November 2015 Alliance Minutes The Nov 24, 2015 meeting was called to order by President Dwight Mason at 7:38 PM at REV’s Bowl Bar and Grill (formerly Oshkosh Lanes).  The October 2015 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted with the following balances. Director’s Report:  Mike Giese reported that the attendance at the AWSC fall workshop in Appleton was down this year to 527 registered attendees.   Mike discussed the DNR was looking to make the Southern farmland zone Holiday Deer Hunt open to county discretion in the future.  He also reported that the talks surrounding the Blue Mound State Park snowmobile access were going well,with both sides on the issue collaborating on a solution outside of the courts. As of November 1, there are already 9,000 new AWSC members in the state.  Mike reminded clubs to get new memberships in promptly as new club members will be looking to get their discounted trail passes.  He also discussed concerns of Fat Tire bicycles operating on snowmobile trails.  They will be able to operate on Multi-use trails like the Wiouwash, but not on dedicated snowmobile trails. The new DNR bill AB434 recently passed the state legislature and has the following impact on snowmobiling.  Dealers will allowed to place a trail pass on a Demo sled dealer plate, and move it from sled to sled.   This change does not apply to rental fleets. Sleds that are 35 years and older will not require a trail pass as long as they are registered as an antique sled.  Non-residents will also be able to register antique sleds this way in Wisconsin. Purchasers of the $30 Trail pass sticker will be able to operate with a temporary receipt until they get their trail pass.  The AWSC $10 Discounted pass will not allow a temporary receipt.  Mike reported that $800,000 from Supplemental funding has been carried over into this year’s budget.  This is a result of a low snow winter last year and less grooming activity.  The AWSC is looking into updating the Class rates for grooming equipment.  This change is in the research phase at this time and has not been implemented yet.  The state is also doing a pilot program this year to start a direct deposit program for billing reimbursement with a small number of clubs.  Trail and Grooming Report The Winneconne Wolfrunners are working on finalizing their trail access.  The Omro Driftbusters have made several re-routes due to winter wheat and the Poyganaires could use some additional active club members to get all of their trails ready for the season.  It was also reported that the Borth club in Waushara county is doing very well with as many as 60 club members. Old Business Mike Thoma brought in trail maps for clubs to take home with them.  Please get these out to the local establishments along our trail for the upcoming season. The WCSA received a check for $388 for Bartending at this year’s Winnebago County Fair. New Business Mike Giese has AWSC raffle tickets for sale.  The tickets are $100 a piece and include the following prizes.  Please contact Mike if you are interested in buying a ticket.  $10,000                                4)  4 night stay in Cable, Wi $2,500                                   5)  2 night stay for 4 in Eagle River, WI  $1,000 Mike Thoma made a motion for the WCSA to purchase one of these tickets.  Eric Kolb 2nd, All approved. Mike Giese also presented information regarding the 8th Annual “Military Appreciation Ride” on January 17-18 in Eagle River.  This ride gives our nation’s veterans a chance to experience snowmobiling as a fun, family activity.  Last year over 70+ Vets/families participated in the event. Jim Kumbier made a motion for the WCSA to become a Bronze Sponsor and donate $100 to their fund.  Paul Villwock 2nd, all approved. 8:19 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded and approved. Clubs Attending:  Sno-Pioneers, Wolfrunners, Wolff’s Pack, Sno-Scats, Omro Driftbusters, Drifters, Poyganaires, Waukau Driftskippers Respectfully Submitted, Jason Ollanketo

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October 2015 Alliance Minutes The Oct. 27, 215 meeting was called to order by President Dwight Mason at 7:40 PM at REV’s Bowl Bar and Grill (formerly Oshkosh Lanes).  The September 2015 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.  Please attend an Alliance Meeting to view a copy of the Treasurer’s report.  Director’s Report:  Mike Giese reminded us that the upcoming AWSC fall workshop will be held at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton this weekend, Oct. 30-Nov. 1.  Cost is $25 at the door.  The workshops tend to be very informational and worth going to. Trail and Grooming Report Mike also stated that the County’s Park and Rec office has only received grooming contracts from two clubs so far.  He reminded us to get our reports in now if we wish to get paid.  He also reminded us the clubs are to order their own signs this year.  Companies to get signs from are Rent-A-Flash, Digital Crayon (formerly Scenic Signs, etc.  Old Business Mike has been helping Mary Koch, Rob Way’s new assistant at the Winnebago County Parks dept., settle into the position and things are going well.  However, she is looking for officer lists and addresses to send checks to as she has been unable to find this information. New Business Omro club said most of the farmers in the area had winter wheat in this year and asked how to handle putting trails on such fields.  They will have to reroute some of their trails.  Does putting up snow fence help keep people on the trail?  Do they offer to pay for loss of crop and if so how to do so? The location of the map boxes was discussed.  Since they were never collected everyone should still have the boxes from last year.  It’s time to start looking for advertisers for next year’s maps.  We’ve had a request by a new business to get an ad on the map. 8:16 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting was seconded and approved. Clubs Attending:  Sno-Pioneers, Wolfrunners, Wolff’s Pack, Cruising Paths, Berlin River Riders, Sno-Scats, Omro Driftbusters, Drifters, Poyganaires Respectfully Submitted, Paul Villwock on the behalf of Jason Ollanketo

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September 2015 Alliance Minutes The Sept 22, 2015 meeting was called to order by President Dwight Mason at 7:32 PM at the new REV’s Bowl Bar and Grill (formerly Oshkosh Lanes). The March 2015 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report Please join the Winnebago County Alliance to receive the Treasurer’s report. Directors Report Mike Giese reported on the upcoming AWSC fall workshop that will be held at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton from October 30 – Nov 1st. Early bird registration expires on October 16th. Early registration costs $15/person. Registration at the door costs $25. There will also be a banquet offered on Saturday evening for $32 per person. Please visit the attached link for more information. https://www.awsc.org/About-Us/Convention-Workshop.aspx Mike also informed the Alliance about the progress regarding the Blue Mound State Park snowmobile access issues. The park has been closed to snowmobiling for the last 20 years due to a landowner who blocked access. A new landowner will allow the old trail to enter the park, but the final access decision will most likely be settled in the courts. This could become a milestone case that could impact other state park policies in the future. Trail and Grooming Report All clubs that were present picked up their marking and grooming contracts for the season. Clubs are asked to review these documents quickly and to get them turned into the county by the due date. Clubs will also be in charge of ordering their own signs this year. Rentaflash and Digital Crayon Printshop LLC (formerly Scenic Signs) are a couple of options for buying signs. Old Business Website – Clubs are asked to provide updated club applications and any pictures of their current grooming equipment to be added to the website. Mary Koch is the new assistant to Rob Way at the Winnebago County Parks dept. New Business It was reported that the Poysippi club in Waushara county has disbanded. Their trails have been picked up by other neighboring clubs in the area. The Alliance discussed trying to increase public awareness throughout the area regarding the new Trail Pass system. The secretary agreed to post some ads on Craigslist to try to improve public awareness. 8:11 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved. Clubs Attending: Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters, Cruising Paths, Poyganaires, Respectfully Submitted, Jason Ollanketo Location: Rev’s Bowl, Bar and Grill, 275 N Washburn St, Oshkosh, WI 54904 Mtg Dates: Oct 27, Nov 24, Dec 22, Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 22

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March 2015  Alliance Minutes The Mar 24, 2015 meeting was called to order by President Jim Kumbier at 7:34 PM at Oshkosh Lanes.   The Feb 2015 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted with the following balances. Checking                                   $    6,470.45 Savings Account                      $    7,345.96 Certificate CD                          $  10,756.82 Passbook Savings                    $          25.15 Total                                          $ 24,598.38 Directors Report The AWSC will be mailing Trail Pass packets to all Club membership chairs.  The AWSC is urging all clubs to get memberships in ASAP going forward in an effort to ensure prompt processing to all people to purchase their discounted trail pass stickers. There have been 2 Deaths on sleds as of 3/20/15. The AWSC Fall workshop will be held at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton the last weekend of October. The DNR is investigating a Holiday Deer hunt that could be extended further North (our area). Trail and Grooming Report Due to the low snow year and the lack of grooming this winter, the Winnebago Co. Parks says Clubs with funded trail have up to $500 for extra brushing, trail signs/posts and minor bridge maintenance. Old Business:  No old business this month. New Business Discover Wis TV show:  Jim Kumbier was interviewed about Trails in our Co.  This will air May 30th. Elections All candidates ran unopposed therefore unanimous ballots were cast for each of the following; Dwight Mason-President Mark Kopplin – VP Teri Johnson-Treasurer Jason Ollanketo-Secretary A special thanks went out to Jim Kumbier for his many years of dedicated service to the Alliance. 8:19 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved. The next meeting will be held on Sept 22nd at 7:30 PM at the Oshkosh Lanes. Clubs Attending:  Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters,  Cruising Paths,  Berlin River Riders,

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February 2015  Alliance Minutes The Feb 24, 2015 meeting was called to order by Vice President Dwight Mason at 7:33 PM at Oshkosh Lanes.   The Jan 2015 minutes were read and accepted.  Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted with the following balances. Checking                                              $    6,516.45 Savings Account                               $      7,345.96 Certificate CD                                    $   10,756.82 Passbook Savings                             $           25.15 Total                                                      $ 24,644.38  Directors Report The Annual AWSC convention is going to be held at the Abbey in Fontana WI on the weekend of March 20-22nd.      Trail and Grooming Report The Berlin River Riders did open the Mascoutin trail for a couple of days to allow people better access onto the lakes in the area.  All other trails in the county have been closed the entire season.  There was a landowner concern of a trail crossing near an empty lot that was scheduled for excavation.   This was up by Shady Lane on Oakwood road.  The Drifters are aware of the situation.  Old Business Reminder that everyone should have received their first reimbursement checks for bills submitted for trail prep and marking.  Please cash these checks once they are received.  New Business Kim Delcore from the parks department will be leaving her position and taking a new job in the Sheriffs office.  The Parks Dept does not yet have a replacement for her.  Kim is recommending that clubs wait until April to submit their final billing for the season in the hopes that a replacement can be hired by that time.  Nominations for Club Officers Scott Johnson nominated Teri Johnson for treasurer and Teri accepted the nomination. Jim Kumbier made it clear that he will not be running for any positions on the board for next year, which leaves the President spot open.    Jason Ollanketo mentioned that he would be willing to run for President, but only if the Secretary position could be filled.  Jason would also be willing to continue as Secretary but would not do both positions.    No other nominations were made. All clubs in the county are asked to consider having officers run for positions.  The Winnebago Alliance speaks for the interests of all the clubs in the county and it would be nice to have representation from more of the clubs on the board.  7:48 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved.  The next meeting will be held on Mar 24th at 7:30 PM at the Oshkosh Lanes.  Clubs Attending:  Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters,  Cruising Paths,  Drifters, Berlin River Riders, Waukau, Poyganaires,  

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January 2015  Alliance Minutes The Jan 27, 2015 meeting was called to order by President Jim Kumbier at 7:35 PM at Oshkosh Lanes.   The Dec 2014 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted with the following balances.  Checking                                            $    6,566.45 Savings Account                               $    7,345.96 Certificate CD                                   $  10,756.82 Passbook Savings                            $          25.15 Total                                                 $   24,694.38   Directors Report Mike Giese reported on the January 2015 Directors meeting that was held In Wausau.  The latest information regarding the new snowmobile registration is that you will be required to show your two registration stickers on the side of your sled in addition to your annual 3”x3” trail pass sticker that will go on your windshield above your headlight.   Clubs will be required to have a minimum of 10 members to be eligible for discounted trail passes from the AWSC.  The AWSC has commended the DNR for their cooperation and willingness to work together on the development of the new trail pass system.  Mike reminded clubs to get with their local fire departments and emergency responders to educate them on our county trail map.  Mike also sent a copy to the Winnebago Comm Center to assist in their efforts.  Trail and Grooming Report In the event that we get enough snow to open, clubs are reminded to be mindful of all the water hazards that may need special marking due to all the freezing and thawing we have encountered this season.  Old Business Web Site:  The annual hosting fee of $150 was paid in December.  The WCSA website does still need to have a few updates applied.  More to come.  Jim Kumbier had some Zone 4 and Zone 5 signs available and was asking clubs if they had all the signs that they needed.  Jim also reminded clubs that they should still send in monthly bills to the County to keep all the paperwork up to date.  Maps and Map boxes are still available for any clubs who need supplies.  County Director and Representative Diane Schroeder made a motion to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot to re-elect Mike Giese as the Director and Mike Thoma as the Representative for Winnebago County.  Mike Warzula seconded and all approved. New Business The Winnebago Parks department will be cutting checks for 2014 marking and discing on January 29th and mailing them out to the clubs.  Please cash your check once it is received.  The AWSC annual convention will be held in Fontana, WI.  There may still be some rooms available if you are interested in attending.  8:13 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved.  The next meeting will be held on Feb 24th at 7:30 PM at the Oshkosh Lanes.  Clubs Attending:  Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters,  Cruising Paths,  Drifters, Berlin River Riders,

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December 2014 Alliance Minutes The Dec 16, 2014 meeting was called to order by President Jim Kumbier at 7:36 PM at Oshkosh Lanes.   The Nov 2014 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report Please join the Alliance for a full Treasurer’s Report.  Directors Report Mike Giese reported that the final numbers for supplemental funding came in at 67.2% for the 2013-2014 grooming season.  The final checks have been sent out by the Winnebago Parks Department.  Please deposit these checks quickly. Mike reminded clubs to have all their marking and trail leveling bills submitted by January 16th to the County Parks department.  Marking will be paid out up to $30/mile for each club.  There will only be two checks this winter.  One in January and one In April or May to cover every club in the county up to their $250/mile limit.  Please submit your bills on a monthly basis to help make things easier for the Parks Department.  Mike also plans to meet with the Town of Vinland and the Town of Neenah fire departments to provide them with our trail maps for emergency response planning.  The Drifters agreed to meet with the Town of Clayton to cover the same topic. Trail and Grooming Report Please make sure your trails are all marked and ready In the event that we get enough snow to open.  Old Business Web Site:  Jason updated the website with the newest map.  The annual hosting  fee is also due by the end of December.  Maps:  All maps have been printed and should be available for all trail side stops.   New Business Mike Giese reported on the status of the new Winneconne bridge plans.  At this time, they are planning on having a 10 foot lane recreational lane across  the bridge that will include the use of snowmobiles.  Nominations are now open for the County Director and County Rep positions.  Elections will be held at the January meeting.  Jason Ollanketo made a motion to nominate Mike Giese to continue as the director and Mike Thoma to continue as the county representative.  Kevin Buss seconded and all approved.  Nominations are still open for anyone else who wishes to run for the positions.  8:16 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved.  The next meeting will be held on January 27th at 7:30 PM at the Oshkosh Lanes.  Clubs Attending:  Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters,  Poyganaires, Cruising Paths,  

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Winnebago County Snowmobile Alliance Meeting Minutes Nov 25, 2014 – Oshkosh Lanes  November 2014 Alliance Minutes The Nov 25, 2014 meeting was called to order by President Jim Kumbier at 7:38 PM at Oshkosh Lanes.  The Oct 2014 minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted with the following balances.  Checking                                            $    9,258.84 Savings Account                               $    7,344.11 Certificate CD                                   $  10,756.82 Passbook Savings                             $          25.15 Total                                                    $ 27,384.92   Directors Report Mike Giese reported on numerous topics from the Directors meeting that was held in Wisconsin Dells.  The AWSC now has an online roster system and you can make your payments directly on the website with a credit card.  You will be required to register on the website in order to access the new functionality.  Supplemental funding will be paid out at 64% of submitted bills for last season.  50% has already been paid out.  An additional 14% of submitted bills will be paid out by the county.  Mike mentioned that the AWSC discussed the importance of having intersection number signs posted on the trail.  He also recommended that the local clubs provide trail maps to the first responders (fire departments) in their areas and make sure they are educated as to how to read our map.  It was reported that KAOS (Kids and Adults on Sleds) are having a group ride in Lakewood, WI.  Feb 13-15th.  The KAOS team is also looking for volunteer projects where they can assist local clubs around the state.    Mike also reported that with the new Wisconsin Trail Pass Law, Wisconsin Snowmobile clubs will need to have a minimum of 10 members to be recognized by the state.  This is an effort to discourage groups of people from attempting to form their “own” snowmobile club just to get trail pass discounts.  Trail and Grooming Report There are still a lot of crops out in the fields.  Clubs are encouraged to work with their local landowners to develop trail re-routes and do their best to smooth out rough terrain for the trails this season.  Old Business Web Site:  Jason reported that the website calendar is having issues.  He will work to correct this problem.  Maps:  Mike Thoma brought half of the printed maps to the meeting.  Each club collected some maps for their local establishments.  Jim Kumbier said that he would bring map boxes to be distributed at the next meeting.  Jason needs a digital copy of this map to update the website.  Sign Orders:   Mike Giese brought all the club sign orders to the meeting to be distributed.  If you still need your signs, please contact Mike Giese.    New Business Mike Giese reported on the AWSC Cash raffle for the 2014-2015 winter season.  This year they are doing a cash raffle and selling 450 tickets at the price of $100 each.  Prizes are as follows:  1st prize = $10,000, 2nd = $2,500, 3rd = $1,000, 4th = Yellowstone Vacation pkg, 5th = Eagle River Vacation pkg.  Mike Thoma made a motion for the WCSA to purchase 1 of these tickets for $100.  Scott Johnson seconded and all approved.   Mike Giese has additional tickets to sell if anyone is interested.  Scott and Teri Johnson discussed that the Winneconne chamber of commerce was asking if the WCSA wanted to purchase an ad in their flyer to post our county map.  The group discussed this topic and decided not to pursue this activity.    8:16 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved.  As a reminder, the next WCSA meeting will be on December 16th due to the timing of Christmas this year.  Clubs Attending:  Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters,  Poyganaires. Respectfully Submitted, Jason Ollanketo

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September 2014 Alliance Minutes The Sept 23, 2014 meeting was called to order by President Jim Kumbier at 7:33 PM at Oshkosh Lanes.   The March 2014  minutes were read and accepted. Treasurer’s Report The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted with the following balances.  Checking                                            $    5,140.77 Savings Account                               $    7,342.26 Certificate CD                                    $ 10,750.12 Passbook Savings                             $          25.15 Total                                                    $ 23,258.30 Directors Report Mike Giese reported on ACT 142 which will now be known as the WI Trail Pass Law.  Information about this new law can be viewed on the AWSC website.  There is still a lot of work to be done by both the DNR and the AWSC to prepare for implementation by July 1,2015.  Mike talked about some insurance changes this year.  If your club previously had a $2 million policy you had a claim limit for one occurrence with a maximum $2 million payout.  This year’s policy now has two $1 million claim limits to allow for payouts on up to two occurrences.  Please verify your clubs actual coverage with your insurer. Trail and Grooming Report The first supplemental funding check was received by the Parks dept on 9/22/14 for 50% of the total billing.  Jim forgot to bring the Funded trail and grooming packets to the meeting and promised to get them mailed out.   Jim also mentioned that Rob Way was working on getting the county to do some brushing along the Wiouwash trail, but it would have to wait until the equipment was available for usage.  Old Business Web Site:  Jason reported that he has made updates to the website for all the club meetings for the 2014-2015 season.  Please review the calendar on the website and let Jason know if any updates are required.  Jason also mentioned that the website developer needed to make a few updates to the site that should happen before the snow starts falling. Mike Thoma and the map committee need help selling the remainder of the ads for the 2014-2016 maps we  plan to get printed yet this fall.  All map ad money needs to be collected prior to the October 28th meeting. Bartending was done again this year at the Winnebago County Fair.  A special thanks goes out to Scott and Terry Johnson, Jim Kumbier, Debbie Beyer and Gale Haag for their support. New Business There will be an AWSC workshop in Wisconsin Dells from 10/31-11/02 at the Chula Vista casino.  Early registration ends on Oct 17th.   There will be special sessions held on Saturday to discuss details of the new trail pass law and how it will impact your club and club membership. Jim mentioned that the DNR was sending out requests to do a formal bridge inventory for all the snowmobile trails. Grooming Cap discussion.  $220/mile Discussions regarding setting a payment cap for grooming and disking during the snowmobile season were discussed in great length at the meeting.  The general premise of the discussion was meant to make sure that every club had equal access to the $250/mile of funding provided by the state.  Under today’s current system, whoever submits their bills first, gets paid first.  Under this system, it is possible that some clubs could get more than $250/mile and that clubs who submit their bills later may have to wait until  supplemental funds are distributed to get paid.  Please note that supplemental funds rarely cover the full amount of the bill and usually only pay out a partial percentage that ranges from 50% to 75% of the submitted bill. The Alliance has had a motion in place for a few years now that guarantees up to $30/mile to be paid out for trail signing and brushing.  This was done to ensure that every club got access to some of the trail funds, but also prioritized up to $220 per mile to cover disking and grooming expenses. There was a motion on the floor for a while that suggested that the parks department would stop payments during the winter season once any grooming club submitted grooming and disking bills that totaled $220/mile for the amount of trail that they were responsible to manage under the grooming contracts. This motion got stalled out when discussions centered around where the sign money was coming from.  There were debates that you can’t guarantee $30/mile for marking and $220/mile for grooming and still pay for signs.  Ultimately, a motion was made by Mike  Thoma and seconded by Chris Bielak to table the motion until the October meeting. Please plan to attend the next Alliance meeting to get this motion passed in an acceptable format that everyone can agree upon.  It is likely that a new proposal will be made to stop payments at $210/mile for grooming and disking.  Then the $30/mile for marking is protected.  Please note, once the season is over, each club would then get paid up to their total of $250/mile and any remaining funds would be split by an even percentage before going into supplemental. 8:55 PM, motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded – unanimously approved. Clubs Attending:  Sno-Scats, Wolff’s Pack, Wolfrunners, Omro Driftbusters, Sno-Pioneers, Drifters, Waukau Drift Skippers, Berlin River Riders, Eureka, Poyganaires, Cruising Paths Respectfully Submitted, Jason Ollanketo

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