February 2003 Meeting Minutes

The February meeting of the Manitwo Flyers was called to order promptly at 7:32:32:1 ish.  After the gavel was pounded and the roll call was done and the dust has settled there were about 16 members present.  In addition to this number there was 1 new guest,  Mark Gustofson.  He has a sturdy Birdy model but is currently looking for recommendations on a radio system to use.  Welcome Mark.  Let us all extend a warm and hearty hand to him.

 Some of the expenses were the patches, checking charges, the gift certificate for the bowling alley owner.  The treasury report was accepted as read.

 The old business was discussed including the upcoming brat fry, airport days and the indoor electric fun fly and the field rules. 

 The updates to the field rules were accepted as amended after a spirited debate.  It is stated that intentional flying behind the flight line is wrong.  Intentional flying over the highway is wrong.  There is a limit of 5 pilots in the air at one time, exceptions for combat.  Instructors are the air boss and have the authority to shut down the field for their student’s safety.

 The committee laid out plans for a new flying field.  This field located north of Two Rivers off Hillcrest road is county owned land.  It is about ¾ miles from intersection of HWY 147 and Hillcrest. We would lease this property.  This land deal is pending county approval.  Currently the land is leased to a farmer for corn.  The price would be good and come with a long term lease.  There are very few neighbors.  The new flying field would be a community attraction.  It might be a rec area.  We could use it to teach the youth.  There may be a lake for float planes, room for free flight and rocket launches.

 It would be possible to have a large 100x500 foot grass runway, circles for line control flyers.  There would be a developed parking area.  An area for campers and a club house.

 A big question came up and who would maintain the land, the county or the club.  We need to be careful to balance all of the options and there implications so that the field works best for us and the community.

 If it was county run they would have their rules that would be imposed.  We might not be able to maintain the control of the safety aspects.  We might not be able to enforce club members only.  We need to be able to regulate this.  Perhaps the AMA has some answers to these questions.  Would the county request a portion of the fees.  Perhaps if the county ran it they would do some of the cutting and other maintenance.

 If this land does not work out the perhaps the old landfill would work.  There is also some land near Laribee. 

 We are looking for more land because the current field is too close to Hwy 43.  There is no possibility of adding buildings.  If we wanted to hold any big events it is not possible because of the lack of a lot of parking.  There is not a long term lease so the future of the club could be at stake.  We are being proactive.

 There was a small discussion about the date of the original charter.  The charter dues were due.  We are chartered club number 1008.  We are a tax exempt club with a tax number. 

 Currently the raffle is on hold.  We have not been able to get a license.  The bureaucratic red tape is slowing things down.  We still hope to present a raffle at the Manitowoc Airport Days.

 We are going to have a porta-potty at the field again this year.  We might find a used one to buy.  The low cost of a used one would pay itself back in two summers.  To rent one is about $67 dollars a month, including pumping.