Welcome to the
Sundowners Snowmobile Club

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

November 4, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Edgerton Towne Country Club by President Bob Kaiser

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Bob Kaiser, Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers. 

8 clubs present.  Missing, Oaks Ridge Riders.

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Levi Olson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Jim Goehl seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Dan Buttchen made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Russell Jeske seconded it, motion carried. 

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  Legislation has been drawn up for the CAP program.  Morris handed out an explanation – it is basically the same as has been described previously.  Club members would pay $15.00 per year and non-members would pay $35.00.  Non-resident trail fees would go entirely to the supplemental program.  The 55 mph nighttime speed limit would be permanent.  $150,000 would go to law enforcement, $40,000 to alcohol education and $30,000 to trails.  Anyone who pays the $30 registration fee this year (for a 2-year period) would receive a $15.00 credit for next year.  The AWSC would issue trail stickers after club membership was sent in.  Everyone should call their senators and representatives, mention LRB-3172.  Another bill that would relieve personal property tax on groomers is Senate Bill #215.  Everyone should call their senators on that also.  The DNR made a proposal for a 16-day season.  There is a holiday hunt from Dec 26-Jan 5 and bow hunting is open till Jan. 31^st.  Senator Holpern was a speaker at Workshop.

 

Trail Report:   Each club got a folder with:  Landowner list;  Township maps with the trail marked for that area (check your road crossings) - Levi needs these back ASAP;  A copy of the front of the new map;  Labor and equipment rates - there is no change from last year.  Each club also got a flash drive to put their trail reports on.  Road signs must be turned by the weekend after Thanksgiving.  Trail signs and brown intersection number signs can be picked up at Levi’s.   We may have problems with standing corn because of the wet weather.

 

President’s Report:   Please get your paperwork to Levi ASAP.

 

Groomer Report:  A copy of the trail grooming handbook is available for groomer operators.

 

Old Business:   We have a proof of the front of the map.  Ads have gone to the printer.  We should have new maps by the next meeting.

 

New Business:   Landowner lease agreements are issued by the County.  Green County doesn’t use these and wants to start.  New trail from Orfordville to Brodhead was discussed.  We need to get landowner permission and get a lease signed.  This would not be funded.

 

Announcements:

• December Alliance meeting, December 2^nd, Janesville Snow Chiefs, at Maintenance Building in Clinton, 7:30 pm
• Janesville Snow Chiefs Frostbite Bash, Dec 5^th at Bogtrotters

 

 

 

Safety Courses:  

Milton, Nov 16^th and 18^th

Evansville, Dec 2^nd and 5^th

Edgerton, Dec 7^th and 10^th

Clinton, Dec 9^th and 10^th

There is a new student booklet and a new instructor booklet this year.

 

Mike Ferger made a motion to adjourn.  Jim Goehl seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Sundowners for providing snacks.

                                                                                                           

 

Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

 

 

A note from your secretary:

 

If you haven’t already done so, please get the form listing your officers, Alliance reps, etc. turned in to me ASAP.

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

October 7, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Maintenance Building by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Bob Kaiser, Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers. 

9 clubs present.

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Jim Goehl made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Jim Reidenbach seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Levi Olson made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Dan Buttchen seconded it, motion carried. 

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  AWSC Fall Workshop is coming up in a couple of weeks.  We are still working on drawing up a bill.

 

Trail Report:   A listing of where last year’s grant was spent was passed out.  Levi asked the County for an itemized bill of their charges so we can possibly make changes this year.  We are not eligible for supplemental grooming until we reach $39,000 in grooming expenses.  We had more expenses than we turned in to the grant.  The County determines where and if road crossing are needed.  Anyone who puts in trail should try to get out early and put up stop signs so the County can inspect.  Any areas around road signs that need brushing should be done, or else the County will do it and charge us.  If there are any changes let Levi know ASAP.  Next month he will pass out maps so each club can mark their trail.  He will also have landowner lists, trail put in sheets and disks for trail reports.  Anyone who still has their disk from last year should return it to Levi for updating.  If anyone wants Levi to come their meetings to go over signs and how to sign the trail he will be happy to.  Consistent signing is important to the safety of our trail.  Use of chevrons was explained.  Putting one blazer in the center of the corner, in the middle of the chevrons in the apex of the corner, tends to keep riders in the corner and on the trail.  Orange posts should be for blazers only. 

 

President’s Report:   Northland Equipment donated the toolbox for the tractor.

 

Groomer Report:  The tractor was on display at the tractor pull in Orfordville.  We are working on getting an account set up with Johnson Tractor, and will try to get a farm plan.

 

Old Business:   Ads are done – Levi is working on the front of the map.  The printer has told us it should only take a couple of weeks to get maps, once they have everything.  Intersections will be numbered starting at Newville and going counter-clockwise.  Number signs have been ordered.  Discussion was held on software used for drawing the trail on the county map.

 

New Business:   Election of officers was held.  We will have the same officers as last year.

            President:         Bob Kaiser

            VP:                   Mark Tiffany

            Secretary:         Sandy Tiffany

            Treasurer:          Don Myers

Forms were given to each club listing their officers, Alliance reps, etc.  They should be turned in to Sandy ASAP.

 

 

 

Announcements:

• November Alliance meeting, November 4^th Sundowners, Edgerton Town Country Club, 7:30 pm
• December Alliance meeting, December 2^nd, Janesville Snow Chiefs

• Grass Drags Sunday, October 11^th, Winnebago County Fairground, Pecatonica
• Chili Cook-off, Sunday, October 11^th, Shopiere Bar & Grill, benefit for Clinton Fencehoppers Scholarship Fund

 

Safety Courses:  

Milton, Nov 16^th and 18^th

Evansville, Dec 2^nd and 5^th

Edgerton, Dec 7^th and 10^th

Clinton, Dec 9^th and 10^th

The DNR office in Janesville will not close completely, but will remain open 2-3 days per week beginning in the spring.

 

Russell Jeske made a motion to adjourn.  Dan Buttchen seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Rock County Snowblowers for providing snacks.

                                                                                                           

 

Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

September 2, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Maintenance Building by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers.  Absent: Bob Kaiser

9 clubs present.

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Levi Olson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Mark Hubka seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Dan Buttchen made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Russell Jeske seconded it, motion carried. 

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  Clubs should have received packets from the AWSC about the Fall Workshop in Stevens Point on October 23^rd thru 25^th.  There won’t be a snow show but there will be a groomer show.  The bill for the CAP program is not on the budget.  On a separate bill we are asking for relief on personal property tax for clubs because they are non-profit.  The Governor’s Council fell about $2 million short of what they need to satisfy all requests.  Our bill would generate about that much.

 

Trail Report:   Levi needs sign orders ASAP in order to get them by trail put-in time.  Last year Levi handed out flash drives to each club that would use them for their trail report.  He needs them back so he can update the information.  It will have a map of each area and a landowner list.  We need to set up an account with Johnson Tractor so we can charge parts for the west groomer.  If you have any new leases get them to Levi right away.  Next month we will get a list of expenses and where the grant was spent.  It was about $12,000 short of what we spent.  If you know where your trail goes and can put in stop signs without them being in the way, put them in early so the county can check road crossing signs.

 

President’s Report:   None

 

Groomer Report:  We need to change the track on the south groomer, and fluids.  The north groomer was in the Tobacco Days parade.  We got a toolbox for the tractor.  There will be a tractor pull in Orfordville next weekend, and it was suggested to have the tractor and drag on display.

 

Old Business:   All squares have been sold on the map.  Levi will order number signs to put up at intersections, and have corresponding numbers on the map.

 

New Business:   Some bridges need repairs.  Levi will talk to Pete.

 

Announcements:

• October Alliance meeting, October 7^th, Rock County Snowblowers, Maintenance Bldg in Clinton, 7:30 pm
• November Alliance meeting, November 4^th Sundowners

• Janesville Snow Chiefs will have their corn boil at Bogtrotters Saturday, September 12th – this is the old Wedges, and will be the location of their meetings
• Sundowners golf outing is Saturday, September 19^th
• Grass Drags Sunday, October 4^th, Boone County Fairgrounds in Belvidere
• Grass Drags Sunday, October 11^th, Winnebago County Fairground, Pecatonica
• Evansville lost Roger Moe, an original member of their club

 

Safety Courses:   Evansville will have theirs the 1^st Wednesday and Saturday in December.  Clinton will have theirs the second Wednesday and Thursday in December.

 

Dan Buttchen made a motion to adjourn.  Jim Reidenbach seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Oaks Ridge Riders for providing snacks.

                                                                                                           

 

Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

May 6, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Milton VFW by President Bob Kaiser

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Bob Kaiser, Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers.

9 clubs present.

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Levi Olson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Bruce Haugen seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Mark Tiffany made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Bruce Haugen seconded it, motion carried.  The note on the tractor will be paid July 1^st.

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  We will meet with the DNR to try to get the CAP program on the budget.  Now is the time to contact legislators, and refer to it as the Snowmobile Program.  It has a good chance of being passed because it won’t cost the State anything. The AWSC will be the only vendor to sell a $15 trail pass.  Other states already doing this have seen an increase in club membership.

 

Trail Report:   Levi needs trail take-out reports.  A copy of what was billed to the grant was passed around.  We are over about $5,000 over without trail take-out.  Landowner checks were given to the clubs.  The Janesville Snow Chiefs have a bridge that has been repaired and is damaged again.  Discussion was held – we will ask the landowner if it could be moved or taken out.

 

President’s Report:   Bob issued a challenge to each club to have three people call their legislators regarding the CAP program.  Mike Sheridan spoke at one of our meetings, and is one the legislators who could be contacted.  This is the first time in Wisconsin that members of a private organization would pay less than someone who did not belong.  Do not use the word “discount”.  It is not a discount.  A suggestion would be to tell them that clubs do the work on the trails, and are asking others to pay their share.

 

Groomer Report:  They are in the shed.

 

Old Business:   There is a lot of work do be done on map ads.  We plan to have this to the printer by October.  So far we have sold 69 squares and have 90 more to sell.  All clubs have been given a list of their sponsors from the last map.  We have had good response from sponsors about the one-year map.

 

New Business:   Dan Buttchen made a motion to suspend meetings in June, July and August.  Motion was seconded by Levi Olson and carried.

 

Announcements:

Evansville Sno-Devils had a club member win $50 for renewing his membership.

Milton Snow Riders won a snowmobile from the Lake States Alliance raffle.

Sundowners golf outing is September 19^th

September Alliance meeting, Sept. 2, Oaks Ridge Riders, Maintenance Building, 7:30 pm

 

Russell Jeske made a motion to adjourn.  Howie Jones seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Milton Snow Riders for providing snacks.

                                                                                                           

 

Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

April  1, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Milton VFW by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers. Absent: Bob Kaiser for most of the meeting.  8 clubs present. Missing: Country Riders

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Jim Goehl made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Russell Jeske seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Mark Hubka made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Bruce Haugen seconded it, motion carried.  The rear window on the tractor is broken and will need to be replaced.

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  There were about 300-400 people at the snowmobile day in Madison, and only 2 people from Rock County.  There were about 900 people at convention.  The AWSC officers are the same again this year.  Some topics discussed were the CAP program, which would raise registration fees from $15 to $35, but anyone who belongs to a club would still pay $15.  Non resident fee is now $35.  This would be the first time that a public fee would be less for someone who belonged to an organization than if they didn’t.  It has not been easy to gain acceptance, and we may have to add some additional incentives.  This program could add $2 million to our seg fund.  The DNR has been funded by Indian gaming money, and they are asking for an additional $128,000.  We would offer them $150,000, and put about $30,000 into an alcohol awareness program.  This would show that we are concerned about snowmobile safety.  We could also put $30-35,000 into a special seg fund for trail maintenance, to ensure that we wouldn’t be kicked off like on the Amery-Dresser section.  We would also put $30-35,000 into tourism to promote snowmobiling.  Right now the state needs money.  We are looking at a program that would bring the snowmobile program about $2 million, and we would spend about $250,000 for special funding, with a 3 year sunset.  The AWSC feels this is a sellable program, and when it is all put together clubs will get a letter asking people to call their legislators.  Mike Sheridan is Speaker of the House and is an important person to contact.   The CAP program would work as follows:  you would register your snowmobile one time, and each year you would buy a trail pass.  Each time a snowmobile is sold it would need to be re-registered.  Trail passes would be sold just like non-resident trail passes, and the AWSC would be a vendor to sell trail passes for $15 to club members.  Once you join a club and the secretary sends in the roster to the AWSC, each person would then contact the AWSC to get a trail pass.  There would be a different trail pass for a non-resident because they are counted in with the gas tax funding.  We also voted to keep the 50-55 mph nighttime speed limit.  We are still working in getting non-resident increase from last year into the supplemental fund.  In some areas personal property tax has been charged on groomers, and we are addressing that issue.  The Conservation Congress has meetings April 13^th at 7:00 pm.  In Rock County it is at the Pontiac Center in Janesville.   There is a bill that deals with vintage snowmobiles.  Right now any snowmobile 1966 and older is considered an antique and has a one-time registration.  They want to change it to 20 years old and older.  Right now we would lose about $250,000, and next year it would be about another $75,000.

 

Trail Report:   Trail is closed.  Some portions have been pulled.  Road signs need to be turned by April 15^th.  Keep track of signs needed, and turn in sign orders and trail take-out reports to Levi ASAP.  Landowner checks are not ready yet because not all landowner lists have been turned in.  We got $19,000 from the county.  With landowner checks and sign orders there is about $6,000 left in the grant, and the county will take about $2,500-$3,000.  We have been asking for funding

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

March 4, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Evansville VFW by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers. Absent: Bob Kaiser

9 clubs present.

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  There were some bill turned in last month that didn’t get paid – Don will make sure they get paid.  Mark Hubka made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Jim Reidenbach seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Jim Goehl made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Bruce Haugen seconded it, motion carried.

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  Convention is coming up March 27-29 at Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells.  Clubs should have received a letter from the AWSC regarding the snowmobile day in Madison on March 26^th.  Buses will pick up people from around the state.  It’s important to have people from Rock County there as well.  Everyone can meet at 10 am at the Concourse Hotel, and will be given a sheet with issues to talk about.  Some of these are non-resident money into the supplemental program, gas tax dollars, CAP program, and antique snowmobiles.   Morris will help everyone find their senator or assemblyman at the Capital.   Budget cuts didn’t affect DNR wardens, and they still want more money from our fund.  Tying an OWI to a driver’s license is still being discussed.  OWI’s for snowmobiles have the highest fine.   Businesses that previously ordered trail passes from the DNR and sold them were able to do the same thing this year.  Businesses who were previously able to print from the Alice system didn’t know they wouldn’t be able to do that until it didn’t work. 

 

Trail Report:   Levi needs updated landowner lists from Lake Koshkonong, Country Riders, Janesville Snow Chiefs and Rock County Snow Blowers, and any new leases.  He will have landowner checks from the county next month.  He has about $26,550 to turn in for grooming.  With sign orders, landowner checks, trail put-in and grooming there will only be about $800 left.  There is about $20,000-22,000 left to turn in.  If any club starts to take out their trail it will all be closed.

 

President’s Report:   Please try to attend the snowmobile day in Madison.

 

Groomer Report:  None

 

Old Business:   Levi contacted two places about printing maps.  If we sell every square we will bring in about $4,000.  He has a list for each club of the sponsors contacted by them on the previous map and receipt forms, and also a list of sponsors that are out of the county.  Each square will be sold for $25, and if a sponsor wanted additional squares they would be sold for $20.  Now is the time to sell ads.  Diane contacted four places about doing our taxes.  Since we are 501c3 we need permission from the IRS to get an extension.  Diane took the tax returns to the accountant she uses.  The fee for doing 2006 and 2007 taxes was $1,200 per year and $800 consultation fee to check prior years, so we have a bill for $3,200.  A year end trial balance sheet is attached to the treasurer’s report.  Map sales are taxable unless we spend what we take in, but because our fiscal year is July 1-June 30 we have income in one year and printing expenses in the next.  Grant money for trails is not taxable.  Further discussion was held.  We fall under the public disclosure law so our taxes must be available for viewing if requested.  Mark Hubka made a motion to pay McGladrey $3,200 for doing our taxes through 2008.  Motion was seconded by Jeff Garde and carried.  Thanks to Diane for taking care of this.

 

New Business:   Levi and Bob met with the Rock County Sheriff’s department to talk about their new snowmobile.  Everyone feels it is a good idea to have law enforcement visible on the trails.  They would like us to inform them of events.  One of the issues talked about was OWI, and what to do with a drunk on a snowmobile.  Most tickets given are for non-registration.  They want to get a small trailer to hook on for rescue, or to pull a snowmobile out from an accident.  Historically, county enforcement have made more arrests per hour than the DNR.

 

Announcements:

• April Alliance meeting, April 1, Lake Koshkonong, Milton VFW, 7:30 pm
• Oaks Ridge Riders Pancake breakfast, April 4, Roscoe VFW
• May Alliance meeting, May 6, Milton Snow Riders

 

Safety Course:   The DNR has new qualifications for any new instructors.  They will do a background check and then a test.

 

 

Mike Ferger made a motion to adjourn.  Jim Goehl seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Evansville Sno-Devils for providing snacks.

                                                                                                            Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

February 4, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Orfordville VFW by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers. Absent: Bob Kaiser

8 clubs present. Missing, Oaks Ridge Riders

 

Secretary’s Report:  On file in the Secretary’s book.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Discussion was held on payment to non-snowmobile farmers.  Dan Buttchen made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Howie Jones seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Mark Hubka made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Bruce Haugen seconded it, motion carried.

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  Convention is coming up March 27-29 at Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells.  Current AWSC officers will run again, with no opposition for any position.  The snowmobile day in Madison will be March 26.  Buses will bring people from three different areas around the state.  We need people in Madison at 10 am to visit with senators and assemblymen to talk about snowmobile issues.  We need a lot of people in order to make this a success.  There have been  people who were unable to get a non-resident trail pass.  In previous years, anyplace with an Alice system could print and sell one.  This year the DNR decided to change this, and print these passes like a regular snowmobile registration.  The passes could be ordered from the DNR, but they didn’t tell anyone.  Let Morris know if you hear about anyone still having problems getting a pass.  Along with Wisconsin’s $5.4 million budget deficit, two things are of primary concern for legislators: to stamp out smoking and get tougher on OWI.  The news media is perpetuating the OWI issue because of the newscaster from Chicago who was killed on a snowmobile.  The DNR and members of the snowmobile recreation council would like to see an OWI on a snowmobile tied to a driver’s license.  The current push is to tie the second offense, which is what Minnesota has.   Discussion was held on this issue.  The Rock County Sheriffs Department now has a snowmobile that was donated to them for rescue purposes, but they are also using it to patrol the trails.  We would like to see communication between us and them.  We will ask Bob to contact the sheriff’s department to talk about it.

 

Trail Report:   Trails have been good, and all three groomers have been out.  Levi has copies of landowner lists.  If there are any changes he needs to know ASAP because this is what the county will pay from.  He also needs any new leases right away.  The county has software available that has GIS mapping.  They want to put our trail on their map showing road crossings and other information, so if there is a change in the trail it is easily corrected on the map.  Levi still needs trail put-in sheets from three clubs.  He turned in grooming and we got a check for about $19,000.  We have had problems this year with people going through fences by Clinton and Shopiere.  There is also a problem on Plymouth Church with people going through the woods.  The trail is marked along the road.  Maybe next year we can find a way around this landowner.  We don’t get paid for trail going along roads.

 

President’s Report:  None.

 

Groomer Report:  The bad track was replaced on the south groomer.  Doug Olson donated a spindle for the drag.

 

Old Business:   Levi contacted a couple of printers to get prices on maps.  We still have some from the last printing.  When we do a map every other year and have new people who want to get on, they can’t until the next time ads are sold.  Doing a map every year would have to be cost effective, but we don’t want to make a profit - we need to spend what we take in.  The Alliance has a contract with the county to do a map every two years.  The Clinton club put maps on corners marked with “you are here”.  It would be a good idea to put up signs on the trails indicating what town you are going toward.  Diane is working on the tax return and will be at our next meeting.

 

New Business:   Levi nominated Morris for AWSC Director.  Motion was seconded by Dan Buttchen and carried.  Jason Niemeier made a motion to pay Morris the same director fee as last year.  Motion seconded by Jim Goehl and carried.  We got $100 of raffle tickets from Lake States Resource Alliance.  Russell Jeske made a motion to buy the tickets, motion seconded by Dan Buttchen and carried.

 

Announcements:

• February 7, Clinton Fencehoppers Ski-Bob races at the maintenance bldg, 11-4
• February 21, Sundowners radar run, Willow Road
• February 22, Milton Snow Chiefs fundraiser at Varsity Lanes, club teams welcome
• March Alliance meeting, March 4, Evansville Sno-Devils, Evansville VFW, 7:30 pm
• Country Riders fundraiser, tickets available next month
• April Alliance meeting, April 1, Lake Koshkonong
• May Alliance meeting, May 6, Milton Snow Riders

 

Safety Course:  

 

Sundowners had 24

 

Jim Goehl made a motion to adjourn.  Mark Hubka seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Country Riders for providing snacks.

                                                                                                            Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

January 7, 2009

 

Call to Order:  at Maintenance Building by President Bob Kaiser

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Bob Kaiser, Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany. Absent: Don Myers

9 clubs present

 

Secretary’s Report:  Russell Jeske made a motion to forgo reading minutes of the December Alliance meeting and approve as written.  Jim Reidenbach seconded it, motion carried.  Levi Olson made a motion to dispense with reading of the minutes at each meeting unless there are changes.  Motion was seconded by Dan Buttchen and carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report:    None

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Bruce Haugen made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Levi Olson seconded it, motion carried.  Orfordville Lumber Ace Hardware donated lumber to fix the bridge at Footville.  Sandy will send them a thank you card.

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  $250,000 was transferred into the supplemental grooming fund.  A meeting was held in September with the DOT, DNR and user groups to talk about tying an OWI on a recreational vehicle to a driver’s license.  The Governor’s Council, which is an advisory committee, recommended that a second OWI on a snowmobile be tied to a driver’s license.  The AWSC initially voted against it.  The snowmobile day in Madison will probably be the end of March or first of April.  Other issues ongoing are the CAP program, $128,000 to law enforcement, the increase in non-resident fees could be transferred to the supplemental program, use of snowmobiles on state trails, and deer hunting.

 

Trail Report:   Levi needs trail put-in reports.  The form on the flash drive doesn’t work on email.  You can fill it out and print but can’t save. He has another form that can be used.  People from the Parks Dept checked the trail and road signs.  The DNR rode from Hwy 51 to Sugar River trail to Evansville.  There were a couple of concerns that were safety issues.  Levi contacted those clubs.  We got the check from the County for supplemental grooming, approximately $17,000.  A question was raised about how to get new trail by Orfordville.  Club trail can be put in.  It would not be funded but could be groomed.  Leases are advised but not required. We are trying to get 3.1 miles of trail by Evansville funded, and have been second on the list for 4-5 years.  We won’t need a new bridge by Footville because the trail was re-routed through the golf course.

 

President’s Report:  Levi is in charge of the trails, and makes the decision on whether or not trails are open.  He should be the only contact with the county.  Lyle Bohland resigned from taking care of the Snowblowers trails.  We should try to get a system together so that one landowner doesn’t prevent the trail from opening because of deer hunting.  Part of the reason it wasn’t open December 1^st was because it wasn’t all in.  Levi felt that if the trail was officially open but not completely marked, people not familiar would ride and have no idea where they were going.  It officially opened Dec 15^th.  Since we got the money from supplemental we should look at paying investors.  Levi made a motion to table that discussion until next month.  Mike Ferger seconded it.

 

Groomer Report:  The south groomer has one bad track, but we will run it until it starts to come apart.  We have two spares.  There was some minor work done on the tractor.

 

Old Business:   The trail open/close policy was discussed.  If it is officially opened people will ride because they think they have the right to.  If it is not officially open and people who ride locally are out, they won’t go where they know they can’t.  It is difficult to open just sections.  All communication throughout the county should go through Levi.  The landowner who leases his land to deer hunters in the CWD zone and won’t let us cross until deer hunting is over is stopping us from opening the trail.  One person from each club should be in contact with Levi to let him know whether their section could be open or closed.  Two things we need to try to do are get the trail completely marked by December 1^st – not after – and find a way around the landowner who won’t let us ride until after deer hunting is over.  We have a landowner who was concerned about the groomer being out when there was only a little snow.  People think that because the groomer is out the trails are open.  We may need to get some trail closed signs.  We should address any issues and set policies within the Alliance.  The CWD areas will have to take precedent.  The best policy seems to be that trails are open when there is at least 4” of snow and temperature is below 34 degrees.  The DNR can’t give trespassing tickets, only local law enforcement can.

Levi tried to get information on hiring a CPA.  They need paperwork from prior years to give us an estimate.  We need to get tax paperwork from Diane to take to an accountant.  It has to be someone who knows about 501c3.

 

New Business:   There has been a problem getting out-of-state trail passes in some places.  These should come from the machine, or some places have them on hand.  New maps were discussed.  Instead of doing one every 2-3 years, we could look at doing one every year and charge $25 per square.  This would involve a lot more work but new sponsors would be able to get on quicker, and businesses that are on every time may be more receptive.  Right now is the best time to sell ads.  The money we collect would be about the same.  Levi will bring forms next month.  Each club should have one contact who will be responsible for selling ads and getting the info to Levi.  Mike Ferger made a motion to do a new map every year, with ads selling for $25 per square.  Motion was seconded by Jason Neimeier and carried.

 

Announcements:

• February Alliance meeting, February 4, Country Riders, Orfordville American Legion, 7:30 pm
• February 1, Sundowners breakfast buffet at Norm’s Hideaway, 8-noon
• February 7, Clinton Fencehoppers Ski-Bob races, Snodeo at the maintenance bldg, 11-4
• February 22, Milton Snow Chiefs fundraiser at Varsity Lanes, club teams welcome
• March Alliance meeting, March 4, Evansville Sno-Devils, Evansville VFW, 7:30 pm
• Country Riders fundraiser, tickets available next month

 

Safety Course:  

 

Milton had 23  

Evansville had 37

Clinton had 35

Sundowners had 35 signed up

 

There is no new manual or classroom material yet.

 

 

Mike Ferger made a motion to adjourn.  Levi Olson seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Clinton Fencehoppers for providing snacks.

                                                                                                            Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

December 3, 2008

 

Call to Order:  at Hackbarth Hills by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers. Absent: Bob Kaiser 9 clubs present

 

Secretary’s Report:  Levi Olson made a motion to forgo reading minutes of the November Alliance meeting and approve as written.  Dan Buttchen seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Mark Hubka made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Jim Goehl seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Jon Bjoin made a motion to pay the bills as presented.  Jason Niemeier seconded it, motion carried. 

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  The Democrats now control the majority so there will be new committee chairs.  Spencer Black was named chairman of the Natural Resources Board on the Assembly side, and he won’t be easy to work with.  Jim Holperin is now senator in the northeast corner will be the Natural Resources chairman on the Senate side, which is good for us.  We should have a date soon for the snowmobile day in Madison.  A study committee was created to enhance non-motorized recreation on state trails.  Some ideas presented by this committee are not popular with snowmobilers and ATVers.  They want to change the rules on operating on public and state lands, giving DNR more permission of law enforcement, raising fines for trespassing, and they want the state to spend $10 million a year on state trails.  Levi and Bob met with the emergency management people.  Bill Engford, who is the head DNR warden in Madison and is the DNR’s representative to homeland security, would like to involve the whole state and the AWSC in emergency preparedness.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the snowmobile community to get some positive PR.  Levi has a form for each club to list names and phone numbers for two people.  Each club should have their own phone tree, and try to have people who are accessible.

 

Trail Report:   The county has a website and is looking for information from clubs, such as events, places of interest, things to do, etc.  The DRN has a link to this website.  The railroad contacted the county and wanted to know if we had any problems or issues.  Trails are not all in.  Each club should let Levi know when they are done.  There is one landowner who won’t let us on his land until deer hunting is over on Dec. 14^th.  This is in the Snowblowers area between Hanover and the river.   There is also a holiday hunt from Dec 24^th to Jan 4^th.  Let Levi know ASAP if there are any new leases.  The DNR wants maps and membership forms from each club.  Levi will update the club contacts brochure that lists all clubs and give that to them.  There are still some signs and a few posts available.

 

President’s Report:  Please get your trails in so we can open them.  The weather report is that we are expecting snow.

 

Groomer Report:  Chains for the tractor are being rebuilt.  It will be in the Orfordville parade on Saturday, Dec. 6^th.  We will try to get work done on the south groomer this weekend.  The north groomer is ready to go.  Levi can get a 550 gallon tank on a trailer that we can use at the maintenance building.  We could get off-road fuel at off-road price delivered by the Clinton Co-op.

 

 

 

 

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

November 5, 2008

 

Call to Order:  at Edgerton Towne Country Club by President Bob Kaiser

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Bob Kaiser, Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers.  9 clubs present

 

Secretary’s Report:  Mike Ferger made a motion to forgo reading minutes of the October Alliance meeting and approve as written.  Jim Reidenbach seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Dan Buttchen made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Jackie Kell seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment and approved to be paid.

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  There were about 800 people who attended convention.  Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Shirley Abramson was there, last year’s military ride was talked about, and students from Platteville University gave a presentation on making snowmobiles more efficient.  Levi attended a workshop on insurance.  He found out from Schwartz and Shea that we are covered for crop damage after a $250 deductible per occurrence.  In the past, crop damage has been turned in to the grant.  If we start turning crop damage in to the insurance it will be considered a claim and will cause our premiums to go up.  Discussion was held on this and liability insurance on workers.  Levi also attended a workshop on the CAP program, and passed out copies of the rough draft.  Morris explained the program.  After the election we now have new legislators to work with.  There will be a snowmobile day at the Capital, probably in February or March. The AWSC will bring buses of snowmobilers in from different areas of the state.

 

Trail Report:   There are power lines going in this fall and will cross or be close to our trail in four places.  The company putting these in wants everyone to be safe and will help re-route or put up barriers.  Call Levi if this will affect your trail.  Road signs must be turned by the weekend after Thanksgiving.  There are some signs that are not hinged.  These are supposed to be taken off and turned to face the opposite direction.  Levi has cut some in half and hinged them in the past.  The county will charge us if they have to turn our signs.  There is only one form for trail maintenance this year.  Levi put it on a flash drive for each club.  The only rate change this year is for trailers.  We were audited when we applied for supplemental grooming.  Sometimes a charge is disallowed.  Be realistic when filling out trail maintenance forms.  Keep track of what you use and how long you use it.  Levi explained how to log hours and equipment.  The total grant was $89,193.38, including supplemental.  We applied for $32,000 in supplemental, which will be prorated.  The county has received $17,000 so far and the rest is due December 1^st.  The oil pipeline is going through and will affect our trail in a couple of places.  We need to start working on the bridge in Footville – take pictures, talk to the landowner, do the paperwork.  There is a trail change by Evansville.  There is another landowner who wants orange snow fence to put on the edge of his land by the trail.  There were two landowners by Beloit last year who wouldn’t let us on their land until after deer hunting.  There is a holiday hunt from December 24^th to January 4^th.  Some other landowners may have a concern with this.  The county determines where road signs go, and if they are needed.  Clubs should get their stop signs in right away so the county can check to see if the road sign is where it should be, and if they need to be moved.

 

President’s Report:  Levi spends countless hours on record keeping and trail reporting.  He will meet with clubs to go over signing, use of chevrons and arrows.  Levi explained where these should be used.  The trail should be uniformly marked across the county.  Clubs should keep good records to help Levi.

 

Groomer Report:  Spikes were ordered for the chains for the tractor.  We may be able to use a field cultivator with the tractor to level the trail in places.  Discussion was held on fuel for the groomers, and the possibility of getting portable tanks to keep where they are stored.  Right now they have to go somewhere to get fuel.

 

Old Business:   Diane filed for an extension on the taxes.

 

New Business:   Bob and Levi attended a Winter Emergency Planning Committee meeting to discuss what happened last year on I-90, and to try to coordinate efforts to keep it from happening again.  Several agencies were present and more meetings will be held.  As snowmobilers, we got excellent PR because of our help last year.  They want a contact from each club and for each club to have a plan.

 

Announcements:

• December Alliance meeting, December 3, Janesville Snow Chiefs, Hackbarth Hills, 7:30 pm
• Janesville Snow Chiefs Frostbite Bash December 6^th, raffle tickets available
• January Alliance meeting, January 7, Clinton Fencehoppers, Maintenance Bldg. 7:30 pm

 

Safety Course:  

 

Milton’s will be on Nov 17^th and 19^th, contact Ron Preiss at 608-868-6013. 

Evansville’s will be on Dec. 3^rd and 6^th, contact Russell Jeske at 608-882-5056. 

Clinton’s will be on Dec 10^th and 11^th, contact Sandy Tiffany at 608-751-4218. 

These are all listed on the DNR website.  Students must obtain a DNR number in order to take the class.  Contact the DNR at 888-936-7463, or go to a DNR center.  This is the same number as a hunting or fishing license.

 

Mike Ferger made a motion to adjourn.  Jackie Kell seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Sundowners for providing snacks.

                                                                                                            Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary

 

A note from your secretary:

 

If you have not returned your list of club members who should receive a newsletter, please bring it to the December meeting.

ROCK COUNTY ALLIANCE OF SNOWMOBILE CLUBS

 

October 1, 2008

 

Call to Order:  at Maintenance Building by Vice President Mark Tiffany

 

Roll Call:  Alliance officers present: Mark Tiffany, Sandy Tiffany, Don Myers.  Absent: Bob Kaiser.  8 clubs present, missing Country Riders

 

Secretary’s Report:  Russell Jeske made a motion to forgo reading minutes of the September Alliance meeting and approve as written.  Levi Olson seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Copies of the treasurer’s report were distributed.  Don Myers read it, a copy is on file in the secretary’s book.  Levi Olson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report.  Jim Goehl seconded it, motion carried. 

 

Pay Bills:  Bills were presented for payment.  Dan Buttchen made a motion to pay the bills.  Motion was seconded by Jim Reidenbach and carried. 

 

AWSC Director’s Report:  Convention is coming up Oct 24-26.  Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Shirley Abramson will be there. This year there won’t be a snow show.  The regular 10-day deer hunt will still take place, and there will be another 4-day hunt Dec 11-14.  Also, in the CWD zone there will be a holiday hunt from Dec 24-Jan 4.  We would like to keep a record of any problems with landowners because of this.  The DNR took $128,000 from our trail money for law enforcement.  We will oppose it.  There was a meeting to discuss tying an OWI on a recreational vehicle to the driver’s license.  People representing ATV’s, boaters, snowmobilers, off road vehicles, DOT, DNR, Governor’s Council and AWSC were there.  The reason for this meeting was because a news media person from Chicago was killed on a snowmobile.  MI and MN both have it, but for us it will not happen soon.  There has been no decision on closing trail in the Nicolet and Chequamegon National Forests.

 

Trail Report:   Levi handed out landowner lists.  Please get any changes to him ASAP.  He also handed out a list of checks not cashed from the last two years.  If these people don’t want a check we need to change them to not get one.  Checks not cashed cost the grant money.  The Alliance President needs to sign the contract with the county before signs can be ordered.  Levi will order about $6,500 in signs and posts.  Next month we will have forms for trail reports.  Levi bought UBS flash drives for each club to put their trail reports on.  The county has a check for supplemental grooming for $17,000, and should get it to us soon.  Morris explained that counties are audited when they apply for supplemental grooming.  Levi keeps good records so we didn’t have any problems, and we need to continue to help him.  We can start turning road signs November 1^st.  The meeting with the county and groomer operators has not been scheduled yet.  Levi is willing to meet with trail bosses to go over signing.  It should be uniform across the county.  There was an article by Mike Carr in the Wisconsin Snowmobile News about riding in Rock County.  When he goes on these rides and writes the articles he tries not to be influenced by locals.

 

Groomer Report:  The battery in the south groomer needs to be charged, and fluids checked.  The right rear track is bad.

 

Old Business:   None

 

New Business:   Election was held, and officers are the same as last year.

            President          Bob Kaiser

            Vice President   Mark Tiffany

            Secretary          Sandy Tiffany

            Treasurer           Don Myers

We need a light pole with a light in the parking lot.  The Pelishek Nature Trail Foundation has discussed it.   It is a safety issue, as well as a security issue.  We will talk to Pete about our options.  The treasurer would like to hire an accountant to do the taxes because we now have the building along with our other assets.  Don suggested McGladrey – they are about $2,500-$3,000.  We will file for an extension and look for an accountant.  Sandy has forms for club officers, along with a copy of last year’s list.  Each club should check their list and make any corrections for this year.  Alliance newsletters typically go to club presidents, secretaries, Alliance reps and alternates, and trail bosses, or anyone else who would like to receive it via email.

 

Announcements:

• November Alliance meeting, November 5, Sundowners, Edgerton Town Country Club, 7:30 pm
• Chili Cook-off at Shopiere Bar and Grill Sunday, October 26^th, proceeds to Clinton Fencehoppers scholarship fund
• Janesville Snow Chiefs Frostbite Bash December 6^th, raffle tickets available
• December Alliance meeting, December 3, Janesville Snow Chiefs

 

Safety Course:   Students must obtain a DNR number in order to take the class.  Contact the DNR at 888-936-7463, or go to a DNR center.  Evansville’s safety course will be on Dec. 3^rd and 6^th, contact Russell Jeske at 608-882-5056.  Clinton’s will be on Dec 10^th and 11^th, contact Sandy Tiffany at 608-751-4218.

 

Jim Goehl made a motion to adjourn.  Wally Goeglein seconded it, motion carried.  Thanks to the Rock County Snowblowers for providing snacks.

                                                                                                            Submitted,

 

 

 

                                                                                                            Sandy Tiffany

                                                                                                            Secretary