GENERAL MEETING MINUTES AAAA General Meeting Minutes Tuesday February 26, 2019
At 6:32 Our Vice President, Frank, started our evening with a “Toast” minus the “Roast” for Mark Sullivan. With Mark out of the country, and unable to defend himself, Frank will be saving his stories for another time. They must be good. Following the Toast, Frank welcomed our members, new members, and our guests: Herman Gabaldon; Denise & Maurie Ringler; Kate Johnson; Rachael England, JoAnn Smith; Cameron Marples; and Bruce Thul, all hailing from Albuquerque. Anita Eichhorn provided a reminder about the Aerco Safety Seminar to be held on March 9th at the Sid Cutter Pavilion. $60.00 registration fee prior to the seminar, $70.00 at the door. The doors will open at 7:00 AM. Troy Bradley, our featured presenter, then provided a wonderful program about his recent flight over the Grand Canyon. Troy started with a brief history of balloon flights over the canyon, with the first thought to be in 1966 with Tracy Barnes piloting, and continuing through to the five balloons, most balloons to cross at one time, on the day of his flight. Troy’s pictorial flight, originating at Kanab Airport in Kanab, Utah, and continuing south over the Grand Canyon was spectacular. What a beautiful 103 mile morning he had.
ton, TX; Dallas Lasley from Littleton, CO; Colleen & Gleason Gregory, as well as Gary Shank (in attendance) from Rio Rancho; and the Albuquerque group, Jensen Baca, J.J. & Sara Mancini, Jeannine Nelson, Brian & Ellen Speicher, and Shawn Speicher. With ballots going out shortly, a reminder to VOTE and return as early as possible. Ballots will be available at the March meeting for those who did not receive a mailed ballot. Committee reports were presented at this time and will be in the Cloudbouncer. Floor Nominations – Peggy Billson nominated Madison Rumbaugh for Ways & Means. Nomination accepted. Lachelle Peete nominated Jennifer Garcia for Vice President. Nomination accepted. Nominations closed. Ballot will be as follows: Vice President – Will Fitzpatrick and Jennifer Garcia. Secretary – Susan Oldenburg. Community Relations – Jason Burns. Special events – Katie Heffron. Ways & Means – Madison Rumbaugh. Thanks to all for stepping up. Bios will be included with the ballots.
Other Ballooning Organizations:
The Safety Corner, presented by Don Boyer, was next up, topic Drop Line Safety. Some things to think about as a pilot before deploying your drop line: How fast is the wind; What’s underneath you that it could get caught on; Have you trained your crew, where you trained on using a drop line? Under no circumstances should a drop line be used in a high wind landing. Under 5 mph only and only as a means of getting to a safer or more accessible take down area.
BFA – No representation.
Nominations where next. Katie Heffron resigned as Chairperson to be able to run for a position. Charity provided a list of current nominees, Will Fitzpatrick (Vice President), Susan Oldenburg (Secretary). Nominated Katie Heffron for Special Events and deferred the balance of the floor nominations until after the Board reports.
Fiesta (Jennifer Garcia) – Fiesta registration will open on Monday March 4th. As Fiesta gets closer to the 50th anniversary, applications are being submitted quicker, so get yours in early (doesn’t have to be Monday). The 2019 Fiesta is looking forward to the return of the 23th America’s Challenge gas balloon race.
Board reports were next. Board members present: Vice President (Frank); Treasurer (Dick); Secretary (Sue); Special Events (Charity); Flying Events (Zerek); Crew Development (Tom); Ways & Means (Rachel); Education (Don). Members absent: President (Caryn); Community Relations (Jason). Vice President (Frank) – The contract with the Balloon Museum, to have our monthly General meeting held there, has been renewed. Thank you to the Balloon Museum. Secretary (Sue) – A welcome to our new members: Fred Dinkler from Livingston, TX; Heather Thompson from Carrall-
VFRS (Kelli Ballengee) – Acceptances for the St. Patty’s Rally have been sent, if you have not received yours, contact Kelli. Top Gun (Steve Mezzancello) – The February Flying event went well with a relatively new competition pilot, Mike Heffron, taking first place honors. Bill Dimmitt will be the March ED so come out and join the fun.
Balloon Explorium – No representation. Chicks Fly – No representation. CAP (Will Fitzpatrick) – Oshkosh Balloons Rally is coming up, if you wish to participate, contact Will. Balloon Museum/Foundation – No representation. At the end of the meeting, the six remaining Board members present (Frank, Dick, Sue, Tom, Don, and Rachel), held a closed session.
G e n e r a l M e e ti n g M i n u t e s
15