September 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s September2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, September 9^th 2021 at 7:00pm at the Spring Hill Trailhead at River Bends.

Meeting was called to order by Wade Robbins.  In attendance also Vito Manzella, John Knight, Brian LaVoie, and Marc Padin.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Massive Fall Out – Saturday October 16^th

General Membership meeting to be held October 19^th – Rivers Bends Pavilion

River Bends Pump track – Park has requested that the proposed location for the pump track be moved to the Ryan Rd. entrance next to the baseball diamonds.  American Ramp Co. to evaluate for feasibility.

August 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s August 2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, August 12^th 2021 at 7:00pm at the Spring Hill Trailhead at River Bends.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Jeremy Verbeke, Wade Robbins, and Marc Padin.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

River Bends:

• Invoice received from TrailSense for Phase 1 of the Spring Hill trail
  • Next Phase will be approximately $39,000 – approx. $18,000 donation funds remaining
  • Private matching donor has stepped forward, offering to match up to $10,000 to cover the remaining difference
    • Brian moves to meet the proposed donor match
    • Marc seconds, motion passes

General Membership meeting to be held October 19^th – Location to be announced

Massive Fall Out – Saturday October 16^th

July 2021 Membership Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's July Membership Meeting was held on Wednesday July 28th at 7pm at Stony Creek Metropark. There were 48 members in attendance.

River Bends

• “Far Side Trail Project”/flow trail
  • Phase 1 completed – dubbed Spring Hill Trail
    • Cost $23,000
    • Raised so far $27,000
    • Considerations being made to build a kiosk at the trailhead to prevent vehicles from obstructing the path
  • Phase 2 will be approximately 1 mile of many elevation changes
    • Approximate cost $30,000
  • Phase 3 likely to be constructed by CRAMBA volunteers
  • $8620 donation from KLM as proceeds from their raffle
• Pump Track
  • Approximate cost $225,000
  • Planned location: horseshoe pits at the 22 Mile Rd entrance
  • Currently pursuing grants and corporate sponsors
    • Permissions received to feature logos on the track surface
  • $30,000 commitment from Shelby Township

Addison Oaks

• Currently in process of getting an MOU in place
• Trail closure from 6am-2pm for trail work the week of August 1^st

Bald Mountain

• Approval for the Addison connector finally received, looking to start construction in the fall
• CRAMBA has pledged to financially support a study conducted by Trail Sense on the southern area for possible development
  • Targeting an area near the swimming hole to develop a skills course, which will likely need to be hand-built
• Lake Orion Township/Friendship Park – currently pursuing construction of mountain bike trails, possibly tie in with Lake Orion HS trail system
• BM North – trail conditions: overgrown/trees down due to recent storms
• Massive Fallout – potential to connect north and south, working with the township to see if they can provide a flashing intersection

Clinton River park trail

• Mostly underwater the last week due to recent storms

Columbus

• 2 miles of new trails built during the last year, approval received from the park to mark out additional trail
• Flooding from the river has made maintenance difficult; multiple trees down but unable to reach them

Pontiac Lake

• Trees recently cleared, new features installed
• New changing station to be installed near the bathrooms
• Memorial benches to be installed around the park

Stony Creek

• New Trail Coordinator – Aaron Barla
• 2 additional sections of trail with wooden features to be finished before a “soft opening” can be held in the next few weeks
  • Grand Opening – TBD, to be coordinated by the park
  • Signage concerns – current indicators are too small to determine if it’s hiker/biker/2-way from a distance

Woodsong County Park

• Info is up on TrailForks
  • Currently approximately 2 miles of trail, working on another ½ mile

Oakdale

• Within the last week, trail map was posted
• Group rides to be held at 6pm on Wednesdays

Bike Patrol

• Vito Manzella has replaced Jeremy Verbeke
• 62 active members (2^nd largest chapter in the National Ski Patrol)
  • 10 new members
  • ~30 members refreshed their first aid skills
  • ~15 events currently on the calendar to provide support

Massive FallOut

• Need to consider other events to make sure we are not overlapping/trails in use

MiSCA

• Race to be held at Addison Oaks on 9/12

Membership

• 424 active members

Finances

• $66,684 (before payment to Trail Sense for River Bends Phase 1)

Trail Conditions

• Reminder to Trail Coordinators – if you’re going to host trail days, please let us know so they can be more widely advertised

July 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s July 2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, July 8^th 2021 at 7:00pm at Stony Creek.  The June Board Meeting was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Michael Green, Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, and Aaron Barla.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

• CRAMBA has purchased a plate compactor for use for trail building and maintenance.  Currently being stored at River Bends.
• Discussion regarding planning of Addison race and Massive Fallout

Stony Creek

• Aaron Barla will be replacing Pete Kresmery as the Trail Coordinator for Stony Creek.  Pete, thank you so much for all your years of service and hard work!

May 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s March 2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, May 13^th 2021 at 7:20pm at River Bends.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Michael Green, Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, John Knight, Michael Benigni, Jeremy Verbeke, and Chris Westerlund.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

• With updated CDC recommendations, group rides will be scheduled to start up again:
  • Tuesdays at River Bends
  • Wednesdays at Stony Creek

River Bends

“Far Side Trail Project”/flow trail

• Phase 1 completed – dubbed Spring Hill Trail
• Donor Preview Day – 5/14
• Opening Day BBQ – 5/23

• Steampunk Tap Room in Utica hosting a fundraiser on 6/12
  • Sponsors: Griffin Claw, Uncle Peter’s Pasties, and Paramount Electric

• KLM hosting a raffle, tickets available for purchase at either location, proceeds to go to CRAMBA

Pump track

• American Ramp Company – 3D design and quote received
  • Pursuit of fundraising opportunities continues, considering sponsorship from businesses, possibly feature their logo on signage near the sites

April 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s April 2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, April 8^th 2021 at 7:00pm via Zoom.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Wade Robbins, John Knight, Pete McCreedy, and Ken Markiewicz.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

River Bends

“Far Side Trail Project”/flow trail

• Construction broke ground on 4/1
• Fund raising in progress via DonorBox, but enough funding has been received to begin construction.
• KLM hosting a raffle, tickets available for purchase at either location, proceeds to go to CRAMBA
• Preview event for donors and official Opening Day event to be held

Pump track

• American Ramp Company – initial spec received, additional photos being provided to help finalize designs
• Pursuit of fundraising opportunities and applying for grants continues, considering sponsorship from businesses.

Bald Mountain

• DNR looking into connecting with the Lake Orion high school trail system (original trails were encroaching on DNR property and were rerouted)
• DNR pursuing master plan for connector trails – CRAMBA pledges up to $3,000 to the connector trails

Pontiac Lake

• Grant received from Panasonic to build a changing station, Wade reached out to the PLRA Trail Coordinator regarding construction

March 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s March 2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, March 11^th 2021 at 7:30pm via Zoom.

Meeting was called to order by Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Michael Green, Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, John Knight, Michael Benigni, and Vito Manzella.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

• “Massive Fall-Alt: Trail Challenge” – apologies to all participants for the delay in providing updates.  The lids for the water bottles were out of stock and we were not notified.  Issue has been remedied, and we hope to have more updates soon.

River Bends

•       “Far Side Trail Project”/flow trail
  • Proposal received from TrailSense
  • Fund raising in progress via DonorBox, but enough funding has been received to begin construction.
  • KLM hosting a raffle, tickets available for purchase at either location, proceeds to go to CRAMBA
•       Pump track
  • American Ramp Company – initial spec received, additional photos being provided to help finalize designs
• Pursuit of fundraising opportunities continues, considering sponsorship from businesses, possibly feature their logo on signage near the sites

Pontiac Lake

• Grant received from Panasonic to build a changing station, more details to come regarding construction

January 2021 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s January 2021 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, January 14^th 2021 at 7pm via Zoom.  November and December meetings were cancelled due to lack of activity due to COVID-19.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Michael Green, Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, John Knight, Michael Benigni, and Vito Manzella.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

• Steve Vigneau has decided to take a step back from the CRAMBA Board and has resigned as Treasurer.  He will continue working on the Stony Creek Shelden Trails Redevelopment on behalf of CRAMBA along with supporting other trail projects. We thank him for his dedication to mountain biking and look forward to continuing to work with him.
• Marc Padin has volunteered to assume the position of Treasurer, motion passes.

• Jeremy Verbeke will be moving to a new position within the National Bike Patrol, his position within CRAMA is being filled by Vito Manzella.  Vito has been a bike patroller for several years, and has been a member of the National Ski Patrol for many more.  We look forward to collaborating with Bike Patrol with Vito at the helm.

• The company that CRAMBA’s insurance was through is no longer providing policies for bike groups at our required level.  Currently in the process of receiving quotes from companies ahead of our March renewal

• Results from the “Massive Fall-Alt: Trail Challenge” digital event are being reviewed, and information regarding rewards will be made available soon.

River Bends

•       Quotes received from TrailSense for several new segments of trail.
•       Long-discussed project of building a pump track at River Bends
  • American Map Company being pursued for design – In addition to personal donations from Wade Robbins and Brian McPherson, motion approved for CRAMBA to allocate up to $3,500 for the cost of the initial spec.
• Board to pursue fundraising opportunities to evaluate the feasibility of both projects

September 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s September 2020 Board Meeting was held onThursday, September 10^th 2020 at 7pm at Stony Creek.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Mike Green, Marc Padin, WadeRobbins, Steve Vigneau, Ken Markiewicz, and John Knight.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

• Discussion regarding hosting digital/self-run CRAMBATrail Challenge (ride all the CRAMBA-sponsored trails in a certain duration)
  • Potential for winter/fat-tire event depending on success ofautumn event
• Stoney Creek - Loop B in progress, impressed withFlowTrack’s work so far
• Annual elections due to be hosted in October
• Bald Mountain/Addison Connector – Bald Mountain side dueto be done by the end of the year, discussions still in progress with Addison.

August 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s August 2020 Board Meeting was held on Thursday,August13^th 2020 at 7pm at River Bends. The July meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Mike Green, Marc Padin, WadeRobbins, Steve Vigneau, Mike Reeves, Ken Markiewicz, and John Knight, KristenBerry, Pete Januszewski, and Josh Seyfarth. Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.

Board Items:

• Several members stopped by to pick up their CRAMBA-branded face/head coverings, which are available for free to all CRAMBA members (paid for by donations and membership fees)
• Technical Features program has started to see several new features completed, most recently the Tree Bridge feature located in the CK Canal Loop at River Bends
• Discussion for the feasibility of hosting digital or self-run events (race a specific route between two dates, email your GPS file), "CRAMBA Trail Challenge" (ride all the CRAMBA-sponsored trails in a certain duration)

June 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s June 2020 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, June 11^th 2020 at 7pm at Rivers Bends.  The May meeting was cancelled due to COVID-19.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, Mike Reeves, , Jeremy Verbeke, Ken Markiewicz, and John Knight.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• • Board approved the purchase of 23 portable “silky saws” for Trail Coordinators, but difficulties in finding a vendor that had that many available for purchase caused delay. Order for all the saws has since been placed.
  • Todd Szott (of the Szott Auto Group) approached CRAMBA regarding organizing a GoFundMe to fund the purchase of a few trimmers for Holdridge. Szott to front the money for immediate purchase of the trimmers, request to be reimbursed the cost of the trimmers from the GoFundMe, and any additional proceeds would be donated to CRAMBA for use to maintain the Holdridge trail system.
    • As of Monday, the GoFundMe had already raised double the cost of the trimmers.
  • Steve visited with Pete McCreedy to discussion signage needs at Oakdale, provided suggestions for spots for posts and numbering scheme.

• Board approves motion for Jeremy to purchase another string trimmer for River Bends.

April 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s April 2020 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, April 9^th 2020 at 7pm via Google Hangouts.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Marc Padin, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, Mike Reeves, John Knight, and Ken Markiewicz.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Board approved motion to pursue the purchase of small, portable “silky saws” for Trail Coordinators, which can be used to saw through debris up to 18” in diameter
• CK Canal Signage was purchased, cost for signs was shared between the Rochester Historical Society, the CK Canal Society, and CRAMBA.

March 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s March 2020 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, March 12^th 2020 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Diana McPherson, Michael Green, Marc Padin, Kevin Gorman, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, and Roger Class.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Insurance for the year has been paid, but there was an increase over last year. Next year CRAMBA will consider going with IMBA’s insurance.
• Board approves motion to purchase Clinton Kalamazoo Canal signage, cost to be shared with the Clinton Kalamazoo Canal Society.
• Ideas for Summer Events: 10^th Anniversary of the first River Bends ride (6/27), Take a Kid Mountain Biking (host at River Bends?), Bike Patrol/instructor led clinics for new bike buyers

February 2020 General Membership Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s February 2020 General Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, February 18^th 2020 at 7pm at Hogg’s Hollow in Utica.34 members were in attendance.Membership: currently have 456 members - 404 current, 52 lapsed/expired.  May is our annual Spring Membership driveFinances: Currently $51k in the bank, big expenses for the year include $6k for insurance and expenses related to the Addison Oaks race

• Stoney Creek: No bids had yet been placed on the project during 2^nd round of bids
• Ay CRAMBA Winter Event: Weather for the weekend is forecasted to be too warm, but membership elects to continue to hold as a social event, and refrain from trail use if the temperature gets too high.
• Survey Results: Survey results are available on CRAMBA.org. Highlights of the findings include requests for more features, harder lines, better communication/improvements to the website, and more group rides.
• eBikes: Survey results indicated that most had no opinion or were in favor. CRAMBA is a group that advocates for trail access for mountain bikes, and supports Class I (pedal-assist) at the Land Manager’s discretion, and if a usability study has been performed.  CRAMBA is against all forms of Class II (throttle-controlled).
• Restructuring of Committees: Current committees (Events, Communication, Trail, and Membership) are largely inactive. Looking to rebrand these as Special Interest Groups, requesting volunteers and sign-up sheets were passed around during the meeting.

• • Bike Patrol: officially recognize as a part of CRAMBA, currently not identified in bylaws and looking to formalize.
  • Trail Improvements: Ride trails, identify areas that need attention or have good potential for new features or reroutes.  Work with the Trail Coordinators to make things happen.
  • Events: Run existing events, come up with ideas for new events, collect feedback and ensure CRAMBA is using that feedback.
  • Advocacy: Dedicated to the advancement of mountain biking in our area.  New trail developments, solving potential conflicts with land managers through education.
  • Membership Involvement/Community Outreach: Get people to attend our events, rides, and trail days.  Make announcements, manage social media pages regarding our events.  Work with Events group.  Bring topics to the board that may need discussion.
  • Fundraising: Garner donations for new projects, events, and ideas.  Files for relevant grants.  Seek out local organizations to sponsor events as long as the businesses don’t conflict with CRAMBA’s mission (no MLM).  Seek membership signup/renewal contributions for people at our events.
  • Ride Hosts: Help run group rides, meet attendees’ expectations.  Come up with other rides that could be more social in nature, or to other destinations around the state.  Host rides at other times of the day.  Daytime and nighttime rides, weekend rides, etc.  Ex. host rides on MOT when trails are under water.

Trail UpdatesAddison Oaks: Need people to show up so that they can take pictures of “people on fat bikes” (held 2/22).  CRAMBA was presented with a plaque as a thank you for donating snow grooming equipment for the trails.Bald Mountain: Lake Orion high school has a trail system, but is not recognized by the state at this time (currently, some of the trail goes onto private property and needs to be redirected).  A connector bridge is being started this summer from Paint Creek to Bald Mt. South.  Looking to structure Bald Mt South as a “beginner” trail system, and turn Lake Orion into “intermediate” trails.Bloomer: Last fall new signage went in, but there are still a few spots that would benefit from additional signage.  Recent rains have done damage to the trails, and trail work will need to be done.  Bloomer suggested as a potential location for a weekly ride, or possibly night rides.Clinton River Park Trails: $800 was received from the Rotary Club to help rebuild a bridge, there is deadfall that needs to be removed, and the trail could benefit from additional signage.Columbus County: A bridge was donated for the trails but still needs to be installed, brush needs to be cleared out.Holly Holdridge: Not permitted to use snow grooming equipment on certain sections of trail, but there is a snow bike route (visible from Ron’s Strava).  CRAMBA donated money to help replace a roof on a pavilion with the stipulation that a dead tree overhead is removed.Holly Rec: Wilderness Trail – signs are incorrect: Lakeshore Loop is not open to bikes but the Wilderness Trail is.  Looking to see what traffic the trail is getting in the winter.  Fuel sponsor for trail grooming: CMS Fueling Station and Craft Beer.  Groomed twice at Holdridge, three times at Wilderness Trail.  Look on Facebook for Holly Area Mountain Bikers “HAMBsters” for group rides and trail conditions.Pontiac Lake: The portion of the trail that’s groom (via snow mobile) is rideable, some additional signage was recently put in.River Bends: Groomed as often as it can be, given the current weather.Stoney Creek: Needs a cleanup day sometime in April.  Looking for people to step up as “foremen” to be able to lead trail workdays.Oakdale: Lapeer wants another 4 ½ miles put in this season, and is actively looking to make the are an “all season trail”.Holly High School: Drainage issues have been fixed, the school is looking to expand/tune up the trails as they are actively used by kids.Seven Lakes: Interested in doing some re-routes around rattlesnake land and repairing some blown out trails.

February 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s February 2020 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, February 13^th 2020 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Michael Green, John Knight, Marc Padin, Ken Markiewicz, Kevin Gorman, Josh McCreedy, Kelly McMillen, Bob Costello, Lisa Apone, and Carl Moody.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Stoney Creek: No bids had yet been placed on the project during 2^nd round of bids
• Ay CRAMBA Winter Event: Weather for the weekend is forecasted to be too warm, will discuss the event at the General Membership meeting next week.
• eBikes: Class I pedal-assist bikes vs. Class II throttle-controlled bikes. CRAMBA is a trail advocacy group for mountain biking, and support the decision of the land managers on their stance on Class I eBikes.  CRAMBA does not support the use of Class II bikes as they bring safety concerns for riders and other trail users, as well as the conditions of the trails themselves.  Survey results indicate that clear communication is needed on where you CAN ride your eBike.
• Restructuring of Committees: Current committees (Events, Communication, Trail, and Membership) are largely inactive. Looking to rebrand these as Special Interest Groups, and will ask for volunteers at the General Membership meeting.
• Survey Results: Survey results are available on CRAMBA.org. Highlights of the findings include the need for more transparency on what we do and what we advocate, posting trail etiquette-related content online, membership desires for new features with ride-around options to prevent “dumbing-down” the trails, and trail days needing more structure and more advanced notice (advertise on more than just Facebook, and more than 48 hours in advance to allow people to plan their attendance).

January 2020 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s December 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, January 9^th 2020 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, Michael Green, John Knight, Marc Padin, Ken Markiewicz, Chris Westerlund, and Kevin Gorman.  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Bald Mountain/Addison Connector: DNR is currently working with Federal for approval. As existing service road approximately 50’ west may be utilized as the endeavor would be seen as “restoring infrastructure” instead of “new development”.
• Ay CRAMBA Winter Event: 2/1 (2/22 backup) Event scheduled to run from 12pm to 5pm at the Picnic Area at River Bends. Chili Cook-Off canceled to honor the simplicity of the event.  Potluck still encouraged.

Addison Oaks Race Items: Confirmed timeline to setup Friday, CRAMBA race Saturday, MISCA race Sunday.  MISCA will mark the course for their races, and will be responsible for teardown on Sunday.National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• Banner with new artwork received, came in under budget due to donation of materials by the vendor.
• Bike Patrol members are also required to be registered with the National Ski Patrol, which brings their total membership cost to $125 annually. Chris Westerlund is requesting that CRAMBA assist in subsidizing membership costs to encourage membership.  Board to consider based on setting a guideline/minimum number of hours and events to support CRAMBA.

December 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s December 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, Michael Green, John Knight, Marc Padin, Ken Markiewicz, Roger Class, Jeremy Verbeke (NMBP), Josh McCreedy (owner of TrailSense, Trail Coordinator for Lapeer Oakdale), Peter McCreedy (Trail Coordinator for Lapeer).  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Lapeer Oakdale: As the only formal trail system in Lapeer, Josh McCreedy would like to formalize their relationship with CRAMBA. There are lots of volunteer hours invested in the parks, but there is a need for signage and mapping in the spring.  In addition, Josh asks that CRAMBA pursue the purchase of additional trail grooming equipment, which he is volunteering to operate to groom the northern trails.  Board to discuss proposal.  Board approved motion to formally recognize Oakdale as a CRAMBA-supported trail on the condition that there is social media engagement to provide updates on trail conditions to ridership.
• Bald Mountain/Addison Connector: Steve, Brian, and Roger met with Oakland County Parts regarding connector. Approx 1800’ at Bald Mt, 400’ at Addison.  Bald Mt has not yet approved, and Oakland prefers to observe 4 seasons to make sure there are no concerns regarding drainage, etc. but looking to see what can be done.  Consideration needs to be taken for protected rattlesnake habitat.
• Ay CRAMBA Winter Event: 2/1 (2/22 backup) Discussion regarding chili cook-off rules and voting procedures. Board approved motion to purchase additional hats at same cost as last year.
• Massive Fallout: Addison approved hosting a start/finish party for Massive Fallout at the park. Camping is available, but no intention to make it CRAMBA-sponsored as we will be required to reserve spaces and pay for anything unused.
• Financials: ~$54k, received $350 check from Marathon (someone has a matching program setup through their work with proceeds going to CRAMBA)
• Misc: CRAMBA to purchase business cards with generic info to be able to hand out at meetings with parks, County, etc. Approved to purchase additional signage stickers to restock current supply (low after labelling River Bends).  Still pursuing SnowDog sled attachment, but no one local appears to have them in stock.  DNR has asked that CRAMBA sign a new state-level MOU to replace the multi-park MOU currently on file.

Addison Oaks Race Items: Proposed timeline to setup Friday, CRAMBA race Saturday, MISCA race Sunday.National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• Board approved motion to purchase NMBP patches and banner featuring new artwork
• Board approved motion to allocate money for NMBP appreciation event not to exceed $500

Post Meeting Business: Board approved the purchase of the SnowGroomers.net PathMaster for use to groom Lapeer Oakdale and the northern trails.

November 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s November 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, Michael Green, John Knight, Marc Padin, and Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator).  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Bald Mountain: 2020 initiative to build a connector from Bald Mt. to Addison Oaks, Steve to work with Jeremy, CRAMBA, DNR, and Addison. Approx 1000’ at Bald Mt, 150’ at Addison, anticipating removing invasive plants and raking.
• Ay CRAMBA Winter Event: River Bends has been informed 2/1 date (2/22 backup date), still working on permit. Chili Cook-Off, potluck, and BYOB.  Steve to contact Steven Spry regarding hats as last year’s sold out.
• Massive Fallout: Discussion to move the race to Addison Oaks, start and finish at the park and have a party after.
• Financials: $44,113.66, received $3013 disbursement from IMBA, expecting an additional disbursement later. Discussion regarding provisioning a “marketing budget” for trail sign stickers, brochures, etc.

Addison Oaks Race Items: Discussion to combine with the MISCA race due to low participation due to date conflict.National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• Jeremy Verbeke would like to formalize NMBP with a set of sub-bylaws and have Bike Patrol vernacular amended to the CRAMBA bylaws as well as define a succession plan
• Requesting Bike Patrol discretionary fund of a pre-approved amount
• Jeremy is looking into a NMBP end-of-season appreciation event the 2^nd or 3^rd week of January and would like CRAMBA to fund this event. (Item was not voted on.)

October 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s October 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson.  In attendance also Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board, Michael Green, John Knight, Marc Padin, and Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator).  Minutes recorded by Rebecca Padin.Board Items:

• Confirmation of Board Member positions:

• • Brian McPherson confirmed as Chairman
  • Wade Robbins confirmed as Co-Chair
  • Steve Vigneau confirmed as Treasurer
  • Rebecca Padin accepted as new Board Member and confirmed as Secretary
  • John Knight confirmed as new Board Member
  • Marc Padin confirmed as new Board Member

• Board discussed the Lapeer Trail system. Currently supported by MEDC, but looking for CRAMBA involvement.  Trails currently lacking signage and are not yet worn in.  Unsure of what spring trail conditions will look like, and will likely look for support/trail building days in 2020.  Group rides on Wednesday nights average 15-20 attendees.
• Ay CRAMBA Winter Event – Steve Vignuea will coordinate with River Bends for two dates to serve as primary and backup. Proposed ideas include a “Chili Cook-Off”, looking into drone footage/photography, and possible media coverage.

April 2019 Membership Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA’s April 2019 Membership Meeting was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 7pm at Hog's Hollow in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau, and Roger Class present for the CRAMBA Board. (Mike Reeves were excused absence.) Minutes recorded by Steve Vigneau.

• CRAMBA presented the Wildcat groomer to Addison Oaks for their trail grooming use in the next winter season.
• Steve Vigneau discussed the Shelden Trails project with the membership
• Bike Patrol (Jeremy Verbeke)
  • Orientations coming up.
  • Transition from IMBA to National Ski Patrol association is complete.
  • Currently 46 CRAMBA Bike Patrolers.
• Membership (Chris Westerlund)
  • 438 Members with Paid-Up Dues
  • Membership drive coming up where two Pivot biked will be given away.
• Addison Oaks Race (Chris Westerlund)
  • Second Sunday of September, per usual.
  • Will be the last race of the CPS Series this year, which should get a good turnout.
• Massive Fallout
  • Will be overseen by Wade Robbins this year, with assistance from Brian McPherson.
  • Taking place on September 28, 2019.
• MiSCA Race will be happening at River Bends later this year.
• Island Lake Bike Demo happening on May 4th; Brian McPherson will be representing CRAMBA.
• Finances (Steve Vigneau)
  • Current balance of $31,506
  • Reminds Trail Coordinators to find projects, as this money is available for supporting the trails.
• Trail Updates
  • Columbus Park: Currently under water, May trail day in the works.
  • Bloomer: Erik will be doing some clean-up on Easter Monday.
  • Holly/Holdridge: Todd Parkinson provided an update on status; mostly good.
  • Pontiac Lake: Trail Days on May 11 and June 9th, 9am to noon, meeting at trailhead.
  • River Bends: Trail days will be forthcoming to finish the new parts of the CK Canal Loop.
  • Seven Lakes: Work is under way with the park to formalize CRAMBA's relationship.
  • Stony Creek: Trail Day on Easter Saturday, meeting in the B Lot, at 9am.
  • Holly High School: Good to go!
  • CRPT: Under water, as usual for this time of the year.
• ODRAM donated an entry to be given away to a CRAMBA member. Roger Class held a drawing and it was won by Chris Patton.