Here are the meeting minutes from the December 14th board meeting. There are some issues we need to address within the next week to get registration started for rec. If I missed anything or anything needs corrected please let me know.
All present except Aaron
Indoor Facility
Inspections were discussed, appraisal was scheduled for 12/15 Discussion over how to deal with potential water or contamination issues. Insurance company was going to extremely overvalue the property at $800,000 leading to costly premiums. Looking at new insurance options. We need to verify that property taxes are still being waived for the previous year so that we don't have a property tax bill due when we take possession. Potential travel team fees for indoor facility usage were discussed.
Rec Registration
No early bird discount again this year, will probably still do the raffle for a free season. Rate changes were discussed, no plans to increase our rates pending an audit of what other parks are charging for the upcoming season. We will look at other parks this week and use that information to determine whether our rates need to change. An opening date for the season needs to be set. Uniform options are being presented. Shaun brought a sample of dry fit type shirts with MLB logos as an option. Game scheduling was discussed, tentative plan to have games only Monday-Thursday and reserve weekends for makeup games/tournaments. 10 game rec season discussed. Idea of having a coaches meeting for all rec coaches to outline expectations and give guidance. Dominate the Diamond program mentioned again.
Harris Tournaments
May 7th was chosen as the date for the Harris Bash. 4gg, $300 with $20 parking discussed as the fee structure.
Baseball will host a tournament May 14. Age groups 8-13, fees to be determined.
May 27 is the date for Shaun Dralle USSSA tournament, 6gg, 60 minute drop dead
July 30 set as date for Harris Heat tournament
Hosting Babe Ruth district level tournaments was discussed
Past Time baseball games discussed as being hosted at Harris
Dwigans Tournament
A $10,000 gift was given from proceeds raised during the Piper Dwigans tournament
Sub-Commissioners
Potential sub-commissioners for baseball and softball were discussed
Vendors
Approve using Emily as concession stand manager again this season.
Sponsors
Looking at setting up 2 Dick's shopping days
Other
Finances are ok, discussing background checks for coaches, need a bigger mound for baseball ($1,000), Anderson wants a new Gator
Here are the minutes from the October 14th meeting. All in attendance except Jeff Calvin.
- Fall Ball Status
Baseball is still going, softball is done. It was successful, but took up a lot of time. Look into less games, more skills practice next year, the $50 price point seemed good.
Piper Tourney recap/Storm Round Robin/Pumpkin Bash
Money was received, tourney was successful financially. Gift amount to be determined. Storm round robin went well, would like to do again in spring before rec season. Looking at April 23 for a softball tournament. There are two other tournaments in the area around that time period. Should tournament sizes be capped? Parking is our biggest concer
Indoor Facility (need a committee)
Discussions ongoing
Sub-Commissioners Baseball/Softball/Travel)
Discussed setting commissioners at 12 & under and 16 & under
New UIC?
Discussed how to bring in more umpires, and how to improve their training. The idea of a no compete clause was discussed, or priority scheduling for Harris. Can we pull in older players from local teams, or host an umpire teaching clinic to increase the pool.
Open
New grounds equipment options discussed, as well as the idea of adding permanent lines to the field. Coaching programs could be offered, Dominate the Diamond is a recommended program
IUSB
Their season is wrapping up, they have no issues and feel it went well. They are going to replace some sprinkler heads and discussed turfing the infield.
Board Meeting
Sept 2020
Fall Ball Status Baseball/Softball
- 7u starting the following week
- 70-80 softball players signed up
- Field availability and scheduling issues discussed
- 4 teams per division in baseball
Piper Tourney
- 40+ teams coming
- Friday/Saturday/Sunday dates
- No grounds crew
- Money will go through Jeff
- Parking money will go to the Dwigans family
Select a new UIC
- Discussed pay rate for umpires $30/$35
- Possibility of having online scheduling
- pay rate for UIC rec vs. tourney
- Possible candidates discussed, Luke (Sam's brother)
Who will handle scheduling
- Should be a single person to reduce confusion/conflict
- Aaron should be that person
Netting between fields 1 & 2
- 20 feet of netting needed between fields 1 & 2
- Would cost approximately $7,000-$8,000
- Increasing height of backstops on fields 5 & 6 discussed, approximately $2,000
IUSB Updates
- Discussed a new agreement
- Field sizes discussed
Financials
- We are in a sound cash position, +$30,000
Open Topics
- Trash and Joy Johns were discussed
- Alignment with Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth
Indoor Facility
- Board went to St Joe farm and toured location with Paul
- Discussed terms of contract and potential hurdles
- Board will await contract to be sent by Paul's lawyer
Board Meeting Minutes
November 5, 2019
7pm – 9pm
Present:
Shaun Dralle, President
Amy Schramski, Vice President
Jeff Calvin, Treasurer
Jim Kubinski, Secretary
Andy Breeden, Baseball Commissioner
Dave Smith, Softball Commissioner
Brandon Anderson, Operations
Tim Fitch, Marketing/Fundraising Coordinator
Absent: None
1. Jeff Calvin, Treasurer, updated on sound cash position
2. Shaun Dralle, President, Asked Baseball and Softball to consider employing sub-Commissioners
- Could assist with various responsibilities (Example: Practice & Game Scheduling, Tryouts, etc.)
- Would build experience/foundation for those interested in future Board service
- Concept also suggested by Jim Kubinski in June/July correspondence with Board
- If no sub-Commissioners, are Harris coaches next alternative?
- Conversation Tabled for Future Discussion
3. Baseball / Softball Travel Discussion
- Baseball continuing to develop All Star program w/ increased Travel emphasis possible in 2021
4. Harris Indoor Facility Discussion
- Shaun shared his preference for a year round facility (short term leasing plan / long term build)
- Leasing possibilities debated for both 6 and 12 month leases
- Leasing commitment discussed for both Harris Rec. and Harris Travel teams
VOTE: 8-0
in favor of: 6 mo. Initial Lease / Travel Teams $1250 per / Rec. maximum $4,000 commitment
- Discussion of sponsorship / naming rights to offset costs…supported and tabled
- Jim Kubinski asked for future discussion of establishing permanent, Harris owned facility
5. Rates for 2020 discussed
VOTE: 8-0
in favor of: No Change in Fees (2020 remains the same as 2019)
4U $65
Tee & 6U $90
All Others $120
Family Discount $30
No “Early Bird” Discount
6. Tournament Dates
Backyard Bash April 24-26
Backyard Bash II May 22-24
Harris Heat TBA
Harris Storm Invitational* TBA
*Potential name change to “Open” tournament
