Robbinsdale Little League: Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, May 30Board Meeting minutes from May 21, 2007
Robbinsdale Little League Board Meeting
Monday, May 21, 2007
Present: Tim Keefe, Gary Tonsager, Ann Suits, Laurie Tonsager, Steve Hemsath, Pat Backen, Doug Shepard, Cassandra Newbern, Patty Bednarczyk, Joanna Rooney, Bob Sticha, Diane Keefe, Wally Langfellow, Kari Kramka, Cassandra Newbern,
Absent: Lynn Johnson, David Ruth, Al Kuhn, Pete Johnson, Kathy Bakken
v Call to order: 8:55 pm
v Approval of meeting minutes from 4-23-07-With the one change: The green protective cap would not be in place at LVT prior to opening day. It was in place at SN.
v Treasures Report:
o $30,706.00 in the bank, Paid $6,000.00 to All Star Sports for uniforms and equipment and expect an invoice for an additional 6-7 thousand..
v Concessions:
o Joanna stated that everything is going pretty well. She did mention that 6 beverages were missing from SN from one shift. It was mentioned that we should lock up the freezer and fridge at night. Tim was going to check into getting locks for the freezers and Joanna will check with Coke to see if one can be placed on the fridge. We do not own the fridge. Ann mentioned about having not food items available for sale at SN. Some hats will be brought down from LVT and sweatshirts placed at SN. Joanna will make up more $1.50 treat tickets. Tournaments are coming up and Joanna will make out a concession schedule for those games. It was brought up that B Minor families do not have to work a tournament. Some families will need to however, to get their volunteer hours in for the season. Patty brought up an idea for next year: Putting all the teams together and just dividing up the schedule equally at both locations. This will be looked into further. Paying people to work the concessions was also brought up. It was decided that only if we are short and with approval from the board will workers be paid. Joanna brought up paying umpires at SN. It was decided at a previous meeting that those Major’s umpires would be paid with a check. They wanted cash at the last game. What was decided??
v Raffle
o Cassandra reported that the raffle was a success. The total sales for tickets was $8,500.00. The Giants won the bat bags for a cost of$204.00. The prizes and printing costs were $1,500.00. The net profit was $6,800.00. Thank-you letters are going out to all the organizations who donated prizes. Cass also mentioned that next year we should sell raffle tickets during opening day up until the drawing. It was mentioned that we need separate volunteers to sell during the day, close to the concession stands. The board thought this was a good idea. Cass also brought up that we are allowed one raffle per year without a permit. We could not have the raffle next year prior to April 28 without a permit. The permit costs is $50.00. The board collectively thank Cass and Kathy for all their hard work.
v Registration:
o Torii Hunter program: Wally has been talking to Torii Hunter’s agent and trying to get a day for him to come to our fields. It is tentatively set for 6/9, with the fall back date 6/16. Details are yet to be worked out. It was thought noon would be a good time to have Torii meet the kids he sponsored. This would occur at LVT. The A Minor game schedule will be altered a bit to allow kids to come to LVT. It was thought that the every child in a Robbinsdale Little League uniform would be allowed on the field with the sponsored kids being close to Torii. The media will be given a heads up but not until the day becomes official and it is closer to 6/9. Gary mentioned that if Torii was giving balls to his sponsored kids, he already have them signed and in gift bags. This would help out Torii during this event. Wally will be confirming the date and we will be discussing this at the next board meeting.
v Tournaments
o A-Minor-June 22-July 2
o A-Minor All Star Game-June 20 LVT Steve Hemsath will be working on this game.
o Wood Bat Tournament-July 27-29
v Details are still being worked out for this event. Wally is working closely with Home Run Hitters. Robbinsdale wants to host the championship game this year. It was mentioned that Crystal and Robbinsdale could take turns hosting this game. Tim will call Kelly Kirby from Crystal to discuss this tournament. Patty will be working on setting up the duties and the volunteers for this event. Jon Kramka will help Wally get sponsors to raise the money to buy the bats-$4,000.00. The umpires donate their time. This event is a charity event to raise money for Cancer for Kids.
v Scoreboard for Sanborn North
o Pete is working on it in his garage. Everything has been ordered. Tim will contact the city in regards to digging the posts to hold the board. It should be up within the next 2 weeks.
v Safety
o Melvin Newbern cut his face on the fence at LVT. The green protective caps are now in place.
o On May 21, a spectator was hit with a flying bat. A player was swinging outside the fence and let the bat go. It hit one of the Pirate’s coaches father-in-law. At the time of the meeting, the person was in the ER.
v New Business:
o All Star Ballots-Laurie will be making up the ballots and they will be handed out 6/6-6/7. The roster needs to be established by 6/15.
o Draft-Ann asked if all kids who are in the try outs for A minor make a team. Wally said that this year the numbers were down so they needed the players. In years past, if a child is not ready to play A minor, it is mentioned to the parents that this player would be better of playing down.
v Next meeting: Monday, June 4 at 8:30-Sanborn Shelter
v Meeting adjourned at 10:06
Wednesday, May 30
Board Meeting minutes from April 23, 2007
Robbinsdale Little League Board Meeting
Monday, April 23, 2007
Present: Tim Keefe, Gary Tonsager, Ann Suits, Lynn Johnson, Laurie Tonsager, Steve Hemsath, Pat Backen, Al Kuhn, Pete Johnson, Cassandra Newbern, Patty Bednarczyk, Joanna Rooney, Kathy Bakken, Bob Sticha
Absent: Wally Langfellow, Doug Shepard, Diane Keefe, David Ruth, Kari Kramka, Cassandra Newbern
v Call to order: 8:09 pm
v Approval of meeting minutes from 4-9-07
v Boundaries:
o The boundaries are frozen for the time being. This is per the international league. Tim will be attending a meeting on 4/29 to discuss this issue.
v Concessions:
o Joanna stated that everything is up and running. The slushy machine will be coming in later this week. Coke was delivered to LVT. The freezer is not working the best at LVT. Doug was going to take a look at it this week. The league may have to buy a new freezer. A rep meeting us just before this board meeting. All the teams have a rep except the METs. The umpires at all the games will receive a hot dog and pop. Tim was going to make a laminated poster to have at both concession stands. The pay for umpires is 30 per official for a 2 man crew and 50 for a one man crew for the majors. They will be paid cash from the registar at LVT. When a major game is played at SBN, a check will be given. Tim is looking into getting more ice packs for both concession stands. For opening day, hotdogs, hamburgers, and brats will be grilled. Pizza will also be available at both sites. There are plenty of treat tickets at both concessions.
v Equipment:
o Al stated that the coaches shirts should be in this week. The umpire equipment is short some pieces. 2 more chest protectors will be ordered. If the teams are missing uniforms or need different sizes, have one person from each team do the exchanging.
v Fields:
o The fields are in good condition except for Sanborn South. Doug was over at the field to level out the sand. It was brought up that kids were playing on the field in the rain and made several large divots in the infield. Bill, from the city, told the league to stay off the field today. Pat will talk with Bill again tomorrow.
v Opening Day:
o Pictures
v Ann mentioned that Great Photos had filed Chapter 11. Bonnie from the company called her to let her know. After some discussion, it was felt that this company was run by good people and we should not feel at risk with giving them the picture money.
v The relaxed pose was chosen for the individual shots.
v The composite would have the glove and the logo on it.
v Any bat can be used for the picture.
o Field prep
v The signs will be placed on Friday. The green protective piece on top of the fence will be hung before opening day at Sanborn N. The protective piece will not be up at LVT. This is a safety issue. Tim will look into the microphone that is used at LVT, as well as the scorer. It was felt that the city had stored them. The American Flag will be posted at Sanborn N and LVT. The national anthem will be played prior to the games. It is the responsibility of the home team to prepare the field for the next game.
o Raffle
v It was decided not to sell raffle tickets during the day of opening day. The incentive prizes would be drawn on Friday night and the 6 prizes to be drawn prior to the 3:00 game at LVT.
v Registration:
o Torii Hunter program: To recruit more North Minneapolis players. He has agreed to sponsor up to 20 kids for baseball. To date, 25 kids have signed up. The Majors teams will not get any new players. Some issues that have come up is transportation to the fields, equipment and parental involvement. The A minor players parents need to get involved with the program. All participates parents will be expected to work the concessions. It is hopeful that Torii Hunter will come to the park one day to meet all the kids he sponsored. The program will have a big impact on North Minneapolis, provide a place for these kids to play baseball, and demonstrates Torii Hunter’s generosity. Some concerns were brought up about having enough uniforms, when do we stop taking more kids and the increased number of kids on a team. It can be hard to coach 12 kids and even harder to coach 15.
v Scheduling
o Practices in May will be tight due to lack of open fields. It was decided last year not to have double headers at LVT for this season. As a result, some of the majors games will be played at Sanborn N. Pat will do his best to be fair to all teams with practice times. Pat is talking with Bill to see about using RMS-E and RMS-W, Manor and Triangle parks.
v Scoreboard for Sanborn North
o It will cost about $210.00 for the numbers. They will be ordered after the league receives the OK from the city.
v New Business:
o Volunteer times: It was cleared up that everyone, including coaches and board families, needs to work in the concessions stands. Each team was given the dates that needed to be filled. If the families are unable to work, the volunteer deposit will not be returned.
v Next meeting: Monday, May 21 at 8:00-Sanborn Shelter
v Meeting adjourned at 9:25
Friday, April 20
Board Meeting Minutes from April 9, 2007
Robbinsdale Little League Board Meeting
Monday, April 9, 2007
Present: Tim Keefe, Gary Tonsager, Ann Suits, Lynn Johnson, Laurie Tonsager, Steve Hemsath, Bob Sticha, Doug Shepard, Diane Keefe, Pat Backen, Kari Kramka, Al Kuhn, Pete Johnson, Cassandra Newbern, David Ruth, Patty Bednarczyk
Absent: Wally Langfellow, Joanna Rooney, and Kathy Bakken
v Call to order: 8:09 pm
v Approval of meeting minutes from 3-12-07
v Boundaries:
o Tim brought up the opportunity to increase our boundaries for RYBA. We have to submit a proposal to Gary Sandler. One idea was expand into the Homewood area (Around HWY 55). Have the southern boundary HWY 55, Eastern boundary Humboldt to 36th to HWY 94, West along the parkway-up to the railroad tracks. The boundary stops at Humboldt and than goes south. It was also mentioned that the Golden Valley Little League was not interested in having Minneapolis kids play in their league. Gary brought up that Brooklyn Center may merge into one league, and if so, RYBA should inquire about increasing our boundaries in that direction. Wally has been in contact with Torii Hunter to encourage North Minneapolis kids to play baseball with us. Kari mentioned that our organization is run so well because of high parental involvement and that could be lacking in a Minneapolis group. A motion was passed to pursue expanding our boundaries-Gary first and Pete second. Tim will be attending the district meeting on 4/29.
v Concessions:
o Joanna emailed that the city will not turn the water on in the concessions buildings until it warms up. Joanna will arrange for the machines to be serviced at that time. The board would like to have grills at both locations on opening day. Tim will try to find out who brought the large grill to LVT. Gary brought his grill to Sanborn last year. On opening day, Babe Ruth will also be playing baseball at LVT. This will have to keep in mind when planning for the day. It was brought up that some major’s teams will be playing at Sanborn North this year. The A minor and B minor teams will be handling the concessions at Sanborn and the Majors will be at LVT. A team rep meeting was planned for 4/10 to hand our information to the team reps and to finalize the concession reps. April 21 will be field clean up day. Information about this day will be sent out to all the coaches to get their teams involved.
v Equipment:
o All the uniforms are in except for three teams. The hats came during the meeting. Al went through all the equipment and threw away 10 shin pads and 6 catcher mitts. We have a good supply of baseballs. He does not have the coach’s shirts yet. He made keys for all the coaches. He ordered 10 equipment bags and had the name of the team placed on the bag. The bags are all black. Tim ordered 250 patches for the kids. The cost is $1.00 per patch. Laurie brought up if extra hats were ordered for concessions. The answer was no and Laurie said that was good because they still have a box to sell. The Majors teams received 12 uniforms and the A and B minor teams received 15 uniforms. These have all been handed out to the coaches. If a different size is needed, contact your head coach and he/she will contact Al. Al will check on the availability to buy extra pants for the Majors teams at a discount.
o Pete mentioned some equipment that was bought by a previous coach. Pete thought that a catcher’s helmet was expensed to the league. Al did not see this helmet. Pete will look into this.
v Fields:
o The city has not allowed play on the fields. Pete mentioned that LVT looks really good. He put up some plywood boards to prevent kids on bikes and dogs from entering the field. The "No Dog" signs are back up. Ann asked about the "No Smoking" signs and they are not up yet. Some teams have been practicing just not on the fields. Tim mentioned that the community gyms could be rented for 40 per hour. Pete mentioned that he fixed up the batting cages so that no one would be hit in the head with the cross pipe. Laurie mentioned that if dogs are seen on the fields, the police could be called. It was also mentioned about approaching the person and asking them to stay off the fields with their dogs. Pat mentioned that the fields maybe able to be opened on a field-to-field basis. This however, could cause some scheduling headaches to be fair to all teams.
v Opening Day:
o Volunteers will run the concessions. It was mentioned what about pushing back opening day a week later. A final decision will be made at the board meeting on Monday, April 23. Tim will bring the PA system to Sanborn N and the National Anthem will be played before the first game of the day. The opening pitch will be around 10:30 at LVT. Opening day festivities are still being planned. Plaques will be made up for the retired coaches to help out with this day. The Raffle will be held at LVT throughout the day. The Grand Prize will be drawn at 3:00. A list of the winners will be placed at LVT. Pictures will be taking on 4/28. Packets were given to Patty to hand out at the Team Rep meeting on 4/10. The times for each team and the photo options were listed. Ann will be checking with Great Photos to get a sample for the next board meeting to decide on the logo and the backgrounds.
v Pitch Count: Tim tabled this topic for tonight.
v Raffle:
o Cassandra mentioned that 7,500 tickets were ordered. They are in negotiations with Best Buy to get the best price on the prizes. The prizes are listed on the tickets, but not the brand name. She has also been in contact with local businesses trying to get prizes donated. She is hopeful that next year, she can get most of the prizes donated so to keep the $1,500.00 in the leagues pocket. Some of the incentive prizes include Home Run Hitter cards, bats, sweatshirts, and hats. They will have 20 incentive prizes. This is about 10% of our league membership.
v Registration:
o We have 200 kids signed up this year. We had 212 last year. We did have some late entries, but mostly B minor teams. There was one A minor player. An email will be sent out this week for coaches to have a team meeting to get the information to the parents and to get the raffle tickets out.
v Safety:
o Dr. Saterlee will be presenting medical information to all the coaches at the meeting on Thursday, April 19 at 8:00. He does not want to be paid so a hat and a sweatshirt will be given as a token.
v Scheduling:
o The schedules are complete with one change to the A’s schedule to be made due to three games the last week of the season. The practice schedules are out and if coaches would like to change or want additional times, contact Pat and he will do the best he can to make the changes.
o Tournament schedule is finalized.
League Tourneys 6/22 - 7/2
District Pool 7/7 - 7/14
District Bracket 7/16 - 7/22
State 7/26 - 7/29
10 11 12 WB
Highland 7/25 - 7/29 8/1 - 8/5 xxxx 8/8 - 8/12
Glen Lake 7/20 - 7/22 xxxx 8/3 - 8/5 xxxx
Wood Bat xxxx 7/27-7/29 7/27 - 7/29 7/27 - 7/29
v Scoreboard for Sanborn North:
o Pete thought the board could be made for 300-400 dollars, including the numbers. Before the work begins, we need the approval from the city. Tim will contact the city.
v Sponsors-Signs:
o Diane reported that there are three sponsors who have not paid yet. We do have all teams with a sponsor. The sponsorship of the signs was brought up. Diane has been on contact with Jay Wood who was in charge of the signs years back. His cousin would make the signs at a reduced rate. Jay is checking to see if that could still happen. Jay did a great job with the sign sponsorships. Some sponsors have not paid the league for last year. Diane will contact those sponsors to try to get some of those funds. It was mentioned that Crystal charges 300.00 per sign. We wanted to offer a discount for sponsors who already have a sign made. The following numbers were proposed by Gary, second by Pat and approved by the board:
4 x 8 sign would be 150.00 per year
4 x 4 sign would be 100.00 per year
The cost of producing the signs would be at the cost to the sponsor. A uniform sign would be developed and if the sponsor wanted to make additional changes, those would be passed onto the sponsor. It was mentioned that a pictured could be taken with some players in front of the sponsors sign with a thank-you from the league.
v Treasure’s Report:
o Checking $26,868.00-The increase is due to sponsorships being deposited as well as league fees.
o The entry fees to the tournaments at the end of the season have been paid.
o Safety bags at a cost of $100.00 were purchased.
o All Star Sports-$6,000.00 was paid for the uniforms, which is _ of the total amount owed.
v Umpires:
o Doug mentioned that he would be in contact with people on his list to start scheduling the umpires for A minor games. It was mentioned that Bill Rooney might have some names because of his coaching at Cooper. The rate for an A minor game is $25.00. It was mentioned that the Majors umpires received a hot dog and a drink after a game and this deal should be extended to the A minor umpires as well. A meeting with the umpires and the A minor coaches will be held at the Sanborn Shelter on 4/21 at 2:00.
v New Business:
o Laurie introduced Patty Bednarczyk as the volunteer coordinator. She is in charge of recruiting the team reps and the concession reps. She is also in charge of the volunteer hours and the return of the checks. Laurie made a motion that the volunteer coordinator position be a board position. Cass second, board approved. Welcome Patty to the board.
o Saints Tickets-the dates will be brought to the coaches meeting. Jim Meyer mentioned last year that signed baseballs could be available this year. David will check on this.
o David brought up that he needs ideas for the local paper.
o Little league parking will be harder to find this year due to construction on HWY 81. There is NO parking in the boat docking area for little league. This area is only for boaters.
o Tim mentioned if anyone objected to having the board listing at each concession. No one objected.
o Pete mentioned some assets that are owned by the league:
∑ Green John Deer Tractor
∑ Red Snapper Mower
∑ Push mower
Pete, Gary and Tim will meet to discuss the need for these items. It was brought up that Babe Ruth might like access to this items and than could share in the expense.
v Next meeting: Monday, April 23rd at 8:00-Sanborn Shelter
v Meeting adjourned at 9:50
Monday, March 19
Board Meeting Minutes from March 12, 2007
Robbinsdale Little League Board Meeting
Monday, March 12, 2007
Present: Tim Keefe, Gary Tonsager, Ann Suits, Lynn Johnson, Laurie Tonsager, Steve Hemsath, Bob Sticha, Doug Shepard, Diane Keefe, Wally Langfellow, Pat Backen, Al Kuhn, Joanna Rooney, Pete Johnson, Kathy Backen, Cassandra Newbern, David Ruth
Absent: David Ruth, Kari Kramka
v Call to order: 7:10 pm
v Re-Introduced New board
v Meeting minutes from March 4th, 2007 were approved with corrections on Draft dates and Tentative Schedules for 2007 Season.
v Registration Update: We have 121 registered players to date. Usually have 210-220 by season start day. We will be going through last years Roster and contacting those not registered. Majors Coaches will call their own players. Laurie may recruit help from the A Minor and B Minor Coordinators to help field calls to players. Registration will be available and Spring Training and Scheduled Tryout dates.
o Flyer Update: Lakeview, Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion, Robbinsdale Middle School, and Sacred Heart will distribute flyers to their students in this weeks take home folder. North Minneapolis public schools require a Community Partnership agreements and approval that is currently being completed by the Board in order to distribute flyers to the eight schools in our district. Hoping to have process completed by mid week and have flyers distributed.
v Sponsor Update: Diane Keefe - have 17 confirmed sponsors of which 5 are Paid, 3 are new sponsors. 4 of last years sponsors are not returning due to child no longer in Little League Baseball. 1 Potential Sponsor undecided. Currently need 1-2 sponsors. NMMC and Reese Orthodontics have been contact, but contact persons on vacation. We do have sponsors that may wish to advertise. Many local areas business are not considering sponsorship due to demands for contributions from within the community. If anyone has individuals interested, please let Diane know. It was mentioned that information should be placed on the website about potential sponsorship. A request came from a sponsor if we can allow a Logo on the Uniforms. All-Star Sports was contact about cost, no real huge difference in price if single color and readily available logo (no artwork req), however it was mentioned to be a Board Decision on having wording only. Do we want to open the idea of allowing a logo on the team uniforms for sponsors. Board did not motion for any changes to be allowed on the uniforms at this time. Yearbook-may we have a information section on each Team page about their sponsor and special message of thank? Diane motion to add Thanks to Sponsors and Raffle contributions to yearbook, Gary Second. Motion passed.
v Treasurer’s Report: Distributed Current Financial Status report for Board Members. I will cc the report
v Raffle Report: Coordinators discussed prizes for Raffle 32" LCD TV, Digital Camera, Ipod Shuffle, Home Depot Gift Card, Two Additional Gift Cards. Idea discussed regarding Top Team Seller incentive prize. Do we keep as bat bags or look at something new like personalize hooded sweatshirts. Bat bags are cheaper. Perhaps board can look at donation of some apparel for Incentive prizes. Top Seller prizes discussed, Nintendo DS Lite, Park at MOA Gift Card, Gamestop gift card. There are also additional items that may be available for incentive prizes, Heavy Hitter Cards from Homerun Hitters, Bats, Coffee Mugs. Request for email address of current players, sponsor list, and prior years donated recipients. Items will be directed to Coordinators as made available.
v Photography Update: Great Photos will be the photographer. Ann is working with the company on the schedule for opening day. There will be a indoor backup and the decision will be made on Friday about the location. Once the baseball team schedules are set, a picture time will be assigned.
v Pitch Count Discussion: Tim would like to have new group set up for discussion with strong recommendations to be brought to the Board. Group to include-Steve, Doug, Wally, Tim, Pat. The group will meet prior to next Board Meeting.
v Schedules: Pat Backen – B- Minor Schedule is Set, A- Minor is Tentative, A- Major is Tentative. Discussion about possibility of Inter-League Play with Golden Valley and Plymouth. Unsure of time (Regular season or Tourney Season) Decision needs to be made by end of March (District Umpires).
v Scoreboard Update: Contact Bill Ashford with Robbinsdale Park and Rec regarding Scoreboard Ideas, Bill suggestion a rolling scoreboard. RYBA would like a more permanent structure. It was suggested that a proposal be put together with dimensions and pictures to be submitted. Lynn and Pete were able to research and find numbers for a scoreboard. Gary and Pete can fabricate the scoreboard and install in left field. Could be made to be partially removable at end of season. 2. Pete discussed Bull Pen issues at Sanborn. Need to check with the city regarding the possibility and location. 3. Batting cages need new net, may work this year. There are a few broken pipes. Will see what can be done to repair/replace what is necessary.
v UpComing Events:
o April 21st, Field Maintenance Day. We will need to get as many as we can.
o Adopt a Park – Same as Opening Day
o Opening Day – Do we have any retired coaches that can through out the first pitch? There could be a conflict with Opening days for other Little League teams as well.
o Saint’s Day-??, David Ruth may want help. Possible signed baseballs for Raffle.
v New Business: Mike Johnson will be unable to Tryout with 12 year olds. Suggested that all Major coaches attend last Spring training date 3/20 and use as available alternate Tryout date. There is concern with the Sunday Draft, after Tryouts that some may not be able to make tryouts. Suggested to look at alternate location on perhaps Sunday afternoon in event some may need to tryout. Reminder that if players cannot try out they are to contact Gary and make arrangements for another time slot.
v Little League Boundaries: This will be discussed at the district meeting in April.
v Agenda items for next board meeting on Monday, April 9, 2007 8:00pm Sanborn shelter**checking on reserving this room.
v Practice schedule: The permit begins on April 9 so practices can begin after that.
v Gary, Wally and Steve will meet on Thursday, March 15 to finalize the A minor and B minor coaches.
v One more Sunday at Home Run Hitters
v Gary motioned the meeting to be adjourned, Diane second, board approved.
v Meeting concluded at 8:30pm.
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