Free Web Site - Free Web Space and Site Hosting - Web Hosting - Internet Store and Ecommerce Solution Provider - High Speed Internet
Search the Web

Meeting begin 7:14 pm

SECRETARY’S REPORT. Secretary’s report was read, seconded, approved and passed.

TREASURER’S REPORT. Treasurer’s report was read, seconded, approved and passed.

OFF BUDGET ITEMS FOR PURCHASE. The tune up for the 1981 GMC has been approved, however the tune up has not been completed yet. The cost to move the refrigerator rail cars to Reardan came in with one bid at $7,000 and another bid from Hite Crane for $4,700. A question was raised if the Reardan site is ready to accept the rail cars. The rail cars will be set on concrete ties. There was a motion to approve $5,000 to move the railcars to Reardan. The motion was seconded, approved and passed.

CORRESPONDENCE. Scott Adams came back with a phone message that was left on the answering machine of Bill Greadel. The recording stated there would be no action until the end of May. Bill called the state and received a run around. They don’t want to do anything until the contract is finished. WATCO won’t do anything until the deal is done with the state. Bill sent a letter to Dale Swant formally requesting assistance from the Public Development Authority. We will need an engineering study where the museum will be located and it will cost approximately $20,000 to get this done. Hopefully the grant will cover most or all of the cost of this study. Bill is looking at insurance policies for cheaper insurance. He should have a quote for cheaper insurance from Canfield and Associates by the next meeting.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS. Dale is working on membership renewals. There are over 200 people on the list, but only around 100 are paid up. There was a suggestion we send one last notice to all members asking if they want to remain a member or not.

EQUIPMENT STATUS REPORT. GMC TRUCK #1. It was decided not to renew the license at this time. We can purchase a trip permit if we need to take it on the road.

GMC TRUCK #2. Gene is still working on the tune up, but he is still looking for new tires. D-8 DOZER. We are waiting for a magneto mechanic.

ACTIVITY REPORTS. TRAIN SWAPS. At the Pullman swap meet, there was not much traffic. They support us however, and it is good public relations for us. We brought in $111.00. The next swap meet is 29 April in Helena. We will request 2 tables to display shirts and cups. The cost will be $25 for each table. Donna gets credit for last year’s swap meet. We have a good supply of everything. There was motion to sell the last of the Montana items, and select T-shirts for $1.00 each to dispose of them. The motion was seconded, approved and passed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS. FAIRBOARD STATUS. There is no agreement at this time.

REARDAN REPORTS. Good job to Dale on the Sidetrack.

STATUS OF MONEY RAISING. WHEATLAND BANK. Bill is still talking to them. He is hoping the squeaky wheel will get some grease. AVISTA FOUNDATION. Another new request has been submitted. We are hopeful they will give us a grant

NEW BUSINESS. It was suggested we have an open house for member’s one day and invite the media. The open house should be at the end of May or the first of June. Donna will chair the committee. There are T-shirts for sale at the meeting tonight. There was a motion to spend up to $100 for color slides taken by Bob Dowler to use for prints in the next calendars. We could also sell some of the prints at swap meets. The motion was seconded, approved and passed. The forklift we were looking at will be available to us soon. The group has already voted and approved $1,000 to purchase the forklift. Bruce stated there is a new book out on private railcars. There seems to be a check missing from Sunset Junction for the sale of calendars. Does anyone know who picked it up? All the members present are happy with the buffet and the meeting room at Frontier West so we will continue meeting at that location.

Motion to adjourn 8:12 pm.

Wayne Shaw, Secretary