Meeting called to order
by Jan Paulsen, president
Attendance
Officers: Carolyn Chatterton, Craig Henson, Jan Paulsen.
Members: Dave Borman, Howard Chatterton, Dick Gralewicz, Dave Olsen, Pete Olson, Tom Paulsen, John Ziemer.
Non-members: Andy Albarado (Rusk County Economic Developer).
Treasury Report
Objectives
Old Business:
Tom Paulsen plans to continue with the management of the website, and at no cost to the club. He reported that initially we were receiving about 10 visitors/day, this leveled off at about 20 visitors/day, but during peak ski season it reached 150 visitors per day just prior to our race. Email comments have been received from distant locations (California, Idaho, Missouri) and have been very complimentary re: the trail system.
Tom managed to solicit five annual web-page subscribers this year: AmericInn (Ladysmith), AmericInn (Rice Lake), Blue Hills Inn Supper Club (Weyerhaeuser), Riverbrook Bike & Ski Shop (Spooner), and Tee-Away (Ladysmith). For each business he designed a web-page at the RCTA address, or placed a link to their already existing website. Visitors of the RCTA homepage may link to these pages looking for lodging, gear or restaurants. Pete Olson suggested a money-making opportunity that may be available through Amazon.com. Tom agreed he would look into that as an option. It was also stated that information related to the Log Jam bike race would be posted on the RCTA homepage when available from Dave Borman.
New Business:
Reimbursement for our grooming services: Jim Kurz submitted a request to increase the hourly rate from $10 per hour to $12 per hour. After brief discussion a motion was made and approved by all present to grant this request.
Blue Hills Ascent Committee
In general, John Ziemer reported the race to be a success this year despite the weather. There was discussion about changing the race course for several reasons. One idea was to make it simpler to attract more skiers. It was all mentioned that we consider making it a longer race. The distance of the High School race was also discussed. No changes were decided, yet. There are some extra shirts from this year's race and will be used next year.
Blue Hills Trail Committee
High School Trails Committee
The Ladysmith High School Trails were successfully lighted this year beginning the 18th of December, concluding the 17th of March. Pete Olson and others felt that the current lighting was plenty sufficient and that addition of more was unnecessary. The sodium vapor lights all survived the winter weather, and the poles showed little evidence of frost heave. The needs for the High School Trails include some leveling and spreading of bark. In speaking with Pete, Jackie Pederson expressed interest in organizing youth skiing. Pete mentioned the need to recognize sponsors/donors of the lighted loop with signs. The High School is considering logging of the trails area.
Log Jam Race Committee
Sisters' Farm Trails Committee
The City of Ladysmith has hired Bill Dixon to widen the trails. The Bombi worked well this winter for grooming. Some new single track trails have been added by area riders, but Dave Borman urges riders to use caution due to the technical requirements of these additions. A power brusher has been purchased to help keep the trails clear for bike riding this summer. Other hand equipment is needed and Dave suggested that the club purchase a rotary-mower to pull behind a four-wheeler. This could be used for the High School Trails, Sisters' Farm Trails and the Blue Hills Trails. All present agreed this would be useful, and Dave will look into cost and compile a list of other needed hand tools. The need for restrictions on horse use in the winter was voiced.
Election of of New President & Vice President
Craig Henson resigned as Secretary/Treasurer. Lori Larsen of Ladysmith has already expressed interest in taking this position. A nomination for her was unanimously accepted. Jan Paulsen was again voted in as President (unopposed) and Carolyn Chatterton was also again voted in as Vice President (unopposed).
A Listing of Active Committees