KENT RADIO AEROMODELERS, INC.
Minutes of the March 6, 2012 Meeting
Called to order at 7:00pm by President Nikolei Zinsli
Members present: 17
No guests present.
Review of the Minutes of the February meeting resulted in no additions, deletions, or changes.
Motion to approve by: Allen Simpson
Seconded by: Ed Buck
Vote: Carried
The Financial Report was given by Dan McLaren. A copy of the report can be seen on the Web site by signed in club members. Current membership is 65 total members.
Motion to accept by: Allen Simpson
Seconded by: Ed Buck
Vote: Carried
OLD BUSINESS:
Nik reported out on a possible “non dues” revenue generator – going out to dinner and having 20% of your tab sent to the club. Buffalo Wild Wings is the establishment. Nik will pick a date and we will give it a try and see how it works.
Dan McLaren read the proposed revision to Field Rule C as directed by motion at the February meeting. The added language explicitly identified the what and where a flight station is and the appropriate use. Considerable discussion ensued about the need to revise and the individual whose behavior had resulted in the feeling that the Field Rules needed to be revised. Numerous comments were made about the fact that everyone is taught when they enter the club that the flight stations are the stones along the flight line and in the last thirty years only two people have challenged this. Ed Bradley probably said it best when he stated that when an individual reaches a point that they are incapable of obeying the field rules due to illness or ageing, they must ask for assistance, not violate the rule. As discussion wound down, Lee Frederickson, who for the past year has argued with the Executive Board that Field Rule C is not enforceable because it is not specific or clear enough, passed out a questionnaire not supporting the proposed changes. The questionnaire noted that five flight stations – no problem and stand on the rock – no problem and then asked if the revised rule made common sense, increases safety, would be enforced, increase camaraderie, make you feel freer, is it necessary, and make things better.
George Orphan made a motion (and I did not catch who seconded the motion) that Field Rule C not be changed. I requested he modify his motion to keep the proposed change for jet flyers and he agreed. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ed Bradley, our 2012 Safety Officer, conducted the annual review of the AMA Safety Code and the KRAM Field Rules. Club members not present should review these two documents on their own prior to flying season to ensure they are up to date on safety expectations.
Dan McLaren read the AMA letter notifying us that we are recertified as a Gold Leader Club. Anyone who has not received a pin, see me at the field.
Nik announced that he has contacted the K’zoo club and handed off the Air Zoo display to them since there was very little support within KRAM to do a display there again this year. Once a date is chosen, it will be announced to the club so that those still interested can participate.
Ed Fowler, Maintenance Director, requested approval for:
- Rolling all / part of the field – approved and Jim Heist will approach his neighbor who did it last year. (donation in 2011)
- Application of weed killer – approved with Lee Frederickson volunteering to spread pre emergent that will kill broad leaf and crab grass (spent $400 in 2011 but not effective on crabgrass). Lee was authorized to spend up to $400 with the focus for application being the pit area to north of the runway. Treating the parking lot and the extreme north grass area are dependent on cost.
- Fence repair is needed on the pit fence. Mostly tightening the fence and adding a cable along the top and / or bottom to keep the fence off the ground and subject to entanglement with the lawn mower is the repair necessary. Ed was authorized to spend up to $100 on this project.
- Ed requested removal of the little grill to make mowing easier, since the grill is seldom used and full of wasps. Lee Frederickson agreed and suggested taking it to a scrap dealer and selling the metal. The Treasurer was tasked with this job.
Dan McLaren announced that the Porta John will be installed at the field for the period April 1 – November 30
It was announced that there will be a KRAM dinner at Branns on Division on April 28. Invitations will be in the mail this week. (Thanks to Roz and Danny Osborn for their efforts organizing this.)
Mark Schmaltz announced that there are many new products available from “Café Press” with club logo on them. Go to the ‘Buy KRAM Logo Gear’ link on the web site to see and purchase. If you want something you do not see, call Mark and he will help you set it up.
Lee Frederickson showed an electric pylon racing plane and handed out a description of what the electric pylon racing rules would be. He then asked if there was any interest in trying a pylon race at the field this summer. I believe I saw five or six hands so Nik asked Mark to check the calendar for a date. Lee stated he would supply everything needed and the club would just need to close the field on the date of this no cost event.
Show and Tell
Mark Schmaltz had an E Flight Corsair (Horizon Hobby) bind and fly with a 480 motor that sells for $180 that he is very pleased with. He is excited about all the new bind and fly and plug and play items that are currently available and perform very well.
Jim Grant had a Reflex 25 with a Norvel 25 that he says is very responsive and flies well. This is a kit built plane and Jim said it took him a month with a few hours a day devoted to it.
Next meeting: April 3, 2012 at 7:00pm at Kellogsville High School
Motion to adjourn:
Motion by: Lee Frederickson
Seconded by: everyone else
Respectfully,
Dan McLaren
KRAM Secretary / Treasurer
