Board of Directors Meeting
Black Stallion
May 12, 2008
Attending Officers and Board Members
Brian Feuling, Laura Mickelson, Roberta Lembke, Ann Benson, Anita Grant,
Teresa LeFever, Toni Marie O’Daniel, Hillary Hoffman,
Attending Delegates and Committee Chairpersons:
Excused Absence: Lori Conway, Georgine Holasek
Unexcused Absence: Jill Frieders
President Brian Feuling called the meeting to order at 7:00PM
Secretary Report
The minutes from the March 10, 2008 were presented to the Board. Laura Mickelson motioned to approve the minutes. Toni O’Daniel seconded the motion. Motion approved. The minutes from the April 12, 2008 meeting were presented for approval. Laura Mickelson motioned to approve the minutes. Ann Benson seconded the motion. The motion passed and the minutes were approved.
The Board discussed possible articles for the next edition of the MAHA Express. Suggested articles include a recap of the Expo, a call for volunteers for the Region 10 show, and a call for candidates for the Board. The Board wants to make sure that we make sure to congratulate the graduating seniors. Teresa LeFever will contact Region 10 to see if the Region will be recognizing the seniors at the Region 10 show. If Region 10 doesn’t have plans then the MAHA Youth will contribute funds for some sort of celebration event for the seniors.
2008 Expo Report
Diana Pierce submitted a MN Horse Expo report to Brian Feuling. A summary of that report will be published in the next edition of the MAHA Express. Diana reported that Kathryn O’Shea, Lauren Peterson, Laurie Grassel, Leslie Schoenfelder and Carol Adams represented MAHA in the arena. Volunteers for the Expo included Trish Bader, Megan Cassidy, Bonnie Goranowski, Rachel Enns, Kerry Murray, Mike and Shirley Theede, Brian Feuling, Dale Enns, and Hillary Hoffman.
Diana reported that the Expo reimbursed MAHA $500 for stall overcharges from the past few years. Diana also reported that the 2009 Expo contract will be sent to her address; she will forward it on to the new Expo chair. MAHA owes Diana $1,146.45 for expenses related to the Expo.
This was Diana’s last year as Expo chair. The Board expressed gratitude for Diana’s years of service. The Board discussed the need to find another chair or co-chair for the position.
Horse Council
Brian Feuling reported that he approached Miriam McGurran about serving as the liaison to the MN Horse Council and she has agreed to do so. The next Horse Council meeting is scheduled for May 13th.
Spring Show
Ann Benson reported that she estimated a show profit of $4,795; the actual profit came in at $4496.76. The Board discussed the lack of sport horse participants. After discussion, the Board decided to drop the Sport horse classes.
Ann announced that the 2009 Spring Fling is scheduled for March 27-29, 2009. Laura Mickelson will work up a draft of the schedule, with classes starting on Friday at 9AM. The Board agreed that we should start the show with the reining classes. Ann Benson talked with a number of trainers and many indicated that they would like to see more classes for the western, hunt and reiner horses. Laura will try to add 4 additional hunt and western classes to the show (ladies, men, gelding, mares, stallion, etc.). The show has not had good participation from the halter trainers. Ann will contact the halter trainers and the folks at the MN Equestrian Center to see if she can work out an arrangement to let folks show out of their trailer.
Teresa LeFever and Ann Benson committed to managing the show again this year. Brian reported that Jody LaSalle stated that she felt that the show was great. Brian commended Teresa and Ann for their great work.
The Board talked about a few additional things to improve the show. The Board agreed that MAHA needs to have radios to facilitate show staff communication. The Board asked Brian Feuling to select and buy up to 6 radios. Brian recommended that MAHA purchase stick horses for children to use for the stick horse classes. The concept is that we would go out into the audience to give the stick horses to children who didn’t bring a horse. The Board also discussed having fun classes in the schedule. The Board recommended to Ann and Teresa to save a spot for some sort of a fun class like a boot scramble.
WSCA/AOSC
Laura Mickelson reported that the Valley Riders, a Twin Cities WSCA club based at the Washington County Fairgrounds included our show bill in their program. Laura reported that the committee believes they are ready. The champions will receive a garland while the reserve champions will get a neck ribbon. Phil Calahan is the judge for the open classes. Lori Conway is the AOSC judge.
MAHA Youth
Irene Simonson reported that the entries are slowly coming in for the High Point program. Teresa contacted Lori Schroeder Ross to see if she would give a showmanship and equitation clinic. Ken Price is continuing in his role as the leader for the Youth Judging Team.
Fall Show
No report.
MAHA Banquet
Hillary Hoffman reported that she has been looking at places for the Fall banquet. She looked at the Chart House in Lakeville. She reported that they have a great meeting room and charge only $250. Hillary thought that perhaps we could bring the MAHA TV and ask that someone bring a wii system for the youth. The meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 8th.
Membership
Shirley Theede reported to Brian that we have 249 adults, 1-3 year, and 8 lifetime adult members. We have a total of 75 youth.
Black Stallion Literacy Project
No report.
Gamaar’s Final Edition Traveling Trophy
No report.
Delegate Report
No report.
MAHA Youth Contribution to Guitar Hero Tournament:
Laura Mickelson made a motion that MAHA should contribute $200 towards the Guitar Hero Tournament scheduled for Youth Nationals. Ann Benson seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Nominating Committee
Roberta Lembke, Anita Grant, and Ann Benson agreed to serve as the nominating committee. The committee members will solicit individuals to run for the four Directors positions and for the four officer slots.
Board Vacancy
Kevin Price has resigned from the Board because of his move out of state. The Board agreed to ask Kerry Murray to serve the remainder of his term.
Bylaw Changes
The Board discussed modifying the Bylaws to make it easier to make future Bylaw changes. The Board also would like to add electronic communications as a valid method of contacting members. In addition we would like to position ourselves for future electronic balloting.
Laura Mickelson motioned that we endorse bringing the following Bylaw change to the membership: “When a 2/3 majority of the Board of Directors has approved a proposed Bylaw amendment, such amendment shall be adopted subject to ratification by the membership; (3) The Bylaw amendment will be submitted to the membership for ratification by being included on the ballot for the officers and board members; and (4) When a simple majority of the members voting have ratified the Bylaw amendment, it shall take effect upon approval by the Arabian Horse Association.”
Ann seconded the motion. Motion passed. The Board agreed that Laura should draft Bylaw language that would support electronic communication. These changes, including the change in the way Bylaw changes are approved will be discussed at the August meeting. If approved, the changes will have to be submitted with the ballot and voted on by the membership at the Fall Banquet.
Treasurer’s Report
The balance sheet shows assets of $79,819.76. Toni Mari O’Daniel motioned to approve the report. Teresa LeFever seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Ann Benson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Roberta Lembke seconded. Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 9:00PM.