NSBC Board members in attendance:
Kris Krause
Mike Morris
Bob Nelson, President
Kelly Snyder
Justine Wiedrich

Absent:
Jim Alt
Todd Lindquist, Secretary/Treasurer
Brian Sitz

The meeting was called to order by Bob Nelson at 6:40PM.

The minutes of the previous NorthStars Baseball Club (NSBC) director's meeting (23 March 2010) were unanimously approved (motion by Mike Morris, second by Justine Wiedrich).

There was no Treasurer's report; Todd Lindquist was unable to attend this meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

There was a short discussion of our potential relationship with the Home Run Club. A letter drafted by Bob Nelson to formally notify the Park Board that NorthStars would not affiliate itself with the HRC, and why, was approved for transmission to Hazen City Government.

Bob Nelson reported that he has filed the required Form 990 with the IRS for tax year 2009.

There was another short discussion of the sun-shelter project. Doug Rothe expects to complete the design soon after tax season is over. No specific action was taken on this subject at this meeting.

Bob Nelson was directed to sign the Park-Board-amended Agreement document completing purchase of the old baseball equipment (bought just before the 2005 season) from the Park Board. Motion by Mike Morris, second by Justine Wiedrich, vote unanimous.

A safety-training policy was unanimously approved by the Board (motion by Kris Krause, second by Justine Wiedrich). This policy will now be posted on our website quite soon. It directs all coaches to put safety training on their agenda for the very first practices each season.

A policy statement regarding yelling and shouting by adults and children at all NSBC was unanimously approved by the Board (motion by Mike Morris, second by Kris Krause). This policy will be posted soon on our website, and provided in written form to all parents registering children for play in our league this year.

A formal policy regarding the formation and procedures of travel teams each year was unanimously approved (motion by Kris Krause, second by Justine Wiedrich). This policy governs how the coaches and players for each team will be selected, how travel teams will be financed, and some other points related to travel teams. The policy will be posted on our website, along with all other formal policies.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:40PM after unanimous approval of a motion to end the meeting. (motion by Kris Krause, second by Justine Wiedrich).

END

NSBC Board members in attendance:
Kris Krause
Todd Lindquist, Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Morris
Bob Nelson, President
Kelly Snyder
Justine Wiedrich

Absent:
Jim Alt
Brian Sitz

The meeting was called to order by Bob Nelson at 6:40PM.

The minutes of the previous NorthStars Baseball Club (NSBC) director's meeting (14 January 2010) were unanimously approved (motion by Todd Lindquist, second by Kelly Snyder).

The Treasurer's report was also unanimously approved (motion by Mike Morris, second by Justine Wiedrich). Todd Lindquist reported that we have a current cash balance of $2436.59, with outstanding obligations of about $250, leaving a net cash position of about $2200. Net profit from Snak-Shak operations last year amounted to about $700.

OLD BUSINESS

Kelly Snyder reported that more progress has been made on the sun-shelter project for NorthStars Field. Doug Rothe has nearly finished the engineering and design. Kelly and Bob Nelson are working on a request for funding from one of the local large companies that has indicated a potential willingness to provide financial and construction support for the project. We hope to have that funding request submitted within two months.

Bob Nelson was directed to accept the Park Board's amendment to the Settlement Agreement and Release document associated with our prospective purchase of the baseball equipment that was bought by the Ball-Boosters/Park-Board in 2005. As previously agreed, we will pay two hundred dollars for this old equipment.

Nelson was also directed to draft a letter to the Park Board to state that NSBC, as an organization, cannot affiliate itself with the new Home Run Club, because we must protect our 501c3 status with the IRS. If the HRC or Park Board gets an appropriate advisory letter from a qualified tax attorney that states he/she has reviewed, documented and understands the manner in which the HRC intends to operate, and that he/she sees that form of operation as being in full compliance with IRS and ND state regulations, we could revisit this issue. But lacking such a letter, we must protect the NSBC organization. It seems that NorthStars parents however, acting as individuals, should feel free to work with the HRC in any way they want. The NorthStars organization will not seek to limit their working with the HRC if that is what they want to do, entirely on their own.

NEW BUSINESS

The calendar for the 2010 season was discussed at length. It was decided that we must have player-registration during the week of 19 April, which is a week earlier than Joe Amundson has proposed (if we are to have joint registration for 12U baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, and the softball program). Bob Nelson was directed to tell Joe we cannot delay our registration dates beyond April 22, if we are to assure we will have the stenciled team T-shirts available before the first games.

A motion was passed unanimously to sanction Natural Impressions as the official photographers for the official team (and individual player) pictures this season, on the general understanding that prices will remain quite similar to last year. Motion by Kelly Snyder, second by Mike Morris.

A motion was passed unanimously to put a written policy in place, stating that NorthStars will have a maximum of two official coaches on each regular-season team (no change from previous years), and that each of the official coaches may identify their properly-registered and age-eligible direct descendants (i.e., children and/or grandchildren) as automatically-selected players on their team, in accordance with our customary NorthStars team-draft procedures. Motion by Kris Krause, second by Mike Morris.

There was discussion of whether or not any 12-year-olds should be approved as “fill-in” players at the Babe Ruth level this year, if requested by the Park Board. The general agreement was that the only 12-year-old players that will be considered will be those whose parents request such a move, and then only if their play at BR level will not potentially upset either the structure of 12U regular-season baseball, or that of our planned 12U travel team program.

There was a general discussion of how our travel team(s) should be set up and operated each season. Bob Nelson was directed to draft a written policy statement on this subject. Another meeting of the directors will take place within the next two weeks to review that policy, and put it in place (with any needed amendments).

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00PM after unanimous approval of a motion to end the meeting. (motion by Mike Morris, second by Justine Wiedrich).

END

SBC Board members in attendance:
Kris Krause
Bob Nelson, President
Kelly Snyder
Justine Wiedrich

Absent:
Jim Alt
Todd Lindquist
Mike Morris
Brian Sitz

The minutes of the previous NorthStars Baseball Club (NSBC) director's meeting were unanimously approved (motion by Justine Wiedrich, second by Chris Krause). There was no Treasurer's report, because Todd Lindquist, the current Treasurer, was unable to attend.

OLD BUSINESS

Bob Nelson reported that the sun-shelter project for NorthStars Field is still underway. The engineering plans are nearly complete. The next “event” will be a meeting of Bob, Doug Rothe and Kelly Snyder to plan how to obtain funding for the actual construction and installation.

A letter has been received from the Hazen Park Board (HPB), offering to vacate their claim to ownership of the baseball equipment we use, if we pay them two hundred dollars, and provide some volunteer labor for improvement of the baseball fields we use. Bob Nelson was directed to send a letter to the HPB which basically accepts their offer if they sign the release agreement we gave them some months ago, but with these provisions: 1) a statement that our Board still feels this payment is unwarranted and inappropriate, but that we are making the payment to end further debate and the attendant waste of time and energy, and 2) a statement that the labor to be provided is not to be considered partial consideration for the equipment, and that clearly states the HPB retains responsibility for the fields and attendant accessories like bleachers and portable toilets. Our Board is willing to sign a satisfactory injury- liability release statement if the HPB wants that.

NEW BUSINESS

Bob Nelson explained his efforts so far to encourage the HPB to transfer management of the Babe Ruth program to NSBC. No action was taken.

Bob Nelson explained what happened last year in Babe Ruth baseball, with respect to 12-year-olds being used as fill-in or “swing” players in the Babe Ruth program. No action was taken.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM after unanimous approval of a motion to end the meeting. (motion by Kelly Snyder, second by Kris Krause).

END

Those in attendance:
Kris Krause
Mike Morris
Bob Nelson
Kelly Snyder
Justine Wiedrich

Absent:
Jim Alt
Sheila Bruner
Daryl Metzger
Todd Lindquist
Brian Sitz

Al Mautz visited from the Park Board, for one specific discussion (see below).

OLD BUSINESS

Bob Nelson reported that the sun shelter for North Stars Field is still in the design stage, and that there is probably little hope of having it erected in time for the 2009 season.
He is working on that project with Doug Rothe.

NEW BUSINESS

Al Mautz, Chairman of the Hazen Park Board, outlined a problem the Park Board wants to rectify: They want to find a way to absolve the Park Board of potential injury liability in connection with North Stars' use of the baseball equipment the Park Board purchased for 12-and-under baseball in past years (before the 2008 baseball season). After some bilateral discussion, it was decided that Bob Nelson would write the Park Board a letter to initiate a process of solving this potential problem as defined by the Park Board. Mr. Mautz stated the Park Board might soon want to set up their own summer baseball program for Hazen boys, a statement he also made at the Park Board meeting of 27 April.

Todd Lindquist is now both Secretary and Treasurer of NSBC. Until now we have felt no need for an official secretary. But the state of North Dakota requires we name one, so Todd Lindquist agreed to carry that title as well as his duties as Treasurer.

More coaches are needed for this season. We need at least one more T-Ball coach, one more Rookies coach, and at least one more Majors coach (probably two). Anyone with an interest in coaching should contact Bob Nelson as soon as possible (880-8841).

Jim Alt (an NSBC Board member for the past two years) has moved to Beulah, and will probably coach in their baseball program this season. However, Jim has stated he is still willing to serve on the NSBC Board, if that is acceptable to the other members. The general opinion of all the current members is that Jim's membership is not only acceptable, but a good idea. It could help build constructive bridges between our baseball program and Beulah's.

Bob Nelson said he would like to take a 12-and-under or 11-and-under travel team to at least three tournaments this year. He pointed out we need to buy “Babe Ruth acceptable” uniforms for that team, and also for the 10-and-under travel team.

Mitch Lundy of Beulah has indicated he would like to coach the 10-and-under travel team for the state tournament in July. The Board indicated it is willing to consider a coach from Beulah, since our Cal Ripken territory includes Beulah. Current NSBC coaches, however, would have priority if they would like to take the team. Mitch has said that is acceptable to him, and that he is willing to help out in whatever capacity is assigned to him. Mitch has been notified that he must secure official Babe Ruth certification if he is to coach the NSBC team. The same applies to all other coaches.

The seven NSBC articles of incorporation submitted to state government were approved by the Board (motion by Snyder, seconded by Morris, vote unanimous).

The ND Charitable Organization Registration Statement prepared by Bob Nelson for submission to the ND Secretary of State was reviewed and approved, by resolution of this Board (motion by Morris, second by Snyder, vote unanimous).  Bob Nelson indicated he would immediately mail in the approved application form.

Bob Nelson reported that he has now completed all necessary IRS and state applications for certification of NSBC as a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt public charity, and for listing in IRS Publication 78. This means NSBC can accept donations from almost anyone, and those donations are potentially tax-deductible for the donor. That certification also assures that NSBC and it's leadership are operating fully within the law for all federal and state tax purposes. The incorporation of NSBC also provides a degree of individual protection from legal liabilities that could arise in the future. Written notice of final 501(c)(3) certification by the IRS could take several more months to come through, however.

Bob Nelson stated that he attended the Hazen Park Board meeting on 27 April. At that meeting there was discussion of how the new Hazen fund-raising organization, which is calling itself the Home Run Club, is to be organized. The leading members of that group have indicated they prefer to operate as an appendage to the Hazen Park Board, with an absolute minimum of organizational documentation (preferably none at all). Bob indicated to the Park Board that he recently spent some considerable effort communicating with two CPAs, an attorney, the Internal Revenue Service, and the ND Secretary of State and Attorney General offices about how a non-profit group is required (by law) to be set up and operated. Every authority he contacted said that unless Home Run Club leadership is certain they are precisely following all applicable federal and state laws, local professional legal advice should be obtained, on paper, before beginning to handle funds or assets. The penalties for operating on presumptions about tax law, rather than following competent legal advice, can be severe for the individuals involved. Even the Park Board itself could be penalized if they sanction or provide support for a presumptively-operated group like the Home Run Club. Consequently, Bob recommended that no North Stars individuals should take part in Home Run Club meetings or decision-making processes until these issues are addressed in written documentation. He verbally informed the Park Board that as president of NSBC, he has an obligation to inform the NSBC leadership of any potential legal difficulties he sees on the horizon. He also indicated that as much as NSBC is willing to work on fund-raising activities, and that as much as NSBC needs funds for its operations, he cannot recommend that NSBC become affiliated with the Home Run Club in any way (except perhaps as laborers under direction of Home Run Club leadership) until it is clear the Home Run Club will be deemed properly organized and operated in the event of an IRS or state inquiry.

There was no other business conducted.

END

NORTH STARS BASEBALL CLUB
MINUTES
DIRECTOR'S MEETING
22 April 2008

NORTH STARS BASEBALL CLUB
MINUTES
DIRECTOR'S MEETING
30 March 2008

Those in attendance:
Jim Alt
Todd Lindquist
Bob Nelson
Kelly Snyder


This was the first Board meeting for the 2008 season.  Bob Nelson was elected President for this season.  Todd Lindquist was elected Treasurer.  Other officers will be elected when and if required.

OLD BUSINESS
Todd Lindquist reported that he has secured the "snack shack" for the winter.  He has also obtained permission from the Park Board to move the snack shack to North Stars field.  Whether or not to pour a concrete pad for the snack shack remains an open question.

Kelly Snyder is working to find a sponsor to build the sun shelter planned for North Stars field.  Anyone with ideas is asked to call Kelly at 748-3613.

NEW BUSINESS
The initial registration date was set for March 25 this year.

The revised registration form was unanimously approved by the Board.

A re-ballot was proposed for presentation to all parents when they register their players.  This will give all parents an opportunity to approve or disapprove the elected Board.

Four new policies were discussed and unanimously approved:  A policy on parent-furnished equipment such as (but not limited to) batting helmets and catcher's gear.  A policy on what kind of yelling and cheering is encouraged and discouraged.  A policy on election of directors at the annual meeting.  A policy on seating of additional directors after the regular annual meeting election.

A proposed new policy for players wanting to play up into a higher age group than that indicated by their age was discussed.  This proposed policy will be voted on at the next meeting of the Board.

The national Babe Ruth organization is now requiring that all team coaches take a certification course.  Coach certification is then good for 3 to 4 years.  The cost is $20 per coach.  The Board briefly discussed how to react to this new requirement.  A decision will be made at the next meeting.

The coming potential changes in high school baseball were discussed, but no conclusions were reached.

It was unanimously approved to organize the North Stars Baseball Club as an IRS-approved non-profit corporation.

It was decided to hold the 2008 annual meeting about two weeks before the end of the season, in anticipation that will increase attendance this year.

It was decided that the regular meetings of the Board will be held on the second Sunday evening of the month this year, at 6:30PM until May, and at 8:00PM beginning in June.

There was no other business conducted.

END

NORTH STARS BASEBALL CLUB
MINUTES
DIRECTOR'S MEETING

Those in attendance:
Todd Lindquist
Daryl Metzger
Bob Nelson
Todd Parker
Doug Rothe
Brian Sitz
Brent Slaubaugh


The meeting was chaired by Bob Nelson.

The minutes of the June 10 meeting were unanimously approved.

There was a general discussion of what form North Stars Baseball might take in 2008, in light of our current relationship with the Park Board.  No specific decisions were made.

There was no other business conducted.

END

Those in attendance:
Jim Alt
Scott Leintz
Todd Lindquist
Bob Nelson
Doug Rothe
Brent Slaubaugh
Lisa Slaubaugh


The meeting was chaired by Brent Slaubaugh.

A motion was made by Lisa Slaubaugh to approve the minutes of our March meeting. Second by Scott Leintz.
Approval unanimous. (The April meeting was officially canceled, due to the fact it had been scheduled for the
day after Easter and there were few people available to attend.)

A motion was made by Todd Lindquist to put the following formal policy in place regarding pick-up players
for short-handed Majors games. Second by Doug Rothe. Approval unanimous.

Policy for short-handed Majors teams needing more players:

In the event that a North Stars Majors team is about to play an official game, and they have less than nine
players available, that team may pick up (for that game only) North Stars Rookie players to fill out their roster.
This freedom is granted with the following restrictions, each of which must be strictly adhered to:
1. Each pick-up player must be rostered and actively participating on a North Stars Rookies team for the
season in which the game is to be played.
2. Each such Rookies player must have written permission from his parents for competitive play at the Majors
level, and must also be approved by the North Stars Board of Directors for such play at the Majors level.
3. Absolutely no under-age children other than those who meet the above requirements are to be allowed on
the field for Majors games.
4. No Rookie player may be picked up for a Majors game if that would interfere with his ability to play an official
game for his regular Rookies team. The primary loyalty of every Rookies player must be to his Rookies team.
5. The Board of Directors will, each season, provide a list of approved Rookie players who are eligible under
this rule. Pick-up players will be drawn from this list ONLY. Managers are expected to do their best to even out
their selections, so that all eligible Rookies get Majors playing time in as equal a proportion as possible. Even the
most capable Rookies players should get no more Majors playing time than any other player on the list.

 

A motion was made by Brent Slaubaugh to put the following formal policy in place regarding the designation of
managers and coaches for North Stars teams each year. Second by Jim Alt. Approval unanimous.

Policy for designation of North Stars coaches:

When designating managers and coaches for North Stars teams each year, North Stars directors (members of
our Board of Directors), shall take priority (other factors being more-or-less equal) over those who do not serve
on the Board of Directors. This is in recognition of the time and energy invested by those Directors in assuring
the smooth operation of our program each year, and the effort they expend to make it possible for our kids to
enjoy the best season possible.

A motion was made by Scott Leintz to purchase the prospective "snack shack" structure currently available from
Johnson Lumber at a price of $1600, and also to cast a concrete slab to support it, with Park Board approval of
slab and installation. Second by Doug Rothe. The motion was amended to include receiving a loan of $2000
from Bob Nelson to finance these actions; repayment to be made on or before July 1, 2008.
Approval unanimous.

A motion was made by Jim Alt to designate Todd Lindquist as official North Stars Treasurer, and to open a
checking account for North Stars funds. Second by Lisa Slaubaugh. Approval unanimous.

A motion was made by Todd Lindquist to form a Majors Travel Team, to be managed by Brent Slaubaugh.
Motion also includes encouragement to Rookies managers to form a Rookies Travel Team. Majors to participate
in the Coca Cola Tournament in Dickinson June 16/17, a tournament in Red Willow July 1, another in Red Willow
July 14/15, as well as our own Blazin Hazen Tournament (Rookies July 7; Majors July 8).
Second by Scott Leintz. Approval unanimous.

END
 

Those in attendance:
Paul Doll
Arliss Maas
Shelly Metzger
Bob Nelson
Todd Parker
Brian Sitz
Brent Slaubaugh
Lisa Slaubaugh


A motion was made by Paul Doll to approve the minutes of our February meeting. Second by Todd Parker. Approval unanimous.

There was general discussion of how the Blazin Hazen tournament should be organized, and which towns should be invited to participate. A $100/team participation fee was settled on as about the right amount. Brent Slaubaugh will start communicating with the baseball organizations of potential invitee towns. The tournament will be July 7, a Saturday. Todd Parker will organize the umpiring. Bob Nelson to look into insurance requirements.

Daryl Metzger is still working on acquiring the poles for the sun shelter project. We need to get these poles set in place as soon as possible. Baseball season is just around the corner now.

The rest of the meeting time was spent discussing how the Babe Ruth division should be organized, administered, coached and governed. It was decided we should hold a public meeting to advise Babe Ruth parents and other members of the community about our ideas and concepts, and ask them for their input. A special meeting of this Board will take place on March 19, at 7:00PM (at the RV Park clubhouse) to formulate some potential Babe Ruth guidelines for presentation and discussion at the public meeting. The public meeting will be on April 2, 7:00PM at City Hall. Motion by Todd Parker to take the actions described above, second by Brent Slaubaugh. Votes all 'aye', but one.

Paul Doll announced he can no longer continue as a Director of North Stars Baseball.

Our next regular meeting will be on April 9, 7:00PM, at the RV Park clubhouse again.

END

 

Those in attendance:
Todd Lindquist
Daryl Metzger
Bob Nelson
Doug Rothe
Brent Slaubaugh
Lisa Slaubaugh


A motion was made by Todd Lindquist to approve the minutes of the January meeting as written. Second by Brent Slaubaugh. Approval unanimous.

Shelley Metzger has volunteered to head up the annual Spaghetti Dinner project. The date for this activity still needs to be set.

Daryl Metzger is still working on acquiring the poles for the sun shelter project. He thinks he will have them in hand as soon as the weather shapes up enough to move them.

Brent Slaubaugh will head up the Blazin Hazen tournament project for now. Everyone is expected to pitch in and help Brent make this a success.

Todd Parker has volunteered to recruit, organize and manage the umpires for the Blazin Hazen tournament.

We need to look into acquiring a trucking container to store our baseball equipment over the off-season each year.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 12 at 7:00PM. Daryl Metzger will determine the location, and see that everyone is notified.

END
 

Those in attendance:
Paul Doll
Todd Lindquist
Daryl Metzger
Bob Nelson
Todd Parker
Doug Rothe
Brent Slaubaugh
Lisa Slaubaugh
Brian Sitz


The meeting opened with discussion of the proposed sun shelter for North Stars Field. Daryl Metzger committed to getting us about 10 poles roughly 50 feet in length. These will be the main structural members. We expect Oliver-Mercer will set the poles in place for us as soon as weather permits. Daryl expects to have these poles lying at North Stars Field by 22 January.

Daryl also committed to permanently eliminating the weeds at our three fields, and especially solving the weed problem at North Stars Field. Motion by Paul Doll, seconded by Doug Rothe, and approved unanimously: Daryl Metzger is appointed 2007 Grounds Coordinator for weed abatement.

Lisa Slaubaugh has stepped forward to handle the 2007 refreshments projects. In a motion made by Paul Doll, seconded by Todd Parker, and approved unanimously: Lisa Slaubaugh is appointed Concessions Coordinator for 2007.

We need someone to direct the 2007 Spaghetti Dinner project. So far we have no one to head up this fund-raiser.

There was further discussion of who should administer and govern the Hazen Babe Ruth division for 2007. Motion by Terry Meyhoff, seconded by Doug Rothe, and approved by majority vote: The resolution approved one month ago that established NSBC governance of the Babe Ruth division is rescinded; NSBC will NOT administer the Hazen Babe Ruth division in 2007. Babe Ruth will be left to the Hazen Park Board to administer.

We decided to establish a checking account for the North Stars Baseball Club, into which the proceeds of the Spaghetti Dinner will be deposited, as will all other monies currently held by the Hazen Ball Boosters, and all money from other miscellaneous sources. Todd Lindquist was appointed NSBC Treasurer for 2007, and will take charge of this account. Bob Nelson is to look into establishing NSBC as an official IRS non-profit organization.

END
 

Those in attendance:
Todd Lindquist
Daryl Metzger
Mike Morris
Bob Nelson
Doug Rothe
Brent Slaubaugh
Brian Sitz

The following people have stepped forward and joined our Board of Directors:
Jim Alt, Paul Doll, Todd Lindquist, Terry Meyhoff, Mike Morris, Bob Nelson,
Todd Parker, Doug Rothe, Brian Sitz, Brent Slaubaugh, Lisa Slaubaugh.


The meeting opened with a discussion of how our age divisions should be organized. Daryl Metzger stated he would like to see all strong players assigned to one team, so that team could compete most effectively around the state. Others pointed out that that team would have no viable local competition with which to play a regular season. The discussion ended without a decision to move away from our current method of forming teams.

It was approved by unanimous vote that North Stars Baseball Club would take over administration of Hazen's Babe Ruth division teams, pending approval by the Park Board.

There was discussion about how to design and construct a permanent sun shelter at North Stars field. The Park Board has stated they will probably support the construction of such a shelter, depending on design and cost. Bob Nelson presented a tentative rough design, with the sun shelter function to be completed by construction work this Spring, and additions made later to provide for spectator seating and a built-in snack bar. Bob said he would meet with Matt Claris and Oliver-Mercer to see what kind of project support we might obtain from them.

END