BMW Bikers of Metropolitan Washington

 Bylaw Changes – Mike proposed changes to the bylaws to be done prior to the election process. Specifically:

 III.3 – Last sentence in first paragraph is amended to read “A copy of these written minutes shall be published on the website and/or in the newsletter.”

IV.1.b – Delete last sentence that requires that information from the newsletter be delivered to the Webmaster for inclusion on the website. Board Members and Chairpersons will be updating their own pages on the website.

IV.2.d – Paragraph shall read “The Technical committee shall serve as a clearinghouse for technical assistance, organize club Tech Days/Slack Packs, maintain club special tools, and submit a yearly written inventory in January to be published in the club newsletter.”

IV.2.g – Delete “general” in first sentence.

IV.2.g – Delete “5. Provide door prizes for General Membership Meetings.”

IV.2.h – Change “July” to “March” in second sentence. This change requires the appointment of the Elections Committee earlier in the year.

VI – The second sentence of this paragraph shall be amended to read “The committee shall develop a ballot of candidates for President, VP/Rally Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair and Newsletter Chair.

The fourth sentence shall read “Voting shall be by mail-in ballot and/or electronically.

After a discussion of the proposed changes, the Board voted its approval. Mike will write an article describing the changes for the March BTS, the changes will be read at the March meeting, and will be put to a vote at the April meeting.

Minutes – The January minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer – Elsie reported that the current balance is $18,298.51. The cost for up-dating the club’s corporate status will be $700. Member Jerry Barton has agreed that his address will be used for the required District of Columbia address. There will be a $70 fee to up-date the address. Elsie asked all Board Members to search for the club’s corporate seal.

She and Linda Rookard will soon begin work on up-dating the club’s tax forms, and will standardize the budget categories in the process.

Mike will continue to act as the MOA contact and renew the club’s MOA membership each year.

Elsie announced that the new membership directory was mailed today, and that there are extra copies that the membership chair could use to encourage renewals.

Last, she has developed a budget for 2007.

Meetings/Events – Tina announced that tomorrow’s meeting is set, a “Spring Fling” is planned for the 1^st weekend in May at Jed Hargrave’s in Thurmont, and the club will host a “Show ‘n Shine” at Bob’s BMW on July 21. Jed has asked for help a few days prior to the event at his farm to prepare.

Membership – Don reported that there were approximately 100 people who did not renew, with as many new members joining over the past year. That level of turnover is customary for the club. The club discussed calling new members and asking them to join them in a ride to upcoming meetings, using club meetings at the dealerships to solicit new members, and taking care to get new members’ names and e-mail addresses.

Rally – Jim discussed the plans for the Square Route Rally. He still needs a chair for the beer sales and for set-up. He will rent the popcorn maker again this year. Board Members suggested including a disposable poncho in the Rally pack. Elsie will handle the finances. George Falcon is soliciting an acoustic band for Saturday evening.

Editor – Bob asked that each Chair submit articles to him for the BTS. He would like to alternate articles such as Tech and Safety.

Rides – Ed reported on the various rides planned for this year. The season long ride is still in the planning stage, and will be announced shortly.

Goals for 2007 – Mike reviewed the goals he proposes for this year.

• Recruits - Committee Chairs are encouraged to recruit help, and to groom their replacement.
• Improved Communication – Chairs are encouraged to communicate their activities and needs to each other, and consider the impact of their activities on other committees.
• Government Affairs – The club still needs a strong chair for this committee. Mike would like to see the members regularly informed about issues being considered by the legislature that would affect the motorcycling community. Don will send Mike a list of new members who expressed interest in this committee. Todd Suda will assist in the effort, but does not have the time to chair the committee.
• Safety Training – James will work with Billy Rutherford to develop an expanded first aid/CPR/ “First Responder” training for the club. Billy currently writes a safety column for the BTS, and helped develop a “First There/First Care” seminar for the HOG group. He has indicated he would do the same for the club at no cost. In that regard, James will investigate the Wilderness First Aid course that Pam Fisher took recently.

James proposed that the club sponsor a basic rider course. Board Members suggested that he  conduct a poll  to  determine the level of interest.

• Community Outreach – Mike described a brief safety awareness program developed by the Goldwing Club that was presented to community groups such as the Lions Club, etc. The program discussed and encouraged awareness of motorcyclists on the road. Mike will post the suggestion on the Forum to determine whether there is interest in BMWBMW doing such presentations.

Five Club Objectives – Mike reviewed the Club’s objectives once more for the Board and Committee Chairs, and asked each to let him know if the Club is failing to cover each objective fully.

Website –Chris Uttenweiler walked the Board and Committee Chairs through the various features of the newly developed website, and answered questions regarding how the site will be used. Board Members and Committee Chairs will soon be able to post and edit information on their individual pages. The site can be modified and themes enhanced by those so inclined, but will function well as designed for those who want basic service.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 PM.