AYBA Board of Directors
Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2015
Ashland Youth Ball Association Board of Directors Meeting for September 2015 was called to order by John Keith in the ACRC Conference Room. All votes during meeting are noted in these minutes in italics.
Present: John Keith (President), Dave Nygren (treasurer), Brian Miller (vp/baseball), Mark Adel (vp/baseball/Legion), Nate Tonjes, Russ Westerhold . Bob Crisler not present
Community members: Kristina Ryan, Stefanie Novotny, Paul Gossin, Shawn Emanuel
Approval of Documents
Bob Crisler absent. No Minutes of the September 2015 meeting were presented.
Dave Nygren presented the Treasurers Report. (Brian, Nate 2nd, approved)
Old Business
CONCESSION STAND - John indicated that construction is moving forward slowly. There is some electrical (lights and sensors), plumbing (couple of sinks) and HVAC (heaters and a/c) needing to be completed. The Crows Nest is almost complete. There are no counters or flooring over the plywood as these were removed from project for cost savings. Brian indicated that he would talk with his employer to see if Lab Innovations could donate some used furniture for this area. Concrete work around building and walkway should happen in next couple of weeks.
LEGION CO-OP – Mark provides summary of happenings that Yutan Legion had voted to dissolve the co-op at their October meeting. Mark, Bob and John (AYBA) met with Ron Garner (Legion) and Shawn Emanuel (new HS baseball coach) met about 2016 Legion season. From this meeting it was decided there WILL be Legion baseball in Ashland during the summer of 2016. Shawn Emanuel spoke that he agreed to be the Legion Coach and he has spoken with parents/players and believes Ashland will have the numbers to have Jr and Sr team. Krsitina Ryan, parent of AYBA /Legion Player asked status of HS co-op (indicated similar co-op for football in 2001 and it dissolved 3 months later). John indicated that Ashland and Yutan HS have signed a new two year agreement this fall. Both ADs are aware of the co-op issues and fully support the HS co-op two year contract independent of Legion teams. Kristina indicated that the HS seniors are planning on playing together in Legion ball hopefully in Ashland. Kristina asked that since Yutan had a petition to dissolve the co-op could Ashland do the same in support of co-op. John indicated that the parents could start a petition but asked that when complete that it be given to Ron Garner at Legion for submittal. AYBA is supporting the Legion position at this time to wait and see how the appeal process at NE State Legion HQ proceeds.
New Business
WEBSITE – John indicated that Nate had forwarded a couple websites that he had seen in the Gretna softball and basketball leagues. These had “mass” email capabilities and also on-line registrations. John has been looking at Blue Sombrero (no cost to AYBA as website fully supported by Dick’s Sporting Goods) and that both emailing and online registrations were available. An update will be given in November.
REGISTRATIONS – It was discussed that on-line registrations would be preferable this year. There still will be a need for a presence at AGHS events for paper registrations and introduce on-line registrations.
It was decided to keep league fees and volunteer deposits unchanged for 2016 (Dave, John 2nd, unanimous). There was discussion about Late fees and how the late registrations would be handled. Stefanie indicated that there were about 11 late softball registrations. It was suggested that a policy be written that late registrations be handled the same in baseball and softball and include how late registrations after tryouts are handled. Dave indicated one year his team had a private tryout for one individual. John indicated that last year one player missed tryouts and thus was placed on the 2nd competitive team. It was voted to increase late fees to $30 and that these fees should be consistently enforced at all times. (Dave, Brian 2nd, unanimous).
SOFTBALL UPDATE - Nate asked if there was a way to put videos or links on the web page. Stefanie indicated it could be done but it was a little difficult. Nate has been talking with Amber Dutcher about helping with player and coaching clinics. Nate also asked about creating committee to brainstorm ideas for the program. It was indicated that committee members would be selected by softball vp.
John indicated he had email discussions with ASA District 8 rep Ronnie Woboken. The 10U (24 teams) and 14U (10 teams) district tournaments to be held at one location are available for bidding to host. Stefanie indicated that will the available fields that Ashland at best could host a 12-14 team tournament. AYBA will not persue a District tournament at this time.
OTHER ITEMS - John indicated he had been looking for AYBA Bylaws but was told by Tim Washburn that they did not exist to his knowledge. John is drafting a set of bylaws fom Gretna and Fort Calhoun bylaws and will forward to Board members for input. Paul Gossin joined the discussion and indicated rules and policies needed to be in place. Also discussion about parent policy. Russ Westerhold indicated he had researched and found AYBA NOT listed on Secretary of State website as incorporated. Russ is willing to also look at Bylaws and 501 3c status. Russ indicated that he has spoken with someone with Grant writing experience for guidance on what AYBA should do to be eligible for more grants.
Meeting Adjourned (Brian, Nate 2nd,unanimous) Next meeting November 29th 7:00 pm