OHIO HORSEMAN’S COUNCIL

 General Membership Meeting

    November 13, 2005

 Delaware, Ohio

 

President Rick Patterson called the meeting to order at l:00 p.m.  After the Pledge of Allegiance and Welcome, Rick stated the meeting was being recorded.  He stated that copies of the suggested by-law changes recommended by executive council were available and later in the meeting we would devote 1 hour to discussing and voting on them.    Rick also welcomed and thanked the mentors, Oliver Cooper, SW, SE is vacant, Jackie Romaker, NW, JoEllen Woods, NE and Terry Crampton, Central.  Kris Green did the roll call of chapters and passed out packets.  She also called role for the officers and directors.      We had 34 chapters at this meeting. 

 Secretary’s Report - Kris Green read the minutes from the February Executive Council meeting reconstructed at the Executive Council meeting in August, 2005.    A motion was made by Jim Corman to approve the minutes and seconded by Terry Crampton.  The motion carried. 

 Treasurer’s Report - Ransae Hall reported on Income & Expenses for 2005.  A question was raised about having just 1 CD.  A motion was made by Reuss Griffiths and seconded by Dee Crampton to accept the treasurer’s report.  Motion passed.

 Art Crist read an e-mail from Neil and Betty Shaw.  They wished they could be at the meeting, but Neil’s cancer returned this year and he has been battling it since the spring.  They wish to say thanks for all the cards, donations.  Their pole barn has been completed thanks to the help of many volunteers.  Neil is still having trouble breathing but is undergoing some therapy.  They are adding a room to their home as he can’t go up and down stairs.  Keep the cards and letters coming.  He looks forward to them everyday. 

Trail Mileage Committee - Bill Unger passed out trail information and forms for review and question and answers later in the meeting. 

 President’s Report - Rick Patterson thanked all who helped for this meeting.  He said committee sign up sheets are available for anyone interested in helping on a committee.  The president appoints all chairs except the by-laws and grievance positions.  Rick would like to know who is interested in helping out in the other positions.  Rick thanked Neil Shaw, Betty Shaw, George Arnett, Jean Zaebest, S. Gray, Jack Weese, Kris Green, Linda Waites and Judy Preston (our new Webmasters).  Rick stated the communication is the key to our success - we are moving forward.   On November 4-6 Rick attended the American Horse Council meeting.  Some highlights from that meeting are: Animal ID - coming in 2007 - breeding farms, or anyone moving horses across state lines when a Coggins would be required would have to have that horse microchipped.  The Animal Horse Law Protection Act.  Are we ready for disaster with our large animals.  Eric Thompson was a speaker on horse rescue and is available to speak at meetings.  There were 19 states represented.  Trails continue to be threatened with closing across the U.S.  The Animal Horse Slaughter Act has passed with provisions.  OHC stands neutral on this.  Rick attended the ODNR meeting in Columbus, Ohio on November 9, 2005.  The horse people were represented well.  The biggest topic is trail markings.  We need to get unified in trail markings from park to park.  Larry Matthews will report further on this.  Rick had a question on the magazine “American Horse Power” put out by the American Horse Council and whether OHC would have any copies.   This magazine is for sale but we have no money in the budget for it so under new business if this is something it is felt OHC should have, we could vote on it as a body.   Rick welcomed Joe Czazka and Jackie Romaker as new insurance chairs.  Rick wants to have them co-chair this committee.  The American Horse Council is looking at being our sponsor for insurance and also offering a purchasing program for our members.  This program needs a l00% commitment from our members.  Rick would like to have a report back for the February meeting. 

Vice-President  - Jack Weese thanked everyone for the opportunity to help OHC and work on the by-laws committee.  He stated the revisions should mean great things for OHC. 

 Question from Cindy Barnett - Will there be a uniform microchip reader?  Rick stated that the problem right now is with the chip reader.    Rick believes OHC needs to have input into this at Equine Affaire. 

Secretary - Kris Green had no report.  Rick thanked Kris for stepping up at the last minute.  The minutes from previous meetings were given to Kris before this meeting

 Treasurer - Ransae Hall had no further report. 

Larry Matthews - report on ODNR open forum on Wednesday, November 9 went well.  The relationship with OHC and ODNR improved.  Larry was asked to host this meeting.  The mountain bikers asked about our trail marking system - Larry reported we have one - we just don’t use it.  They liked their system better.  Grants as usual were talked about.  Any easy questions about grants, see Larry or he will refer you to Bill Dealer at ODNR.    The Ohio Trails Book compiled by ODNR on all trails in Ohio is available on their website or call ODNR headquarters to have book sent.  There was a proposal from a mountain biker to formalize the Ohio Trails Partnership and a meeting is planned for early January to discuss this and other proposals.  Date will be publicized and all OHC are welcome to attend.  Mike Gerard spoke about the work weekend at Mohican last March with 75 people working in the worst weather possible for trail building.  They worked 1 day and a lot was accomplished.  Mike also mentioned that all grant applications must be in by February 1, 2006.  The decision makers for OTP are the OHC President, the Mountain Bikers representative and the Buckeye Trail President - they have decided not to collect in 2005 the volunteer hours and dollars toward trail work for 2004 because they are going to a calendar year reporting time.   Regional Reps will call chapter OHC presidents in January, 2006 to give a count of the hours and dollars spent on public trails in calendar year, 2005 for their chapters.  Connie and Larry were asked by the Shiloh Saddle Club in West Virginia to come and teach them some trail building techniques.  A work ay was held at a local park and 65-70 people attended and helped build trails.  Regional trail reps were asked to report on trails in their areas: Jackie Romaker, NW - no report, Mike Gerard reported on Cuyahoga Valley and the softening on the issue of closed trails there.  The trails are being reconsidered to be reopened.  The extension of the Green Trail at Mohican is being worked on.  Richland, Wayne and Holmes counties have gotten verbal approval to go across private property to get 8 more miles.   Linda Husvar, Portage County, spoke about handicap access at horse campgrounds.  New guidelines are coming out from the American Disabilities Act - eventually they will become law.  She asked permission to work on this and Larry with permission from the president welcomed her to the trail committee.  2006 Plans - bigger celebrations for National Trails Day in June.  There are applications available for the March work weekend.  You must provide Saturday evening meal, Sunday breakfast, an inside place to gather and enough trails for l00 volunteers to work l ½ days or 4-5 miles of trails.  Connie Matthews recognized Morgan County for their successful regional ride.  Bill Unger recognized Montgomery County working at Sycamore State Park, Clermont County working at East Fork, Preble County working at Hueston Woods, and Warren County putting in a new culvert at Caesar’s Creek State Park.  Rick Patterson reported that Licking County is working at Dillon and Salt Fork.  Madison has been working at Prairie Oaks.  We need to get better organized and helping one another., Clark County has put up a large shelter house at Buck Creek, Champaign County has put up a new shelter house at Kiser Lake with the possibility of a primitive horse camp. Larry will report our good trail progress to the American Horse Council through their website.  Counties need to get trail work reports to Larry.  Cuyahoga County is going to have a introductory to horses celebration on National Trails Day next June.  President Rick Patterson would like to see OHC in every park on that day handing out information on trail riding.  Get new projects to the webmasters.  Larry asked the county chapters to report their top trail volunteer in terms of hours - who it is and how many hours and anything special they might have done.  This person will receive a certificate from the state.  Larry reported on the problems in Kentucky at Mammoth Cave Trails.  Any comments/concerns about this can be addressed to Park Superintendent, P. O. Box 7, Mammoth Cave, Kentucky 42259.  The mountain bikers and trail riders have a unique relationship in Ohio.  We have separate bike and horse trails but hopefully watch out for each other in the threat of trail closure. OTP keep a watch out for each other and we watch each other.  We have a similar passion for muscle powered trails in Ohio.