CHUGIAK DOG MUSHERS ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors Meeting – November 12, 2003
7 pm at the Red School House
on the Old Glenn, next to the CBA building
(across from the carnival storage between the North and South Birchwood exits)
Hotline: 689-7899

 

Parks & Recreation Fees: Several board members attended a Parks & Recreation meeting on Monday, November 10th. They reported back that Parks & Rec plans to eliminate fee waivers, but will continue to waive fees for the club’s use of trails and clubhouse until March 2004. At that time, use of trails for races will cost a flat fee o $30 plus $1 per race entry. In addition, a fee of $40 for less than 4 hours, $50 for 4-8 hours, or $60 for more than 8 hours will be imposed for using the clubhouse. This would apply to meetings and race days. All other users will need to pay similar fees to Parks & Recreation and organizations must show proof of insurance. The club’s insurance covers its own events. Individuals renting the clubhouse for private functions are not required to have insurance and will be covered by the Muni.

Sponsoring Racers: The issue of sponsoring members who are running the Iditarod this year was discussed again, and it was confirmed that the club does not feel it has the resources to be able to offer sponsorships, and sponsoring only one person would be unfair with so many club members running not only the Iditarod but other races as well. The club offers a link to any musher’s web site and may possibly be able to include sponsor requests on the CDMA web site if a musher does not have a web site.

Trail Safety: Several members have noticed teams crossing the road between the trailhead parking lots. This is a safety concern. Parks & Recreation has stated that it requires mushers to have handlers at road crossings to ensure the safety of the dogs, musher, and vehicles. This typically referred to trails specifically crossing the road and some of these have been eliminated with the installation of the culverts. However, crossing between the two parking lots has become an issue and this crossing should also involve handlers. Please enlist the help of handlers when crossing the road with a team at any point!

Lean Years: The board briefly discussed the effect that future lean snow years may have on the club. One suggestion was brought up to arrange non-mushing events to maintain the club and its membership. This might include more cart races, events at the clubhouse etc. If anyone has ideas for club events in case winter does not return this year and in future years, please contact the club.

Clubhouse/Timing Tower Improvements: The club voted to install a heater in the timing tower for race days. Harold will purchase the heater and other necessary parts and install it. Harold also will purchase an amplifier to connect to the sound system in the timing tower. This portable system will improve communication between the clubhouse and the tower at race events.

Fort Rich Permits: Jo and Val distributed Fort Rich permits to anyone who could not print out the electronic version and explained the system for receiving permission to run on Fort Rich. There are two different outdoor recreation passes available – a sled permit (non-motorized) and a 4-wheeler permit (motorized). If you plan to run both, you need to get both permits. Be sure to arrive earlier than 3:30pm to allow time to watch a necessary training video.

Next Meetings:

The next general meeting will be Wednesday, November 26th at 7pm.

A general meeting and education program will be Wednesday, December 3rd at 7pm.
The education program will be “Making Ganglines and Necklines.” Several club members will demonstrate different techniques for making lines. Bring snaps to make several necklines. Line will be provided by the club.

All meetings are still being held at the red schoolhouse next to the CBA building in Chugiak on the Old Glenn Highway until further notice.