BOZEMAN BLITZZ FC BOARD MEETING
May 23, 2007
7:00pm First Interstate Bank

Present: Kerry Hatcher, Andy Epple, Mark Clawson, Jen Gummer, Bill Robinson, Deb Dechert, Alan Englebart, Britt Bodtker

  1. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

    1. See handouts from Deb Dechert: Profit/Loss, Balance, Register

    2. IRS waived 100% of 2002 tax penalties, and we are now completely caught up with our taxes.

    3. There is $2800 of uncleared/uncashed checks in the closed 1st Security accounts. Deb recommends we void these items out on our books. Board approves Deb’s recommendation.

    4. A/R outstanding: $5255. Board members should review Deb’s list and consider extenuating circumstances, etc. Those who can should make a personal call to the member’s family, before Deb follows up with a letter. It is our policy not to let members play until all their fees are completely paid. Deb will keep this list in A/R, identifying those that aren’t currently playing.

  2. MICRO REPORT

    1. Games cancelled today due to weather, otherwise everything is going well.

    2. 14 fields with 50 games each Wednesday and Sunday. Close to 850 players. MSU has been very flexible allowing Micro to keep the larger goals out.

    3. One problem: Parent made inappropriate remarks to one of the coaches about “running the score up.” Alan received comments from many parents about this, and he is supportive of the coach. He plans to talk with the parent about their remarks.

    4. Challenger camp offered Alan a scholarship, so he “hired” one of his 5th graders to help out with the fields and games in return for going to the Challenger camp.

    5. Lightning Policy: (will get from Jen) Alan will buy a horn to alert players and spectators of lightning suspensions.

    6. Alan plans to go through Micro expenses with Deb this summer.

    7. Kerry complimented Alan on “going above and beyond” but asked him to be careful not to burn out. Alan feels that he has a great group of volunteers to help him, and he is learning how to delegate effectively.

    8. Internet based registration has a huge potential.

    9. Jen, Andy, Kerry and Alan will get together and review the season after it is over.

  3. Andy Epple motioned and Mark Clawson seconded to approve April 25 2007 meeting minutes. Passed unanimously.

  4. ADMINISTRATOR/REGISTRAR REPORT – no report

  5. PRESIDENT’S REPORT

    1. A parent was upset about no refund policy. His daughter dropped off the U-14 A girls team to play volleyball, and subsequently that team folded due to insufficient numbers. The girls who elected to stay were all placed on other teams. The parent asked for a refund, was told our policy (no refunds after team formation) and did not respond for several months. Last week, he contacted Kerry with plans to file a suit against the Blitzz Club and the board members individually. Kerry offered to look into the situation, but the parent wanted immediate resolution, threatening to file the suit within the week. In order to avoid a lawsuit, Kerry offered to personally refund the player's fees, which was accepted. On a side note, same family's other daughter plays Micro and Kerry made sure she was contacted and put on a team. This summer the policy committee is to address our protocol for accepting or rejecting applicants. It is important to be sure that board members are indemnified from being personally liable to lawsuits, although our insurance covers us in this regard. Parents are now required to sign and initial that they are aware of our refund policy.

    2. An additional parent concerning whom there have been numerous complaints will finish out the season and is making steps towards more appropriate behavior. Mark Clawson and Patti Neerken have drafted a letter reiterating MYSA policy regarding appropriate behavior, indicating that that the parent and potentially player(s) is subject to banishment from the club if there are more incidents. A copy of this letter will be sent to all the board members before the final draft is sent to the parent. It is important to note that a parent is not a member of the club (the player is the member) and there is a grievance procedure that expires 2 weeks after a member is notified of a problem.

    3. New Board members: Jan Krieger declined. Other possibilities: Andy Scherffius, Mike and Linda Phillips.

    4. Rental car damages: we received the half payment from the coach and the bill has been paid.

    5. Paving of parking lot at Bronken to commence Monday May 28 and should be finished by Friday June 1. If not, will try to have eastern side done by June 2nd to avoid conflict with games. Coaches should be aware that teams will have to park on the street during practices that week.

    6. Barry Van Patten – visited Bozeman last weekend. Kerry offered to compensate $250 of his travel expenses now and another $250 if he is hired. Blitzz to reimburse Kerry. Kerry, Bill, Chris and Jen will meet to discuss options and then present them to the board. Kerry has been in touch with nearby clubs (Belgrade, Livingston) to discuss possibilities.

  6. COMMITTEES

    1. A. Facilities and Equipment

      1. 5 gallons of specialty paint donated by the city.

      2. Thom White has arranged for landscaping to be done by Brian Troth’s son as an Eagle Scout project.

    2. Head Coach

      1. See email from Chris.

      2. Fall Program: Bill Robinson is looking for someone to take this over. As the deadline for reserving fields, etc is nearing, he will begin the process and then train the successor.

      3. Summer training camp in July, similar to the Elite program from last November. Need to check with Chris re: help coordinating this program.

    3. Tournament

      1. Find someone to spearhead a committee to explore tournament hosting options. Bill will call to see if Patti is interested.

      2. If we bid on State AA for next year, try to get motels and business to assist with process. Need to check out other possible conflicts, such as track and field.

    4. Referee Liaison

      1. A number of our refs are officiating at State this weekend in Kalispell.

    5. E. Policy

      1. This summer, policy committee to address issue of accepting or denying applications.

  7. NEW BUSINESS

    1. Alan Englebart and Kerry Hatcher to attend county planning meeting in June.

  8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

    1. End of Season Picnic/Party: Find out from Andy re: response from members/families.

  9. GOOD OF THE GAME

    1. Things look good for State: U-17 Boys and Girls are both seeded #1.

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:15PM