Minnesota Stable Owners Association
Minnesota Stable Owners Association
Minutes of General Meeting
GENERAL MEETING MINUTES – MAY 5TH, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Joe Haines. There were 13 members present. Kris Kelly read the minutes of the April meeting. A motion to approve was made by Dan Potter, seconded by Larry Lanioux and carried.
Kelly Thommes gave the Treasurer’s report. There are 64 members signed up at this point. Kelly read the bills, there was the expo ad to be paid, and Larry moved to pay the bills and approve the report, seconded by Corey Grandstrand
and carried.
Committee reports:
Membership: Discussion was held on ways to further promote the organization. Expo exposure was good with a lot
of positive feedback. We can try to have horse shows announce the organization and give away a membership. Dawn
Lanning talked about contacting vendors to give discounts to members. There was discussion to give packets of information to the saddle clubs to give out to their members. It is felt that breed associations and being reciprocal members of them would be beneficial. We will try to have each member promote the organization in an area they partake in to advertise the association. Shannon Becking said to answer the prospective question of “why join”? Concentrate on the advantages. There is the website to advertise your business on and link to your website, free of additional charge. The support of like businesses and ability to network for additional business opportunities.
There is strength in numbers for communication and support for legislative actions, ability to stay abreast of industry issues, the availability of answers and networking for business issues, are just a few reasons to join. We would like to form a publicity/advertising committee. Anyone interested in serving on this, please contact Bonnie or Joe Haines, Kris Kelly or Kelly and Tim Thommes. Kris will contact WSCA for their mailing list (there is a small fee of approximately $50.00) to be able to send information to each club in the state to present to their membership. Dawn moved to approve to spend up to $75.00 for the list, seconded by Larry and carried.
How to keep active membership was discussed. We need to keep the information current and relevant on the website.
We need to establish an informative monthly or quarterly newsletter. There are always active and passive members in every club. We want to welcome any member’s ideas to make the organization better and more beneficial to all of us.
The legislative issues and land taxes were what brought us together, but there are so many other relevant topics we can partake in as a group. Dawn moved we take packets for the saddle clubs and give 2 free memberships to each to do as they see fit. The motion was seconded by Kelly and carried.
Legislative: Kris read the report from Allison. The bills are waiting signing by the Governer.
Old Business: Arly has the website statistics. It is staying steady. He is going to change the site to the colors we used at Expo. Kris is working with Constant Contact to work on a newsletter. Kelly will write to the MHC for a grant.
New Business: We asked what member’s areas of interest are. Would you like a guest speaker a couple of times a year? Corey suggested we have a June meeting. Bonnie will check on Acapulco’s again. The meeting will be on Wednesday, June 02, 2010.
Kris moved to adjourn, seconded by Tim and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kris Kelly, Secretary
GENERAL MEETING – APRIL 7, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 PM. President Joe Haines asked everyone to sign in on the sign up sheet.
Kris Kelly read the minutes from the March 2 meeting. Mary Armstrong moved to approve, seconded by Larry Lanoux and carried. Kelly Thommes gave the Treasurer’s report. We have 59 members and @2385.00 in the checking account. Larry moved to accept the report, seconded by Bonnie Haines and carried. Kelly read the bills, Kris moved to pay the bills, seconded by Larry and carried.
Committee reports: Membership – Larry Lanoux
We will set up for expo on Wed., April 21 at 8:30 AM. There is a sign up sheet to fill in when you can work the booth.
We will call members to fill in the rest of the blanks. Larry is checking with Fleet Farm, Best Buy and 3M to see if they would donate membership incentives to give new members who join at Expo. Allison will shuffle information between booths. Members can put stable information at the booth and pictures to hang, if they want. We need things to us by April 17th, if you want to partake. Larry is trying to put together a power point presentation from website information, as well. The booth is in the poultry barn. We have an ad in the program.
Legislative: Allison Eklund
We are waiting for the bill to get included in the non-controversial omnibus tax bill. There is no opposition to it, again, the urban representatives don’t understand the impact for their own district. Please have your boarders call their people to support this bill. Allison will put an info sheet together with district congresspeople who didn’t vote for it, to give out at Expo. There was green acre discussion. If it has been taken away, definitely reapply before by April 30th, 2010.
The Somerdorf case was settled completely and the county waived the right to appeal.
Old Business: If you want to be listed on the website, submit your stable name, address, phone and link to your website to Arly at arly@acreation4u.com. He bills us in ½ hour increments at $30.00/hour. We are still finalizing the logo. Then we can get it on t-shirts, hats, and polos for members and/or to sell. We will submit a letter to the Horse Council asking for $500.00 to help with start up expenses.
New Business: Larry asked about monthly news on the website. Maybe highlight a member of the month. Anyone interested in writing for the website, let Bonnie know.
Allison has someone from William Mitchell law school who is interested in serving as an intern for the summer. Allison will check into the details. Ashley Stende is her name and she was present as Allison’s guest. Part of her duties would be to establish local outlying chapters of the association, promote memberships, look into local problems that area stables are facing so we, as an associaton, can better serve our members. Ashley would also help work the booth. We would be the sponsoring organization and Allison would be her supervisor. Kris moved to approve looking into the process of having Ashley intern for our organization, seconded by Kelly and carried. We will have the information and make a decision at the May meeting.
May 5th, 2010 is our next meeting at 7:00. Bonnie will check with Acapulco’s to see if we can meet there. If not, we will check with the Hugo City Hall, again. Discussion was held about trying to hold the meetings in various places around the cities as memberships grow from outlying areas. We are all for doing this. We need members to find places that we can meet free of charge and let us know. We will then schedule meetings in those areas in the coming months. Kris suggested we not meet in June and July if there is nothing pending. Dan Potter suggested we may meet again in June if we get a lot of new members from Expo. Kris moved to adjourn, seconded by Bonnie and carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:15. We were very close to our goal of keeping it to one hour.
Sincerely,
Kris Kelly, Secretary
March 3, 2010
The meeting was called to order by President Joe Haines at 7:10 PM. Kris Kelly read the minutes from the February meeting. Bonnie Haines moved to approve, seconded by Larry Lanoux and carried. Kelly Thommes read the Treasurer’s report with all records available to view. We do have an account at the Lake Elmo Bank. When our non profit number comes in we will give it to them. Kelly is a signer and it was suggested Kris Kelly become an additional signer for the account. Kris moved to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Beth Miner and carried.
Committee reports: Membership – Larry Lanoux
Larry requested a simple letter be drawn up explaining the benefits of MNSOA and why one should belong. Allison sent a newsletter out, and will show Kelly, Larry, and Kris how to do Constant Contact. We need our logo on the website. We need to send a thank you to Mallory for the design. Larry would like to swap literature with several other booths/associations at the Expo. Kris mentioned we can get the WSCA saddle club addresses for $50.00 if it is presented at a Board meeting. Mallory moved to spend $50.00 for the mailing list, seconded by Doug P. The motion did not get voted on. We will discuss it again at the April meeting. Mark Ward and Allison will work on a letter explaining our educational and advocacy goals. The MHC is a statewide umbrella organization the does not operate on a local level to make changes. It was suggested to use the dollar figures for the industry in the letter.
Larry introduced the guest speaker, Dick Dey from Racino Now. Dick stated according to a U of MN studey two years ago, it is a 1.1 billion dollar industry in Mn. He spoke about the racino bill and offered the support it they can help us to use them.
Website: Arly added the logo to the site and it is on the application form. He wants a better, more attention grabbing opening page. The directory will be a part. If you want your stable listed, contact Arly with name, phone number and link to website.
Legislative: Allison said the bill has bipartisan names and support and the strength of the bill is in the fact the Dept. of Revenue is supportive. There is a hearing scheduled next week. The county is talking about appealing the Somerdorf case. The inherent risk bill supporting “for profit” businesses did not fly.
Old Business: Larry gave a report on the Grant ordeal.
Kris has the information for the Horse Expo booth and asked which of the locations available the group would like to be in. Kris moved we spend $220 to rent a space at the Minnesota Horse Expo, seconded by Kelly and carried.
We need a committee to design the expo booth. Larry, Tim Thommes, Kelly, Allison, and Kris will meet with Bonnie and Joe at their house on March 24th at 7:00PM
New Business; Allison found a site called cafepress.com which will put your logo on items. We will look at it. Bonnie asked if we could publish the minutes on the website prior to their approval, if they are stated “draft copy” or “unapproved “ copy. Kris will get the minutes to Arly.
Doug asked if he could get some information and banners to take with him to his shows for his booth to promote our organization. We need to get a few thing made up for the expo and then they would be available.
The date for the April meeting is April 7 at 7:00 PM. Bonnie will try to secure the room again, and let us know if she can’t.
Kris moved to adjourn, seconded by Dan and carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kris Kelly, SecretaryFeb. 2, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by President Joe Haines. Members signed in and there were 16 members present. Kris Kelly read the minutes of the Jan. 6th meeting that Kelly Thommes had recorded. Mark Ward moved to approve the minutes, seconded by Beth Minor and carried. Kelly Thommes gave the Treasurer’s report. There are 41 paid members. Larry Lanoux moved to approve the report, seconded by Bonnie Haines and carried. Larry and Mark (Ward) reported on the membership committee. Discussion was held to fine tune the benefits of belonging to the organization. We would like to do a membership packet or even just a letter, thanking the new member for joining and to expect more contact. Mark said we could be listed in the Mn Horsemen’s Directory on the MHC website. Discussion was held as to the most effective way to do email contact.
Constant contact was one option, but there is a monthly cost. It was suggested a letter requesting a grant be written to the Horse Council requesting funding for this. Mark Ward moved to send a letter of request for $500.00 to the Mn Horse Council Direct Funding Committee for start up costs for email contacts, seconded by Larry and carried. Bonnie moved we write each new member an email or send a letter (if not email) welcoming them to the association. The second was by Larry and carried. Kris Kelly moved we allot up to $100.00 to purchase envelopes and stamps to have if we need to mail something. The second was from Corey and carried with one nay. Larry will work with Kelly Thommes on letters/forms.
Old Business: Bonnie introduced Arly, who set up the website. Discussion was held as to what should be on the site. The website looks good and can easily be changed if the membership wishes. A directory was suggested, for those who want their stable listed on the site. Articles of interest could be submitted. A testimonial of their support from the Horse Council would be a benefit. The possibility of a forum or blog was discussed. The website should act as a newsletter to state what has happened and what is coming up. Bonnie is the person with access to the emails from the website. Bonnie moved we should start with a directory of stable owners on the site, seconded by Cory and carried. The listing should contain the name, address, phone and website, a link and a short description. Contact Arly or Bonnie to get listed. The logo is finished and needs to get put on the website and on the membership form.
Larry gave an update on the Grant meeting. The topic was tabled until March. Dan Potter clarified a couple of the issues to the membership regarding conditional use permits, acreage requirements, etc.
Mark Ward talked about the meeting with the Dept. of Revenue. The decisions made at the meetings will be forwarded to all assessors. The Somerdorf decision came down and was good. The use of pasture does count for agricultural product. There was a statement made that any boarding stable doing training and lessons would have a split
classification, but they were unclear on the split. The language on this is one of the items that Dan Ramberg and Allison are working on. Dan Potter pointed out one mindset that this organization needs to change is horses being an agricultural activity, not a recreational activity. Bonnie pointed out some of the economic impact the horses have and the revenue they bring to the state. She quoted from the U of Mn. Extension website.
Loren Sederstrom pointed out that we all need to seek out candidates for our local offices in government that are sympathetic to the cause.
New Business: Allison presented a copy of the bill being presented adding horse training and lessons to the existing statute. The bill needs to be jacketed and formally introduced. She wants bipartisan signing on the bill. As soon as she has the information, she will let us know and then we can start out calls to the state representatives and senators to support the bill. There will be different numbers for the bill in the house and in the senate. Dan Potter asked Allison if a resolution of support would be helpful. Dan moved we endorse a resolution on behalf of the MnSOA to endorse the language prescribed as a draft in senate file 5018, with a second by Tim Thommes and carried. Dan R. and Allison are also working on the liability statute that amends 604a.section 12 to include “for profit” entities. Bonnie volunteered to put together a format of “what to do” when it is time to do the calling of the legislators. She will give names and numbers and bill numbers.
Allison reported that Dave Dayon is reintroducing his bill, but recommends we not take a position on that bill due to the controversy.
Dan P. moved to table the discussion of election for VP for 3 months, seconded by Larry and carried.
Allison discussed privacy issues regarding Constant Contact and the email data base.
We discussed the value of having a booth at the Horse Expo in April. We will get the information to see if there are booths left. Larry moved we have a booth at the Horse Expo, seconded by Mark and carried. Tim and Larry will set up expo. Call them if you would like to help. Kris moved we join the Mn Horse Council, seconded by Mark and carried. Kris will call Glenn Eaton to see if we can get in. Mark will talk to Glenn at their meeting next week.
The next meeting will be March 3, at 7:00 PM at Acapulco’s in Stillwater. Bonnie will retain the room.
Bonnie moved to adjourn, seconded by Mark and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Kris Kelly, Secretary
January 6, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by President Joe Haines. A sign-in sheet was passed around (27 people signed-in). Kelly Thommes read the minutes of the previous meeting for Kris Kelly. Kelly Thommes read the treasurer’s report that consisted of 8 paying members from the previous meeting totaling $385.00. Larry Lanoux spoke as the Membership Committee. He stressed this is not a local issue. He has contacted the Farrier’s Association; they will attach our information and literature to their website. He asked that we talk with vet associations, feed stores, saddle shops, and breed associations etc. Larry and Kelly will be attending the Simon’s Sale on Saturday to get memberships. Larry mentioned some opposition he was receiving from those all ready members of the MN Horse Council and answered questions if we were “re-inventing the wheel”. It was clarified that the MNSOA is working in conjunction with the MN Horse Council. MNSOA is a “business league” complimentary the MN Horse Council (more voices, the better). We need a file and dockit number on the proposed bill and an email base, so we can have everyone call senators in a short time frame. Dan Ramberg specified that we can’t just call, we need a bill number and make sure everyone says the same thing when they call (have a template). We need boarders to sign up. Dam Ramberg felt that we represent 1500-2000 people. Corey Grandstrand offered to post MNSOA info on MSJA website. Someone mentioned that we should try and get email lists from state breed associations. The TCCT list was also mentioned to get info out. Allison Eklund talked about complimentary grassroots. Bonnie Haines nominated Larry Lanoux as Chairman of the Membership Committee. Dan Ramberg seconded, and the motion was carried. Other Committee members nominated were Mark Ward and Mary Jo Cody, motion carried. Peter McNiff and Jill Lucas from Stillwater Living Magazine talked as guest speakers about how they might help our organization both editorially and also setting up a “barn tour” much like the “Parade of Homes”. They offered to be the managing group for this. It could boost visibility of the organization and of individual barns. This will be discussed at a later meeting. Bonnie Haines gave a website update. The website was put together by Arly Nielsen-Acreation4u. The website address is www.MNSOA.org. Although other addresses will be routed to this website (www.minnesotastableownersassociation.org, and www.minnesotastableownersassociation.com. Eventually we will be able to pay on-line and have a downloadable .pdf forms, links to sponsors, and tracking information on the website. Articles have been scanned and are available. Mallory Kampher brought logos she designed for the association to review. A logo was selected and Peter McNiff volunteered to help Mallory determine color and font, etc. (15 minutes of probono work). Dan Potter moved to approve and seconded by Tim Thommes, motion carried. Allison Eklund passed around an Introductory Flier for MNSOA. This can be passed out to others with the membership form. She made it clear that the MNSOA is a 501C(6), a Non-Profit Business League and there are some rules for using dues as “write-offs” because this group will retain lobbing efforts. However, many stable owners can write off membership dues as an “ordinary business expense”. Allison will send the revised Introductory Flier of MNSOA to the website. Kelly Thommes filed the association with the Secretary of State on 1/5/10. She also passed around the new membership form which will be made available (w/new logo) on the website. Steve Bohnen, Christine Flug, and Dan Potter talked about the City of Grant meeting that occurred the night before. Grant is re-doing their “grazable acres” definition. Christine Flug talked about the definition of “dry” and “wetland” types and how it is being interpreted in the definition. The Grant City Council tabled the new definition until the February meeting. Mark Ward asked for a round of applause to Dan Potter for encouraging the “Big Picture” approach at the City council meeting. Dan Potter congratulated Steve Bohnen for getting 250-300 signatures on a petition and for getting the education out. Steve Bohnen was given the “Manure Expert” title as we discussed that the community needs to be educated that stable-owners promote being stewards of the land. It was discussed that we could have “economical impact” information (i.e. horses vs cattle) and/or a manure plan for horse owners on our website. Jill Lucas from Stillwater Living Magazine mentioned that their was educational info on the website for the Valley Branch Watershed District and she would get that website info. Allison Eklund agreed to donate her attorney time for 1-year and withhold membership fee. She is retained by the MN Horse Council which can’t conflict, Mark Ward said there is no conflict. Tim Thommes asked for someone else to by VP (since same family is on board). This was tabled till next meeting. Allison Eklund talked about the MNSOA By-Laws. She discussed the possibility of different counties being able to have a delegate or “proxy” to vote as a representative for a group of members. The By-Laws are “bare-bones” and can be changed by a 2/3 vote (voting membership/majority of those present at the meeting). By-laws were discussed that it needs to be flexible to adapt to different counties and communities. Christine Flug asked about the ability of a proxy system and voting ability of those who can’t make it to meetings. Mark Ward discussed that the MN Department of Revenue meeting is postponed till 1/12/10 and it would be beneficial to get some MNSOA representation at the next meeting and also about the interest in MNSOA growing a partnership with the MN Horse Council. Allison proposed voting on the by-laws and discussed adding provisions with “distant voting”, “delegates”, and “proxy provisions”. Mark Ward made a motion to approve the By-Laws, Rob Stafford 2nd it and the motion was carried. Joan Harmon arranged a meeting Wednesday Jan. 13, with legislatures Rep. Matt Dean, Rep. Bob Dettmer, Rep. Tom Emmer and Senator Ray Vandeveer. The meeting will be held at the Withrow Ballroom at 6:00 PM. We will discuss the Reclassification of commercial horse boarding, green acres, and the horse industry in the state of MN. Tim Thommes will call Paul Bergmann to reserve facility use. A MNSOA meeting will follow. Cory Grandstrand, Steve Bohnen, and Allison Eklund will organize the meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM by Bonnie Haines, seconded by Dan Ramberg.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Thommes, for Kris Kelly
MINNESOTA STABLE OWNERS ASSOCIATION
MINUTES OF GENERAL MEETING
DECEMBER 16TH, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by Dan Ramberg. A sign in sheet was passed around. A big thank you was given to Paul Bergman for the use of the Withrow Ballroom for our meeting. We welcomed new attendees. Kris Kelly read the minutes of the previous meeting. Bill Ramberg moved to approve, seconded by Allison Eklund and the motion carried.
Officers were elected. Tim Thommes nominated Joe Haines for President. A white ballot was cast and Joe Haines is the President. Kelly Thommes volunteered to be Treasurer and Kris Kelly volunteered to be Secretary. Tim Thommes is Vice President. There will be 3 additional general membership positions that will be elected or appointed to serve on the Board at a later date.
Discussion for the set up of the non-profit was outlined by Allison Eklund. We need a mission statement, articles of incorporation and by-laws. She and Kelly will work on these and Kelly will file with the state when she has everything in hand. We discussed a mission statement. We agreed upon “An organization whose presence and purpose is to promote the interest of equine business in Minnesota and educate others to the importance of horses in agriculture in Minnesota.
Old Business: The membership fee was established at $50.00 per stable. The associate membership is $25.00 and for boarders, clients, etc. We should plan for a business or corporation sponsorship in the future. Dan Potter moved to approve, seconded by Dan Ramberg and carried. Larry Lanoux discussed possible ideas for a membership committee and will pursue new members.
Bonnie Haines had information for a website. Her quote was $220 for up to 25 pages at $30.00/hour. Kris said she would contact Mark Ward and see if he is interested in doing a web site. We already have the domain name registered.
The Minnesota Horse Council submitted their guidelines to the Mn. Dept. of Revenue and the hearing was postponed until 1/5/10. The release of decision in the Sherbourne County case was delayed until February, 2010. The new legislative session starts on Feb. 4th. We should have a pretty good base for support by then. We will need a bill # when it is time to show our support to our lawmakers. Beth Minor has been speaking with Joan Harmen to try and get politicians to meet with us to voice our concerns.
New Business: Mallory Kampfler will work on a logo. Larry will work on gathering new outlets for memberships. Kelly will get a PO box, file with the state, open a bank account (as soon as the paperwork allows), and make up a new membership form. We need a letter of introduction to go with that. Allison and Kelly will work on the letter.
Steve Bohnen said his wife Kathy is a CPA and he will volunteer her to help where needed. Nancy Jacobson presented information on the events happening at the Withrow Ballroom and handed out fliers for us to post. The next meeting will be at Acapulco’s in Stillwater at 7:00 PM on Jan. 6th, 2010.
Kris moved to adjourn, seconded by Dan and the meeting adjourned at 8:55PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Kris Kelly, Secretary