CHEMINOT MINUTES – JULY 17, 2004
Opened at 10:30 a.m.
Fill in the blanks on Ernie’s minutes.
See attached Area Membership Report for Standings.
Ernie gave a proposal for time and place locations for the Grand Mid Winter and Grand Promenades. Number of alternative suggestions as to how to rotate the Promenades.
Bruce Kouba said there would be no members left in 10 years, as we need to stop the decline in membership. He suggested he would like to hear from other Voitures not mentioned by Ernie Cooper.
Ken Plumberg suggested a letter be sent to all Voitures asking if they would like to host these Promenades. Ernie will follow up.
Ernie said Junction City is a problem. We need to act on
this problem. Voiture 1029 will need to have the Chef de Gare replaced. Jim
Schroer gave report on findings after discussions with them. Steve Ash visited
1029 8 or 9 times. Bill Stahl said they do not have formal Promenades, but are
rich in money, history, and activities. In the past 2-3 years, Glen Parker has
been running the locale by himself. Voiture has lost the membership cards for
2004, but have the 2005 cards. Jim Schroer said to take Chef de Gare away from
him and appoint someone else. Motion made by Jim Schroer to strip Glen Parker
of his duties, second by Carl Gregg. Discussion: Steve Ash spoke with Glen
Parker and suggested he can’t be all things to the Voiture. Carl Gregg said
Glen should be able to do it, if not, step aside. Don Boyer asked Bill Stahl if
there is anyone capable. Bill Stahl gave out some names of those who may be
able to handle the job and elaborated on what is going on in 1029. Dick Neilson
suggested we can’t just fire him and suggested we give him something else.
Roger Brooner suggested we write a probationary letter prior to replacing him.
Bill Stahl suggested limiting the probation letter to certain time frame. Ernie
suggested that Charles Bickerstaff would take the position of Chef de Gare.
Bruce Kouba suggested a time frame to get the 1029 Voiture’s act together, maybe
30 days before taking action, then get back to them. Should be under local
control for a period of time, such as September 1st. Then Grand
appoint the Voiture officers. Roger Brooner offered an amendment that a
probationary letter written to the Voiture giving them a 60 day time frame to
adjust. Second made by Joe Riniker, and called for a question on the amendment.
Motion carried. Letter will be sent to every member of Voiture 1029.
Ernie contacted the Overland Park Convention Bureau to host the 2007 Promenade Nationale. Bruce Kouba elaborated on the details. In past years, we did not have the capability to host due to available hotel rooms. We now have 700 rooms, 300-350 by the Sheraton Hotel Convention Center. Visitors Bureau will travel to Anchorage for discussions. There are 4 other locations, including Orlando, Florida. Dollar amount required is not available at this time. Nationale is interested in Kansas, one day ride from Indianapolis. Show of hands, 3 or 4 going. Motion made by Bruce Kouba to give a stipend of $3,000 for Grand Voiture to pursue the Promenade Nationale. Seconded by Bob Tastad. Discussion was that if Orlando won, then could be offer a two year commitment, meaning giving a 2008 year possibility. Comment by Dan Land that Randy Gray was in charge a few years ago, and did very well. Nationale needed a certain amount of money up front. We didn’t know money was required, and have been assured that is not the case now. Bruce Kouba said he asked question of Nationale that there is no kick back of money for the success of the proposal. We will not be part of such a procedure of money needed. Bruce is a chair of a Ways and Means committee after the Promenade Nationale. Committee was dropped, but may be created again this year. Need an amount stated prior to getting this project started. Ernie said info received, will be complete disclosure to all of Kansas members, including lodging and routes for parade. Don Boyer said we will need everyone’s help to make this successful. Ernie said a separate corporation will be created and every Voiture who helps, will get a share of proceeds. Motion carried.
Ernie made Motion that Grand Cheminot provide two plaques for law officer and city of year. Motion made and second by Carl Gregg, motion carried.
Ernie said Olathe made City of the Year for Kansas, but law officer went to Nebraska.
Ernie gave committee assignments, and have openings for Lampiste and Commis Voyageur. See Committee on committee if interested.
Grand Chef de Train adjourned and will reconvene Promenade at 1 p.m.