
Macomb Bike Donated $100 from lady’s night.
$1800 from IMBA
Made $35 form Wool Jersey sale.
Paid $3500 for Chapter Insurance.

Adjourned at 9:30pm

2/20/16 2/20/16

February 2016 Board Meeting

2.18.16 board meeting minutes can be found here.

1/19/16 1/19/16

January 2016 Chapter Meeting

Chapter Meeting

January 12^th 2016

Call to order 7:05pm

Rodney welcomed everyone
New Board went around and introduced themselves.
Michigan ARD

Will work with Lansing
Help get grant money
Work with DNR on a regular basis.

Snow Stuff

Thank You Mike Fitzpatrick for Groomer donation.
Thank You Mark Senyk for finding and repairing snowmobile
Thank You Dean Fitzpatrick for trailer donation.
With all the donations total out of pocket cost is $1000 for registration and insurance for equipment.
River Bends is the only trail at this time being groomed.
Stoney is interested in looking at us grooming for them. The only place to MTB at this time is the trolley trails. Jeremy is meeting with them.
Addison grooms themselves.

AY!CRAMBA

January 31^st
10 shops already signed up.
2 different ride groups.
BYOB, 3 fire pits, pot luck

Treasurer

Financial report $16,791.00
Insurance is coming up. $2,000/$4,000
New Trailer wrap $1500/$1800 (Thank You Kristi for mock up.)

Membership

Current members 287.
New price is $35
We now have auto renewal.
More members mean we go from 60/40 split to a 50/50 split from IMBA.

Bike Patrol

37 active patrollers.
2,950 hours patrolled.
IMBA has a patrol video out.
Will have a training session in April.

Trails

Stoney- Rebuild board walk, rock garden. There is new bike repair stand.
Holly- Stay away HUNTERS! Looking at trail day in June.
Addison- BOB is in CHARGE!!!
Bald Mtn- Stay off cross country ski areas that are groomed by DNR.
CRPT- New bridges, working on signs for two traffic for RB/CRPT trail. Will work on soft area along M53. Got a nice donation for trail.
River Bends- 2.5 miles scouted for new trail. Park and Rec. has eagle scouts that want to do projects.
Bloomer- There is a whole new bridge in the tech loop. Working on future projects. Looking at doing a Thursday ride next year.

Events up coming

Feb 6^th American Cycle and Fitness Ladies Night
Macomb Bike Ladies Night Feb 25^th
June 1^st MTB 101 Shelby Twsp.
Got MTB 101 Girls 18 & older July 24^th & August 27^th
Addison Race Sept 11^th
Massive Fallout Oct 1^st

CRAMBA Jersey- Nick is looking at on-line ordering

AS ALWAYS CHECK OUT CRAMBA.ORG, AND FACEBOOK Dismissed at 9:30pm

12/20/15 12/20/15

December 2015 Board Meeting

December board meeting minutes can be found here: December minutes

11/21/15 11/21/15

November 2015 Board Meeting

Minutes from the November CRAMBA Board meeting.CRAMBA Board Meeting 11-19-2015

11/14/15 11/14/15

October 2015 Board Meeting

The minutes from our October Board Meeting can be found here:CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes 10-20-15

9/27/15 9/27/15

September 2015 Chapter Meeting and Election Minutes

The September Chapter Meeting minutes, with Board Election results can be found here:CRAMBA September Chapter Meeting 2015Thanks for all who attended and especially those who stepped up to form the new board!

7/15/15 7/15/15

May and June 2015 Board Meeting

It's been a busy couple of months! Just getting caught up on old minutes...See them here:CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes 5-21-15 CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes 6-25-15

7/15/15 7/15/15

July 2015 Chapter Meeting

For those who couldn't make the Group Ride / Meeting at Stony Creek last week, here are the minutes from the meeting.CRAMBA July Chapter Meeting 2015

4/29/15 4/29/15

April 2015 Chapter and Board meeting minutes

Please see here for the April Chapter Meeting minutes:CRAMBA April Chapter Meeting 2015And here for the April Board Meeting minutes:CRAMBA Board Meeting Minutes 4-16-15Thank you!