FEB. '00 PRESIDENT's CORNER
By Ron Gibby

What a great way to start the new year! About thirty club members flew a plane at the ORV field on January 1, 2000 during the annual Polar Bear fun fly. So far, every year that Bill Greger has been in charge of this event we’ve had great weather for flying, and this year was no exception. Bill seems to have a special charm over Mother Nature. Thanks, Bill and all those who helped out, especially Glenn Ball, who prepared tasty chili dogs with all the trimmings for everyone, and Larry Mitchell, who provided a motorhome and trailer, for a warmup between flights.

The Club Executive Committee met January 26, 2000 and prepared a draft budget for this calendar year. This budget will be presented at the February club meeting for review and approval by the club membership. If you want to have input to the budget process, please attend the meeting and express your opinions. There are two major proposals in the draft budget that need your input. The first item concerns construction of a Gazebo at the field. The Executive Committee proposes that this activity be put on hold for a year while all options are reevaluated. The second item involves installing electrical power at the field. This item has been discussed in previous meetings and was tabled, because of high cost estimates, until the February meeting. The Executive Committee proposes that we move forward on this activity this year. What are your thoughts on these items? Please share them at the February meeting.

Contrary to what some may think, club membership dues do not cover the cost of mowing our flying field. It always has been the intention of the club that members would share the responsibility for keeping the grass cut to help minimize field operating costs. Last year, approximately 15 of the 75+ club members did most of the mowing, in spite of the fact that we prepared and posted a mowing assignment schedule to try to distribute the mowing load. Since the assignment schedule does not appear to be working, we need to decide what should be done. Two possible options are: 1) contract someone to do the mowing during the primary (April -September) flying season (could be costly: $1500-$3000/yr.), or 2) charge those who do not want to mow an additional club membership fee (roughly $30-$40) and hire someone to do their mowing. There are more options, what are yours? We realize that due to physical disabilities not all club members are able to participate in club work projects, and that must be considered; however, those that are able should participate, if we want to keep club operating expenses to a minimum. Please bring your ideas on this matter to the February meeting; we need to get this resolved before the grass starts growing again. Until next month, happy flying.

For comments or questions about the club please contact me by phone at 946-5356 or by Email at wrgibby@3-cities.com.