BOARD MEETING MINUTES

February 13, 2004

CALL TO ORDER: President Lilah Crowe called the meeting to order at 6:44 p.m. at the Sawmill Inn. Present were Jody Allen Crowe, Board Members Donna Benson, Blenda Hagberg, Dave Anderson, Naomi Anderson and Anthony Wiese. Board Members excused were Jill Evans, Sharon Hartley,

Katy Matich, Mary Barthel, Darlene Hendrickson and Bob Nelson. Unexcused was Mary Barthel.

Also attending were Gina Hill, David Allan Pundt, Dan Hegstad, and Arielle Schnur. Lilah declared a quorum.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Agenda: The agenda was changed to add Certificate of Membership, consideration for a vendor at the Radio Show and Brainerd Chamber membership dues. Dave moved to approved the agenda with changes, seconded by Donna, motion carried.

Secretary’s Report: There was no report as Naomi had not yet received the minutes from Jody on his computer from the Retreat.

Treasurer’s Report: Bob Nelson was not in attendance and did not submit a written report. However, Jody reported that there was $1,900.00 in the account with bills yet to be paid of $1,200 for the Brainerd Visitors Guide, $130.00 Chamber Membership Dues and Radio Show expenses. Donna moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Blenda, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Board Retreat Report: Jody handed out a written recap of the retreat and commented that it was well attended and exciting. He requested that a thank you note be sent to Butch and Kathy Brown for hosting us at no cost.

Revue Report: Nothing has been done so far regarding the Promotion Revue group.

Radio Show Report: The Radio Show is scheduled for tomorrow night, February 14^th. David Allen Pundt made arrangements to talk to Gina after the meeting about costumes. The decorating committee asked Gina to bring tulle and ivy bowls since Cindy had not been able to reach her. She said she had both and would do so.

.Dan Hegstad offered to do the program since Naomi had not received the input e-mails. She will check into the e-mail problem with CTC.

Jody asked David Allen Pundt to change the Radio Show program and add a George and Gracie skit. David said he would do so. Jody will also try to find a pianist. Gina Nelsen is sick, so the trio is iffy.

David Allen Pundt gave a run down of the show. There will be an intermission about 8:30 for more dessert to be served as well as before the show.

Cindy received 15 reserved seat reservations. Jody will set aside the seats.

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Summer Show: Jody recommended that Cindy Olsen be asked to be the Assistant Director for the summer show. She is interested in doing it.

Jaycees Fishing Contest Report: Jody asked if anyone had gone. Dave Anderson said he was there and Naomi reported that Mary and Tom Barthel were also there.

NEW BUSINESS

Site Report: Jody has talked to the SW Brainerd Association, the Brainerd Downtown Restoration Board and the Community Action Board, all of whom are enthusiastically supportive of us moving to “the hole” and will back us before the City. Jody talked with the City Administrator who suggested condemning that property with the use of the Right of Eminent Domain, and is in favor of it going to Rhythm of the Rails. Jody also said that he had the support of Jim Dehen, City Council Chair, Kelly Bevans, City Council Member and Ann Nelson Fisher who is connected with the SE Brainerd Association and a City Council Member. He will also meet with Lucy Nesheim, Gary Sheeler and Bob Olson. That location appears to be a viable option. The city has $100,000.00 in a fund to be used for such a development.

The city garage could possibly be used for us to store some things, and Jody will tour it with Dan Vogt and write a letter to the Council for approved use. Jody has not responded to the BIR request for a letter stating what Rhythm of the Rails would do for them, and he does not intend to.

Jody reported that Mike Orton and the Jaycees are interested in putting a storage building in the SE corner of our projected site and are willing to help develop the site. It will be important that our Site Committee is up and functioning when decisions are made. The Site Committee is composed of Dave Anderson, Chair, Darlene, Jody, Naomi, Blenda and AJ.

Certificate of Membership: Jody recommended that a nice certificate be made up to identify participants of Rhythm of the Rails as members. It would include a statement of rights of membership as well as responsibilities of a member.

Fund Raising Committee: Jody will get a new committee generated of people who will help us with this type of activity. People recommended were Ray Madison, Bob Sullivan, Rod Converse, Ron Matich, John Thielen and Kevin Thesing. Jody and Dave will start by meeting with Kevin and Ron with strategy being an item of focus.

Website Report: Anthony is getting some updates from Mary.

C&I Show: The show is April 2-4 this year. Jill is the Chair for that committee.

Chamber Dues: Naomi moved that $130.00 be paid for Chamber membership dues, the bill being 30 days past due, seconded by Anthony, motion carried.

Tryouts: This subject was tabled until the March meeting.

Vendor Request: A vendor (Red) has requested to show and sell his willow furniture (tables and chairs) at the Radio Show. After discussion, Blenda moved to allow a vendor this time as a trial, seconded by Donna, motion carried. After seeing how it goes this time, a policy will be set for this type of thing at the next Board Meeting.

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Radio Show Pictures: Jody will buy a digital printer so pictures may be given out at the show to people who come dressed in “old tyme” attire, or sweethearts who want their pictures taken. There will be a charge for anyone other than those in “old tyme” clothes.

Credit Card Machine: Lilah reported that she opted not to get the machine since there is fee which would have to be worth it as far as the amount of tickets that would be charged. She will check with Bob on the credit card as it would have come in handy for Radio Show purchases.

May Radio Show: The May show theme suggestions included Armed Forces Day with tributes to

Rosie the Riviter and Bataan Marchers.

Adjournment: Dave moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Blenda, motion carried at 8:29pm.

Respectfully Submitted, Naomi Anderson, Secretary