Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey and Ice Association Meeting
Thursday, February 5, 2004
7 pm Becker High School Study Hall, Becker, Minnesota

PRESENT: Chris Nelson, Mike Gonrowski, Chelle Nelson, Kim Muench, Johna Nelson, Lois Pegg, Rich Reed, Brenda Graber, Mark Muench, Tammie Ellingson, Lisa Ramerth, Bryan Smith, Julie Smith, Jamie Lewis, John Gilbertson, Tim Rogers, Kevin Buntrock, Jason Lewis, Brice Green, Chris Noponen, Deb Levens, Lori Molus, Greg Molus, Brian Schug, Mike Messmann, Chris Giving, Michelle Giving, Teresa Steiner, Myron Carlson, Julie Carlson, Jim Arbogast, Mark Chamernick (BHS Hockey Coach), Mike Wallin (LAMP Rep).

Call to Order - 7:10 pm by Chris Nelson, President.

Routine Matters
" Minutes of the January meeting were approved as presented.
" Agenda was approved as presented.
" BBLYHA Treasurer Chelle Nelson presented a written report for review (attached) and reported a $3,268.71 checkbook balance. Currently all bills received for ice purchased have been paid. Motion to approve as presented S/P.
" BBLIA Account Chelle Nelson reported a $2,600+ checkbook balance. Motion to approve as presented S/P.

SKATE Program
Julie Carlson, SKATE Program Coordinator, explained the program, which was established to promote classroom excellence. Any skater with a B average or above is eligible to participate in SKATE and receive prizes (autographed sticks, bag tags, etc). Contact Julie or your Team Manager with your skaters name, level and gpa.

LAMP
Mike Wallin, Vice Chair of LAMP (Lakes Area Multi Purpose Program) in Big Lake addressed the Association. LAMP is wondering since the Compass Group has severed their association with BBL what are we doing to move towards the construction of our own ice arena. Mike stated that LAMP had promised $80,000 to purchase the land in Big Lake. Lois Pegg reminded everyone that BBL has an agreement with LAMP to purchase the land for $1 with in 5 years. Mike stated that LAMP is still interested and willing but is hesitant at this time unless BBL proves that we have a clear plan and someone to take charge again and get the arena built. (see below for more information)

Compass Group/Arena Update
Lois Pegg reported that Bob Ballentine had recently notified her and Sue Nord (LAMP) that the Compass Group was no longer going to represent BBL. This was due to the fact that we werent paying them ($57,000 work done and not paid) and LAMP was working against their efforts by fundraising themselves to the same base for donations for the land. At this point we are not sure how to proceed. It takes a huge commitment of many people and the association membership has not come through with the support and help needed. Comment was made that Lois had done an extremely great job keeping the ball moving but without the entire associations support, it was not able to be continued. (see below for more information)

Newspaper Golf Tournament Article
Question was raised whether or not the Board was aware of the recent article in the local paper concerning an upcoming golf tournament being planned for the summer to raise funds to build an arena in Becker. Some members had seen the article; others had not been aware of it until this meeting; the Board was not aware nor included in these plans in anyway. Mark Chamernick, Becker HS Head Hockey Coach stated that Rollie Oliver was spearheading this and Mark had hoped that Rollie would be present at the meeting to report on his plans. At this point Rollie is planning a June 29 golf tournament in Becker through the Herb Brooks Foundation hoping to raise funds to build an arena at several possible locations.

District 10 John Gilbertson reported on the information he received from District 10.
" Squirts Coaches rankings due February 10.
" Super Sunday in Anoka on February 29. We need 10 volunteers (Mite parents are expected to help but anyone can) to help. Goes towards your volunteer hours for the association.

Coupon Books
Winners of the selling contest were Nancy Loren 1st place (sold 15) and tied for 2nd place were Hayes and Lindsey each selling 10 books. Total of 491 out of the original 1,000 books have been sold. Those 10 families who did not participate will be billed for their books.



Next Year Fundraisers
Suggestion was made that we only hold two fundraisers for the Association. Discussion was held and feeling was expressed that we participate in a Calendar such as Princeton and Monticello and one other one (possibly a pancake breakfast). Comment was made that we may need a gambling license in order to do this. Others expressed opinion that a one time event license (free if only going to make $50 or less or a cost if raising more money) could be obtained. Teresa Steiner will get information on a one time event license.

Gambling License
Chris Nelson reported that he had met the owner of a mortgage company from Becker who wants to help our association out in some way and is willing to do the work to apply for our gambling license though the Ice Association.

Business Expos
No table at the Becker Expo. Will have a table at the Big Lake Expo but may not be able to sell items as we previously had planned.
(see additional information below). Tammie requested volunteers to be present throughout the day.

Jerseys/Company Sponsors
Brice will develop a Sponsorship Contract for companies to sponsor a team for one year for jerseys and then other team needs. If we are allowed to sell items, this will be available at the Expo as well.

Pancake Breakfast
Discussion began on another association Pancake Breakfast. Tim Hayes, Julie Smith and Deb Levens will work on this.

Volunteer Hours and Fees
Tammie comprised a list of association members who have not completed their mandatory 4 volunteer hours as well as a list of possible areas to fulfill their hours. (see attached) She also passed around a signup sheet for the Youth Night on February 21 to sell BBL items at the BHS game at Elk River.

High School Coach Report
Mark reported only a few games remaining. Although the record to date is 1-12 the team is having fun.

Spring Leagues
John Gilbertson reported that Spring Leagues will be forming soon. Rich Reed is putting together a team for Showcase Minnesota, for those who will be PeeWees next year. Need 14-17 per team and costs $1,950 per team. Dave Schouveller and Mark Chamernick will be putting together a conditioning program for Bantams. Team through Spirit of the Wild is $1,800/team. Contact John if interested in any Spring leagues.

End of Year Banquet
Johna Nelson reported that trophies are in and cost $7 each. Checks need to be made payable to Kevin Cencer. Discussion was held on possible dates and decision was made to hold the all-association potluck at the Becker Community Center on Sunday, April 4 from
3-5 pm. Tammie will set this up. The Association will provide the pop.

Outdoor Ice
Complaint was raised that although at the last meeting it was stated any coach wanting to schedule ice should contact Community Ed one individual set up the schedule themselves for all teams. Chris Nelson stated he will follow up on this situation.

Elections
Chris asked for volunteers for the Nomination Committee to find individuals to run for open Board positions. No one volunteered so he appointed Tim Rogers, Lori Molus, and Mike Messmann. Positions open are: Youth Hockey Association-- Secretary (2 yr), Vice President (2 yr), Executive (1 yr), Executive (1 yr). Ice Association--President (2 yr), Treasurer (2 yr), Secretary (1 yr remaining of 2 yr position vacancy), Executive (1 yr), Executive (1 yr). Elections held at the April meeting; positions begin in May.

Complaint Raised
Several parents present raised concerns and expressed their disapproval of various aspects of their skaters year. One question was how coaches were chosen. What evaluation was used to determine whether or not a willing person is capable or not. How are evaluations handled by other associations. It was stated that the Board has been looking at our evaluation process and will meet on February 16 to discuss this issue as well as others.

Respectfully submitted, Brenda Graber