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.

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 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.

May 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's May 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board. (Roger Class and Mike Reeves were excused absence.) Minutes recorded by Steve Vigneau.Also present Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator) and Michael Green (CRAMBA Member).Board Items:

• Board discusses upcoming Howlin' at the Moon fundraiser with the Metroparks supporting the Shelden Trails redevelopment. CRAMBA and the Bike Patrol will be leading the Beginner and Advanced group rides and supporting the 5K run.
• Brian McPherson represented CRAMBA at the Island Lake Demo. It was good exposure for us, and he handed out many fliers. Ended up selling one water bottle ($5) and taking in $2 in donations.
• CRAMBA has $30,576.90 currently. Pontiac Lake will likely be requesting funds to cover some bridge work, but the cost of this is not yet known.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• Jeremy Verbeke asks the CRAMBA board for a fixed amount per year that the Bike Patrol can spend without approval. These funds will mostly be used for purchase of consumables; a series of smaller expenses for which pre-approvals for each become complicated. Board approves $1000/year, passes unanimously by all members present (Brian McPherson, Wade Robbins, and Steve Vigneau).
• Bike Patrol will be conducting an Outdoor First Care class on Sunday, May 19th. CRAMBA will be covering cost of box lunches for trainees and instructors.
• CRAMBA will be hosting a CPR class on Saturday, May 18th, covering the $17/member cost for each Bike Patroler who attends.

March 2019 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's March 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7pm at Steampunk in Utica.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Roger Class, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board. (Wade Robbins and Mike Reeves were excused absence.)Also present Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator) and Ron Arnott (Holly-Holdridge Trail Coordinator).Board Items:

• Prior to this month's meeting, Ivan Krasnov resigned from the CRAMBA Board of Directors.
• On April 14th the Metroparks will be hosting a training day for trail work volunteers. CRAMBA will be providing tools to use for this training. Additionally, CRAMBA will be purchasing four new Rogue Hoe 70HR tools for the tool trailer, as these are specifically requested for the training. Cost for this is $289.80.
• CRAMBA currently has around $32K in funds, after paying for 2019 insurance. This is a good amount to continue operations for a couple years, just in case other income sources dry up, while having money available for trail projects.
• The Wildcat grooming sled, previously used at River Bends, will be donated to Addison Oaks for their use grooming the Fat Bike trail next season. The Exciter snowmobile will remain in CRAMBA's possession, and both it and the Snowdog will be stored in the Snowmobile Trailer. Roger Class will be making arrangements for the donation.
• As previously approved by the board (via Basecamp), Jeremy Verbeke will be renting a mini-excavator for use at River Bends to continue work on the CK Canal Loop.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• At the First National Ski Patrol (NSP) training for National Mountain Bike Patrol members is 30-Mar-2019, CRAMBA will be covering lunch (likely box lunches from Jimmy John's or so).
• The next NMBP New Member Oorientation will be held in April 13, 2019.
• NMBP will be hosting a Outdoor First Care course in May, CRAMBA will cover lunch for this as well.
• Jeremy Verbeke gives the board a heads-up that NMBP will be needing consumable equipment (tubes, first-aid items, etc) and that he'll be putting together a request for the CRAMBA Board.
• Currently there are around 39 patrollers, but this is expected to increase after the next New Member Orientation.

January 2019 CRAMBA Board + Addison Race Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA's January 2019 Board Meeting was held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Shelby Township Fire Station #1 at 7pm. This was a joint meeting with the Addison Oaks Race Committee.Meeting was called to order with Brian McPherson, Roger Class, Wade Robbins, Steve Vigneau present for the CRAMBA Board. (Ivan Krasnov and Mike Reeves were excused absence.) Also present were Jeremy Verbeke (National Mountain Bike Patrol, River Bends Trail Coordinator) and Chris Westerlund (Addison Oaks Fall Classic Race Organizer, Membership Committee Chair).Board Items:

• Chris Westerlund has introduced both Business and Club support for CRAMBA, at $100 and $50 each, respectively. Metro Detroit Mountain Bikers and Guinness Bikers are two of the first supporting organizations.
• Steve Vigneau is working on new water bottles. We are currently out of stock of water bottles.
• Steve Vigneau has been working with Stephen Spry on stocking hats to be sold at Ay CRAMBA. The order is under way and delivery expected at the end of January.
• Brian McPherson handled Massive Fallout in 2018, but may not have the resources to run it all this year. Wade Robbins and Brian will be working on this together in 2019.
• Trail marking supplies as requested by TCs will be delivered 11-Jan, Steve will kit the orders up and make them available to TCs.
• Jeremy Verbeke is working with Shelby Township on mitigating local resident concerns about the proximity of the newest phase of the CK Canal Loop at River Bends Park. Requested changes will result in a loss of ~200' of trail, but will maintain a visual barrier between a local neighborhood and the single track.
• Roger Class is looking into new venues for the Chapter Membership Meetings.
• Brian and Steve are meeting with Gary Hopp at Stony Creek Metropark on Saturday, January 5, 2019 to discuss fat bike access to the single track.

Addison Oaks Race Items:

• CRAMBA is considering a new route that's more of a loop with an alternative first climb. Makes for a better hole shot and no two way traffic. Chris will be taking this up with the park.
• Food planning for the race is a concern, due to lack of volunteers.
• Sponsors are currently being pursued, much earlier this year than in the past.

National Mountain Bike Patrol Items:

• First National Ski Patrol (NSP) training for National Mountain Bike Patrol members is 30-Mar-2019.
• NMBP new member orientation will be held in April, 2019.
• Jeremy Verbeke asks the CRAMBA board to cover $25 (per member) cost of NSP training. Board approves this expense, for up to 30 people. (Maximum $750 outlay.)
• Jeremy is looking into a winter-time NMBP end-of-season thank-you event and would like CRAMBA to fund this event. (Item was not voted on.)

CRAMBA Board Meeting 12/13/18

Sorry this is so late getting posted.  I got busy with the holidays and forgot to post.The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm at Steampunk in Utica.  Attending the meeting were Steve Vigneau, Wade Robbins, Brian McPherson, and Mike Reeves.Finances for the chapter have been set up on Quickbooks and our balance as of 12/13/18 was $34,958.92.Snowdog Groomer has been purchased and we are still awaiting snow.Stony plan is in, and they are working on final approval.MMBA Seven Lakes Project- MMBA was given $20,000 for the project.  The money was not set aside as directed, and was spent.  Jason Aric Jones was working on the project and has stepped down after the MMBA 's mismanagement of funds.The January membership meeting will once again be held at CK Diggs.  We are aware of the difficulty for us to hear last time, so we have worked with the owner of CK Diggs and we have a microphone set to run through the speakers in that room.  This should solve the problem.Meeting was adjourned at 7:50 pm.

October 2018 CRAMBA Board Meeting

The October CRAMBA Board Meeting was held at Steampunk in Utica.  Present at the meeting were Steve Vigneau, Brain McPherson, Ivan Krasnov, Mike Reeves, Wade Robbins, Roger Class, and Kristen Barry.  The meeting began shortly after 8:00 PM and we discussed the following topics:New Board Positions are as follows; Brain McPherson Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson Roger Class, Treasurer Steve Vigneau, Secretary Mike Reeves, and Wade Robbins and Ivan Krasnov will be Members-at-Large.Trail Section Adopter Program (TSA) is a program that we are considering implementing on a trial basis.  It is a program that would have several different people responsible for different sections of trail, and overseen by the Trail Coordinator for that particular trail.  Poto has done something similar in the past.  Pros and Cons of this program were discussed, more to come in the future.The Howlin' at the Moon event at Stony Creek has been moved to the spring time.  We will let everyone know when a date is set.Stony Creek has a new Co-Trail Coordinator.  His name is John Huff and will be focusing his efforts on the Skills Park that is in much need of some attention.Ay CRAMBA It's Cold Out! February 2nd 2019 at River Bends.  Bike shops will be at the event with Demo bikes to ride.  Uncle Peter's Pasties and Fries will be on site.  Beer and wine is allowed at River Bends, but remember liquor is not allowed.  More to come on this event as things develop.Thank you to Jeremy Verbeke for working hard on the tool trailer and getting new decals on it.

CRAMBA Board meeting 9/13/18

The September board meeting was held at Steampunk in Utica.  In attendance were Steve Vigneau, Brain McPherson, and Mike Reeves.  Meeting was called to order at 7:15.-We had discussion about Massive Fallout and the need for volunteers.  We also discussed the route and signage.  The route will not include Bloomer this year due to a running event.  However Bald Mountain North and South will be included.-We also discussed the need to follow the various MOU's at the different trail systems.  A violation of the agreements may result in loss of trail access.-Steve attended a meeting at Stony Creek reference the new trail.  Also in attendance were folks from different user groups and people with historical knowledge of the area.  Things seem to progressing well and we look forward to the process continuing along on schedule.-The Stony Creek, Howlin at the Moon event is on for 10/27 at 6:30 pm!  More info to be found here:  http://www.metroparks.com/howl-Lastly we discussed the upcoming board elections at the next meeting.  If you are interested in joining the CRAMBA Board, please let one of us know and attend the next meeting.  Which will be held at 7:00, October 16th at CK Diggs in Rochester Hills.Meeting adjourned at 8:32

July 2018 CRAMBA Board Meeting

The July 2018 CRAMBA Board meeting was held at River Bends and began with a 10 mile ride on the singletrack trails.  Present at the Meeting were Steve Vigneau, Mike Reeves, Kristen Barry, Brian McPherson, and Diana Skinner. The meeting was called to order by Steve Vigneau at 8:15 PM.  Steve updated the progress at Stony Creek.  Stating that Applied Trail Research will be in town from 8/22 thru 8/31 and we may be able to meet with the company for input.  DTE has had a change in upper management and it appears they MAY not be donating money to the project, however, ITC could be interested in funding the signage for the project.  On 10/27/18 Stony Creek is hosting "Howlin at the Moon" event a the park.  It is an event focused on getting multiple user groups (Runners, Hikers and Mountain Bikers) together to enjoy the trails.  In other news, please contact the board if you are available to help in anyway with Massive Fallout, food, registration, signage, etc.  The meeting came to a close at 8:42 PM.

July 2018 CRAMBA Chapter Meeting

CRAMBA Chapter Meeting Minutes 7/17/18The meeting was held at Rochester Mills Beer Co. and was called to order at 7:02 by Steve Vigneau.30 members were in attendance.Previous meeting minutes were not read.STONY UPDATE-Applied Trail Design has been selected for assessment and design of trail work at Stony Creek.  Scheduled to be built in 2019.-Planning stage is funded, the build phase will be approximately $250,000.-Still waiting on an exact date and time, but look forward to a Bike/Hike/Run event in October around Halloween.-Trail should be prime as it was recently trimmed.ADDISON RACE-Chris Westerlund sated that registration is open on BikeReg.  We are looking for sponsors and volunteers for food, marking course, etc.  If interested please email race@CRAMBA.org.RIVER BENDS REPORT-There is 1.1 miles of new trail at River Bends, please help ride it in.  The direction is counter clockwise.  An additional 2 miles of trail will be built out in the fall when the leaves fall and site lines are better.  A lot of money has been spent on bridges and machine rental, thanks to a generous donation.-The new bike park plans are held up at the Township level and a lot of good work has been put in by Jim Vanker and Ben Snyder to present the plans.ADDISON REPORT-New section of Addison trail is on hold due to a reported siting of a missisauga rattle snake.  More to come on the new trail and no other news to report.CRPT REPORT-There has been good feedback on new bridge and trail work with some tweaking planned to dial things in.-Recognition to all responsible being sought with the City of Sterling Heights so that people know who is responsible for the building and maintenance of the trail system.-The large stone within the CRPT trail has been approved to be used as a new feature on the trail.  Look forward to that in the future.BIKE PATROL-Membership is up to 70 members now.-IMBA has dropped the program and the National Ski Patrol has picked it up.  There will be no noticeable difference to any trail riders.-An application has been submitted to become a "patrol" level organization with National Ski Patrol.  Our bike patrol will now be dual trained for bike and ski patrol.MASSIVE FALLOUT-The date is October 6 and we are looking for help with food etc.  Please contact Brian McPherson if you are interested in helping.-Bloomer may not be included due to conflict with a running event.CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS-We will be looking for more/new chapter board members at the next meeting.  If interested please let someone know.BALD MOUNTAIN-No reportBLOOMER-Trimming to come soon and looking for help with TC work.PONTIAC LAKE-Trail day this Sunday 7/22/18 at 9 am.  The trailer will be there and they may be doing a reroute.HOLDRIDGE-Trail day this Saturday 7/21/18 at 9 am with a BBQ after!COLUMBUS PARK-2 miles of trail have been opened up from over growth and they are working with the park to build more trail in the future.MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:37

March CRAMBA Board Meeting

Meeting was held at Steampunk.  In attendance were Steve Vigneau, Kristen Berry, Brian McPherson and Mike Reeves.Meeting was called to order at 7:08 PM by Steve Vigneau.-Trail Days are currently being established.  Look for them to be added to the calendar in the very near future.-Steve V. is kind of taking the lead on figuring out the Golden Volunteer program to see how we can best utilize it.  Look for more on this later.-We are looking into the possibility of using Trail Forks for trail conditions, etc.  Other chapters are successfully using this.-Stony Creek Metro Park trail improvements continues to move forward!-Bike park project at River Bends also continues to gain momentum, now with Shelby Twp. on board.Meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM

February CRAMBA Board Meeting

Meeting was held at Steampunk.  In attendance were Steve Vigneau, Kristen Berry, Eric Mile, Brian McPherson and Mike Reeves.Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Steve Vigneau.-Discussion was had about signing IMBA Local Program document.   Waiting for final draft with corrections and it will be signed.-Kristen mentioned that we have to renew our chapter insurance policy.  This will be done soon.-AY CRAMBA It's cold out! was a success.  Discussion was had about minor improvements for next year.-Stony Creek Metro Park is considering a fund raiser for the new trail improvements at the park.  It would possibly be an evening ride in the fall.  More to come!Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM

November 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board minutes.11/30/17Board members in attendance: Steve Vigneau, Erick Mile, Brian McPherson, and Mike Reeves.Meeting was chaired by Steve and was called to order at 7:00 pm at Steampunk in Utica.-Board approved Chris Westerlund to receive a CRAMBA Jersey and Pint glass to giveaway during a membership drive.-Board approved $3,000 towards the planning phase of the Sheldon trails at Stony Creek Metro Park.-Board approved putting old trailer, previously used for the snowmobile, on Craig's List for $100.-Board approved to support a new structural proposal by MMBA. CRAMBA will remain a club member at this time.-The board also discussed the Addison XC race, with nothing new to report at this time.Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM

August 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Minutes8-17-17This meeting was held at the Fitzpatrick Irish PubBoard members in attendance, Nick Shue, Marty Shue, Kristen Barry, Mike Fitzpatrick, Steve Vigneau, Jeremy Verbeke, and Chris WesterlundNon board members present, Roger ClassSteve chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:10 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the previous meeting were not read.General Discussion

• MMBA Survey. Steve filled the survey in but thought it was of little consequence.
• MOU (Memorandum of Understanding). Steve will attend the September 14 Parks Board Meeting to answer any final questions and (hopefully) sign the MOU
• Wrong Way Signs for Stony. CRAMBA has the signs. Steve will get with Peter Kresmery and together work out the most effective locations for the signs.
  • Off grid connector trails and most “bandit” trails will not be affected
• Safe Night Out Event – Steve’s Report
  • Steve set up the CRAMBA tent kiosk
  • Collected $16.00 in donations
  • No new members signed up but still a good public relations awareness event for CRAMBA
  • Kristen got the group ride to show up
• Massive Fallout – Chris’ report
  • Everything is basically on-track
  • Bald Mountain needs a copy of our insurance certificate
  • Stony Creek has not responded, Chris will call
  • Chris will send Mike the directional-sign layout
  • Mike will get 30+ printed up with wire frames
  • Moose-Jaw has volunteer to SAG (i.e. respond to a come-and-get-me call)
  • Conklin road connector has been mowed by the DNR (yes!)
• Holly State Recreation Area General Management Plan
  • Thursday August 31
  • Question as to what involvement CRAMBA should have
  • Steve will contact Ron Arnott and/or Cori Chesnutt to find out more
• GOT Clinic
  • Marty reported the she has 18 women signed up.
  • Held at River Bends on Sunday, August 18
  • Will try classroom in the morning and trail in the afternoon
  • In the future “no refunds” will be written prominently on flier
• Membership Committee
  • Chris reported that we have currently 465 active and lapsed down from our peak of 480
  • Mike briefly talked about flier tear-offs for CRAMBA that will be posted at each trail head
  • Chris will help with an update to CRAMBA hang-tags.
• River Bends now has officially closed the Orange (aka swamp) loop
• Addison Oaks – Roger Class’ report
  • Roger reported that all systems are go for CRAMBA’s Fall Classic race
  • Roger reported and excellent working relationship with Addison’s land manager, Katie
  • Steve and Roger are working on some trail re-routes to avoid the high speed asphalt parts
  • Mike offered to donate the cost of a winter groomer for Addison

 Next month’s board meeting will be on September 21, at the Fitzpatrick Irish Pub Meeting adjourned at approximately 8:15 

June 15, 2017 Board Meeting Minutes

CRAMBA Board Minutes6-15-17This meeting was held at the Fitzpatrick Irish PubBoard members in attendance, Nick Shue, Martha Shue, Kristen Barry, Mike Fitzpatrick, Steve Vigneau, Jeremy Verbeke, and Alice JacobsNon board members present, Dean FitzpatrickSteve chaired the meeting. It was called to order at about 7:04 PM.Recording Secretary’s ReportMinutes of the previous meeting were not read.General Discussion

• IMBA Chapter Charter Agreement
  • Following a brief discussion, Nick motioned to accept the latest (6-1-2017) IMBA Chapter Agreement as written. The motion was seconded by Jeremy Verbeke. The vote was 6 yeas, 0 nays, and 1 abstention
• Take a Kid Mountain Biking Success
  • Preliminary results indicate that participation was double last years with 100+ participants
  • Handed out 4 adult helmets to non-wearers
  • Had excellent weather
• Basecamp
  • Steve gave our Trail coordinators access to Basecamp
  • Steve put our tax exempt status paperwork on Basecamp
• Membership Blitz
  • Mike reported that everything is on track.
  • We have received written approval from all parks

Next month will not have a board meeting in lieu of our chapter meeting on July 13, at Pontiac LakeMeeting adjourned at approximately 8:37 PM.