Becker Big Lake Youth Hockey and Ice Association Meeting
Thursday, March 4, 2004
7 pm Becker High School Study Hall, Becker, Minnesota

PRESENT: Board Members: Jason Lewis, Mike Gonrowski, Brenda Graber, Jim Arbogast, Kim Muench, Lois Pegg, Johna Nelson, Chris Nelson, Chelle Nelson, Rich Reed, Lisa Ramerth. General Membership: Scott Johanns, Jane Johanns, Trent Buness, Bryan Schug, John Gilbertson, Deb Levens, Chris Nopeonan, Tim Rogers, Lori Molus, Julie Carlson, Cheryl Hurt, Jamie Lewis, Myron Carlson, Teresa Steiner, Jodi Boutin, Tammie Ellingson, Dave Ellingson, Dave Darsow, John Eisenreich, Brenda Gust

Call to Order - 7:00 pm by Chris Nelson, President. Roll Call of Board members present.

Routine Matters
" Minutes of the February meeting approved as presented.
" Agenda was approved as presented.
" BBLYHA Treasurer Chelle Nelson presented a written report for review (attached) and reported a $6,061.62 checkbook balance. Total of ^6,670 bills received to date to be paid by Association. Outstanding accounts total $12,029.69. Motion to approve as presented S/P.
" BBLIA Account Chelle Nelson reported a $210.63 checkbook balance. Motion to approve as presented S/P.

SKATE Program
Julie Carlson, SKATE Program Coordinator, stated she received names of 55 participating skaters from BBL. Requests she be added to next months Agenda to request monies for Rally.

LAMP
Mike Gonrowski, LAMP Rep, stated that another LAMP rep has resigned from its Board. Lois spoke to Sue Nord and LAMP wants to move forward; more hand in hand with BBL; two groups need to get together and move forward. Mike Wallin plans to call Chris Nelson to set up a meeting.

Rollie Olson/Golf Tournament
Rollie was not present to address the group. Apparently Rollie plans to approach the Herb Brooks Foundation and then with come to us. Chris asked for a show of hands of where those present want an arena to be built. Overwhelming result that it doesnt mattereither Becker or Big Lakejust that it be built!

District 10 John Gilbertson reported there is no March meeting; next one in April.

Coupon Books
Deb Levens reported that the 10 households who did not participate (take any books) were billed for their minimum amount. Four of those folks contacted her to receive their books so that they can attempt to sell them now. There are 470 of the original 1,000 left to sell. Individuals will be present at Tom Thumb on several Saturdays selling the books. Julie Carlson will check with Coborns on the possibility of setting up a table there to sell books. Will also be available at the Big Lake Expo. We have just hit the black. The cost of the books has been reduced in half to $10 each since half of the year has passed.

Gambling License
Teresa Steiner reported on the information she found on the details of a One Time Fundraiser Permit. An exempt permit is available for a $50 fee for a fundraiser that lasts fewer than 5 days; prizes cannot exceed $12,000 and bring in more than $50,000. Another permit for a fundraiser with which the prizes awarded does not exceed $1,500 can be obtained for no fee. Info passed on to Deb Levens. She will investigate further and will report back.

Gambling License Application
Chris Nelson reported that he plans to meet with the gentleman from Becker who is interested in hockey and wants to help out our association to take him up on his offer to pursue this project on our behalf.

Pancake Breakfast
Date set for Sunday, April 25 at the Becker Community Center from 8-1 pm. Deb Levens will coordinate this event. Need a volunteer for Chuck-A-Puck and Silent Auction. Chris Nelson reported that there is a lot of syrup and pancake mix leftover from previous breakfast.

Calendar Fundraiser
Deb, Lisa, Bryan, Julie, Tim have met to discuss and gather information they got regarding Monticellos fundraiser ($30,000 raised; 2,500 calendars made; $11,900 paid out in prizes). Theirs looks a lot like Princetons. Sell for $20 each. Tim will get bid and options available.

ACE/Coaching Coordinator Report
" Mike is sending out Coach Evaluations to Team Managers for parents to complete and return by April 1. Copy also available on the web.
" Wants to have a coaching meeting to find coaches for next year to determine what levels well have, etc. Anyone interested in coaching next year needs to complete an application form (available also on the web or from Mike). Plans to have an interview process so that coaches can be put in the best spots.
" Wants to hold a dry land clinic as a fundraiser (small fee) to possibly raise money for new jerseys. Possibly on Sundays at 6 pm for all levels as was successfully done a couple years ago. Contact Mike if interested.
" Mike and Board will discuss the evaluation and application process.

Volunteer Coordinator Report
" Tammie has 15 checks for incomplete hours5 people have no forms. She will discuss this with Lisa. Paid checks will be sent with ice bills.
" Parades, Brat Sale, Pancake Breakfast still need volunteers.
" Association Garage Sale to be held in Big Lake and Becker. Get your items together to be dropped off soon.
" Becker Freedom Days Centennial Celebration is June 19. We have a food booth. Discussed possible optionsdecided on snow cones. Cheryl Hurt and Jane Johanns will attend the March 12 meeting at 1 pm to get information.
" Big Lake Spud Fest is June 24-27 (parade June 26). Tammie will get more details.
" Tammie looking into County Fair opportunity to sell admittance tickets.
" Parade signup sheet started they will be contacted to remind them of their participation.

Registration Coordinator
" Lisa stated that all coaches need to get their Team Books back to her. Bring them to the association pot luck on April 4, to the Coaches meeting, or before.
" She will be adding a sign off box on the registration forms for parents to give their permission for their name and address out for clinics and camps.

Equipment - Tim was not present.
Bring jerseys to potluck on April 4 so they can be checked in. Remember to take off name plates and wash them. Inventory will be taken after all jerseys and equipment is returned.

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

Coach Uniform
Question was raised again as to why one coach from the B2 Squirts team did not receive a uniform. The association had to limit the number to 3 sets per team.

Nominations and Elections for 2004/2005
Lori Molus reported on behalf of the Nomination Committee (Lori Molus, Tim Houghton, Mike Messman) the following individuals and positions
" Youth Hockey: VP (1) Jason Lewis, Chris Noponen, Rich Reed; Secretary (1)Brenda Graber; Executive Board (2)Dave Post, Ron Hurt, Dave Darsow, David Ellingson.
" Ice Association: President (1)Cheryl Hurt; Treasurer (1)---Deb Levens, Brenda Dockter-Gust; Secretary (1)Jill Downs; Executive Board (2)Brice Green, John Eisenreich, Shawn Carlson, Trent Buness.
" Nominations from the floor were called and received: Dave Ramsdell for Executive Board for Youth Hockey; Lois Pegg for President for Ice Association; Jane Johanns for Executive Board for Ice Association.
" Absentee Ballot for active members who are not able to attend April 1 meeting can be obtained from a Board member. They must be received at least 24 hours prior to meeting.
" Question was raised to split the ACE and Coaching Coordinator positions into two separate positions. Board will discuss. Dave Darsow is interested in Coaching Coordinator position.
" Chris stressed that if an individual agrees to a position they must be present at meetings. If they miss three consecutive meetings, they will be removed from their position.
" Lori will submit to Board several suggestions she has for the nomination committee and process.
" Voting will be held from 7-7:30 pm and then the Board counts the ballots.
" Discussion was held and clarification was made that any past due accounts (15 days passed invoice dates) are not considered up to date and is not in good standing so unable to cast a vote.

Ice Bills
Suggestion was raised and discussion held again on the procedure of having set amount monthly billings based on previous year actual expense per level. Tabled.

All Association Pot Luck
Set for Sunday, April 25 from 3-5 pm at the Becker Community Center. Anyone interested in swimming from 1-3 pm is invited to do so. Coaches are asked to speak for a couple minutes on the teams highlights, call players up, hand out trophies.

Jerseys/Company Sponsors
Brice presented a revised contract proposal (see attached) based on the research he did taking into consideration the demographics of our community (small businesses) and asked that the Board reevaluate its previous decision to solicit sponsorships for $2,000/year. Tabled for further review. Thanks Brice!

Evaluations and Team Selection
" Question was raised on the results of the February 16 Special Board meeting to discuss the evaluation process, etc. Decision was made that we will hire 3 outside experienced, level 4 coaches to run evaluations. They are to sit in separate locations in the arena. Board will set the criteria for them to follow ahead of time. They will evaluate all levels. They will tally scoresin case of ties will give advantage to older skater based on birth date. Will separate in to teams, seal lists in envelopes and give to coaches to contact their teams skaters. This plan is to be used at minimum for two years. Evaluation will consist of 3 hours1 hour of skills and 2 hrs of scrimmage. Coaches will be able to help but not their own kids level.
" Drills and skills to be used will be discussed at Coaches meeting.
" Looking at Centennials evaluation process (available on their website) and will modify to fit our association.
" Initial Team Declaration is in September. Registration may be moved up to early August.

Outstanding Ice Bills
All ice bills need to be paid immediately. Unpaid accounts affect us allif we dont pay on time we wont be able to get ice from arenas in the future. Comment made again that we need to move towards prior payments system.

Complaints/Issues
Chris Nelson stated that if anyone has an issue regarding any aspect of the association, they are to bring it to the Board and not to discuss it with everyone else in the association but the Board. We need to work together to become a stronger and better association. This type of behavior only helps to destroy the association.

Skating Clinic
Board addressed the situation and expressed their concerns of the clinic being held, which many of the B2 PeeWee players are participating in. It is not a BBL event and does not benefit in any way from an association with BBL. Board recognizes that any one can offer such an event but the way in which it was handled has caused a great deal of concern and problems: 1) it appears to be a BBL event yet the Board was not aware of it and has no say or control over it; 2) it could have been a fundraiser for the association; 3) going behind the Boards back breaks down the foundation of the association instead of helping to build it. The Board will not tolerate such behavior and will address inappropriate behavior from anyone.

Challenge Day
John Gilbertson presented his proposal of a Challenge Day next year with BBL versus St. Michael. He is willing to coordinate such an all-day event. Mark Chamernick, high school coach, thinks it is a great idea. Asked the Board for approval to continue his plans. He will get donations so it wont cost the association any money. He needs a committee to assist him. Board gave its approval to proceed and gratitude for his suggestion and willingness to take it on.

Motion made to adjourn the meeting at 9:33 pm. S/P

Respectfully submitted,
Brenda Graber