Sonoma Wings Meeting Minutes
Thursday, January 24, 2002
President Larry Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. In attendance were: Jon James, Leo Jones, Donna Matthaias, Ernie Camacho, Scot Huber, Tjodd Robinson, Anthony Abate, Kurt Bainum, Albert Branson, Larry Roberts, Matt Jagelka, Charley Warren, and Greg Sugg.
Two prospective new members were introduced to the club: Rich Hinkle is interested in taking paragliding lessons but has not yet located an instructor. Wally Anderson was suggested as a possible instructor. Also, Ian Riedel has completed his H-1 training from Mission Soaring Center and is looking to buy a suitable glider and start getting air time and honing his skills. Justin’s old glider was suggested as an appropriate first glider.
The Santa Rosa Rose Parade will be held this year on May 18th. The theme of this year’s parade will be “Stars and Stripes and Roses”. If the club is to have a presence this year, volunteers will be needed.
A work party to improve the Elk Mountain road may be scheduled and needs further discussion.
Members were reminded to pay their annual club dues soon so the club will have the money for the various expenses coming up such as site insurance. Pay up! ;-)
Several members voiced support for a parachute repacking get-together. Larry will talk with Johnny D to get the ball rolling. Todd may not need to repack his chute because he had it done three or four years ago.
A Straw Hat manager asked if we could move our meetings from Thursdays to Mondays to accommodate his scheduling. There was some talk about possibly moving the meetings to Winsor. However, most present didn’t like that idea. Since we have been meeting at the same time for years now, and since we buy lots of food and beer when we have meetings, it was decided to “stone wall” and let Straw Hat reschedule some other group.
St. John ramp: Leo told the club that he contacted Jessie Rosenquiest of the Forest Service to check the progress on our use permit for the launch ramp and improvement of the ramp. Mr. Rosenquist said that we will have the permit by the end of February. Leo estimates we will need at lease a two day work party to improve the ramp.
East Park Reservoir: Jon said that he will attend a meeting in Maxwell on Thursday, January 31st to discuss the Resource Management Plan for East Park Reservoir. He would like a small group from Sonoma Wings to commit to attending all such meetings until the situation at the Dolphin LZ is resolved.
Anthony requested that hang ratings and appointments such as observer status be included in the web site membership data page. Club members agreed that it would be a good idea. It will help advancing pilots find observers for their sign-offs.
Larry announced that all the permits and insurance documents are ready to file on the flying sites which we administer. Albert questioned whether we should continue to insure the Crazy Creek glider port. It was also pointed out that Wally Anderson is using the site for instructional purposes. The general consensus was that we should continue the insurance, but that we should ask Wally to pay part of the cost.
All interested pilots are reminded to get their money ($5.00 each) in for both of our cross country competitions, the Go For It and the Coffee Can.
An Executive Committee meeting was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 1st at Jon James’ house.
Scot asked if the club had decided whether or not to institute a handicapping scheme to compensate for glider type in the Go For It. There will be no handicaps for the 2002 competition. If he gets a rigid wing, the club may feel differently next year.
Kurt asked if paragliders are permitted at Goat Rock. Jon said since they are known as hang gliders they are permitted. Kurt said that there have been some paraglider bandidos without proper permits flying there recently. Larry will call BAPA about the bandidos and the Goat Rock requirements to make sure that all paraglider pilots are aware of the rules and regulations at the site.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
Greg Sugg, Secretary