Chugiak Dog Mushers

Jo read the race purses as they were last season. Dixie put forth a motion to approve the purses as read for this year, with the Classic left out for later discussion. Jo seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Lexi requested from the treasurer at the end of the season a tally of the entry fees, cost of purses and trophies, grooming costs by month (not including plowing), and Muni fees from all races from the Cheechako to the Classic in order to determine our specific race costs for future purse discussions.

Dixie suggested that the club discuss the Classic purse at the next meeting. In the past, the club has set a minimum purse at $3,000 with the potential for more if sponsors are found.

Trails

To ensure that the club spends the Parks & Rec grant money in a timely manner on the projects for which it is intended, the club brainstormed projects that could be completed before the end of the year that would improve the trail system. Ideas included:

Purchasing and laying down Geoblock material (a load- and vegetation-support material similar in appearance to snow fencing but stiffer) in swampy areas to reduce trail damage by 4-wheelers. This material could be purchased now and installed in the spring.
Producing and posting “No Motorized Vehicles” signs at Fort Rich entry points and creating a turn-around at these points for off-road vehicles.
Installing a gate on the 1-dog trail to prevent entry from the larger trail system so that the 1-dog loop is a closed loop with no chance of 1-doggers ending up lost on the longer trails.
Creating additional high-ground trails within the 2-mile trail loop and near Heartbreak Hill.
Creating trail signage with matching funds that the club already has, possibly including signs indicating the quickest way back home. Lexi suggested talking to Parks & Rec about making signs.
Repair/grade the 6- and 8-mile trails to remove tussocks and ruts.

Ron presented to Parks & Rec last Monday in support of our grant proposal. We will probably hear about the grant disbursements in the spring.

Ron is working on signage needs with Bryan Bearss. Jo will laminate some temporary signs for the Fort Rich borders letting people know they are entering dog mushing trails and no motorized vehicles are permitted.

Races

Race posters have been delivered to all the businesses who advertised. Val will follow up with the race committee about the race schedule tear-off sheets.

Jo and Dixie met with Julie to talk about volunteer recruitment. Julie will recruit at our December Social and Networking event. The races have been divided among three people to organize them (Jo, Dixie, and Mary Lou). Lynn Hornbein volunteered to help with races, possibly assisting with the Mushing 36.

Miscellaneous

All club members should document any donated materials, labor, equipment rental, and other donations, indicating values if possible, and providing receipts if the donor would like them. This process will help the club in future grant requests.

Clint Gahm, the Boy Scout who put in our staging area posts this summer, submitted a very professional final report about the project.

Latseen Benson, a former Junior Musher, was injured in Iraq and is currently in a medical facility in Germany. Bill put forth a motion that the club donate $200 to his family to assist with travel costs, with the possibility of donating more as needed once Latseen returns to Alaska. Ed seconded the motion and it was approved.

Next Meeting

The next general meeting is Wednesday, December 7th at 7pm. A Social and Networking event will be held at 7:30pm. Both are at the clubhouse.