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**DRAFT** Members attending (14) the 16-Jul-03 meeting included. . .
Call to
Order – 7:11 p.m. Introductions
were skipped due to the absence of new members and visitors.
Members in attendance included: Scott S., Barry F., Herb T., Tim W., Ward
B., Jeni L., Jeff M., Jim H., Jim W., Lewis
S., Claude V., Martin G., John K., and John S. Minutes
of the June 18, 2003 meeting were reviewed and unanimously approved. The Treasurer’s Report was presented by
Jeff M. Year-to-date income was
noted along with year-to-date expenses. No
problems or concerns were raised regarding financials.
Membership numbers were reported along with the estimated percentage of
members of the chapter who also belong to the national MVPA.
The percentage was estimated to be approximately 81%.
It was further noted that this percentage will be reported to National
Headquarters. Tim W. and Jeni L. provided an update on
continuing efforts with the newsletter “The Transfer Case” and indicated
that the next issue was still in production.
Articles were solicited from the members in attendance with particular
emphasis on the “War Stories” section to be added as a regular feature. No
website updates or modifications were reported. Members were reminded and asked to submit after action
reports and photographs for posting on the web site.
Scott S. was again commended for his outstanding work on the web site.
After action reports were presented by members who attended various events in late June and early July. Tim W. reported on the warm welcome and air-conditioned meeting room for the Victory Church God and Country Celebration. It was noted that the vehicles were staged outside and were on display both before and after the event. John K. provided a report on the Lakehills Baptist Church God and Country Event and indicated that the vehicles were on display inside. The event was described as quite impressive with large crowds and a grand entrance by SWAT members who unexpectedly rappelled down from the rafters during the event. Food was also a noteworthy aspect of this event. John L. provided highlights of the Wimberley Independence Day Parade and reported that the club won 3rd Place in the Patriotic entry category. He also expressed thanks from the VFW and indicated that a small monetary token of appreciation is likely to be sent in the next few days. Fortunately, although the rain was intense going to the Wimberley, it cleared in time for a well-attended and enthusiastically received parade. John K. and Herb T. reported on the Lakeway Independence Day Parade and indicated that it was a big event that was well done despite rain throughout. Jim H. updated the club on the Round Rock Independence Day Parade and reported that the rain posed a bit of a problem and some delays, but was still a good event and a fairly smooth operation. Jim H. noted that his vehicle was the only military jeep present. A report was also presented by Claude V. and those in attendance at the McDade Watermelon Festival Parade. This parade, although short – covering just a couple of blocks – was well attended by an enthusiastic crowd. The club received a 3rd place award for their participation which included two WWII jeeps and an ambulance. Tim W. provided an update and information on
the July 5 “Keep ‘Em Rolling” Exhibit at studio2gallery which he
characterized as a success for a first time event.
Media coverage was described and an example circulated.
A brief discussion followed on how to maximize revenue and publicity from
this event. It was suggested that
two or three members be designated to assist in art selection for next year so
that a call for entries can be conducted which in itself will produce
application revenue. Upcoming events were outlined with particular focus on the Club Convoy planned for August 23, 2003 in the Wimberley area. Lewis S. provided details and photographs taken along the convoy route. The route was estimated to be approximately 36.5 miles. The planned start time was noted to be 10:00 a.m. with lunch afterward at the Subway in Wimberley. General information was also provided on the
Fort Worth Military Collectors Show and the La Vernia Reenactment as well as the
date change for the Camp Mabry Muster. It
was further noted that additional information on upcoming events can be found on
the club web site and will be provided at future meetings as well as by email. Tim W. updated the membership on recent
efforts to obtain club insurance and the resulting coverage.
A motion was made and seconded to ratify the purchase and reimburse the
President for the related premium expenditure.
Discussion on this motion included the idea of possibly having a
voluntary special assessment versus the idea that the coverage simply be a club
member benefit. The motion to
ratify and reimburse was passed unanimously without amendment.
John S. also updated the club on the ability to circumvent the need for
liability insurance in Texas by obtaining and completing a form SR-2 available
from the Texas Department of Transportation (DPS) for vehicles over 25 years old
which are used for exhibitions, parades, club activities and functions of public
interest and not for regular transportation. Copies of the form were circulated and a website for DPS was
provided. A brief update was presented on national
news. Members were encouraged to
vote in the national Board of Directors elections and club members were reminded
that Linda Haas from the Arrowhead Chapter was a candidate.
The 28th Annual National MVPA Convention in Alameda,
California scheduled for July 24-26 was mentioned along with the fact that due
to the unexpected illness of Claude S.’s spouse, only Toby C. was going to be
able to make it there from the Lone Star Chapter.
Non-dues revenue options were revisited with
reference back to the successful disposable camera sales and an explanation of
the delay in obtaining temporary tattoos for sale at air shows and static
displays. Old business was limited to obtaining new
club T-shirts. Tim W. updated the club on efforts by him and Jeni L. to come
up with a new design. The design
was described as an invasion star on the left breast with the club name and the
full color MVPA triangle on the left sleeve.
Prices per unit were discussed and debate followed regarding the best
color and whether orders could include different colors.
The club took this matter under advisement for further discussion at the
next meeting. New business and items for the good of the
club followed along with announcements. Discussion was held about the notion of
incorporating as non-profit organization and the pros and cons of doing so.
Conversation followed about how large the club wanted to grow and what
events should be planned into the schedule.
Some concerns were raised about the pressure on the Events Coordinator
and the leadership to commit to carrying a set number of passengers and the
problems created by doing so particularly when event planners overestimate their
needs. The club members in
attendance reached a consensus to have the leadership avoid committing a set
number of vehicles for carrying passengers, but instead to express a willingness
to do so on a space available basis. John
K. reminded the members that these events are purely voluntary.
Tim W. emphasized the importance in keeping the club and club
participation in events as fun as possible, while still providing vehicles for
public benefit, education, and honoring veterans.
It was noted that a natural evolution of sorts takes place with
well-organized and popular events thriving and others dying out.
Scott S. volunteered to put a matrix together of past events so that a
core of the more successful and popular events could be more readily identified. Jim W. raised the issue of fostering stronger ties to the
reenacting community. John K.,
Barry F., and Tim W. updated the club on the well-established working
relationships which have been exemplified by such events as the Central Texas
Air Show. Lewis S. reminded the
club that he is still looking for a WWII Navy jeep in reasonable condition for
sale or trade. Claude S. announced
the availability of T-90 transmissions. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to
adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. |
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