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.

1.  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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

1.  $10,000                                4)  4 night stay in Cable, Wi
2. $2,500                                   5)  2 night stay for 4 in Eagle River, WI
3.  $1,000

Mike Thoma made a motion for the WCSA to purchase one of these tickets.  Eric Kolb 2^nd, All approved.

Mike Giese also presented information regarding the 8^th 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 2^nd, 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,