NMMBA Board of Directors Meeting
Date and location: Wednesday, December 11th, 2024 Acme Twp Hall
Board present: Tim Reicha, Kim White, Mike Walters, Brian Pugh, Tim Jenema, Heath Day, Chad Jordan, Chad Schut and Steve Mentzer.
Board absent: Michele Andrews, Brooke Ruble, Tom White and Kate White
Mission statement —----> It is our mission to Envision, Build and Protect the mountain bike experience while respecting all users and uses.
Tim R called the meeting to order at 6:39 pm.
There were no guests.
November meeting minutes were approved by email.
Financials:
Kim presented the financials to the board.
General fund stood at $18,247.68
There was some discussion as to our NMMBA roots.
A common theme emerged and that was the majority of the board were asked to come on board.
With that it was noted that 2025 could be a huge year.
Engage other riders/members to get involved.
Kim also noted that many expenses have been incurred this year.
But we are anticipating an end of the year contribution from the Timber Ridge Foundation.
Also noted were possible family donations from the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation as well.
Fundraising projects and numbers on the docket for 2025 included:
$80,000 for the Vasa Bike Park
$75,000 for VST Wayfinding. This is based on getting approval on this proposal.
$250,000 for the NMMBA/TART maintenance barn.
$69,000 for a staff employee
TCTF would be the primary fundraising arm for the staff member.
Duties would include newsletters and social media among others.
This person would also be responsible for grant exploration and specific projects.
It was also noted that the paid staff salary would include a 15% administrative fee.
Chapter reports:
TCTN:
Vasa TREE Project
- TCTN Committee approved expenditure of $2500 for purchase of bike rack and bike repair station wheel chock, Great Lakes Stainless will be manufacturing the components.
- 6 new picnic tables for the pavilion have been installed. DNR provided the lumber required and NMMBA purchased the metal frames. Amy, Mario and Brian assembled the picnic tables on Monday Dec. 9th.
- NMMBA is working with the DNR to investigate the possibility of paving the VST trailhead parking lot. Team Elmer’s has provided a budget estimate of $250K. Potential funding options: DNR funding request in FY 2026, trust fund grant, and donations.
Stakeholders to meet and walk the property to better understand development options for future trails. Property walk scheduled for 12/13.
There was good feedback on the Grelick/Brown Bridge/Spring Lake meeting.
There may be some restrictions on some parcels related to biking.
They are looking at separate hiking and biking trails and neighbors are okay with the overall proposal.
Shop rides:
Chad S noted that initial engagement had been made with the local bike shops(LBS) on fat bike rides and clinics for the winter season.
He also contacted local bike teams/shops to see if there was any interest in leading rides prior to the annual meeting on January 12th.
Bike Leelanau:
V-plow has been purchased to aid in grooming.
Chad J will start grooming sections of Palmer Woods.
Chad also walked the Braman Hills with Tom Mayhew.
Purpose was to map out the proposed trail.
5 - 6 miles currently exist and are looking at adding an additional 3-4 miles.
Winter Trails:
Notes from a committee meeting.
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Committee Meeting on 11/24/24 6pm
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Attendees: Mike W., Heath Day, John Roe Brian Pugh, Steve Mentzer, Scott Dunham and Chad Jordan. Absent: Kate White, Patrick Boyd
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Brian Pugh discussed going to velcro wraps. About the same price as current badges.
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GH - is currently without a sled, one in for service and new sled waiting on delivery. Committee voted to let GH pay for half of its sled with combined grooming fund. Approximately $6000
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Cadillac - support for the system was discussed. Scott and Mya Dunham do summer and winter maintenance. John to get old ski groomers connected with Scott D.
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Palmer Woods - grooming ski and FB trails, they have two sleds (we transferred Northport’s sled to Palmer
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John Roe to send waivers and safety checks to Cadillac and Palmer
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Committee voted to offer a badge to any NMMBA donor that gave $500 or more.
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Scott D. brought up using tiles to track location of sleds/groomers. John will order and attach to key fobs.
Cadillac Pathway:
Michele submitted this report.
Cadillac Pathway
The majority of the work to be accomplished with the DNR Trust Fund grant has been accomplished.
The gravel parking has been paved. An ADA accessible trail has been built from the trailhead down to the Clam River. Bollards have been placed in front of the pavilion to prevent cars from driving onto cement pad.
Work to be done in the spring will be to paint parking lines, install kiosks and to test gravel laid for ADA accessible trail to ensure the proper depth was laid by the contractor.
Glacial Hills:
As noted in the Winter trails meeting, GH will be getting a second sled to facilitate grooming.
LMB/MMBA:
Report submitted.
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Meeting 12/5 7pm
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Jeff Carek interim ED
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Still working on new chapter guide
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Working with DNR to create consistent land use standards throughout the state.
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Wilderness First Aid March 8 & 9 2025, $250 with CPR add in at K-college
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Email jamie.e.mckinney@gmail.com
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Women’s skills clinic - 6/13-15
Old business:
Membership/giveaway stickers.
No stickers have been sent out since the Iceman Expo.
We typically will hand out new stickers/logo.
Plan is to hand out the velcro bracelets at the annual meeting.
With that Tim R made a motion to spend up to $200.00 for new membership stickers. Kim provided the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
Annual meeting:
Tim R has contacted several vendors to supply food for the meeting.
Tim also outlined the agenda for the meeting.
It will stress the need for more volunteer opportunities.
Also a vote to amend our bylaws will be taken.
And a vote to confirm the board will also be on the agenda.
An email to all members will go out.
Brian to secure a video/screen for his presentation.
New business:
CPR Training.
Chad S brought up the need for CPR training.
This is based on several instances where it has come into play.
This would be invaluable in some areas where cell coverage is limited or nonexistent.
More to follow.
With that the meeting was adjourned at 8:26 pm.
Submitted by
Steve Mentzer, secretary