Banadad Trail Associations Minutes and Meetings

BTA Meeting with USFS, June 7, 2011

2011-06-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Meeting with USFS

Banadad Trail Plan 2011

Grand Marais USFS District Office

Present: Ted Young, John and Barb Bottger, Pete Harris, Jon Benson (USFS Wilderness Manager, BTA ad-hoc), Steve Schug (USFS Asst. District Mgr,.))

Steve will be retiring in September. Jon will be our new contact. Contact information for Jon Benson:

jabenson@fs.fed.us

218-663-8085

Ted presented general report for this past year. Good snow but low count on skiers mainly because the snow was good all over the state. The winter mix storm was costly.

In reference to the 2011 Banadad Trail Plan IV. Page 6:

Interior Widening is done.

Green Up has been done.

Request for MCC crews. USFS is using them for some major projects but believes we can get them on for the Banadad projects at the end of the season. They are needed at the west end from the Bedew Lake Yurt to widen. Ted figures it is a 6-day project.

West end reroute/easement is on hold until property sale goes through.

Prescribed Burn area. WInchell Lake Fire Trail. USFS will reopen fire trail and cut out all burnt trees…

Side note - Swamp Lake Portage to Poplar. There is an easement (now the snowmobile trail) and people use it as a portage in the summer and end up at Ted’s house. Request to Forest Service to put up signs to correct traffic flow. Forest Service will follow up.

Banadad Bridge – Got the beams in there.. Jim R. will take down trees from Ham Fire. USFS will grant an administrative permit within the next two weeks for a group of 8 people the weekend of September 17-18. Entry point is the Skipper Entry Point.

Mowing – Only possible if some money comes along.

Snow Season Emergency Cleaning – This is getting to be a regular need and it is expense and labor intensive. We need to come up with a plan to address this. The USFS agrees but cannot offer any aid. We can always ask but their budget doesn’t hold much hope.

Steve had comments about the BTA. He really likes the partnership with the association and the annual trail plan. It really makes the partnership a working, accountable relationship.

Meeting finished at 11:15 a.m.

Respectfully submitted by Barb Bottger, Secretary

Annual Meeting October 23, 2010 Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B (Draft)

2011-04-13T05:19:00.000-07:00

(Karen asked Julie Kilpatrick to take minutes since the secretary was absent.)- 33 people present.

Call to order: Karen Monson called the meeting to order shortly after 5:30 pm

Approval of agenda

Treasurer’s Report: Karla Miller, treasurer, gave a brief financial report indicating that the BTA has a positive checking account balance. Full financial report information will be distributed to the board soon after the meeting.

President’s Report

Karen showed the “Banadad Beavers” t-shirt and encouraged people to consider buying one. The t-shirts were designed to thank trail volunteers from the the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) who helped with trail work this summer

Karen thanked everyone for contributing to the BTA and presented gifts of appreciation to each of the founding trail association members. She announced that she was finishing her term as chair.

Karen introduced the new board members and slate of officers: Linda Bosma President, Andy Jenks Vice President; Kate Kelnberger, Treasurer;; Barbara Bottger Secretary, Tom Rice, Peter Spink, Anne Rykken, Chris Matter, Wayne Monsen, and Karla Miller. Barb Bottger and John Bottger are also on the board but were uanble to attend the meeting.

Linda Bosma announced that BTA will be establishing a finance committee early in the year to ensure that BTA establishes sound financial producedures and record keeping process to maintain compliance with our impending non-profit status.

Trail Maintenance and slide show. Ted Young gave an update on trail maintenance. Over ten miles of trail were groomed over the weekend. Most of the Banadad was not damaged by the prescribed burns conducted during the week by the Forest Service. An area of red cedars was burned by mistake.

Jim Rice showed a slide show of the weekend’s maintenance.

A comedy presentation was made by “The Looney Divas”.

Linda Bosma concluded the meeting, and thanked Karen Monson for her service as the founding Board President. She also thanked all the volunteers in attendance at the meeting for their work grooming and clearing the trail.

Meeting Adjourned.

A potluck supper followed the meeting.

Board Meeting- October 23, 2010 at Poplar Creek Guesthouse

2011-04-13T05:15:00.000-07:00

Present: Karen Monsen, Linda Bosma, Karla Miller, Kate Kelnberger, Tom Rice, Peter Spink, Anne Rykken, Chris Matter, Wayne Monsen, Andy Jenks, Julie Kilpatrick, Ted Young, Jim Morrison

Julie Kilpatrick took minutes since Secretary Barb Bottger was unable to attend the meeting.

Karen Monson gave the nominating committee report. The Nominating Committee was Karen and Ted Young. Officers nominated were Linda Bosma, President; Andy Jenks, Vice President;Kate Kelnberger, Treasure; Barb Bottger, Secretary. Karen asked for a vote of acclimation for the slate of officers. Slate elected by acclimation.

Karen said she would like to stay involved as ex officio past president member.

Non Profit Designation

Wayne Monson reported that the application is done and an attorney is reviewing it. When feedback is received from the attorney, application will be submitted as soon as needed revisions can be made.

Membership Committee

Peter Spink gave the membership committee report. The committee has identified the following tasks to undertake immediately:

Staff Midwest Mountaineering both only if sufficient number of volunteers are able to staff the booth; cost is $70 (Peter, Linda, Chris, Wayne, Karen, and Karla volunteered; Peter will send out a schedule to try to recruit more help; Linda stressed the importance of staffing the event and that BTA should not pay the fee and plan to do it unless enough people can help.)

Committee will work with BCT to send letter to ski guests who use the Trail and through an arrangement with BCT when they book guests.

Linda will work with Ted to incorporate member info in the press release for Cook Co paper.

Chris will take the lead on researching and installation of a contribution box that can be placed at the trailheads to accept donations.

Outreach to North Stars Ski Touring Club to solicit memberships.

Business memberships/sponsorships will be created in the following categories: $500 level receive link on BTA website and ad in newsletters, $250 level receive website link, $100 level have name listed on website; Midwest

Motion: BTA will pay the $70 fee for a table at Midwest Mountaineering Expo contingent on sufficient volunteers committing to staff the table. Motion passed.

Finance Committee

Linda announced that a Finance Committee will be established. This is needed so that we ensure we are monitoring the grants BTA receives and establishing sound financial and accounting procedures to stay in good standing. Linda will be contacting members to invite them to be part of the Finance Committee soon after the meeting. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Linda.

Re-Printing Needs: Motion carried to do the following:

BTA Brochure 1000 8.5x11 will cost between $200-250

Need edits and phone no. Ann will revise brochure

Banadad Trail Maps 500 8.5x14 will cost $200 to 300

In a month we need new maps. Tom and Andy will make new maps.

Motion: Brochure should be redesigned and maps should be redesigned. Motion passed.

Events

Volkski 500 will take place this year on February 12, 2011. BTA participated last year and much of the trail was skied. All are encouraged to come and ski that weekend, as it will be a good opportunity for publicity. Members decided BTA should participate and encourage people to ski all sections of the trail. It was also agreed that it should be advertised in the BTA newsletter.

Trail Plan

Linda reminded the board that the BTA, with Ted’s leadership, created a detailed Trail Plan for the Banadad last spring. The Trail Plan was created in part in response to a request from the Forest Service for all trail organizations in Cook County to provide up-to-date trail planning information. The Forest Service was very impressed with the BTA Trail Plan and reported that they planned to use it with other trail organizations as an example of what a trial plan should look like and include. Linda told people to let her or Ted know if they need a copy of the plan, as it did not seem that everyone had seen it. The Trail Plan will need to be updated this year, based on current plans, conditions, and resources.

Equipment Lease

The BTA applied for and received an equipment grant to purchase a snowmobile and drag for tracking the Banadad Trail. BTA will own the equipment until the lease arrangements are successful fulfilled by Boundary Country Trekking whereupon Boundary Country Trekking would become Co-owner of the equipment with BTA Ted and Linda B, Karen M, and Chris M. have negotiated and/or reviewed the lease conditions.

Approval of preliminary Budget

Karla Miller presented a preliminary budget to the group, which was approved. More detailed, written budget information will be sent out to the board shortly after the annual meeting, for approval by email.

The agenda for the annual meeting was reviewed and approved.

Other Business: Karen modeled the new Banadad Beavers t-shirt. Shirts are for sale for $20. They were designed and printed originally to present to MCC who worked on the trail this past summer doing maintenance.

Meeting adjourned.

Board Minutes July 28, 2010

2010-07-29T03:16:00.001-07:00

Conference Call 7 p.m.

Present: Barb Botter, Peter Spink, Chris Matter, Karen Monsen, Wayne Monsen, Karla Miller, Linda Bosma, John Bottger, Ted Young, Anne Rykken

Karen called the meeting to order.

Approval of minutes John moved, Peter seconded approval. Comment – the edits will be incorporated. Minutes approved.

Financial Report. Balance is $1,328.00 John moves, Peter seconds acceptance of this report.

Committee Reports:

Website C. – no business.

Membership C. - Committee met and started setting goals for membership which resulted in needing the financial needs of the association. We realize that we don’t currently bring in enough resources; thus we need a better understanding of the needs. Chris presented a grid to address four main categories in membership. Karla wondered about sending out invoices to members for annual reminder. Maybe we could just do email reminders? Barb suggests that all board members commit to helping with the membership drive as outlined by the Membership C. Anything needed from board members must be very clear, specific to be returned to one person then you will get the information you need. Karen moved that all board members support the membership committee. 100% verbal support!

Nonprofit Status C. – Linda not able to make progress on report but will have papers to attorney by August 15.

West End Re-route – Tom shared graphic with plans for reroute.

Possible Forest Service Grant – Barb has link for a grant and will check it out.

Nominating C. – Karen noted that this committee needs to be convened each year and needs a board member to work with Karen along with a non-board member. Please send her an email to volunteer. Linda B. has indicated interest in running for president of the BTA.

Annual Meeting – Sat. Oct. 23 in conjunction with board meeting and potluck. We’ll invite members from North Stars and others. We will recognize and thank the volunteers who will be with us that day. Karen encourages all board members to be present.

Additional Project Needs – Ted needs someone to work with him on setting up a usage agreement and a financing agreement for this new grant for equipment needs. The grant requires taking out a loan for $6,000.00. Linda B. will work with Ted on this project.

Trail Maintenance Report - Ted presented the following:

1) MCC – 5 guys have been working now for 8 days, clearing from Banadad bridge for ¾ to the east and 3 miles to the west. Three pockets need major widening. Len Voit and Ted were out on Sun. and saw the MCC and saw they were doing a great job. Ted suggests we give them an award/token of some kind as gratitude because they make very little money. Anne agreed to design a t-shirt and will get back to Ted. This could also be extended to baseball caps.

2) Trail Widening – Jim R. has a mile to clear, two pockets ½ mi each at the cost of $2,000 to be covered under our DNR grant. He’ll do it at the end of August. We’ll give a copy of payment check to Cheryl at the County to be reimbursed. Ted will be submitting an invoice (for supervising the MCC group) to be paid by the BTA with reimbursement from the county.

3) Volunteer Projects – North Stars Oct. 21-24. Minnehaha Academy Nov. 19-21 North Stars get free lodging but Minnehaha Academy has been paying a fee. Ted proposes that the two volunteer groups with an established history receive compensation for lodging for their volunteer work. Boundary Country Trekking would subsidize any expenses the BTA could not cover. Karen proposes that these volunteers should be treated equally and lodging should be provided. Discussion showed agreement with need to build this expense into our annual budget. John moves that these two organizations currently doing maintenance on the trail receive the same lodging allowance, Linda seconds. Motion carries with North Star members abstaining.

4) Volunteer Insurance Coverage - Ted talked to his agent and their worker’s comp coverage would apply based upon hours worked and/or lodging costs. Ted would need the volunteer names and addresses. He can do this for a minimal cost that he will not worry about. A list of names and addresses will need to be submitted to Ted.

Volks Ski 2011 - Board members are encouraged to participate in this event with a proposed board retreat to occur the same weekend.

Midwest Mountaineering - Nov. 19-21. Booth level is $70 or we could go in with North Pine, Pin Cushion and Sugar Bush. We should have a meeting with these folks. A decision about this exhibition would need to be made by the annual meeting. Joint effort with the other associations would be a good thing. We could invite them to our annual meeting. This needs to be incorporated in the budget and we’ll talk to the committee members. Peter says we need to discuss our goal – is it visibility or memberships? John moves that we come through with a proposal at the annual meeting for a goal and plan to work with other associations. John will work with Ted on this proposal.

Next meeting – Saturday, October 23 at Boundary Country Trekking, time to be announced.

Barb moves, Peter seconds that meeting be adjourned at 8 p.m.

Meeting notes by Barb Bottger

Board Minutes May 4, 2010

2010-06-24T04:55:00.001-07:00

7p.m. Conference Call

Present: Barb Bottger, John Bottger, Tom Rice, Karen Monson, Linda Bosma, Jim Morrison, Anne Rykken, Peter Spink, Chris Matter

Agenda Review. Ted requests addition of web page discussion.

1. Minutes were reviewed. Linda moved to accept, Barb seconded.

2. Treasurer’s Report. $1078.54 in checking account . All Grant-in-aid funds are in and all expenses paid out.

3. Non-profit Committee. All the information has been collected. Wayne has found someone to review the application. Next step – Linda will put it all together so the attorney can review it. Hope for timeline around the end of May to mid June.

4. Banadad Trail Report/meeting with USFS outlined by Barb Bottger.

5. Trail Reroute at West End of Banadad. Tom and Ted GPS’d the entire parcel of land which holds possibility for reroute. Tom reports that the reroute has some nice stands of trees but it will require a lot of work to clear to the Trail due to blowdown. Ted got the plat map for the private property. Tom would like to translate plat map into GPS coordinates. Ted believes the USFS will survey the property. Cook County could provide a legal description. Ted and Barb will check into that and let Tom know.

6. Remote Interior Widening Contract. 3 sections. East end – 4/10 mile. West end – 1/10 mile and ½ mile. Ted proposes to use grant funds ($2000) for the two larger project and has contracted with Jim Raml to do the work on the 4/10 miles and1/2 mile sections. It is hoped that the 1/10 mile section will be done by the MCC. Before a decision is made on grant monies, board members request a comprehensive outline of the grants to be presented at our July meeting.

7. Volunteer Weekend Plans. Oct. 23-24 North Star Ski Club. Minnehaha Academy will be up in November and the first weekend in March 2011. Ted has one other group that will be in. He would like to gather a group of local volunteers in early October. Members of the BTA are all willing to show up if possible.

8. Annual meeting will be Saturday, October 23. Details to follow.

9. Grooming Equipment Grant. Minnesota Recreational Trail Users Association makes the decision on grant recipients and has informed Ted that the BTA was given the grant applied for. We will get official notice in June with all the guidelines. The money will be available to us in November. This is a $12,000 grant, the DNR pays $6,000 and the BTA comes up with the other half. The county could provide a loan for $6,000.

10. BTA Carbon Offset and Tree Planning Weekends. All the grooming equipment mileage, ATV and automobiles total up the gasoline used. That is used in a complex formula to determine dollars needed for tree planting.

11. Web Page. How does it work? Any changes, etc. are given to Tom and he updates the web page. Tom will look into options for the email account.

12. Banadad By-laws dated 10/20/09 is the most recent copy. Term of officers has been updated Section 6.5 and 7.2). Karen will form a nominating committee in August to draw up a slate for elections at the Oct. meeting.

13. Next meeting – July 12, 7 p.m. The agenda will include reports from each committee and comprehensive understanding of grants. Chris Matter will help Karla map and monitor grants. Chris will also help with Membership Drive this fall.

14. Karla moves and Anne seconded that we adjourn.

Board Meeting- 7:00 Pm January 29, 2010

2010-02-10T03:26:00.003-08:00

Banadad Trail Association Board Meeting

Phone Conference Call

Present: Linda Bosma, John Bottger, Chris Matter, Karla Miller, Wayne Monsen, Karen Monsen, Tom Rice, Peter Spink, Ted Young

1. The meeting was called to order by president Karen Monsen.

2. Board minutes from October 24, 2009 were reviewed. Corrections were noted for Monson to Monsen and Kristine to Christine. Linda moved for approval of the minutes, seconded by Karla. Motion passed.

3. Annual meeting minutes from October 24, 2009 were reviewed. A correction was noted for Kristine to Christine. The board determined the minutes would be presented to the total membership for approval at the next annual meeting.

4. Executive committee terms – The executive committee will meet to discuss terms for officers and present their recommendations at the next board meeting.

5. Treasurer’s report. – The report was reviewed. Karla will review reporting requirements. John moved for approval of the report, seconded by Linda. Motion passed.

6. Trail update – Ted reported 12” of new snow. The trail has not been groomed after the snow. Ted will attempt grooming on January 30, 2010.

7. Non profit status – A draft document has been prepared with the narrative description, activities, and location. Wayne stated the education portion was not completed. Ted will supply a copy of the Boundary Waters permit to Wayne. A link to the Forest Service was suggested. Ted will also supply rules given to maintenance crews. Some grant revisions are needed. Karla will supply financial data. There will be a meeting on February 19, 2010 with Wayne, Linda, and Ted to review the application. The application will need a legal review with a target date of mid March. The application fee will be $750. Linda moved to approve $750 for the application fee, seconded by Karen. Motion approved. Wayne will contact Ann McKinsey for legal services. If Ann isn’t available, Ted will contact Bill Hennesey.

8. Volks Ski – Ted reported 28 k were skied by 5 individuals.

9. Midwest Mountaineering Expo – Special congratulations were given to Peter, Anne, Ted, and Karla. It was noted that maps were in high demand.

10. Web site – Ted will have a new map developed for the web site.

11. DNR equipment grant – Ted reviewed the grant proposal to purchase a new snowmobile. The submission date is February 12, 2010. John moved to proceed with the grant request, seconded by Linda. Motion approved. Ted stated his fall back position was to purchase used equipment. Ted will write the grant request with a 50/50 match. Ted would obtain a loan for the match. The equipment would be owned by the BTA. Clarification of ownership was requested. Ted requested letters of support for the request. He noted emails were sufficient. John made a motion for Ted to email the grant request to board members for their approval prior to submission, seconded by Linda. Motion approved.

12. BTA brochure – The brochure will be revised. Ted will ask Anne to develop a skeletal map. The revised brochure will be emailed to board members for approval. Chris moved to approve the purchase of 500 brochures, seconded by John. Motion was approved.

13. Membership report – Karla will discuss a few adjustments with Barb. Ted estimated $1000 would be contributed from trail users who are not members. Ted will coordinate the funds transfer with Karla.

14. Conflict of interest forms – Barb will be asked to check the status of the forms for board members.

15. Next meeting – The next board meeting will be Tuesday April 27, 2010 at 7pm through a conference call. Linda requested that outreach efforts be discussed at that meeting.

16. Karen moved to adjourn, seconded by Karla. Motion approved.

Banadad Trail Association's Annual Meeting- October 24, 2009

2009-10-28T03:40:00.000-07:00

October 24, 2009, 5:00 p.m.

Poplar Creek Guesthouse B & B

Present: Linda Bosma, Barb Bottger, John Bottger, Pete Harris, Karla Miller, Jim Morrison, Tom Rice, Anne Rykken, Peter Spink, Ted Young, Lee Wenzel, Tom McCann of USFS, Maggie Barnard of CCEVB

1. Meeting called to order by vice-chair Linda Bosma. Linda welcomed all present.

2. Minutes. Barb presented the minutes of the founding meeting. John moved and Pete seconded a motion to accept minutes as read. Motion passed.

3. Treasurer’s Report. Karla presented the report. She reminds all to keep receipts for expenses, even if it is being donated, and forward to Karla. Financial procedures must be established. Karla will work with Barb on procedures and file sharing of records. A reconciled statement shall be verified quarterly by the president. Budget 2009-10 was presented. Budget includes line item for the carbon neutral trail award. Ted uses a calculation to figure the number of trees to plant to sequester the carbon emissions by motors, etc. The deficit budget is to be covered by BCT. Ted reported that this proposed budget shows the lowest deficit on record. BCT will charge an association fee for yurt guests. This is included in the income. John moved and Anne seconded a motion to approve the budget. Motion passed.

4. New Board Member. Board president Karen Monson appoints Kristine Matter as a board member to fill out the term of Mel Peterson.

5. Committee and Task Force Reports:

Bylaws and Nonprofit Status – Linda Bosma. By-laws were adopted in February. Work on the application for nonprofit status continues.

Membership – Barb Bottger. November will be Membership Month. Ted’s mailing list will be used. The BTA will have a table at the Midwest Mountaineering Expo the weekend before Thanksgiving. Membership forms were passed out to those present. The membership committee is considering adding a lifetime membership, as well as a premium for charter members. Anne suggested a larger non-business opportunity. Lee suggested we consider long term memberships with the goal of eventually setting up an endowment. The committee will discuss and make a decision on levels and will work with Anne on formatting. Any hard copy formatting must coordinate with the web design. Barb asked for volunteers to work the table at the Midwest Mountaineering.

Website – Ted Young. Ted worked with John Ludwig, longtime designer for BCT. It looks great! Anne Rykken volunteered to be the site blogmaster. Tom Rice agreed to be the site administrator and would do content changes, not design or structure changes which would be done by John Ludwig. Hope to eventually get a message board up and running in the future. Anne suggested that anyone who skis the Banadad to post on Skinny Ski website as well.

6. Trail Report. We have approved a contract with BCT for the regular maintenance and grooming of the trail. Ted presented the trail report which follows these minutes. The re-route of the west end is proceeding and will take about 2 years to complete. The route will go near a lake (Tripp Lake) and wetlands which will require setbacks and federal permits. Ted thinks we should get a site we are comfortable with and then approach the landowner. Ted has 50# of non-invasive seed that will be planted on Tall Pines Trail.

7. New Business:

Volks Ski Fest 400 – Maggie Barnard. January 23, 2010 is the kick-off day of a week-long festival. This is to simply be a great day of skiing and to get skiers out on all kilometers of the trails. volkskifest.com will register teams. Can we get Team Banadad together? Linda and Anne will talk further about recruiting folks to ski on that day.

8. Other Business:

Linda expressed thanks on behalf of the BTA to all those who have helped with maintenance.

9. John moved to adjourn and it passed!

A potluck dinner was enjoyed by all.

Banadad Trail Work Plan

May 1, 2009 through April 30, 2010

Work completed as of October 23, 2009:

· West end of Banadad – Minnesota Conservation Corp (MCC_

Widened 4 remote interior miles cut-our many down trees

along 8 miles of the west end. –300 hours

BCT staff time assisting MCC 13 hours

· Moved Banadad Bridge beams to yurt

· Cut out large trees outside BWCA from Knapp Trail to BWCA a Meads Lake Portage and Knapp Trail

· Completed bulldozer work on Tall Pine Trail (DNR Infrastructure grant)

· East end parking area complete can accommodate 4-5 vehicles

· Information kiosk installed at east end trailhead. Still needs to be painted and information put up.

Anticipated Maintenance October 24 to April 30, 2010 (for estimated cost see budget)

Volunteer Crews with BCT staff support

10/22-25/09 NSSTC & others 10 people 200 hours of labor. BCT Staff time 20

hours BCT lodging for 10 people- West end trail head east -3 miles and Winchell Lake fire trail west-2 miles

11/6-8/09 Adventure Vacations 5 people 80 hours of labor BCT staff time 16 hours Widened from Meads Portage (going in by boat) to eastern Trailhead 4 ½ miles.

BCT Staff Crew

During November-complete opening of the trail with

snowmobiles during trail snow packing.

Regular storm/down tree clearing as need during snow season

Anticipate Grooming begins and trail Opening December 15 +/-, 2009 (for estimated cost see budget)

BCT grooming during season

Special Project

· Complete Bridge

· Complete Reroute at west end – ½ of proposed reroute has been identified.

· Interior widening- less then 1 ½ miles remaining to be widened

· Ground cover seeding of Tall Pines trail needs to be completed this fall (DNR infrastructure grant)

Board Meeting- October 24, 2009

2009-10-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

Present: Barb Bottger, John Bottger, Linda Bosma, Karla Miller, Karen Monson (via phone), Jim Morrison, Tom Rice, Ann Rykken, Peter Spink, Ted Young

1. The meeting was called to order by vice-president Linda Bosma.

2. Kristine Matter has been appointed as a board member by board president Karen Monson to fill the role of Mel Peterson.

3. Conflict of Interest Policy. Linda presented the policy as part of a good, transparent, business operation. The format recommended by the IRS was used to write up the policy. Tom moved and Karla seconded that the policy be accepted as written. Motion passes. Board members present signed the policy.

4. Contract with BCT. Linda presented the contract. Karla suggested that a bullet be added to cover the costs of lodging for trail maintenance volunteers but it was decided that the wording in the contract is broad enough to cover this collaboration. We want to make sure that we continue to help support the relationship between BCT and volunteer organizations such as North Star Run and Ski Club. John moved and Anne seconded that the contract be approved. Motion passes.

5. Staggered Board terms. Ted passed out slips in random order naming terms. They are as follows: 2010 - Wayne Monson, Anne Rykken, Peter Spink. 2011 – John Bottger, Jim Morrison, Tom Rice.

6. Midwest Mountaineering Winter Expo scheduled Nov. 20-22 (weekend before Thanksgiving). Great opportunity for exposure if we have enough resources to attend. It is a 3-day event, $70 cost for a table – 4 ft. We would need a banner and such. Anne volunteered to decorate the display and create hand out materials but not able to attend. Peter volunteered time at the table. Karla and Ted will be at the BCT booth and could take a turn at the table. Barb, Peter and Anne will coordinate this effort including a conversation of business sponsorship to cover costs. Ted is presenting and would welcome a BTA board member to speak during his presentation.

7. Banadad Bridge. Two weeks ago Ted went in with 2 horses to take the poles into the bridge. The project is stalled. Ted is in conversation with the District Ranger on alternative methods to move ahead on this project.

8. John moved and Anne seconded a motion to adjourn. Motion passes.

Board Meeting - July 30, 2009

2009-10-15T04:57:00.000-07:00

Banadad Trail Association Board Meeting

Conference Call

7 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009

Present: Barb Bottger, Linda Bosma, Karla Miller, Karen Monson, Wayne Monson, Jim Morrison, Ann Rykken, Pete Spink, Ted Young

Absent: Tom Rice, Mel Peterson

1. Karen called the meeting to order.

2. Welcome Ann Rykken!

3. It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes from the April 28, 2009 Board Meeting were presented.

4. Treasurer’s Report. Accounts have been opened at Grand Marais State Bank with a $35 balance. Barb and Karla will talk about depositing and reporting donations and Karla will include in next Treasurer’s report.

5. Membership Report. A draft letter seeking donations was presented. Letter and levels of membership and sponsorship were approved with the following additions:

· Add a line stating that the non-profit status is pending. Pete suggested that we could say “Your contribution is tax deductible as permitted by law.” Linda will confirm that this is complete legal wording as we are not to give tax advice.

· Add a line for extra donations.

· Add a level of individual membership at $100.00.

6. Website Report. Thanks to Ted for developing the website. John Ludwig of the Twin Cities will put it up for about $500.00. He is the web designer that Ted works with. Website Committee will do final approval with the board and will send it on to a designer. Ann will work on a logo.

7. Report on Nonprofit Status. Progress is being made as they work through questions on the Form 1023.

· Questions exist to relationship with Boundary Country Trekking and with Karla Miller.

· Three narratives need to be written as far as past, present and future plans. Ted’s report will be a source for those narratives.

· Also need a description of our fundraising.

· Need to describe the easements in regards to the State, Federal and County lands. Ted says it may not be an easement but more like permission to use. Does it need to be a legal easement? We must talk to the Forest Service. An agreement exists with the DNR. A lawyer will look over this.

· Compensations with employees and independent contractors will need to be submitted with the application as well.

· Need to have a conflict of interest policy as well.

· Need to send in a statement of revenue and a balance sheet. The cost of setting up the non-profit depends on the budget which will be over $10,000.

This process needs to be completed within 27 months from the concept of the corporation; thus, our timing is very good. The goal is to have it completed by the October meeting. Items needing action are - Financial items, contract with Ted and BCT, and a legal review of the application. Dick Swanson may consider doing our work. Ann McKenzie will be our first choice.

8. Trail Report. Ted reports two grants have been received. 1) The DNR grant of $4,500 with 2,500 to complete the Tall Pines Trail and $2,000 to widen another interior mile of the Banadad Trail. 2) The USFS $2,000 grant to replace the Banadad bridge. We must match with in-kind services or cash. Ted sees no problem with in-kind match coming from volunteers and some paid staff to complete this project. It will take $1,00 to bring in poles by horse. $400-$500 has been spent bringing poles in by truck to the yurt. This will be part of the match.

West End Trail Reroute – Tom Rice, Mary Baker and Ted laid out a good route for about one half of the distance. More volunteer labor can be used as part of the grant match to finish this.

Summer/Fall Work Schedule – Aug. 6 – six people from MCC will go out for 8 days widening 2-1/2 miles of the trail from the west end. They will be sleeping in the yurt.

Bridge replacement – 3-40’ utility poles have been delivered to the Croft Yurt. We can pay someone to go out and pull the old decking off and lay the new decking after the stringers have been put back in or we can do it with about 4 volunteers. Ted guesses it will be at least one day of work. We could ride/walk in by truck or canoe in. Pete Harris has volunteered. We need a crew sometime in September.

Volunteer Schedule for the year –

· Sept. - 4-5 crew

· Oct. 22,24,25 – North Shore Ski Club.

· Nov. 5-8 Adventure Club.

· Need to set up two additional weekends. Ann hopes to bring up 1-2 groups from Minnnehaha Academy.

Parking at the East End – Parking fee on west end will be dropped. We can open 4 spaces on the east end on DNR land which will not require approval. Anything larger will require approval by the DNR. Ted will ask if expansion is feasible for the future.

Federal grant needs to be spent by 9/2009. The DNR grant is a one-year grant.

9. New Business Items.

Contract between BTA and BCT. Ted has a sample from Sugarbush and Lutsen/Tofte. Need task force to put together a draft. Ted has some ideas to offer that task force. Linda and Wayne will work with Ted on this in September.

Karla wants to make sure the numbers used on forms being filed are consistent.

10. Next Meeting. Annual Meeting - Saturday, October 24. Meeting at 5 p.m., potluck at 6 p.m. Contact Ted if you’d like to come up for the annual meeting if not able to be up for trail clearing. By-laws will be checked in regards to elections. Quorum must be met so be sure we don’t get too many members-ha!

11. Karla moved to adjourn. Seconded by Barb. Meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted by

Barbara Bottger

Secretary

Board Meeting - April 28, 2009

2009-10-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

Banadad Trail Association Board Meeting

Conference Call

7 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Present: Karen Monsen, Wayne Monsen, Tom Rice, John Bottger, Barb Bottger, Ted Young, Peter Spink, Karla Miller, Linda Bosma

1. Meeting called to order by Karen.

2. Minutes from the inaugural board meeting were approved (Karla) and 2^nd (John B.).

3. Agenda: Add to July agenda – Set target date for fall trail clearing.

Reports:

1. Incorporation status - We are incorporated! Thanks Wayne and Linda! Wayne will mail the paper copies of incorporation (bylaws, articles of incorporation, certificate of incorporation, EIN number). Ted will scan EIN document and email it to board members. BCT was used as the official address for the BTA. Original documents will be kept in a 3-ring binder in the possession of the board secretary.

1a. Nonprofit status – Includes a 30-page application with financial plan for the next 3 years, balance sheet, letters stating purpose and need for nonprofit status. We have 27 months from the month of incorporation to get nonprofit status. Once achieved, the date will be retroactive to the date of incorporation. Linda will help Wayne in working towards the nonprofit status. The board agreed that this is a priority.

Tom mentioned the BTA to Ann McKenzie and she might be interested. She is an attorney living on the North Shore and is a member of the North Star Ski Touring Club. Barb and John Bottger will contact Ann about legal work on nonprofit application.

2. Bank Account – Karla reported that Grand Marais State Bank offers a nonprofit checking account with a $500 minimum plus an annual charge. The North Shore Credit Union offers the same at no charge. John and Barb Bottger will contact Mike LaVigne of GMSB about adjusting the charges. Motion made that the four officers of the board (Karen M., Linda B., Karla M., Barb B.) should be given authority to sign, motion passed. NOTE: Correction to Bylaws 11.2 a. For any amount of $200.00 or “more” (delete “less). Karla will prepare procedures for reimbursement for the July meeting. Only one signature will be needed.

3. Meeting with Forest Service – Report received. Ted will distribute the Memorandum of Understanding when it is received from the USFS. New route for the west end will be laid out this summer using a GPS. The $750 amount budgeted for each trail was a general comment and Ted thinks it could be used for the bridge. An adult crew from the MCC will be going out to do work this year.

4a. Profit and Loss – Ted explained errors and will make corrections which will be submitted along with the minutes. Need incorporation and post box expenses for the year. John reminds us that a financial report is a picture in time. The second financial is a budget which includes estimated expenses for the year.

4b. Review of 2008-09 – Lots of skiers because there was great snow everywhere. Ted calculates that 20% do not fill out permits.

5. Projects for 2009-10 - Bridge work will depend on weather. Trail widening is dependent on grants and work crews. Regular maintenance must be done. Reroute of west end will start with a layout this summer and will probably take 3-4 years to complete. Tall Pine resurfacing is grant dependent as well.

6. Committee Appointments -

Finance – Jim M., John B, Karla, Ted

Membership – Linda B., Peter S., Barb B.

Web Page – Tom R., Karla, Barb B.

Nonprofit Committee – Wayne M., Linda B.

Each committee will prepare a written report to be submitted to Karen one week before the July meeting.

Membership– a couple people have asked Ted about contributing money and he is wondering if a letter could simply be sent out to solicit for membership. Letter should be coordinated with nonprofit status. Ted will work closely with nonprofit committee.

Web Page - Domain name recommendation is banadad.org. This is a priorty. John Bottger will pay for the registration and domain fees.

7. Next meeting – Thursday, July 30, 2009

8. Annual Banadad Meeting & North Stars Ski Touring Meeting - Possible dates are Thursday, Oct. 22 - Sunday, Oct. 25. The Banadad Annual Meeting would be Saturday, Oct. 24.

9. Any other business – Tom requests transmission of documents as .pdf or .doc as others could carry viruses.

10. Meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Barb Bottger

Secretary

First Board of Directors Meeting -February 14, 2009

2009-10-15T04:51:00.000-07:00

Banadad Trail Association (BTA)

Inaugral Board Meeting

February 14, 2009

Present: Wayne Monsen, Tom Rice, Karen Monsen, Linda Bosma, Jim Morrison, John Bottger, Barb Bottger, Peter Harris, Karla Miller, Ted Young, Barbara Young

Agenda was accepted as proposed.

Actions approved by consensus:

1. The BTA will maintain the 46 kilometer Banadad Trail System currently maintained by Boundary Country Trekking (BCT). The Banadad Trail system includes the 30.4k Banadad Trail, 5.8k Knapp Trail, 1.6k Seppala Trail, 3.2k Tall Pines Trail, and the 5.0k Lace Lake Trail.

2. The BTA will contract with BCT to continue the maintenance and grooming with details to be worked out by the Association’s Officers with Board Approval. A lawyer will be consulted in writing the contract.

3. The treasurer, Karla Miller, will select the Association’s bank, preferably one in Grand Marais.

4. The secretary, Barb Bottger, will select the Association’s mailing address, possibly a post office box in Grand Marais.

5. The following Membership Classes and Dues were adopted:

Individiual - $25

Family - $35

Business:

Supporter - $100

Sponsor - $300

These class names will be listed on a future website.

6. Wayne, with Linda’s help, were selected to be responsible for filing incorporation papers with the state.

7. BCT will contact the Gunflint Ranger District and the Minnesota DNR (Tom Peterson) about the new Association. Ted, Barb and John Bottger will initiate the conversation and will be sure that it does not jeopardize any grant monies applied for this year. This is a transition year.

8. A press release, drafted by Ted Young and approved by board members, will be sent out to announce the new association.

9. Next meeting will be in April and conducted as a conference call. Details to come.

Other business:

1. Karen expressed her gratitude for the interest, dedication and expertise offered by the board members to the purpose of the BTA.

Meeting was adjourned.

Founding Meeting - February 14, 2009

2009-10-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

Banadad Ski Trail Association

Founding Meeting

February 14, 2009

Present: Ted Young, Barbara Young, Barb Bottger, John Bottger, Jim Morrison, Peter Harris, Karen Monsen, Wayne Monsen, Karla Miller, Peter Spink, Linda Bosma, Mel Peterson.

Barbara Y. called the meeting to order.

Purpose: Formally form Banadad Trail Association.

Report on Banadad:

Ted gave brief overview. Most important ingredient is to raise some money in order to sustain the Trail. Budget – Deficit comes out of Boundary Country Trekking (BCT) budget. No expectation to pay back this deficit. Until the BTA is able to fund the expenses, Youngs are committed to keeping the trail open.

Future Needs and Plans – North Stars have been the energy behind this effort.

Bridge between Rush and Banadad Lake is sagging. Built by the Rovers 12-13 yrs. ago. 32-ft. long cedars were dragged out there and then decked with cedar decking brought in by horse. USFS said they would help re-build – bring in timbers and money for spikes, etc.

The interior of the Banadad has some narrow spots. On the west end it is 3-ft. in spots if we’re lucky. 2-1/2 to 3 miles still needs to be widened. 8-1/2 miles has been widened. Ted has applied for a grant to complete this project.

The Tall Pines Spur Trail – grant request for $4,000 from the DNR to resurface (bulldozer to level).

Far west end is on private land. No good connect with Gunflint Trail system.

Parking is not adequate. East end parking can be increased by just plowing which will happen next year.

Banadad Trail Association Bylaws:

Tom Rice and Wayne Monson presented the bylaws by reading each article. Those present then voted on each article with a motion and a 2nd to accept the article with any approved amendments.

ARTICLE 1: Ted moved, Karen 2^nd. No discussion. Motion passes

ARTICLE 2: John moved, Linda 2^nd. Discussion: Check for typos and grammatical errors. Motion passes.

ARTICLE 3: Ted moved, Karen 2^nd. No discussion. Motion passes.

ARTICLE 4: Mel moved, Linda 2^nd. Discussion – “All members” does that mean businesses as well? The business would be one vote. Ted moved to change “all members’ to “each membership”. John 2^nd Amendment passes. Motion passes.

ARTICLE 5: Ted moved, Karen 2^nd. Discussion – Members vote at annual meeting and have voice at board of directors meetings. Will 10 percent be too many (200 members – 20 needed). Motion passed.

ARTICLE 6: Linda moved, Karla 2^nd. Discussion – Motion by John B. that 6.5 Tenure shall read “Officers and at large directors shall serve three (3) year, staggered terms.” Ted 2^nd. Amendment passes. Question on travel expense re-imbursement. Peter S. is opposed to any kind of abuse of reimbursed funds. Language as is may be accepted as generic legal language for a 501(c)(3). Any decision for reimbursement will come before the board. Minutes for the board meetings – bylaws should note that these will be distributed to all members. How many consecutive terms for at-large board members? Peter H. moved that 6.5 Tenure read “At large members be allowed to serve no more than two (2) consecutive 3-yr. terms. Karla 2^nd. Amendment passes. Motion passed with amendments.

ARTICLE 7: Discussion – Ted moves to have 7.1 d be designated for the Secretary duties determined by the board but will include the fact that all minutes of board meetings will be distributed to the members. John 2^nd. Amendment passed. 501(c)(3) – is there an annual audit to the IRS? Should that be in the Treasurer’s duties. This is included in the annual financial report duty. After much discussion on terms of service, Pete S. moves that 7.2 Term of Officers reads “Each officer shall serve for a term of one (1) year. No officer shall serve more than three (3) consecutive terms in the same position.” Linda 2^nd Call the question. Motion passed with one nay. Linda moves, Pete 2^nd with amendments. Motion passed.

ARTICLE 8: John moved, Pete 2^nd. Barbara Y. moves that “the list of nominees shall be sent to all members with notice of the annual meeting at least 30 days before the annual meeting.” Linda 2^nd. Amendment passed. Motion with amendments passed.

ARTICLE 9: Linda moved, Barbara 2^nd. Motion passed.

ARTICLE 10: John moved, Linda 2^nd. Motion passed.

ARTICLE 11: Linda moved, Karen 2^nd. John B. moves that 11.1 read “Before the start of each fiscal year the treasturer will..” Linda 2^nd. Amendment passed. Karen moved, John 2^nd that 11.3 read “Annually, the President…” . Amendment passed. Article with amendments passed.

ARTICLE 12: Karen moved, Barbara 2^nd. Wayne moved, Ted 2nd that 12.1 Date of Fiscal Year read “October 1 through Sept. 30”. Amendment passed. Motion passed.

ARTICLE 13: Karen moved, John 2^nd. By acclamation, decided to correct 13.1 Amendments by Membership to read “… prior to the meeting at which the proposed amendment is presented”. Article passed.

Election of Board and Officers:

Slate for vote presented by Ted Young. Having heard no nominations from the floor, a white ballot was asked for. Members of the board and officers were elected by unanimous vote.

President – Karen Monsen

Vice President – Linda Bosma

Treasurer – Karla Miller

Secretary – Barb Bottger

Members at large – John Bottger, Peter Spink, Jim Morisson, Wayne Monsen, Mel Peterson, Anne Rykken, Tom Rice

Organizing Meeting - October 18, 2008

2009-10-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

Present: Tom Rice, Susanne Hanson, Ted & Barb Young, Wayne & Karen Monsen, Lee Wenzel, Pretty Lady Young

Absent: Mel Peterson, Julie Kilpatrick, Andy Jenks

1. Purpose of this meeting

The purpose of this meeting is to form a non-profit organization for transitioning maintenance of the Banadad Trail. Previous discussions between the Youngs and some North Stars and friends were held in January and April 2008, leading up to this meeting.

2. By-laws

Wayne Monsen & Tom Rice will draft by-laws based on the group’s input at this meeting. Then the by-laws will be circulated to the parties named above for comment. The following suggestions were made for the content of the by-laws:

Purpose of the Banadad Trail Association (BTA):

Preserve and maintain the Banadad Trail, which is the longest wilderness tracked ski trail in North America

Enable/facilitate public access to skiing in the BWCA Wilderness

Educate the public in wilderness values

Identify and preserve the history of the forest – the first logging sale where they moved from being in a logging camp to having shackers – the Finn Lake Timber sale and other timber sales started in 1956

Work with local land owners, feds, state, county and other stakeholders

Other such things as might promote the trail

Require one annual meeting and other meetings as necessary.

Up to 9 board members including officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), with a majority of board members being from the Gunflint Trail/Cook County area.

Follow Sugarbush boilerplate for other details except as noted

Right now Ted maintains Lace Lake (State), Tim Knopp (Federal) to the Banadad (Federal). It could be that whole thing. (I think the by-laws need to define which trails will be the responsibility of the BTA.)

When the by-laws are finalized by this group, the BTA will request a review of by Ann McKenzie, North Star member.

3. Articles of Incorporation

Articles of Incorporation will be needed after the by-laws are written. Tom and Wayne, will you consider moving forward with this next step after drafting the by-laws? Because there is a need to become a legal entity right away we should go ahead and file the articles of incorporation with the state as soon as they are ready.

Considerations include categories of membership (business, club, family, individual, hunters)

4. Election of Temporary President

Barb Young was nominated by Ted to be the temporary president of the BTA, and was elected by a unanimous and enthusiastic majority. Barb warmed up to the idea eventually.

5. First Meeting of the BTA

Barb Young will convene the first official meeting of the BTA in February 2009.

Proposed Agenda

1. Approve by-laws

2. Elect board

3. Present articles of incorporation

4. Move to incorporate as a 501(c)(3)

6. Slate of Officers

Ted & Barb, will you consider drafting a slate of officers and circulating it to the group? Ideas for the slate of officers and other board members included John and Barbara Bottger, Hungry Jack Lake; Peter Spink, Poplar Lake; Judy Ross, Little Ollie Lake; Linda (?), Minneapolis; ? Un-named, Grand Marais.

7. Timeline

We would like to be ready to for the BTA to apply for the DNR ski trail grant by May 2009. We expect about a one year transition period as the BTA assumes responsibility for trail maintenance from Ted. Ted is willing to continue to administer the trail during the transition period. In the future, the BTA may need to hire a trail administrator.

8. Support/Networking – Other Organizations

Lee is a board member of North Stars, and is willing to bring BTA materials to the North Stars board meeting.

Mark Stange – Kek club – Tom knows him, and will contact him to learn more about the Kek Trail procedures

Forest Service (Steve Shuh) said a Banadad Trail Association would be a good thing.

Someone needs to sit down with Dennis at the Forest Service – let him know what we’ve done.

Susanne has many connections and great networking potential

See minutes of the April meeting for previous suggestions

9. Possible Future Goals

Get a legal easement for the west end of the trail. We would need to build 1 mile of trail on public land and create a good parking lot. It would go over the snow mobile trail just like it does now.

Put up a sign at trail heads thanking members of the Banadad Trail Association.

Record the history of the Banadad Trail for future generations.

Newsletter twice a year (Ted already has a blog)

10. Adjourn

Thank you to everyone who attended this historic meeting!

Ecstatically submitted,
Karen Monsen, acting convener and scribe