Potluck meal served at 6:30 pm.  O.V. Keith led the club with a blessing.

George Powell called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.  He welcomed all 36 club members, stated we had 2 new members in attendance tonight and 2 guests from the Forest Service, Dennis Vincent and Lisa Sieg.

George asked if everyone had read the March club minutes.  A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes.  Motion carried.

Financial Report:  Rex reported on the Expenses and Income for March.  He reported that all the grooming hours had been fulfilled and we are waiting for final payment from the Park Service.  Dick Shaw asked how much the Groomer payment is.  Rex stated that we will have enough monies to make the Groomer payment, but will leave the club in a tight spot.  Motion made and seconded to accept the report.  Motion carried.

President’s Report:  George stated that he would like for all club members to promote new Membership this year.  He stated that the scheduled club ATV rides will be on Mondays this season and he plans to have workdays on Thursdays for Trail Maintenance.  John Graeser will be leadings some scheduled rides on Saturdays.  Our club will be responsible for a lot of trail maintenance this year because of cut in the Forest Service budget.

Hiking Report:  Doug Knudson reported that those wanting to hike will leave from the Community Building in South Fork on Tuesdays at 9:00 am.  Harry Fluck had led the hike today in the Spanish Trails area.  Barbara requested that anyone wanting to donate to the vest fund for MayBelle, please see her.  MayBelle has kept a book with pictures of all the hikes for the last couple of years.

Social Report:  Harolena thanked everyone who helped set up for the April Potluck.  Also those who helped clean the kitchen at the Community Building.  The club will host the December Pot Luck.  She needs metal cookie tins to decorate with, if anyone has any, please get them to her.

CSA Report:  Curt Miller, our district rep, reported that CSA will pay ½ of all the clubs insurance for Groomers and Grooming, a total of $525.00 per club.  He stated that next years registration fee will be $30.00 per snowmobile.  He said if we need more poles or trail signs to let him know.

Forest Service Report:  Dennis Vincent reported that many different people will be filling Art’s position, they will not hire someone new to replace him at this time.  Dennis stated that he will be having ATV Safety courses, Chain Saw Safety courses and Motorcycle Training again this year.  He will let us know when they are scheduled for any one interested, probably will be in June & July.  He stated that the Visitor Information Center in Creede will be open, with the help of volunteers.  He stated that they appreciated the money donation made to Art’s family from our club.

Lisa Sieg is the Lead Wilderness Ranger for our district and has all trails to maintain.  She stated she will need a lot of assistance this year because of the budget cuts.  She would like information about any trails we encounter that have problems.  She suggested that we all communicate with our Congress members and let them know the trails and the outdoor recreation are important to us and to ask them to allocate more funds for these projects.  She also requested that if anyone sees lawbreakers, to get as much information as possible to them, so that they can get tickets to them if possible.  She stated that she feels there will be a lot of dead fall this year due to the amount of Beatle kill in the forest.  She and Dennis both stated their appreciation for our clubs willingness to assist with trail maintenance.  If anyone has questions they can contact them.

George stated that he would like to have enough people on Thursdays to have 2 different work crews.  He stated the days could be short till the snow melts up high.

Old Business:  George reviewed Thank You notes received from the Del Norte Health Fair, Edna Powers and Eve & Ozzie Wells.  He showed the certificate of appreciation from the Rio Grande Search & Rescue for the satellite phone.

Le Shepherd reported that the ladies have been working on the quilt to be raffled this year.  They are hoping to have it finished by the end of May.

New Business:  George reported that the Board has suggested a change in the By Laws regarding the number of members required for a legal vote to change the By Laws.  Much discussion followed.  Motion was made and seconded to adopt the suggested changes in Article XII By Laws.  Motion carried.  He stated that the club will be receiving proposed changes to the By Laws by email before the May meeting.  He thanked Rex, Lloyd and Elizabeth for their time on reviewing and suggesting the changes.  Harry Fluck’s suggested changes will be incorporated with the rest.  Plans to vote on the changes at the May club meeting.

Helping Hand Award:  Lloyd explained the conception for the award.  After stating many accomplishments and good deeds done by this person, the award was present to Rex Blanco.  Way to go Rex!!

FFOF Award:  Barbara has held on to this award for a while, but was able to present it to Connie Gillespie for an incident she had on a snowshoe outing.

50/50:  Elizabeth won the drawing and donated her part to the club.

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth Baugh