28 members attended the last general meeting on February 1st. It was a perfect day for flying; clear skies and no wind whatsoever! Carlos Rangel reported a new balance of $2,788.40 in the treasury.
A number of issues were discussed at the meeting. Rick Scanlon reported on his findings concerning a new port-a-potty. The cost of purchasing our own range from $300 (used) to $600 (new). Typical rental and cleaning rates exceed what we've currently paying ($15 /month) by a factor of two or more. For these reasons, a motion was made and passed to hold the status quo. It was suggested that we take steps to better secure our existing facility.
The DMAFB airshow ranked high on the list of topics. We have
been asked to man a static display demo and the reality of
carrying out an all-Tucson-clubs flying demo seems quite likely at
this point. The motion was raised to take this to full advantage as a
fund raising opportunity which could go towards field improvements
(paved runway, or otherwise). It was suggested that we hold a big
raffle for a basic computer with the RealFlight (or equivalent) R/C
simulator and at least one ready-to-fly plane and a membership to the
club. With an estimated 300,000 people expected to attend the airshow,
with the appropriate amount of followup effort, this could really be a
boon for the club. A motion was made and passed to pursue this
aggressively. [ over ]
The next meeting will feature a swap meet and the resolution of the runway paving issue. This is important! We need to hear from ALL our members about this issue - if you got this newsletter, we need to hear from YOU! If you cannot make it to the meeting, please use the absentee ballot supplied in this newsletter. An objective discussion of the runway paving issue is the topic of this month's Puckerbrush... column.
A roller will be rented to smoothen the dirt surface of the runway. Ed Hooper has volunteered to spearhead this effort. Thanks!
Lastly, please remember to renew your 1998 SAM membership and dues if you've not already done so. As with 1997, dues are $25 as a club volunteer at events and work parties or $35 otherwise. You can mail checks to Carlos Rangel at 9406 E. Simon Pl, Tucson AZ 85710.