NMMBA Board of Directors Meeting
Date and location: Wednesday, March 13th, 2025 Acme Twp Hall
Board present: Tim Reicha, Mike Walters, Kim White, Kate White, Tom White, Heath Day, Brian Pugh and Steve Mentzer
Board absent: Chad Jordan, Chad Schut and Tim Jenema
Mission statement —---> It is our mission to Envision, Build and Protect the mountain bike experience while respecting all forest users and uses.
Tim called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm
There were no guests.
The February meeting minutes were approved via email.
Financials:
Kim had distributed the financials to the board.
She did note that memberships were up, but we were a bit behind in donations. Grooming badge sales were good this past season.
Tim noted that the Monday after Mud, Sweat and Beers(MSB), TCTF registration would begin.
He also stated that there was a possibility to include the TCTF registration link to the results link from the MSB race.
Grants:
Kate led this discussion.
She stated that the Cherry Capital Cycling Club(CCCC) grant for $5000 had been submitted on March 1st.
Tim noted the grant writing expense for the Impact 100 - Vasa Bike Park(VBP) grant could total up to $1350.00
Per
With that, Tim made a motion to spend up to $1350.00, monies to be paid from the VBP fund, to fund the grant writing expense.
Mike provided the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
Chapter reports:
TimBarn led off this discussion.
TART will provide the necessary % numbers to the proposed Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) regarding this project.
The official name of the TimBarn campaign is “TART NMMBA Vasa Trailblazing Tomorrow Fundraising Campaign.”
Brian noted a meeting he had with TART’s Chris Kushman and Gordon from Timber Ridge to discuss utility hookups, construction timing among other topics was very productive.
TCTN:
Tom brought a map showing the Greilick property divisions.
City has purchased a 550-acre parcel. This parcel could be developed into walking/cycling trails.
Tom also stated that no taxpayer dollars were used for the purchase.
Transfer should be complete by late summer.
Tom also pointed out Brown Bridge parcels and Spring Lake parcels.
These would not allow bicycle trails within their boundaries.
The next meeting with both TART and the DNR will be on Friday, March 14th, from 8:30am until 10:00am at the DNR TC service center.
Brian added that three quotes have been received for the VST Supply Rd water well and hand pump. The quotes were from Berg Well Drilling, B&Z Well Drilling and Scheffler’s. All fell within the $10K - $11K range.
The bike rack and wheel chock stations are currently in production with Great Lakes Stainless. Board members voted on multiple designs submitted by Brooke Ruble.
These stations should be ready for installation in the Spring.
Also reviewed were membership signs Brian had designed with the assistance of Joane Mitchell. Joane had previously contributed design work on the VST TREE.
These signs would be placed in local bike shops and bike centric locations.
Cost to produce was in the $10 range.
With that Tim made a motion to spend up to $150.00 for the signage. Money to come from the general fund.
Heath provided the 2nd and it was followed with a unanimous vote.
Shop rides:
Chad submitted this update.
*Just ideas at this point. Chad S will be canvassing the local shops for interest.
Hickory Hills:
Tim had met with Gabe Schneider from Munson and Steve Hannen from Garfield Twp to discuss a possible easement starting from Cedar Run Rd to The Commons. Discussions will continue with additional project stakeholders.
Winter Trails:
Great winter season!
Groomer appreciation party will be on Thursday, April 3rd at Timber Ridge.
Starting at 5:30pm.
No updates from either Bike Leelanau, Glacial Hills nor Cadillac Pathway.
LMB/MMBA:
Links were provided to anyone interested in joining.
tps://lmb.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/lmb/subscribe.jsp?subscription=363
Link also provided for anyone looking to add trail days.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5XGwcVcw-4VuaF_oFcauxXywtk_wqnYdSPtdbVrE1S4DWeA/viewform
Also noted is that Tom Hermann has developed a way to capture Strava data to have a detailed idea of what trails are being used.
Any help in spreading the word would be welcomed.
Old Business:
Up for review were new(2025) membership stickers.
These were designed by John Robert Williams(JRW).
Discussion followed. Keep 3” size but redesign to make it less busy.
More to follow.
Got the first look at the member velcro straps.
These will be distributed to new members at a member invite.
This will take place at the VST trailhead on Supply Rd.
Date is Sunday, April 27th from 2:00pm until 4:00pm.
Rachel Decker will be the new merchandise manager.
JRW has expressed interest in the next round of merchandise designs.
Both Grayling/Gaylord trail group and Joint staff position items were tabled.
TCTF task list was next up for discussion.
Volunteers are being sought to learn and lead in these categories. They include:
Course planning:
Mapping, which would be in Feb/March.
Trail Prep/maintenance
Marking(need new trail crossing signs and race ahead signage).
Permitting:
Brian will handle these.
DNR
East Bay Township
Food trucks:Pigs Eatin’ Ribs and Chubby Unicorn already confirmed.
GTC road commission for Right of Way
GTC Sheriff dept.
Ambulance and emergency services
GTC Health dept.
GT Metro fire dept.
Sponsorships/budget:
Kim to oversee these duties.
Runsignup/registration:
John Roe to take on these duties.
Working with timing company(raymond@epicracetiming.com)
Category updates integrated with Michigan Off Road Championship race series.
Awards/podiums:
Race awards
Race backdrops and podiums
Race Director:
Tim R. to handle this.
New business:
Wild Card Cycle Works(WCCW) will be holding their 2nd annual Bike Celebration on Saturday, April 12th from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at their shop
on Hannah Street.
NMMBA will have their tent and be represented by a couple of board members/ambassadors.
Next board meeting will be on Wednesday, April 9th at the Acme township hall at 6:30pm.
With that the meeting was adjourned at 7:45pm
Submitted by
Steve Mentzer, secretary