| News and Notes |
| June 15th, 2010 HOPRA 2010 SENATE MEETING MINUTES Friday, June 11, 2010 In attendance: Dave Lehr (IN), Walt Dick (MI), Scott Terry (MI), Phil LaQuatra (PA), Tom Shepherd (IN), Dave Stull (OH), Loye Elliott (OH), Mike Shanks (OH), Mike King (NY), Tom Gray (NE), Rick DeRosa (IL), Bob Colleran (WI), Rick Carter (NJ) Dave Lehr chaired the meeting in place of Paul Reeve due to Paul’s illness. The agenda sent by Paul was followed for the meeting. Bob Colleran sat in to represent WI in the absence of Craig Nothstine and Brian Fleischman. Rick Carter is the new senate representative for NJ, replacing Harvey Goodwin. Dave Stull is one of the new OH senate representatives as both Loye Elliott and Mike Shanks announced they were resigning. It is understood that Dave has been confirmed by a vote of the OH members. Chris Rondinella is the other possible OH representative pending confirmation. 1. Elect new National Director. First order of business was to vote to fill the open National Director position. There two candidates, Dave Lehr and Mike King. By a show of hands, Dave Lehr was elected to the position. 2. Posting the rules on the Internet. After much discussion, it was decided that this subject was too important and complex to make a decision in the short time and late hour of this meeting. Dave L. suggested that all senate members consider the situation, both pro and con, and be ready to vote on it in roughly the next 30 days. During the open meeting held earlier in the day, the majority of racers in attendance (by a show of hands) were in favor of posting the rules online. 3. Develop rules for new Bonded Magnet Polymer Modified Class. After extended discussion, it was determined that we needed to see what the interest is and how many racers participated in the next days’ support class event. The biggest issue is how we control the magnets for this class. Dave L. suggested that all senate members brainstorm ideas on possible ways to achieve this, along with rules suggestions, and report back via email to the group within the next 30 days (by July 13, 2010). 4. $100 Donation from each HOPRA state to help support the National event. After some discussion, a vote was taken. Nine representatives voted “for” the resolution, one voted against, and two abstained. The resolution passed. It will be left up to each state as to how they collect funds for this donation. 5. Upgrade the rules pertaining to controllers. After some discussion, it was determined that the current rule covers the concern in regard to the majority of controllers currently available. Dave L. suggested that everyone pay attention to possible new technology that purportedly brings the possibility of programmability to the controllers we use. 6. Re-examine what constitutes a HOPRA state, (a) how many members are required for each senate representative position, and (b) in the case of a Family Membership, should immediate family members be counted individually or as one unit. It was pointed out that several states currently don’t have the membership to justify their number of senate represents. After much discussion, a vote was taken and the following was determined: a. Keep the current number of members (5) to have one senate representative, 10 members to have a second senate representative. b. Members under the Family Membership discount would be counted as one unit. c. It was decided that states that don’t currently have enough members per this newly clarification will have until the 2011 Nationals to recruit enough members to satisfy the minimum requirement. New Product Submissions. BSRT, via Walt Dick, submitted various new polymer magnets the BSRT G3/G3R, Tyco 440/BSRT T2 and Tomy Super G+. One set of new ceramic motor magnets for the G3/G3R was also submitted. Slottech, via Rick DeRosa, submitted new T3 ceramic motor and traction magnets as well as rear bulkhead. All senate represents were advised to examine the magnets, both during and after the meeting. Dave L will call for a vote to approve/disapprove the submissions in 30 days via email. The meeting was then adjourned. |
| 7/31/2010 Voting is underway on the outstanding issues (see below) from our 6/11/2010 Senate meeting. Results will be posted here next week. |