Diamond Club Meeting

April 1, 2008

Members present:  John Hoffman, Mike Blumer, Bob Harris, Jessica Hagemann, Ben Gallagher, Dave Stacy, John Evangelist, Jeff Hershey, Gordy Eicher, Craig Dickison, Jennifer Dickison, Joe Bothwell, Dana LaDuke, Sue Bradley, Randy Reichert, Allen Barkve, Karin Wessberg

Meeting called to order by Randy Reichert. 

Minutes from March meeting:

Motion made by Jennifer Dickison to approve March minutes.  Motion seconded by Ben Gallagher.  All in favor; motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

John Hoffman reviewed the checkbook activity for March.  The balance from March 8 was $19,356.23.  The disbursements in March covered expenses for equipment, pizza pals coupons, and monetary gifts to Steve Grasley and Andy Peters for their assistance with captains practice.  Total disbursements were $9,403.95.  There was $50 received as a donation from the fundraising dinner.  The current balance is $10,002.28.

Coach Downey’s update:  (his complete report can be found on the website)

The following items were shared by Coach Downey: spring trip; new field; summer baseball; and high school season.                 

Spring trip

             The Florida trip was worthwhile.  Thanks, again, to Ben Gallagher and many other parents who did so much to make this happen.   

New field

First meeting of the Steering Committee is scheduled for April 2.  Priorities, timing, and fundraising will be the focus.

Summer baseball

            Registration for Tri-City Legion is April 5 and 12, with two teams being sponsored.  SAYB will sponsor a 16-yr old VFW team, Senior Babe Ruth for 17-18 yr olds, and other high school age teams.

            High school season

            First games scheduled for Monday, April 7.  It’s been difficult to get outdoors due to the weather.

Old Business:

1.  Pizza pals:  Gordy Eicher has purchased coupons.  Players have until April 11 to turn their forms in to the coach.

2.  Game day experience:  John Hoffman – nothing new to report.

3.  Player apparel:  Joe Bothwell reported that the first order from March is in.  April 3 is the cut-off date for final orders.  Uniform numbers will be taken off the rosters and sewn in, with a turn around time of 2 weeks.

4.  Year-end banquet:  Reminder that the banquet will be on Tuesday, May 20, at Jimmy’s in Vadnais Heights.  A “ticket form” will be put together and brought to the May meeting for distribution to the coaches.

5.  Florida trip:  A big “thank you” to Ben Gallagher for everything he did to make the trip a success!  He reported that 31 players went and 31 players returned.

New Business:

1.  Player panoramic poster:  Joe Bothwell brought his son’s hockey poster in for the group to see.  Dave Stacy made a motion that the Diamond Club spend up to $400 for a panoramic picture of the JV/Varsity team.  Motion was seconded by Allen Barkve.  All in favor.  Motion carried.

2.  Update on filing tax return/non-profit status:  Randy Reichert reported that per Ken George, a CPA who does the tax return for SAYB, if an organization receives more than $25,000 in receipts a tax return should be filed AND said organization should be set up as a 501C3 organization.  No definite decision made as to moving this direction with the Diamond Club.

Meeting adjourned at 8:05 with a motion by Dave Stacy, seconded by Joe Bothwell.  All in favor.

The next regular Diamond Club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6^th at 7:00 PM in the Mounds View Forum.

Your attendance is welcome and highly encouraged!