Minutes for the Monday, May 2, 2022, LTM Meeting, 5:30pm, Odell Weeks
The meeting was held indoors at OW. In attendance were members of the Leadership, George Carr, Ben Stevens and Harve Mobley. Also in attendance were player reps Cheryl Breidenbach, Leslie McCowan, Bob Fogle, Heidi Abele, Froggie Rappoport, Judy Degregorio, John McCowan, Chris Tubbs, Jay Wilson, Tanya Hoffman, Linda Blake, and Faith Loeb. Also in attendance were Joyce Noland, Lee Fox and Ben Lacy.
Meeting called to order by Harve at 5:30. Minutes were taken by Cheryl.
The items discussed in the meeting were:
Feedback from Player Representatives:
Linda stated that there is one practice session after the New Players Clinic. She needs a list so the $10 fee can be waived at GP for the practice afterwards. Ben/George will make sure this happens.
Old Business
March Communications – Ben
1. Odell Weeks Rate Change Update. Question on how the guests' passes will work with the city.
2. Social Potluck Announcement
3. Referees Needed. Training started two Saturdays ago.
New Business
A – Odell Weeks Rate Increase Modification
-Meeting with Parks and Recreation Discussion. Various people representing Aiken PB were there. Ben read important points from the meeting minutes. Aiken PB reviewed the survey with them. We will buy three new nets for the tournament. The city reviews their rate system every 4 years. The last one was in 2018. Clemson Extension did the evaluation. A non for profit club was discussed. They thought Aiken PB wanted to become a club and handle all funding for the tournament. They also thought we were going to have 3 total tournaments. This is not the case, which Ben/Joyce explained to them. Bob stated that the city’s budget is $9K for the Palmetto Tournament, regardless of extra income. The city is a little discombobulated but will get the handling of schedules/new payment/fees/ tournament monies straightened out. Aiken PB is happy to provide any support needed. Bob thinks we need to have a junior tournament. Another meeting with the city will be held to determine viability of this and also to make sure the schedules/new payment/fees/tournament items are understood on both ends…Aiken PB and the city. In regards to the excess funds of $9K, Joyce brought up to remember that we do not pay rental fees to the city nor have the headache of handling our own income/expenses/getting more volunteers, etc. Chris stated that no matter the excess funds received, Aiken PB still comes out way ahead.
The $10 Guest fees were brought up. Now each member will get a guest pass/month of membership. This is a compromise since the fees went up. It was a 90 minute productive meeting.
B – Transition of Calendar to John and Brian - Progress with consistency is occurring. Work with the city schedule will begin this month.
C – Need Help with the following- Ben
1. Player Rep 3.0H
2. LT Replacement for George
3. Manage Bulletin Boards
4. Social Activities Organizer, 7 people as of now. Cut off date will be the Friday before.
5. Junior Tournament volunteers needed – Mo who is not here to explain what is needed.
D – Frequency of Meetings - Ben
Meetings have been good and over quickly. During the summer there aren’t too many changes we need to discuss. If problems occur they are handled immediately by the Leadership Team or other members that may be necessary. Ben suggested that we don’t have another meeting until August/September. Bob Fogel has his own meetings. Harve has suggested quarterly meetings. Everyone has agreed to meet quarterly. Next meeting will be the second Monday in August. Ben will still put out a summary of activities monthly.
E - Odell Weeks – FYI
1. May schedule - 9am-8pm M-F, Sat 9:30-4:30pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm
2. May 4-5, 6 late start Closed for Holiday
3. NPC Saturday May 7 9am Mo
4. NPP Saturday May 21 2:30pm Linda and Faith
5. BenL lessons Tuesdays 9am-Noon
6. Mo lessons Fridays May 13, 20, 27
F - Smith-Hazel - FYI
1. May Schedule MW 9:00-noon
2. Lessons with BenL – Monday May 2, 9
3. Ron Skill Rating - May 16 9am-1pm
4. Drills with “Little Mo” start May 11th, 10-11am.
G - Gregg Park - FYI
1. April schedule T, W(eve), Th, F(eve), Sat
2. NPC Saturday May 14 9:30-11:30
3. NPP Saturday May 21 11:00-12:30
4. Drills with “Little Mo” start May 11th, 6-7pm
H - Financial Report – Tanya - Financial Report
City Challenge is using Stripe (like PayPal) for receiving funds. The beginning balance is $1905.73. Adjusted Ending Balance is $1471.99. The final balance includes the deduction of $710 which was collected from t-shirts and sports wear and was given to Aiken Intermediate School to begin PB at the school; and the deduction of $400 for the gym rental at GP for the City Challenge.
I - 2022 City Challenge - June 11 - Aiken City Challenge Invitational Update. Joyce reported that volunteers were still needed. Aiken, Augusta, Columbia teams are completely filled.
J – Palmetto Tournament – Bob - General Update. Tournament website is up and running. Volunteers will be signing up on signup genius. Lunch and shirts (can use shirts from prior years) will be provided for volunteers. The cost is $55 for registration. This includes one or two events. The website for signups can be found at Pickleballtournaments.com.
K - Ambassador Report - Ben Lacy
County level involved with Aiken Intermediate School. The PE teacher has 450 students. 1/2 day on August 9 will have a beginners clinic for 60 people. Will need volunteers for that. Mo and Beth will handle this training. Ben Lacy will be out of town during this time.
Beginners Clinic at Kalmia Landing. They have decided to start a program at this private location. Ben Lacy has helped get this up and running.
Training classes for referees have begun. Ben Lacy is the only qualified registered USAPA ref trainer in SC.
Final comments
Leslie wondered how volunteers are going to be found without monthly meetings. Ben said that the continuation of E-blasts will be sent out and people will be contacted face to face, which is a very effective method.
Meeting adjourned at 6:25.
Next Meeting, Monday, August 8th.