The report was accepted.

Legislative Report: Senator Lorraine Hoffman was not re-elected, so Larry S is trying to have Joe Roebock sponsor the bills Senator Hoffman was going to sponsor, such as the helmet bill.
The “Right-of-Way” bill is in the works, with more than a large fine - They want to find a way to punish people that disrupts their lives, like mandatory classes, mandatory license revocation, etc. Canistrari is working with Larry and Prospector.
The “Handle Bar Height” bill will be sponsored by Joe Roebock and hopefully make it through in the next session.
If you have any ideas for new bills please pass them on to Larry and Prospector. They go to Albany every Tuesday beginning in January.

Sean Maher noted that there is no other district that works as hard with legislation as this district. He commended the district for a job well done.

Old Business:

Trying to get more membership for AMA:
Larry Schwartz suggested an AMA membership for new bike purchases. Denis Petrie had spoken with John Hoover at National and they said it would be expensive. Brad Barrett suggested trying it locally and made a motion to establish a committee to take a solid look at these suggestions and get back to the district with some answers.

Larry Schwartz also questioned National about their high attendance rates at conferences when that money could be spent to send district/grass roots people who could then disseminate the information to clubs, etc. Sean Maher will work with us on a proposal to Congress to have only 2 National AMA members attend a conference with the other 3 spots going to local political people.
We can get new members from motorcycle events, like the International Bike Show, but also if we advertise on Cable TV or newspapers, such as the Glenville weekly, Spotlight, etc.

Sandy Corrento of the Adirondack Riders questioned what the benefits of belonging to District 3 are:
1. You have a voice
2. Government relations and the right to ride 3. We have dates for events that do not overlap with other clubs in the district 4. Laws have been passed in favor of motorcycling that we helped get through 5. We have had bills withdrawn that would have hurt motorcycling Mark Catlin noted that we had many more members attending district meetings.
We need every club to attend the monthly meetings to keep our freedom of riding a freedom. John Scavo noted his club did not want to rejoin, but Larry S. came to a club meeting to convince them to rejoin and they are here today to do just that.

Larry S. also thought that AMA should be known as a “Rights organization.”
All bikers, snowmobilers, road and off-road riders have problems.

New Business:

Mike Kuban (Overall district treasurer) noted that the road division has to give more money to the overall treasury. District 3 is not carrying their weight. Somehow we need to figure out a way to enlarge our contributions to the district. We have 3 people go to National @ a cost of $300 each - we give the district a total of $300. Off-road gives enough money with all their sanctions.

Nominations:

Director: Kevin Becker (6), Mark Catlin (5) Ass’t Director - Larry Moyer Secretary - Sarah Stevens Treasurer - Mark Mendrysa The secretary cast one ballot for the remainder (winners are in bold)

The PAC HAT raised $134 from the Road Division.

Announcements:

Banquet: This year’s banquet is at Quarry’s Steakhouse on April 2nd.
Cocktails at 5:30 and dinner at 6:30. Ticket price: $30. Your rep should have tickets to sell. Start thinking of those awards and door prizes!!!
Brad Barrett noted that this was originally a time to raise money for the emergency fund which helps bikers pay certain bills if they’ve been in an accident.

The Roamers are hosting a bus trip to the International Motorcycle Show in NYC on January 22, 2005. Contact Pat Schlamowitz for reservations at 346-3370 or roamepat@aol.com.

The Roamers are also hosting a Charity Bowl on February 27th from 11 am to 3 pm at Sportman’s Bowl, 1652 Crane Street, Schenectady to benefit handicapped people in the Capitol District. The cost is $12 for 3 games and shoes.
Contact Jim and Priscilla Diegel for more info and reservations (518-356-1320 or roamersmc@nycap.rr.com)

Meeting adjourned at 11:10 a.m.