DIVISION 3 ROAD DIVISION MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2006

Chairman Mark Catlin called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

20 people were in attendance, representing 12 clubs.

Secretary’s Report: was read and accepted with the following correction: The Yield-Right-of-Way bill is in the Transportation Committee, not the Rules Committee.

Treasurer’s Report:

General Fund: $1561.96

Emergency Fund: $2268.88

AMA Grant: $1250

Charity Fund: $250

Monies for "Support our Troops" efforts: $63.

The report was accepted.

Legislative Report:

Larry and Prospector are waiting for the annual budget issues to get cleared up so they can get the Assembly’s attention.

-The Yield-Right-of-Way bill had to start over in the Assembly due to a rewrite that separates the surcharges from the rest of the bill and it is now in the Transportation Committee.

-The Confiscation bill now has 20 co-sponsors in the Assembly, including the Majority leader. Prospector and Larry have high hopes this bill will pass.

-Donna LaPardo, an Assembly person from the Binghamton area, is an ABATE member, and motorcyclist and on the Transportation Committee - a great ally.

-NHTSA grant money update from Prospector: ABATE is not qualified to apply, but the DMV might be and our ally in that office indicated he would do everything he could to make sure New York got its share of the grant money.

-The Rider Ed program is a political "hot potato" with the cost issue currently under debate. Those who want to take the class consider it too expensive, while those who set the price (the sites who hold the classes), consider the price too low to stay in business. A meeting between the DMV, MANYS and the site administrators determined a cap for the price, but some site administrators are still not happy. If we are not careful about handling this issue, we may loose the Rider Ed program altogether.

-The North Carolina former DA, Stu Albright and former ADA, Mr. Parrish, are both running for election as judges. After speaking with the Albright campaign, Larry S found that only individuals and registered PACs in North Carolina can contribute. NYS PAC is not registered, so the following motion was made, voted on and approved:

$250 from the AMA Grant money for outreach would be contributed to each campaign (total $500) via a check to Larry S and that he would send personal checks to the campaigns directly.

Additionally, the Roamers club raised $100 for Stu Albright’s campaign that they sent separately.

-The PAC received $107 during the meeting, $79 from the Albany/Schenectady HOG club.

Old Business:

-Banquet: Please don’t forget door prizes! We have only FOUR so far...

-Trifolds: the trifolds are ready and have been distributed. The Hudson Highlands Retreads event and the Blue Knights event are not listed, but the website is, so please check in there. To try and reduce errors next year, an additional proof-reader will be required during January-February. Deb Catlin has volunteered.

-John R. reported on the Vietnam Wall escort. The wall will be in Schenentaha Park in Malta. Details on the escort are still being worked out.

-Denis P will follow-up with Mike Kuban about the district patches and report at the next meeting.

New Business:

-Denis P. met with the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Business and Marketing people at the Office of Parks, Rec and Historic Preservation. The calendar of events for districts 3 and 4 will be on the I heart NY website.

The state tour map process has begun, but will take another year to make it through all the departments required for approval. Denis is also in contact with the county and regional tourist people to get the word out.

-Prospector asked if the rumor of Spitzie’s being sold was true and the rumor is not true.

-Marty H is running a "non-ride to Boston" fundraiser to help support Donna and Tammy Chamberlain. See forthcoming flyer from him. All proceeds will go to the Chamberlains and the overhead will be covered by Marty and Lorraine.

Good and Welfare:

- Tammy Chamberlain’s condition is still poor. She has been moved to a Boston hospital and continues her recovery.

Announcements:

-The Roamers’ Fun Run kicks off the riding season on April 30th. Please join the club in celebration of their 60th Anniversary. Contact Jim Diegel for more info at 356-1320 or check the website (amadist3.com).

-The Red Knights are celebrating their 25th anniversary with a raffle to win a motorcycle or cash value. Tickets will be ready next month. Contact John Rucinski for more info: rkmcny12@spa.net.

-ABATE is holding the annual Freedom Rally on Monday, May 15th. Camping at the Wholly Cow the weekend before. Please contact Prospector at 239-4560 for more info.

-A Support the Troops Rally will be held on May 20th at Gavin Park in Wilton from 12-5pm. Contact Cliff Sequin at 587-8010 for more info.

-AMA District 3 Road Division meeting: Monday, April 17th, 7:30pm at the Halfmoon Diner (corner of Rt 9 and Grooms Rd/Exit 8A off the Northway).

Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.