WSMLA Board of Director’s Meeting                                 January 12, 1996

Meeting called to order at 7:37 p.m.

Roll Call: Board Members present included Mike Cash, Rick Conwell, Mike Corrigan, Scott Gormley, Velma Harlow, Tony Larvae, Ray Lawrence, Charlie Stickney, Dave Tyrell, Dave Wilson and Bryan Youngberg. Absent were Judy Corkill and Robin Sinclair. Trinidad Herrara (Postal Match Chairman) was also in attendance.

Minutes: Minutes from last January were distributed to members in lieu of reading. It was reported that there were no minutes for the May and July board meetings.

Treasurer’s Report: See attached ledger sheet. Scott Gormley reported that the last

newsletter cost ~$169, while prior newsletters cost ~$300, $306, $340. Bryan said that changing the format resulted in lower costs, and that the printer helped out considerably to reduce the cost to about 90 cents per copy. The board thanked Bryan for taking over the newsletter for December, a critical issue for convention attendance. Overall, newsletter costs were greater than last year, while only five issues were sent, compared to six last year.

It was also pointed out that the balance sheet erroneously shows the CD purchase as a deficit, and the balance is actually positive by about $400.00.

Old Business

It was decided to fill any empty board seats from an alternate list on Sunday morning.

Velma had some questions regarding circulation of the state shoot regulations rule book. Bryan agreed that there were still a few finishing touches to be done. Dave Tyrell stated that copies were available from most board members and that members could phone him or Bryan if they had any questions. Velma felt that they had messed up on some shoots at the State Shoot, and it could have been avoided if the rules were more readily available.

Apparently, some shoots were not shot that should have been. Nobody seemed to concerned, water under the bridge. Bryan has the records for state shoot scores on a computer spreadsheet.

New Business

Bryan Youngberg brought up the proposal that we terminate any new life memberships. Mike Cash suggested we raise the price of any new life memberships. How much is it now? Currently life memberships are free to previously paid members over age 65. It was suggested that nominations for life memberships be made from association members. Velma thought this wouldn’t be a good idea, since it places the board in a situation where they have to decide who is worthy and who is not. Tony Larvae suggested we offer members over 65 a discount, rather than free life memberships. Velma said that it doesn’t make any difference to her and she would rather be treated just like everyone else. Topic was tabled until after speaker from Holiday Inn finished her presentation.

Presentation by Dawn Bangart of Holiday Inn. See attached letter from Holiday Inn. Dawn thanked the board for the WSMLA’s business. And said the group was enjoyed by the Holiday in staff as the convention always generates some good stories, such as jokes about a cannon in the hallway. Holiday Inn decided to throw in an extra suite for an auction item. They have discounted the coffee to $35 per urn and are giving a free urn per five purchased. Mike Corrigan spent two hours last year working on convention specifics with Dawn and the Holiday Inn. Bryan Youngberg said he would like to see a fixed price on coffee. A flat fee could be reviewed annually and would make it easier for the WSMLA to predict convention costs, without any surprises. Dawn pointed out that room rates will go up two dollars to $42 per night flat rate for next year. She said this was a cost of living increase (the third year in a row). Holiday Inn will again throw in a free keg of beer for the post dinner festivities. She also stated that there is more area in the Ballroom this year. The Holiday Inn normally requires 72 hours for dinner reservations, but has made an exception for us. Mike said he would confirm dinner numbers by noon. He expects 100 to 125 people to attend.

Discussion returned to life membership issue. Dave Tyrell suggested we offer a purchasable life membership at age 65 for members. This would help out on running ourselves into the red on postage costs. How much? $50, $150, $200. Dave suggested a Hall of Fame, age 65 nominations for free life membership. Velma asked that she be treated as an equal. Mike Cash suggested that we make it a board of directors decision. Tony Larvae suggested a 20% discount at age 65. Tony made a motion that members over 65 receive a 20% discount on annual memberships, and to do away with life memberships. Ray seconded. Current life memberships grandfathered but will Bryan will contact to make sure they still want to receive a newsletter. Board still retains ability to award a deserving member a free life membership. All in favor with the exception of Mike Corrigan. Motion passed.

Scott Gormley: Association banking in Casper, service charges higher than interest earned. Would be good to change banks, but we would loose money on check printing. May want to change to carbon copies to save money. Treasurer only writes about 12 checks a year. Scott will check into possible savings.

Rumor that insurance does not cover WSMLA board, only NMLRA board. Dave Tyrell will have George Simm’s son check into insurance situation. Mike Cash discussed changing to NRA rather than NMLRA, but Dave Tyrell said there was a problem since the State does not have a permanent address. Board members should be covered under the ‘Good Samaritan’ act for non-profit activities. Mike mentioned we may be spending $300 a year for nothing. Dave said he would check on the situation before next Memorial day.

Temporary adjournment at 8:38 p.m., reconvened at 8:41 p.m.

Board decided to return the responsibility of the newsletter to the Vice President. The VP will either supervise another Board member or produce the newsletter as a backup if there are problems. Mike said that a NMLRA rep would like some time to speak at the general meeting. Dave said “No problem.”

There was a question whether Gun Fair participants could sell off display tables. It was decided that although they pay no table fees, they are volunteering a presentation and it would be okay as long as they don’t get carried away with large amount of materials. Mike Pentz had suggested that the board produce a calendar from photo contest entries. Dave Wilson stated that costs would run $29.95 for a 12 picture, or $6.95 for a single picture before volume discounts. Board decided this was to expensive, and that the board really didn’t want to get into the calendar business anyway.

Bryan stated there were some complaints about the last newsletter. People felt they should be folded neater and the binding should be stapled. Bryan wasn’t sure if the Printer had the capability to do the stapling.

Committee Reports

Traveling Trophy Report: Ray Lawrence said he needed about 10 minutes.

Photo Contest: Tony said the contest is all ready. Got ribbons and cardboard.

Safety Packets and Video Rentals - Scott’s got them (Skip Walker has two video checked out). Postal Match - Trinidad said that there had been lower participation toward end of season. He suggested changing to a 7 month shoot period. Dave Tyrell stated that we keep making concessions on the Postal Match and that maybe we shouldn’t. Started with an easier target, then fewer team members, and now a shorter period. Board decided to leave it at 9 months (9 shoots).

Convention: Mike still has bills to turn in. Bryan made a motion to approve Mike Corrigan’s expenses. Charlie Stickney 2nd. Unanimous. Motion passed. Mike Corrigan stated that Phil Nissan had a $60 outstanding bill for medallions. Mike asked if the board wanted to have the convention in Casper at the Holiday Inn for 1997. Bryan Youngberg made a motion to have convention at Holiday Inn in Casper. Velma Harlow 2nd. No discussion. Unanimous. Motion passed.

General Membership Meeting Elections

Board members up for re-Election. 1993 Dave Tyrell, Rick Conwell, Charlie Stickney, Velma Harlow (3 year terms), Dave Wilson was elected in 1993 and has served three years (position should be 1991, 1994, 1997) so actually has one more year to go. Robin Sinclair’s 1995 position will also be filled if she is not present at the Sunday board meeting. Motion to straighten out the re-election schedule order to four per year. Passed Unanimously. General election will be for 4 - 3 year terms, and a one year plus an alternate.

Miscellaneous

Scott Gormley wanted to know if it was possible to put membership numbers on the newsletter labels. Bryan Youngberg said he will look into it. Probably okay.

Motion to include membership numbers on labels passed, unanimously

Motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:13 pm.