The April 12, 2008 meeting of South Shore Outboard was called to order by Commodore Ralph Potter at 2:00PM. The Meeting was held at the Thompson’s Barn in Mansfield, Massachusetts and there were twelve members present.

The Secretary’s Report was accepted as printed in the Newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report – Club Treasurer Richard Currier presented the Treasurer’s Report and it was accepted as presented.

Membership – Membership Chairman Mike Akerstrom forwarded his report to the Secretary. There are 65 paid racing and non racing memberships for the 2008 season.

Equipment – The Red Rescue boat that has gone to Vermont will be completed for the Standish Race.

Alan Akerstrom has completed the work on the White Skiff. This boat is now fitted with a more user friendly lift system for the litter.

At previous Club Meetings there has been discussion relating to the sale of the Inflatable boats and engines to generate funds for the Warren, Maine Race. It has been brought to the Club’s attention that the equipment in fact belongs to the Region. The membership present at the meeting all were in agreement to this fact. It was suggested that the Secretary draft a letter to the Region Chairman expressing the Club’s position that this equipment should be liquidated with the proceeds going into the Region general fund to promote racing in New England.

Registrations for Trailers and Rescue boats will be taken care of by Shawn Cavanaugh. A motion was made and seconded to disburse a check in the amount of $200.00 to Shawn to register the Club Equipment. Motion was passed.

It was reported that Helen has the renewal for the Equipment trailer registration. The Secretary will forward copies of the expired registrations to Shawn.

There was discussion relating to the purchase of ladders for the rescue boats. The intent on the addition of the ladders is to make it easy for a driver in the water to get into the rescue boat under their own power. The Commodore has a ladder for this use.

Alex poliakoff has purchased four mushroom achors for the pontoon boat. Aaron Main has orange road cones that he will provide to the Club. The Club is all set on buoy bags and rope.

Website – Chris Hebb was in attendance to discuss the Website. As the Webmaster, he is available to assist with the development of the site. SSOA’s contract with him is through March 31, 2009 and the cost for his service is $300.00. Although this amount has been paid, the Club is not in receipt of a contract defining his services.

There was discussion to expand the site to accept Race entries on-line, merchandising and securing advertisers for the site. It was noted that although Chris has been the Webmaster for the past year, the changes that the site has seen in the past six months were a result of the efforts of Paul Luippold.

Races – The 2008 Race Schedule was reviewed and updates and changes were made. Paul has posted the Race schedule on the website.

At the date of the meeting, the Sanction Application for Standish has been completed.

Shawn C. reported that the food concession will be open on Fridays Test day and that the toilet facilities will be available throughout the weekend.

The prize money to establish a perpetual Kiwanis Standish Cup has not materialized. Plagues for prizes have been ordered.

There will be a $10.00 fee for testing on Friday of the Standish event. The fee will go to the Maine Pine Tree Boating Club that provides the insurance for that day.

A check has been sent to the Campground owner to secure the site for June 14-15.

Bob Howe has agreed to talk to Sterling Ambulance for race day coverage. The membership was in agreement that it is the Club’s responsibility and expense to have the service at the site. However, in the event of an incident that requires a participant to use the service, the Ambulance service is to bill the participant requiring the service.

No issues, Securing of the permit is in process.

COA – will host the Northeast Divisional Championships for the J, Stock and Modified Categories. They will also be running the Drags. The Drag program will start at 9AM and should be complete prior to the Outboard program. The Annual clean up event will be held April 19^th. Members are encouraged to attend as the participation of the Racing group helps to secure the dates for the racing in July.

Bill Giles traveled to Lake Hortena and met with Joe Kent and Roger Ellis. The site is located approximately 15 miles from Rutland Vermont. Bill reported that it would have to be a pre June 1 or post Labor Day event due to the recreation Traffic on the Lake.

Bill Giles reported that he has a meeting next week with the DCR regarding a possible September 6-7 date. There appears to be positive feedback from the Community that the Club may be able to get back onto the site.

Safety- Other than the discussion relating to the Rescue equipment as previously discussed, there was no further discussion under safety. A reminder, all Life jackets must have flak material for the 2008 season.

Publicity –. Billy Allen displayed the Stock Outboard Banner. The Banner will be displayed at all of our events this season. The Club agreed to donate $50.00 to the after hours activity fund for this years Mod & Stock Nationals at Whitney Point.

Region One Meeting – The Region One Spring Meeting is scheduled for April 20th and all members are encouraged to attend. Time and location is listed on the SSOA website.

The meeting adjourned at 4:10PM. The next meeting will be May 17, 2008 at the Standish Race.