06/26/2022 EC Minutes
Executive Council Meeting
Date: June 26, 2022
Location: Muncie, Indiana/teleconference
The meeting began at 8:05 a.m.
1. Opening Business
In attendance:
- President Rich Hanson, Fishers IN
- EVP Randy Cameron, Springfield MO
- Executive Director Chad Budreau, Parker City IN
- District I, Andy Argenio, Smithfield RI (remote)
- District II, Eric Williams, Schenectady NY (remote)
- District III, Mark Radcliff, St. Marys WV
- District IV, Jay Marsh, High Point NC
- District V, Andy Griffith, Jacksonville FL
- District VI, Gary Himes, Kansas City MO (remote)
- District VII, Mark Robotti, Lindstrom MN (remote, filling in for Randy Gibson)
- District VIII, Lawrence Harville, Hurst TX
- District IX, Jim Tallman, Custer SD
- District X, Greg Stone, Yorba Linda CA
- District XI, Phil Tallman, Medical Lake WA
- Felix Gora, AMA legal counsel
Others in attendance:
- Randy Batchelor (AMA Information Systems)
- Tyler Dobbs, AMA Government Affairs
- Angie Martin (AMA Membership Director)
- Rusty Kennedy, AMA Foundation chairman
- Paul Bretsen, FNIC insurance representative
- Nathan Stone, District X
- Liz Helms, recording secretary
Additions to the agenda:
- Additions to Final Flight list: Samuel Wright, hobby event announcer, and Merton Bowman, District XI.
A moment of silence was observed.
Nominations Committee (Greg Stone)
Motion I: Motion by Greg Stone (District X), and seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to accept Rich Hanson, Eric Williams, and Randy Cameron for President; Andy Argenio for District I; Andrew Griffith for District V; and Brandon Koch for District IX, to be placed on the 2022 election ballot.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP), 1 absent (NAA)
2. Consent agenda:
Motion to approve consent agenda that includes the April 2022 minutes, award a contract to Direct Structures for a pavilion on the AMA IAC, and provide a free 90-day trial membership for the 2022 National Fun Fly.
Motion approved by acclamation.
3. President’s Report (Rich Hanson)
Rich Hanson (President) went to the Giant Scale event over Memorial Day weekend in Reedly CA. It is a progressive club that operates out of the town and the spectators were enthusiastic. Rich also had several committee meetings via Zoom including JARIS (European airspace advisory consortium) meetings, several AMA committee meetings, and ASTM meetings. He also attended the Wings for Kids event in Louisville, Kentucky, and was highly complementary about the planning and community support of the event. Rich plans to attend the World Games in Alabama, the FAI Pylon World Championships event in Muncie, Indiana, and EAA’s AirVenture.
Rich reminded the EC that there will be an additional EC meeting on July 21, 2022. Will have CFO report, HOF report, and other items.
4. Executive Vice President’s Report (Randy Cameron)
Randy Cameron (EVP) took the AMA simulator trailer to Louisville, Kentucky, for the Wings for Kids event that supports Norton’s Children’s Hospital. He stated that the club was able to raise a substantial amount for the hospital. He noted that Rich Hanson (President) and Gary Himes (District VI) also attended. The following weekend Randy and his wife Fina managed the simulator trailer at the Spirits of St Louis Air Show and STEM event. He was at his own home event the previous weekend, and the AMA National Fun Fly this weekend. The Fun Fly had 97 signed-in participants.
Randy wants to set a date for next year’s Fun Fly. There was some discussion about the date for 2023 and conflicting events. The Nats dates, the EC schedules, nomination dates, and AMA Model Aviation Hall of Fame announcement dates will need to be determined first. There will be further discussion.
5. Chief Financial Officer Report (Chad Budreau)
Keith Sessions (CFO) was absent but provided a report for Chad Budreau (ED) to share. The audit report will be ready soon and we anticipate a clean bill of health. The budget process for next year will be starting soon in time for the October EC meeting. The AMA portfolio is down and inflation continues to climb at a rate of 9%. AMA’s operations have made cuts and explored new non-dues revenue to offset rapidly growing inflation. Next year we anticipate even more financial impacts from inflation as many annual contracts will be up for renewal. Rich asked for Chad to coordinate with the portfolio manager of the AMA fund and the Foundation funds to provide an update at the next EC meeting.
6. Executive Director’s Report (Chad Budreau)
Chad Budreau (ED) invited Tyler Dobbs (Government Affairs Senior Director) to provide an update. Tyler stated that Safety Risk Management (SRM) panels to get higher altitudes across the country are ongoing. The process is slow, but consistently positive. Tyler is working with the FAA to streamline the processes. We are still awaiting Advisory Circular 91-57 C. It is currently hung up in the FAA’s legal department. Tyler also expressed concerns with the counter-drone policy. A number of Congressional offices and entities in DC are seeking AMA’s input on the policy and upcoming authorization.
Tyler, Chrystal Pearson (Government Affairs Director), and Tony Stillman (Safety and Competition Director) met with the FAA at AMA’s Prince Georges flying site to demonstrate our hobby. It included environmental, EPA, noise, and FRIA discussions.
Chad, Tyler, Chrystal, and Rachelle Haughn (Staff Editor) attended an NAA award banquet where AMA member Matt Keennon’s work with the Jet Propulsion Lab was awarded with the Collier Trophy. The AMA team met with notable stakeholders and individuals from Congress at the event to celebrate model aviation’s influence in aerospace engineering.
Recently Tyler met with MultiGP (Alex Suarez) concerning reauthorization. MultiGP is also in talks with the FPV Freedom Coalition. Concerns were expressed that MultiGP, which is an AMA Special Interest Group, is advocating outside of AMA’s priorities. Tyler asked the EC for AMA’s position and interest in supporting MultiGP and FPV Freedom Coalition’s beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) efforts. The EC discussed FPV and the evolution of the hobby. Paul Bretsen noted that these discussions could impact insurance coverage. Tyler feels that asking Congress to consider BVLOS is a large request and will consume a lot of political capital. He feels the FAA is also resistant to recreational BVLOS. Andy Argenio (District I) suggested AMA should consider BVLOS programming for competitions and recreational FPV. Randy Cameron (EVP) stated BVLOS is inevitable and something AMA needs to pursue. Rich Hanson (President) asked Andy to look more into this with MultiGP and FPV Freedom Coalition, as long as it doesn’t jeopardize AMA’s other priorities.
Tyler is also working on building allies for the FAA reauthorization, including EAA, Wing, and others.
Chad thanked Tyler for his work and continued with his Executive Director report.
Membership numbers outpaced last year in the first quarter but is starting to lose momentum. Chad still expects will hit our 2022 goal.
Chad implemented the Life Membership motion from the April EC meeting. Angie Martin (Membership Senior Director) has her staff trained to handle these memberships. There was a brief discussion about Life Memberships.
At the direction of the EC, Chad updated the EC that he revised policies to allow staff to work remotely full time.
World Games are upcoming in Birmingham, Alabama as well as World Pylon Championships in Muncie, Indiana. The World Pylon Championships will be slightly scaled back due to smaller participation.
MAAC now has a new president and ED. Chad and Rich met with them to discuss reworking the MOU. Currently any US resident flying a model aircraft in Canada has to be a member of MAAC. There was agreement to continue to build upon AMA and MAAC’s partnership.
Camp AMA went well. There were compliments to Kyle Jaracz (Education Director) and the rest of the education staff. Jim Tiller (District IX) noted that all of the attendees have raved about the experience on social media. He noted the evolution of the program and how well it is going. Chad reported that Greg Prater (AMA Staff), who helped again this year with Camp AMA, has retired.
Chad reminded the EC of the five-year depreciation expense and replacement reserve strategy he presented and the EC approved last year. He noted numerous repairs that will soon begin based on the plan. Jim Tiller asked if it would be a good idea to ask clubs/chapters to volunteer their time and energy for some of the repairs. Chad noted that volunteerism is common practice with associations such as EAA and Triple Tree to rely on volunteers.
Chad discussed the program of work. Drupal 9 upgrades are completed to allow the digital cards to go live next week. Beta testing is ongoing and is in the testing phase with the outsourced company. Chad also discussed the new AMA This Week newsletter that starts next week, consolidating all of the AMA newsletters with dynamic content.
AMA is interviewing candidates for the two open positions in the Foundation, and he commended the staff’s help in keeping Foundation work going. Chad thanked Skydio who helped underwrite Camp AMA and UAS4STEM. Local and FAA grants were submitted by staff for additional museum and STEM programming. Jim Tiller noted how excited the Camp AMA attendees were with the Skydio drones provided.
Chad discussed that more of AMA’s income should come from non-dues revenue. He brought up some ideas and projects. Eric Williams (District II) noted that to receive results, we need to make an investment. Greg Stone (District X) discussed grant writing and various organizations that love funding educational endeavors. It is work to find the funding, but it is worth it and may require a dedicated grant writer staffer.
7. NAA Report (Chad Budreau)
Chad Budreau (ED) provided an update for NAA on Greg Principato’s (NAA) behalf. Chad thanked Greg and the NAA staff for recognizing AMA and aeromodeling’s impact toward the success of the Mars Ingenuity project during the Collier Awards banquet. Chad noted that NAA is accepting awards. It was suggested that Hazel Sig-Hester be nominated for the distinguished stateswoman. Chad and Michael Smith (Museum Director) are finalizing the application and anticipate submitting it soon.
The Ukraine aeromodeling community has asked that Serbia be suspended in addition to Belarus and Russia from FAI activities. Greg will provide updates while this request is being considered. FAI is also impacted by inflation and is exploring options to increase revenue. Greg recommended that FAI look at other forms of revenue aside from simply raising dues. The next in-person FAI general conference will be held in Dayton, Ohio, the week of October 24, 2023.
NAA is holding a meeting of US aerosport organizations in Dallas, Texas on July 12. AMA will be represented by Chad.
8. Foundation
Rusty Kennedy (Foundation Chair) discussed a bequest from a member for over $50,000 for the Foundation endowment fund. Eric Williams (District II) noted the value of publicizing such donations and informing the District VP. All agreed that acknowledgement/recognition needs to occur. Rusty stated that AMA was addressing that until our Foundation Director left for another position.
Chad Budreau (ED) noted that they have interviewed three or four candidates for the position of Foundation Director and assistant. Chad discussed the qualifications and skillsets needed in this role. Rich noted that salary is a huge problem and working remotely would be a plus.
The board discussed other Foundation projects including the naming rights program, etc. Eric mentioned that AMA needs to expand on the recognition aspect of donors.
9. Committee Reports
Publications Committee: Gary Himes
Gary Himes (District VI) discussed the Park Pilot program noting there are 2,600 Park Pilot members, with an average age of 59. Approximately 6,600 Park Pilot magazines are printed each quarter for members, direct subscriptions, and Life members.
Gary recommended the AMA consider sunsetting the print publication due to rising costs and lack of subscriptions. He noted that the printing contract can be canceled without penalty. He also discussed the amount that will need to be refunded if the magazine ceases publication.
There were two choices provided and discussion ensued concerning the costs associated with both possibilities. One was to provide Park Pilot magazine as digital only and the other to include Park Pilot content in Model Aviation Digital for Park Pilot members. Gary noted that there would still be staff costs associated with continuing the magazine as only digital, the staff costs in producing it, and the staff costs related to making refunds. There was discussion about the savings in printing and mailing costs.
Costs were discussed and Eric Williams (District II) mentioned that the PP Program has not met expectations and would like to see PP morph into a new member category. There was discussion as to when to end the magazine and messaging to the current Park Pilot members. The Marketing and Membership Committee has been assigned to explore the future of the Park Pilot program.
Rich discussed the need to address the PP Program before deciding the fate of the magazine. There was much discussion about the savings and other venues for the PP content, the amount of actual PP content that is not already in MA. Jim Tiller (District IX) supported Eric’s idea about reinventing the Park Pilot program.
Motion II: Motion by Jim Tiller (District IX), and seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to sunset Park Pilot magazine before the contract ends in December 2023. Select Park Pilot content will be incorporated into other outlets to include digital Model Aviation magazine.
Motion passed: 11 yes (I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, NAA, EVP), 1 abstained (V), 1 absent (NAA)
Lunch/executive session
Marketing Committee (Eric Williams)
Motion III: Motion by Gary Himes (District VI), and seconded by Andy Argenio (District I), to accept the 2023 dues increases as proposed by the Marketing and Membership Committee and revised by the Executive Council.
Motion passed: 12 yes (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, EVP), 1 absent (NAA)
Nats Committee: Mark Radcliff
Despite efforts to increase participation, RC Combat Nats only has only one entry. It is recommended that this event be canceled.
Motion by Mark Radcliff (District III), and seconded by Randy Cameron (EVP), to cancel RC Combat at the 2022 Nats at the recommendation of the CD.
Motion passed by acclamation.
PADCOM (Randy Cameron, EVP)
Randy Cameron (EVP) is working on Site 4 with volunteers. He is developing a plan noting it has eroded and needs reseeded.
Randy discussed the proposed shelter/pavilion on Site 4. Randy and the PADCOM committee received a quote from a vendor with great Facebook reviews. Andy Argenio (District I) and Lawrence Harville (District VIII) asked whether negative reviews about the company from the Better Business Bureau and other online sites were investigated by Randy. Randy said he didn’t talk to the company about those reviews. There was also discussion about failure to get competitive bids. Randy noted that there weren’t many vendors in the area. Eric Williams (District II) and Randy C. agreed on certain criteria that needs to be completed to AMA’s satisfaction and stipulations should be written into the contract.
Randy then shared that the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) expressed concerns about the maintenance barns being in the middle of the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC). This is a hindrance to modelers and Free Flight operators. According to Dave Lindley (NFFS President) NFFS is willing to help raise funds to build a new maintenance facility. Randy is working with John Hawley, Facilities Manager, and is working with maintenance to define its needs and then determine the best location for said building(s).
10. Old Business (Eric Williams)
AED program:
Currently AMA funds for 25% of cost of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)s through the AMA’s Flying Site Improvement Grant (FSIG). Eric Williams (District II) expressed concerns that AEDs should receive more priority within the FSIG. The purpose of having an AED is to save lives. Eric noted that staff negotiated a discount through Red Cross, but shared additional recommendations on how to better prioritize FSIG funding toward AEDs.
Motion IV: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), and seconded by Phil Tallman (District XI), to set aside up to $1,500 from the allocated funds for the Flying Site Improvement Grant (FSIG) each year to fund 25% of the purchase price for an AED. All AMA clubs are eligible to apply. Should applications exceed the program budget, applications will be based on the number of visitors at a site within a given year. Should there remain a tie, the awarded grant will be based upon a randomized method. Grant applications are due at the same time as FSIG applications.
Motion passed: 11 yes (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, IX, X, XI, EVP), 2 absent (VIII and NAA).
Travel & Entertainment Policy (Rich Hanson)
Rich Hanson (President) reminded the EC that work began to update policy in fall 2021. Rich led a discussion to help the EC come to consensus on updates to the policy.
There was discussion about the purchase of capital equipment, definition of capital equipment, taxes, shipping and handling, and what should require the Finance and Budget Committee’s oversight.
There was also discussion whether to increase the $1,500 capital threshold that requires committee review. Eric Williams (District II) stated that taxes vary from state to state and should be excluded from the threshold. The wording was changed requiring any capital purchases over $1,500, excluding sales tax, will need Finance and Budget Committee review.
In the current policy, inventory is tracked for all capital purchases annually. There was discussion about inventory control numbers and whether items that could be purchased separately should be interpreted as a single item (e.g. a camera and lens or computer and monitor). It was also proposed that disposition should be at the determination of VP and the AMA controller (e.g., a tent transferred from one district to another).
The EC discussed updating language to include replacing words such as “spouse” with “partner.”
EC members are to continue to receive per diem at the rate established by AMA. Discussion ensued concerning the percentages for breakfast (20%), lunch (30%), and dinner (50%) of total per diem. Andy Argenio (District I) asked for clarity on protocol when listing participants on receipts for EC meals (e.g., buying dinner for a club or Scout group). The EC agreed that it is acceptable to simply identify the group as a unit instead of listing individual names.
Rich discussed the purchase of laptops, cellphones, or tablets. The EC discussed compliance with IRS regulations concerning purchase of said items. There was also discussion about personal vs professional use of such items.
Internet service and cellphone plans were discussed. Rich suggested splitting the costs since cell phones and online services could also be used for personal use. A long discussion ensued on what ancillary costs should be subsidized by AMA or if there should be a set amount allotted for each. Other expenses were discussed including websites, multiple devices, virus protection, district Facebook pages, Zoom, Flickr, and other programs used for AMA work or promotion. Randy Cameron (EVP) and others expressed their concerns about adjusting EC reimbursements noting that EC members conduct a lot of AMA business online. Greg Stone (District X) suggested the EC consider documenting monthly costs and usage to ensure compliance. When requesting reimbursement for other costs, EC members should provide receipts. Rich suggested an AMA cellphone for EC members as an alternative to reimbursement. The EC decided to retain the original cellphone and internet connectivity allotment of $150 per month.
EC members will also be reimbursed formulas for attending trade shows or events. Protocols were also discussed about those attending events in a dual capacity (representing AMA as well as competing) or a commercial capacity (in a booth selling product). The language was updated for clarification. It better defined the role of the Finance and Budget Committee and the responsibilities of AMA controller and ED.
Open for discussion was the use of an AMA credit card for expenses and accountability. AMA controller and ED monitoring was agreed upon with all supporting documentation. Eric asked that individual EC members can ask for further discussion.
Motion V: Motion by Randy Cameron (EVP), and seconded by Mark Radcliff (District III), to accept the revised Travel & Expense policy and the Capital Equipment Acquisition & Accountability policy as presented.
Motion passed: 10 yes (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, X, XI, EVP), 1 no (IX), 2 absent (District VIII, NAA)
11. Awards
[withheld from publishing until awards are presented]
Rich Hanson suggested considering a new award for clubs celebrating milestone anniversaries. Eric Williams stated that there are a large number of clubs facing milestone anniversaries suggesting that there are a few hundred clubs with 25, 30, 40, and 50 years of existence.
12. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 5:11.
Release Date: Sat, 08/13/2022 - 08:04