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MOUNDS VIEW SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION

January 2008 Board Meeting

Patti Jo Fitzpatrick called to order the January 3 board meeting of the Mounds View Softball Association (MVSA) at 7:10 p.m. The meeting was held at the Shoreview Community Center.

Board members in attendance: Kim Auth, Barbara Birkholz, Tom Bye (arrived at 8:00 p.m.), Patti Jo Fitzpatrick, Betty Hurley, Jim Meyer, Ben Pomeroy, Doug Schley (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), and Osten Smith.

Absent: Al Bates, Tom Healy, and Dan Honoroff.

President’s Report (Patti Jo Fitzpatrick)

The locks at Rice Creek Fields were recently re-keyed. Patti Jo distributed keys to the board members who will need them. She turned over the remaining keys to Osten Smith for distribution to coaches at the beginning of the season.

Patti Jo will have to miss the February 7 board meeting; she asked Jim Meyer to preside in her absence.

Secretary’s Report (Barbara Birkholz)

A draft of the December 2007 minutes was sent to members by e-mail. Jim Meyer made a motion to accept the minutes. Betty Hurley seconded the motion.

MOTION PASSED

2008 Registration: On-line registration is now open. In-person registration will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 12 noon at the Shoreview Community Center. All board members are expected to assist that morning.

Kim Auth will be working with Liz Anderson to update the uniform ordering process for 2008. This includes changing the message on our website, which currently says that orders are delivered within 10 days; to ensure that uniform and apparel samples will be available at in-person registration; and to ask Athletic Outfitters to have samples available so that people can stop in before ordering on-line. There was some discussion about the lack of storage space at Athletic Outfitters and problems with its on-line ordering system. Kim and Liz will meet with Clem to determine if these issues can be addressed. Kim will also look into the possibility of switching the ordering system directly to Team Identity in the future, and keeping the In-House shirt order with Athletic Outfitters.

On-line registration and uniform ordering saves a tremendous amount of volunteer time for the association. But it’s understood that not everyone will want or be able to pay registration fees and uniform orders with a credit card. Therefore, there will be a limited number of registration and uniform order forms available. If things don’t get too busy, we would still like to try having this information entered directly on laptops, even if paid for in cash or check

Following up on discussions from previous meetings, the board reviewed its two-year old scholarship/sponsorship program and felt that several small changes should be made.

Doug Schley made a motion to remove the requirement that players must play during the summer season after their senior year in high school, for both the scholarships and sponsorships. Kim Auth seconded the motion.

MOTION PASSED

Betty Hurley made a motion to change the application deadline from May 15 to April 15. Doug Schley seconded the motion.

MOTION PASSED

Barb presented a draft application for use this year. When finalized, copies will be sent to Irondale, Mounds View, St.Anthony and Totino-Grace High Schools. It will also be e-mailed to those girls who, according to our records, meet the eligibility requirements for a scholarship this year.

Treasurer’s Report (Al Bates)

Al was unable to attend the meeting; but provided updated financial information to board members by e-mail.

VP – In-House (Dan Honoroff)

Dan was unable to attend the meeting. Patti Jo said that she would be ordering labels from the school district, and would work with Dan to develop a flyer for distribution as quickly as possible.

Concessions (Betty Hurley and Jim Meyer)

Betty and Jim had nothing to report.

Equipment (Osten Smith)

Osten reported that Wayne has the softie balls he needs for the upcoming 10U and 12U hitting clinic. Twelve-inch softballs are on order. Osten has gone through MVSA’s stored gear; there is some catching equipment and a few other items that need to be ordered. Larry Parker still owes MVSA two dozen softballs.

Osten mentioned that he felt it was an unnecessary expense to cover the dugouts at Rice Creek Fields. There was discussion about the $30,000 cost of the project, who’s insurance would cover hail damage, whether there were cheaper materials available for the covers, and whether the city should be expected to cover half the cost. Osten was asked to discuss these issues with Wayne and city representatives when they meet.

Fields and Umpires (Doug Schley)

Doug reported that there are a lot of players taking advantage of MVSA’s Open Gym time. Patti Jo mentioned that MVSA needs to renew its insurance; she will work with Doug to determine what paperwork is necessary and when the deadline is.

Tournaments and Clinics (Ben Pomeroy)

Ben reported that the upcoming clinics at Acceleration are filling slowly. He will meet with Acceleration representatives to discuss some alternatives, such as starting the clinics in February rather than next week, or combining some of the clinics. Barb will send out a group e-mail to members, reminding them of the clinics and registration.

Our 12U and 14U Mounds View Madness tournaments have been posted on FastSports. Ben will not be able to be at the 14U tournament, but Steve Tusa has offered to help out.

Ben has received a number of registrations for the 10U/12U Hitting Clinic that begins in February, and also has answered a number of calls.

Uniforms (Kim Auth)

Discussion about uniforms took place earlier in the meeting, while reviewing 2008 registration.

VP – Traveling’s Report (Tom Bye)

Tom asked the board to answer several questions for the next Tri-County meetings:

• Does MVSA want to establish an 8U level? No.

• Does MVSA want to open up the 14U level (like the 16U and 18U levels)? No.

• Should there be different Qualifiers and State Tournaments for the different tier levels?

There was some discussion about providing more information to parents about how the 14U Tier I team is selected; many parents do not realize that this process is spelled out in the by-laws.

Coaches training is ready; new coaches are required to watch a video, while returning coaches only need to take a quick test.

Tom showed us a suggested draft of lawn signs, to be used to promote registration. Kim Auth has volunteered to print 100 18”x24” signs free of charge. When they are available, they will be divided up among board members to place near schools.

Tom was asked to set up new passwords and mapping for the new board members, so they can access their MVSA e-mail accounts.

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Betty Hurley made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ben Pomeroy seconded the motion. The motion passed and the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

Draft minutes, e-mailed to board on 1/4/08

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