10/23/1999
Executive Council Meeting
October 23, 1999
Muncie, IN
The meeting was called to order at 8:05 a.m. by the President, who chaired the meeting. The NAA representative, Don Koranda, was unable to attend the meeting.
Introductions
Present: President Dave Brown, Hamilton, OH; Executive Vice President Doug Holland, Raleigh, NC; District Vice Presidents: I—Don Krafft, Duxbury, MA; II—Wes DeCou, Basking Ridge, NJ; III—Bob Brown, Bradford, PA; IV—Chuck Foreman, Kill Devil Hills, NC; V—Jim McNeill, Birmingham, AL; VI—Charlie Bauer, Norridge, IL; VII—Dave Gish, Wapello, IA; VIII—Sandy Frank, Weatherford, TX; IX—Russ Miller, Carrington, ND; X—Rich Hanson, Scottsdale, AZ; XI—Ed McCollough, Portland, OR; AMA Executive Director, Joyce Hager.
Also in attendance were Joe Gelwicks, General Counsel; Vicki Barkdull, AMA HQ staff; Shirley Teague; District IV AVP Bliss Teague; and Frank Ponteri, IMAA Director District I. Recording Secretary JoAnne Brown.
President's Report
- The AMA hosted the RC Aerobatics World Championships in Pensacola, Florida. It was attended by 35 countries and yielded 400 competitors. The President and Executive Director are developing a procedures manual that will include, among other items, a way to generate income and capitalize on public relations during such events.
- There is a group led by PAMPA that wants to host the Control Line World Championships in 2002 at Oshkosh (EAA). The idea is still under consideration by the FAI Executive Committee.
- The President made Council aware that the FAI is establishing a category for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
- The President presented a plaque to Joe Gelwicks of Rendigs, Fry, Kiely & Dennis in recognition of the firm providing 10 years of legal counsel service to the Academy. Mr. Joe Gelwicks and Mr. Felix Gora received individual awards.
Approval of July 1999 Minutes
It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the July 1999 meeting with one change (first line of President's Report: replace the word “change” with “rearrange”). Approved by acclamation.
Executive Vice President's Report
- The EVP pointed out that the budget does not carry the increased expenses that will be incurred by next year for the new headquarters building. There are a number of options available for financing and payment for the new building.
- He asked Council to pay attention to how other charitable organizations raise money to pay off debts, such as buy-a-brick, charitable walls, sponsor-a-room, etc.
- Work continues on the Charitable Remainder Trust Program.
Executive Director's Report (Appendix I)
- The NFFS has offered to donate money for the completion of McLaughlan Road. PADCOM will address this issue.
- The ED was contacted by a person who wants to sell their house and five acres of land which borders AMA's property. An independent appraiser will be hired. The Council feels the purchase of this property should be pursued.
- Advertising the site via (leasing) billboards — PADCOM to determine the best placement.
- Received a summary of the Grand Event along with recommendation for slight changes. Bob Vojslavek indicated he will not continue as chairman of this event. If a new chairman can be found, AMA will continue with the event.
- Will continue with the Celebration of Eagles in 200, with something special done in connection with the new building opening in 2001.
- There is a need for three new positions at headquarters: an in-house marketing person (promotion area); a maintenance person (dedicated to the two buildings); and the equivalent of a west coast flying site person or liaison in D.C.
Budget
Motion I
Moved by E. McCollough (XI), seconded by W. DeCou (II): To accept the budget as amended. (A friendly amendment was made to the budget for the addition of three salaried employees plus direct costs.)
The motion passed unanimously.
Motion II
Moved by B. Brown (III), seconded by C. Bauer (VI): To amend the budget for $100,000 for extension to the southern road on the property.
The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
By-laws
R. Hanson — No report.
CARE
S. Frank — Committee work has included data assessment via the internet; the possibility of using a service to monitor proposed state, congressional and legislative action; and consideration of an educational pamphlet to assist members in doing an environmental impact assessment for their area.
Education
C. Bauer (Appendix II) — The Committee will fund attendance at national and international teachers' conferences only. The SITES program (Smithsonian) opened very successfully in District II. A schedule for the exhibits will be included in the Executive Director’s column in Model Aviation. The website is up at Ball State. Michael Smith (Museum Curator) has been added to the committee.
The President noted that CIAM has an Education Committee, and that for a number of years AMA had sent a representative. However, it was felt that little was being done by that committee and AMA stopped sending a representative. A couple of years ago Mike Colling was elected to the committee and it has been rejuvenated. The Council agreed that AMA should send a representative to the meetings (the rep will be an Education Committee member).
Marketing
W. DeCou — Each Council member had a copy of the invitation to "On Miniature Wings," Model Airplanes for the National Air and Space Museum. This invitation was sent to the Friends of the Museum (Museum Trustees). This was determined to be an exceptional marketing opportunity for the AMA. A draft membership survey was handed out for review. Council needs to agree on the questions of the survey. There will be more discussion of the survey Sunday morning.
Nats Management
C. Bauer (Appendix III) — The committee met the weekend of Oct. 16. The SIGs reported people were happy with the improvements to the site, particularly the paving of the road. Nats attendance was up this year.
Motion III
Moved by C. Bauer (VI), seconded by J. McNeill (V): That all references to Category Champion(ships) and the cash award be removed from the standing rules of the Nationals.
The motion passed unanimously.
It was understood that the SIGs still have the option of offering cash awards.
Motion IV
Moved by C. Bauer (VI), seconded by R. Miller (IX): That all 1st Place trophies awarded at the Nationals use the wording "National Champion" in lieu of "1st Place."
The motion passed. 11 yes; 1 no (XI).
Motion V
Moved by C. Bauer (VI), seconded by J. McNeill (V): To award 5A status to the 200 Indoor/Outdoor Nationals. (Indoor: May 31–June 4, 200, Johnson City, TN; Outdoor: July 7–August 3, 200, Muncie, IN.)
The motion passed unanimously.
There was a brief discussion on Nationals trophies, which resulted in the agreement that they need to be upgraded. The Finance Committee has included money in the budget for these upgrades. Samples of awards/trophies will be available for contestants to view as they register, and a survey will be taken of their preference. Consideration should be given to making the Nats awards an expense of AMA rather than a Nationals expense.
New Headquarters Building
C. Foreman (Appendix IV) — The Chairman handed out copies of the proposed HQ building site/floor plan and reviewed them with Council. Occupancy is slated for March 2001. The President stated that the Committee is empowered to go on with the project. A supervisor has been appointed to look out for AMA’s interest on a daily basis. The Committee will have the authority to make modifications to the exterior of the existing museum building to assure that it blends in with the new building. AMA may video the construction process for archival purposes.
PADCOM
B. Brown — It was brought to Council’s attention that two groups wished to utilize the AMA site on the same weekend. One is a local model airplane group wanting to hold a FF event; the other is a group of non-members who want to host a nationally known event. The ED noted the need for some type of guidelines or policy to follow to prevent future conflicts. After discussion on what would be best for the AMA, the site, and AMA’s relationship with the community, approval was given to the non-member group.
Old Business
- How Council Operates — E. McCollough: The proposer will file a written report at a later date, and passed on this item for now.
- Videos/Productions shall credit all E.C. members — E. McCollough: The proposer passed on this item.
- Sanction Procedures — HQ: Deferred.
- Committee Procedures — HQ: Deferred.
New Business
Southwestern Aero Modeling Conference Advertising
S. Frank (Appendix V) — Council received an outline on the conference/convention being held in Arlington, TX, May 19–20, 200. In addition to booths, there will be round table guest lectures, a swap meet, and technical symposiums. It is expected to draw a large number of people. Any monies realized over expenses are being donated 100% to museum and scholarship funds of the AMA. Advertising space in Model Aviation is being requested of Council.
Motion VI
Moved by R. Hanson (X), seconded by B. Brown (III): To increase the District VIII budget by $3,000 this year to support the Southwestern Aero Modelers Conference.
The motion passed. 10 yes; 2 no (VII, XI).
Rules Change Proposal
HQ presented a motion to delete the paragraph "Publication Aids", page 5, under Guidelines for Contest Coordinators, starting on page 4. Delete entire paragraph, including subject, and then starting with "All Sanctioned events...." and ending "....with a capital T." This item was referred to the Contest Board for study.
Proposal for Additional Non-Rule Book Event
S. Frank — It is proposed that an additional category of non-rule book events be designated. This would be events of officially recognized AMA special interest groups, with the designation of Cs. The events would be coordinated through the district AMA contest coordinators. This item was referred to the Competition Dept to review with other recommendations submitted by the Sanction Procedures Committee.
Increase the Annual Budget for District IV
C. Foreman — There was considerable discussion on requests for additional district funds. The President pointed out that the formula for figuring district budgets is fine, but there are going to be contingencies. A member of the budget committee indicated that over the past three years, the total budget for VPs has never fully been spent. It may be possible that the district funds budgeted for, but not spent, could create a contingency fund to cover such requests.
Motion VII
Moved by C. Foreman (IV), seconded by B. Brown (III): To increase the AMA District IV budget from its present allotment of $7,350 to $8,350 — an increase of $1,000 just for this year.
The motion passed. 9 yes; 3 no (VI, VII, XI).
Suspension of CD's by District VP
J. McNeill — Currently there is no mechanism for immediate disciplinary action against a Contest Director who may be running an event in an unsafe manner. The President appointed a committee to establish disciplinary/suspension procedures for Contest Directors. The committee is Dave Gish, Chairman; Jim McNeill; and they will work with the President and legal counsel. The committee will make a report at the next council meeting.
Suspension of Members by District VP
This item is referred to the above-named committee.
Variable Fees for FAI Teams
C. Bauer — It was requested that the FAI Committee study the possibility of variable fees (allocations) for FAI teams. The AMA funds all teams for which there is a world championships and each team is allocated the same amount. The item was referred to the FAI Committee who will develop a formula for allocating money to the teams.
Policy on Legal Issues
Motion VIII
Moved by W. DeCou (II), seconded by E. McCollough (XI): That before initiating litigation, whether it is to assert a claim for relief, counterclaim or cross claim, approval must be obtained from the President, the Executive Vice President, or the Executive Council.
The motion passed unanimously.
Create "District Level" Flying Site Coordinators
D. Krafft — Withdrawn.
Add Membership Application to AMA's Brochure
J. McNeill — No action.