Tennessee Treetoppers Board of
Directors Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2007
The meeting
was called to order by President Steve Lee at 9:50 a.m. central
time. Roll call was taken with the following board members
present: Eric Donaldson, James Anderson, Buddy Cutts, Carl
Burick, Ollie Gregory, Clark Harlow, Keith Atkins, Steve Lee,
Kathy Lee, Mark Polling, and Dan Shell. Absent were: Tom
Prouhet, Mike Nash, Jeff Dodgen, and Allie Dodgen. Keith Atkins
recorded the minutes in Allie Dodgen’s absence.
TTT members
present were: Mark and Charrie Stump, Bill Colvin, Bruce Engen,
John Hill, and Lucas Ridley.
The
November 2007 TTT Board of Directors meeting minutes were not
available. James Anderson motioned that we should, therefore,
forego the reading of the last meeting minutes. The motion
passed by acclamation.
OLD
BUSINESS
Bill Priday
Lawsuit: Dan Shell reported that the Judge has reserved
judgment only on where the trial will take place, but not
on the merits of the case or whether the case will go forward.
2. Land
Easement Project: Dan Shell reported that the Land Trust is
completed and finalized. This preserves our LZ by restricting
development and allowing only agricultural use. The project was
initiated in the early 1990’s when the TTT purchased the
Henson’s LZ. Well done Mike Nash and Dan Shell. Dan also
reported that Mr. Werner has not yet completed his paperwork
required to secure his Land Trust. In addition, the Land Trust
office has “recommended” a donation of $3000.00 by the TTT to
support monitoring of the trust. There is no requirement for
making such a donation and this issue will be taken up in the
next Board Meeting. Further, Dan reported that our Land Trust
attorney, Mr. Alan McCauley submitted an itemized bill of
$6,000.00 above the previously agreed upon sum of $3,500.00
which was granted by USHPA. Mr. McCauley intimated that
payment is expected but if not paid will be written off. Dan
Shell made a motion to send Mr. McCauley $500.00 now and for the
Board to later discuss and determine how much to offer, in
total, after first applying for additional USHPA Foundation for
Freeflight funding. After discussion, the motion passed with 7
votes in favor and 3 against. Clark Harlow agreed to send a
letter of explanation and a check for $500.00 to Mr. McCauley.
Davis Loop
Road Closing: Clark Harlow reported he attempted to work with
Mr. Woerner. Mr. Woerner told Clark he preferred to deal with
the Road Commission, alone. Clark said that was acceptable, for
now. This issue is expected to be “written off” by Mr. Woerner.
NEW
BUSINESS
1.
Favorite Neighbor Gifts: Keith Atkins donated 5 soap
gift baskets to be delivered to TTT favorite neighbors. The
following gifts will be given:
Mike Nash will deliver soap
baskets to George Galloway, Ms. Bashun, and Ms. Hudson.
Steve and Kathy Lee will deliver
a soap basket to Mr. and Mrs. Castle.
The TTT will donate $100.00 each
to The Dunlap Rescue Squad and The First Baptist Church of
Whitwell.
The TTT sent thank you cards to
Kimbal Park, Mr. Hickey, Mr. Standifer, and the owners of Inman
Point.
2.
Treetoppers in the News:
Steve and Kathy Lee earned a
2007 USHPA Commendation for their support and leadership in the
TTT for 20 years.
Keith Smith won a 2007 USHPA
Commendation for his enthusiasm and GateWay Aero Flight Park.
Eric Donaldson’s launch photo
was published in the Gallery section of the December 2007 issue
of USHPA magazine.
Keith Atkins’s “In Quest of BIG
Air” New Mexico article and photos were published in the
December 2007 issue of USHPA magazine.
3.
Marc Fink requested that the Board grant him approval to
fly tandem at Treetopper sites. He holds USHPA tandem
instructor ratings and has been a tandem instructor for four
years. The Board expects to approve him when he returns next
year.
4.
Marc Fink is interested in holding the East Coast
Challenge at TTT. The Board is interested and Ollie Gregory
suggested tabling discussion until after the first of the year
2008 and the new Board is installed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Treasurer’s Report: Clark
Harlow reported the General Account total is $5104.90 and the LZ
CD total is $46,232.81.
Safety Report: Tom Prouhet has
two accidents to report; Ollie Gregory’s and Jim Salletti.
Ollie will write his accident report. Dan Shell will add a new
rule to the FRP that all hang glider pilots must have wire
launching assist capability to fly our sites. Ollie suggested
posting “Rescue Directions” on the Whitwell sign.
Bylaws: Mike Nash - Nothing to
report.
Membership: Dan Shell - Nothing
to report.
Web Site: Buddy Cutts - Dan
Barker has offered to provide hosting for free.
Maintenance: Carl Burick -
James and Buddy winterized the bath house. Carl has kept the
Whitwell grounds in shape. Steve and Kathy have taken care of
Henson’s.
Social: Mark Polling - The
Christmas Party will be at LMFP pavilion hosted by Doris Pollari.
Doris will be given a soap basket in appreciation for her
kindness. Everyone should contribute to the meal and bring a
desert. The Treetoppers will buy a keg of beer.
Awards: Eric Donaldson - Eric
will handle the plaques and certificates for the awards at the
Christmas Party. Dave Hopkins will receive a plaque and shirt
for the longest flight of the year. The following pilots will
receive certificates and a shirt for notable flights: Ollie
Gregory, Greg Heckman, David Giles, Stan Robertson, Steve Lee,
Kathy Lee, Eric Donaldson, and Marc Fink. Keith Atkins will
receive a shirt for helpfulness.
Comp Report: Ollie Gregory –
Ollie said the 2008 TTT Team Challenge will be held September
28-October 4, 2008. He will place notices in the USHPA
magazine. Three articles about Team Challenge are expected to
be published in the January 2008 issue by Keith Atkins and Ollie
Gregory, Steve Prater, and Kevin Carter.
Newsletter: Steve Lee - Keith
Atkins volunteered to write the newsletter to be published in
the Spring and Fall.
Other: Fred Dey and Rich Jacob
offered to install and pay for a wireless internet DSL service
and make it accessible to all club members. The Board approved
this offer.
Thank you Award: Keith Atkins
- Steve Lee was given a framed photograph of his Henson’s
launch and Kathy Lee was given a soap basket by the Board for
their generous support of the club, leadership, and friendship.
2008 Board of Directors
Elections
All incumbents were re-elected
by a total of 28 out of more than 100 TTT members. The Board
wishes to encourage all TTT members to consider running for the
Board and voting next year.
James Anderson motioned for
adjournment which was seconded and approved at 11:37 a.m.
central.
Submitted by Keith Atkins
December 8, 2007
