Approved minutes of the January 2021 Winter Meeting

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