Present: Jim McKeon, Nelson Holmberg, Jerry Dunlap, Bill Mowatt, David Newton, Paxton Reunanen, Mike Hughes, David Heilbrunn. Quorum present. Excused: Rick Evans (technical difficulties with Zoom)
 
Chair Nelson called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m.
 
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Jim McKeon reported that the ending fund balance from 2021-22 season was $1,530.31. Jim shared that Ron Daum (previous treasurer) had some concern regarding a possible $400 variance in the reconciliation. Jim and Ron will meet Tuesday, Nov. 15 to go over the books to seek reconciliation, and to meet with the bank to transfer the signature card.
 
MINUTES
Secretary Rick Evans had presented minutes, via email, from the October 16, 2022 Board meeting on the same day as the meeting. Jerry Dunlap moved to approve the minutes from the October 16 Board meeting. Second by David Newton. There was no discussion or corrections/changes to the minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
 
OLD BUSINESS
End of Season Banquet Debrief: Directors and members in attendance discussed the end of season banquet and by-and-large agreed it was a successful event. Discussion points included the thought that the room was probably big enough for our group but was not set up well by the staff to maximize seating for our guests. It was also noted that we may want to find a place with an actual banquet room to reduce ambient noise from other parts of the restaurant. On positive notes, people thought the food was good and the service was attentive, speedy and good. There was also discussion about the positive effect of having acquired all of our season champion perpetual trophies, and caught up the engravings on each of them, as well as having all of our Gold Cups, including new ones for the classes/division we have added.
 
Rule change proposals process: Chair Nelson reported that he had a conversation with Competition Committee Chair Gerry Bordon about his preferred process for the potential/proposed rule changes for the 2022-23 season. Gerry told Nelson he believes – and prefers – that the process should be that members submit proposed rule changes to the board by a certain deadline. The board would then review those proposed changes and pass along proposals with merit to the Competition Committee for consideration among a slate of proposed rule changes. Gerry also shared with Nelson that the Competition Committee has prioritized adding a formalized testing process for motors. Committee members Mike Hughes and David Newton attended the Winter Meeting and confirmed that thought process. There are no expectations for major rule changes in 2022-23 at this point.
 
Perpetual trophies & Gold Cups update: This was discussed during the End of Season Banquet debrief, but it was important to note that the expense of these trophies was a lot more than expected and that a plan to raise revenue for future trophy catch up, and capital expenditure budget for said project, should be addressed in the future. The priority for the board going into 2021-22 was to get the season championship and Gold Cup perpetual trophies updated, and that goal was achieved.
 
NEW BUSINESS
2022-23 Chair’s Proposed Budget: Chair Nelson shared that he had prepared a proposed budget for the 2022-23 year and that it was being reviewed by Treasurer Jim and Secretary Rick. The budget includes the 2021-22 Ending Fund Balance of $1,530.31 as starting revenue and includes modest growth in revenue over the year – particularly in memberships/registrations, and in entry fees. Budgeted revenue for 2022-23 is less than the 2021-22 actual due to the fact that the DCR Coffee money ($1,000) was booked in the 2021-22 revenue. The proposed budget also includes $500 revenue for a possible 50/50 raffle to be offered at each race of the season. Expenses are mostly budgeted to hold steady or be reduced. The one exception is a capital improvement expenditure to purchase a new chase boat for the club prior to the beginning of the 2023 racing season. The budget, as proposed, includes an ending fund balance of $2,250. Nelson, Rick and Jim will finalize the proposed budget and present it to the board for ratification at the next meeting.
 
2023 Race Schedule: Race Coordinator Jerry said he will begin reaching out to our race sites and scheduling our events for 2023. Lacey and Longview have opened the process to begin accepting applications and Jerry will work on that. He has identified the same weekends as the 2022 schedule for the 2023 races as well and there’s been no objection to that so he will move forward. Nelson mentioned that Rick had suggested the idea we consider adding two more races to the schedule for a season of 12 total races. Season points champions would be determined by the best 10 races of the year. Jerry said he would check into potentially adding races in October and report back to the board and membership on his findings. Nelson said he would post a poll on the website to see whether members would be interested and supportive of adding two races to the schedule. There was also significant conversation about potential new race sites. The question was asked about returning to Woodland, Wash., but the Horseshoe Lake is unfortunately very popular with anglers, swimmers and kayakers, which would make it impossible for the city to close the lake entirely in order for ERCU to get insurance for a race event. Jim McKeon said he will look into ski ponds in northern Washington as possibilities. It was also mentioned that Vance Creek County Park in Elma is another excellent race site opportunity that ERCU once used and is not currently using. It’s located in between the most northern and most southern members of the club, so it could make good logistical sense, too. Jerry said he would check into it. There were also suggestions of a potential event in Banks, Ore., where Rose City Model Yacht Club spends time testing in the winter and spring.
 
End of Season Awards: Nelson shared that with the concern we have over the expense of this year’s end of season awards, and the fact that the Top-10 plates for each class were inadvertently not handed out with no one seeming to miss them, there would be a more in-depth review of our end of season awards program and what we actually purchase and give to members. This item was more of a heads-up that the board will be reviewing this and it will be an ongoing conversation that the board will keep members in the loop of.
 
Club Equipment Update: Nelson shared that the club equipment will be inspected this winter, like it is every winter, and anything that might need to be replaced or repaired will be taken care of prior to the beginning of the 2023 racing season in April.
 
Club Website Update: Nelson said the club website is due for another update in its appearance. After two years, the current design has become stale. He said he will gradually make changes to the appearance of the site over the coming month.

OFFICERS REPORTS
Inspector: Bill had nothing to report at today’s meeting, other than he’s ready to start inspecting boats for the 2023 season when owners are ready for their boats to be inspected.
 
Statistician: David stated that the 2023 final stats have been completed and are posted to the website. He also reported that the all-time results and career standings have been updated through 2022 and are posted to the website.
 
Race Coordinator: Jerry reiterated he’ll begin working on the 2023 racing schedule very soon.
 
Secretary: Rick was excused from the meeting due to technical difficulties with Zoom that kept him from attending.
 
Registrar/Treasurer: Jim said that a few registrations/membership renewals had come in already and have been recorded. Nelson said he will continue to push membership renewals/registrations in social media and direct email to members. Jim also reiterated he and Ron Daum will meet on November 15 to transfer the signature card for banking and go over details of transferring the duties. Jim also said his wife Patty is being incredibly helpful to him with this new job already.
 
At Large: Paxton attended the early part of the meeting but was called into work early and had to leave the meeting before we got to officers reports.
 
Chair: Nelson mentioned that in addition to finalizing a budget, the board will also be looking to establish spending limits and a procedure for appropriate spending with/without approvals.
 
BENCH RACING
Bench racing discussions followed as all members in the meeting updated each other on what’s going on in their shops and shared a few ideas of new tools, or where to find parts.
 
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting at 10:58 a.m.
 
NEXT MEETING
The next Winter Meeting is set for Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 at 10 a.m., via a virtual meeting tool (i.e. Zoom or Teams). It is possible that the board will meet to conduct business to finalize the budget, etc. Proper notice will be shared with the membership if such a board meeting is scheduled.

The rescheduled January Winter Meeting was held Sunday, Jan. 23 at 2 p.m., and the board of directors got a financial update, and made a couple of decisions on behalf of the membership.

Chair Nelson Holmberg called the meeting to order at 2:02 p.m. with a quorum of board members (Holmberg, Rick Evans, Jim McKeon, Ron Daum and Jerry Dunlap) present, and  proxies from David Newton and Bill Mowatt (both excused for health reasons) accounted for. Members John Earnest, Ray Finney and Kelly Gruol also joined the meeting.

In the Finance Report, Treasurer Ron Daum reported that the club's bank balance is $1,823.14 with all race site fees paid, including insurance. He also reported that just eight returning members have not yet renewed their memberships and registrations.

Minutes from the November 21, 2021 Winter Meeting were approved and will be posted to the website.

The board deliberated the format for the ERCU Gold Cup, and after feedback from members that was equally split - 11 in favor of a one day event with changes and 11 in favor of a two-day event - the board decided to make the 2021 Gold Cup a two-day event. As the board is the Contest Director for the ERCU Gold Cup, it will work to finalize a more specific format will be determined soon. All board members agreed it is in the best interest of the club to try and develop a format that accomplishes the needs and desires of those who support a one-day event without eliminating the opportunity to make a final for those who participate on Sunday only.

There was also discussion about club equipment and we're set for buoys, weights, etc., in the trailer. Our computer set up was also discussed. Ron Daum will see to it that the PC laptop that was donated to the club last summer will be cleaned up and a new battery will be acquired for it. The Excel scoring document was also discussed and it needs some repairs to macros to bring it back to its optimal performance level. Ron Daum and Ray Finney will work on that, while also beginning a longer-term conversation about potentially building a new scoring system for future years.

With concern about Covid and the omicron variant, there's a possibility the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum may not host the Roger Newton RC Model Boat Show this February. David Newton is working with the Museum on this, and we should know more this week as to whether there will be a show. Stay tuned for more information.

McKeon reported that inspections will begin as soon as members are ready to provide their boats for inspection. Those that will need to be inspected are new boats and boats that have undergone significant change/repair over the winter. The inspection forms are available on the website (click here), and will be emailed out to members.

Season stats are up-to-date and have been posted on the website. We're also working to get the career stats posted on the website and will have that done soon.

The 2022 ERCU Racing Schedule is nearly final, with just a few minor details yet to be worked out. Once that's done the club will send out notice of the schedule being finalized.

The members on the call all shared updates from what's happening in their shops this winter and it seems as though there will be some very interesting new and updated boats on the water in 2022. The modern class champions for both 1/10 and 1/7 scale admitted they're feeling the targets on their back for the coming season based on what's happening around shops this winter.

There being no further business or good of the order, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.

 ERCU Board of Directors Meeting
November 21, 2021 via Zoom

Meeting called to order at 10:05 am by chairman Nelson Holmberg.

Attendees: Rick Evans, David Newton, Jerry Dunlap, Bill Mowatt, Nelson Holmberg, Jim McKeon
 
Guests: David Heilbrunn, Gary Dawn, Robert Edwards, John Earnest
 
Financial Report: Ron Daum.

• 2021 Closing balance is $1902.85   
  
• 2022 Registrations to date $450.00

 
Minutes: Moved by Ron seconded by Jim that the minutes of the October 31, 2021 be adopted as presented. All in favor.
 
OLD BUSINESS
 
Gold Cup Options:
1. The ERCU Gold Cup has significant historical values
2. Discussions regarding the format included some of the following for consideration:

• Propose going to a two day event
• Shorten the one day event by eliminating time trials, run three qualifying heats instead of four.
• Leave as is.
• BOD to seek input from membership on the format.

 
Review end of season awards:

• Jerry Dunlap: Great time although considering membership the turn out could have been better. Cost of a catered meal is a concern.
• Ron Daum: The size of the participation was to be expected. There was a significant amount of food left over.
• John Earnest: Room was a little chilly    
• Nelson Holmberg: Event was held on the day of the Squire Shop painting. PA system was not provided as was requested. Brian Perkins did an amazing job as guest speaker for the event.

 
Rule Change Voting:
1. Voting to date has been excellent with 19 votes cast so far.

• David Heilbrunn: Sought clarification on the number of registered boats the same member can have. Three per class

 
New Business
1. Trophies:   

• Ron is reviewing the Perpetual trophies. He will contact JimmeJames regarding the vintage trophies.
• Looking into Trophies for Classic Division including Gold Cup.

 
2. Budget:

• Ron, Nelson and Rick to work on a 2022 budget for presentation to the board.

                                                           
Meeting adjourned at 11:20 am

Here is the 2020 End of year Treasurers Report. I would like you guys to see where and how we spend our money.  This summary spares you the gory details of the ledger but I have broken down that spreadsheet into understandable categories that I am presenting here.  The category titles should be self-explanatory although I will be more than happy to provide examples and definition should you be interested. 
 
As you can see, we spent a lot on getting our equipment in shape. We also spent a fair amount on awards, half of which we didn’t use because of Covid. Overall, we did alright for an abnormal season in large measure to Rick’s activism in getting corralling sponsorships.
 
Ron Daum
ERCU Registrar/Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS: Nelson Holmberg (chair), Rick Evans (secretary), Ron Daum (registrar/treasurer), Robbie Roberts (inspector), Len Taylor (statistician), Jerry Dunlap (race coordinator), Bill Mowatt (at large)

ZOOM MEETING LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6689469049?pwd=YzJ6R2ozUVJiSS8ybkx6TENRWjVsUT09
Meeting ID: 846 418 9312
Passcode: ERCU2021
by Phone: (253) 215-8782

11 a.m. (15 min.)             CALL TO ORDER

• Call to Order, welcome & introductions (Nelson)
• Financial Report (Ron)
• Approval of Minutes (Rick)

 
11:15 a.m. (5 minutes)       OLD BUSINESS

• Longview Race Site Update (Nelson)

 
11:20 a.m. (30 minutes)      NEW BUSINESS

• Update on 1/7 scale joining ERCU for 2021 (Nelson)
• Question about 1/8-scale racing (Nelson)
• Event Budget (Ron)
  
• Trailer pulling for 2021 Season (Jerry & Bill)
  

 
11:50 a.m. (10 minutes)      OFFICERS REPORTS

• Inspector
• Statistician
• Race Coordinator
• Secretary
• Registrar/Treasurer
• At Large
• Chair

 
Noon p.m. (20 minutes)      MEMBER ROUNDTABLE

• What projects are in your shop?
• What questions/concerns do you have? How can we help?

 
12:20 p.m.                    GOOD OF THE ORDER
 
12:30 p.m.                    ADJOURN


NEXT MEETING
TBA, October 2021

Meeting called to order at 11:04 a.m. by Chair Nelson Holmberg
Present:  Nelson Holmberg, Jerry Dunlap, Bill Mowatt, Ron Daum,  Rick Evans
Excused: Robbie Roberts, Len Taylor
Members present:  Brad Lewis, Brian Buaas, David Newton, Beau Rarig, Jim McKeon, Ben Keller, Chuck Murray, John Earnest.
 
FINANCIAL REPORT
Registrar/Treasurer Ron Daum gave financial report

• Bank balance $2051.48
  
• Five memberships have been received for       
  
• The 2021 season so far.  Not currently set up for electronic payment of fees as of yet.   

 
MINUTES

• Minutes of the December 13, 2020, and today's meeting will be distributed and approved of at the next meeting.
  

 
OLD BUSINESS
Longview Safety Upgrades

• Nelson and Brad Lewis are working with the City of Longview regarding safety upgrades at the launch site. Lakewood has asked for a  submission on the proposed changes that ERCU wants to carry out.
  
• Brad and Nelson to put together the proposal and work with Longview for approval to proceed.
  

NEW BUSINESS

• Jerry Dunlap presented a 2021 proposed race schedule and noting that everything is contingent  on race approvals from the various site  jurisdictions noting that each area may be different.  Everything is tentative for now as Jerry awaits hearing back from several of the race locations. Brad and David discussed the Detroit Memorial Regatta and plan on having it an ERCU event in 2021 race in 2022.
  
• Nelson Holmberg reported on the new club website which is simpler than our previous version. Asked that each member please upgrade their boat Bios.
  
• Roger Newton Memorial RC Boat Show: With the closure of the Museum due to Covid the idea was put forward that a “virtual” show be a possible replacement. David and Nelson to discuss further for 2021.
  

 
OFFICER REPORTS

• Rick Evans brought up the possibility of modifications to the buoys to make them  more visible on the water. Brian Buaas reviewed NAMBA. rules regarding  color etc. Emergency orange is the predominant color as is the use of pool noodles for flotation. The intent is to prevent damage to the boats who buoys are hit.
  
• It was also suggested that ERCU become more active at the District level of NAMBA. That it be left up to each member to participate at District races, however the Club should become more active with the District in communicating what ERCU is doing. Discussion regarding 7th scale commitment  to participate in 2021. Nelson has been in communication with Craig Mullen to coordinate.
  
• Discussion regarding the possibility of 1/8-scale actually running for points. With the number of participants also having 1/8-scale it certainly is a possibility. Discussion regarding us not wanting to appear to be in competition with RCU, however it was brought up that RCU runs 1/10-scale at its events.  
  

 
MEMBER ROUNDTABLE

• Members reported on what they are working on for 2021. Several new boats will start the 2021 ERCU season.
  

 
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting at 12:35 p.m.
 
NEXT MEETING
Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., via Zoom
                          

Meeting Called to order at 11:02 a.m. by Chairman Nelson Holmberg
Present: Rick Evans, Len Taylor, Nelson Holmberg, Jerry Dunlap, Ron Daum.
Guests: David Newton, Brad Lewis, John Earnest, Brandon Sano
 
FINANCIAL REPORT
Ron Daum presented the financial report

• Bank Balance $1951.48  
  
•  Three race sites have been paid for 2021
  
•  Discussed once again that boat registrations carry forward to 2021 although club registration fee of $25.00 will still be required.  
  

 
MINUTES

• Moved by Len Taylor, second by Jerry Dunlap that the minutes of the previous meeting be approved as presented. All In favor.
  

 
OLD BUSINESS

• Rick and Nelson presented a copy of the proposed changes to the ERCU Bylaws for review with a discussion regarding the changes. Moved by Len Taylor, second by Jerry Dunlap that the proposed bylaw changes be presented to the membership for approval.  All in favor.
  
• Rick presented a change to the ERCU Approved Motor rule with the intent of adopting the NAMBA P Limited rule which allows the use of any motor provided that the can size does not exceed 37mm diameter and 67mm in length. Moved by Rick, second by Jerry to adopt the NAMBA P Limited Motor rule. All in favor.
  

 
NEW BUSINESS

• Brad Lewis and David Newton propose a Detroit Memorial Regatta to honor past RC racers.  Propose a joint event with RCU.  David and Brad to coordinate with RCU.  ERCU commits to $100 to start the planning of such event
  

REPORTS

• Statistician: Everything needs to be turned over to Len
  
• Race Coordinator: Jerry will start race planning in the New Year and will contact various race sites at that time.
  
• Chair: Nelson reports that there are many inquiries regarding the the club and there is an interest by many to join and participate in 2021
  

ADJOURNMENT

• Chair Nelson adjourned the meeting at 12:30 p.m.
  

 
NEXT MEETING

• Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021,  11 a.m., via Zoom
  

Location: via Zoom (click here | Meeting ID: 846 418 9312 | Passcode: ERCU2021)
by Phone: (253) 215-8782
Date: Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021
Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.


2021 BOARD MEMBERS: Nelson Holmberg (chair), Rick Evans (secretary), Ron Daum (registrar/treasurer), Robbie Roberts (inspector), Len Taylor (statistician/communication), Jerry Dunlap (race coordinator), Bill Mowatt (at large)

11 a.m. (15 min.)    CALL TO ORDER

• Call to Order, welcome & introductions (Nelson)
  
• Financial Report (Ron)
• Approval of December Minutes (Rick)
  

11:15 a.m. (5 minutes)    OLD BUSINESS

• Longview Race Site Update (Nelson)
  

11:20 a.m. (30 minutes)    NEW BUSINESS

• 2021 Proposed Racing Schedule (Jerry)
  
• New Website (Nelson)
• Roger Newton Memorial RC Boat Show virtual replacement? (Nelson)

11:50 a.m. (10 minutes)    OFFICERS REPORTS

• Inspector
  
• Statistician
• Race Coordinator
• Secretary
• Registrar/Treasurer
• At Large
• Chair

Noon p.m. (20 minutes)    MEMBER ROUNDTABLE

• What projects are in your shop?
  
• What questions/concerns do you have? How can we help?

12:20 p.m.    GOOD OF THE ORDER

12:30 p.m.    ADJOURN


Next Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 21, 2020, 11 a.m., via Zoom

Meeting called to order at 5:33 p.m., Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, with board members Nelson Holmberg, Len Taylor, Ron Daum, Jerry Dunlap, Rick Evans and Bill Mowatt in attendance. Guests in attendance were Ben Keller and Jim Clark.

Financial Report: Registrar/Treasurer Ron Daum reported the club has $1,866.40 in the checking account. He also reported that the club still has credit for races that we paid park rental fees for in 2020 that were canceled due to Covid.

Approval of Minutes: There were no outstanding minutes that needed approval.
 
OLD BUSINESS
 
Bylaws Update (Rick)
There are several housekeeping issues that need addressing, as well as addressing the Rules and Procedures, Meetings, and Appeals. A draft of suggested changes will be submitted for approval at the next meeting prior to sending it to the membership for approval.

NEW BUSINESS
 
2021 Election Results & Board Appointments
Nelson announced the final results of the 2020-21 ERCU Board Elections, which saw Robbie Roberts re-elected to the board with Ron Daum being elected to serve a full two-year term after completing the unexpired term of a former board member in 2020. Bill Mowatt was also elected to the board for the first time. He replaces Kerry Kjos who did not run for re-election. Nelson recognized Kerry for his service to the board and the club.

With that, the board proceeded with appointments:

• Chair: Rick nominated Nelson as Chair. Len seconded. Nelson accepted. There were no other nominees. All voted in favor.
• Secretary: Jerry nominated Rick as Secretary. Len seconded. Rick accepted. There were no other nominees. All voted in favor.
• Race Coordinator: Ron nominated Jerry as Race Coordinator. Nelson seconded. Jerry accepted. There were no other nominees. All voted in favor.
• Registrar/Treasurer: Rick nominated Ron as Registrar/Treasurer. Len seconded. Ron accepted. There were no other nominees. All voted in favor.
• Inspector: Jerry nominated Robbie as Inspector (combining scale & technical into one position). Nelson Seconded. Nelson reported Robbie had previously indicated to him that he would accept. There were no other nominees. All voted in favor.
• Member At Large: Nelson nominated Bill as Member At Large. Jerry seconded. Jerry noted that Bill said he would accept. There were no other nominees. All voted in favor.

Finalizing 2020 Season Awards
Nelson asked board members to review his email as presented regarding award winners, and the board affirmed consensus agreeing to finalize the season award winners.

Winners would be announced during a Zoom Awards event on December 5, 2020 and would also be recognized in person, with the physical awards, during an extended lunch break at the first race of 2021 season.
 
2021 Registration
Boats registered in 2020 will be carried over as legal registrations to 2021 with no charge. Membership fees of $25 will still need to be paid for 2021 by all members. Boats not registered in 2020 will be required to pay the regular $5 fee for registration of a boat.

Motor Rule
Rick presented a proposal for a new motor rule in the ERCU Rulebook for the board to consider.
 
With there being only one motor option available among the ERCU approved motors
A presentation was made  to adopt the NAMBA P-Limited rules based on can size rather
than KV rating. Articles from Propwash April 2018 by Darin Jordan,  as well as Brian Buaas April 2019 were reviewed.
 
It was decided to put our to the members for comment and bring back to the December
Meeting the proposed rule change regarding motors for a vote.

OFFICERS REPORTS
Given this was the first meeting of the 2021 board of directors, there were no reports to be made by any of the officers.

GOOD OF THE ORDER
No comments
 
ADJOURNMENT
Having completed the business of the club on this date, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.