MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF RAILROAD PASSENGERS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
VICKSBURG HISTORIC VILLAGE, VICKSBURG
JUNE 15, 2013

Members Present: Robert Tischbein, Larry Krieg, Hugh Gurney, John Langdon, Jim Wallington, Jim Hinkins, Rosemary Horvath

Others Present: John DeLora, Rich Vavra-Musser, Charley Bonnell, Frank Lapp, David VanderBee, Doug Wilson, Christine Ballard, Lynn Searles, Burton TenBrink, Rick Burn, Tim Hoeffner, Gerald Smith, Ronald Smith, J.P. DesCamp, Robert Patterson

Call to Order:  Chairman Tischbein called the meeting to order at 10:45 a.m.  A roll call ascertained that a majority of the Executive Committee was present.  Langdon moved acceptance of the agenda.  Wallington seconded the motion and it was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Minutes of the meetings on April 20, 2013 in Niles were reviewed.  Langdon moved acceptance of the Executive Committee minutes.  Wallington seconded the motion and it was approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

DeLora moved acceptance of the Monthly Membership meeting.  Langdon seconded the motion and it was approved by the members present.

Treasurer’s Report:  Langdon distributed the Treasurer’s Report as prepared by Treasurer David Randall.  As of May 31, 2013, the Chase checking account stood at $30,293.20.  Of this amount, $17,141.26 represents the Pratt Fund, scheduled for deposit in a Vanguard Account. 

Patterson asked what plan we have for the Pratt Fund.  Langdon responded that it would remain in the Chase account until the Treasurer found it beneficial to move to Vanguard.  Where it is at present, it is saving checking fees that amount to more than the interest it would earn with Vanguard.  Langdon suggested that Patterson contact Treasurer Randall for a fuller explanation.  Responding to a question from Krieg as to the purpose of the Pratt Fund, DeLora explained that it was considered an endowment fund.  It will eventually be moved to Vanguard, but not right now.

Wallington moved acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report.  The motion was seconded by Hinkins and approved by the members of the Executive Committee present.

Chicago Union Station Task Force Funding:  After clarification by Langdon, Krieg ascertained that the amount set aside for the task force was sufficient and withdrew a request for additional funding.

Funding for an Electronic Train & Bus Status Board at the Pontiac Amtrak Station:   DeLora explained that he and Larry Sobczak had installed electronic status boards at train stations in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Guilford, Illinois.  They went over budget in Guilford because they were requested to extend to tracking beyond what was expected.  For Pontiac, they have purchased the necessary computer, but need additional funds for screens and a hot spot device.  DeLora has had indications that Trans4m will provide about half the funds needed.  He asked MARP to consider a donation of $750.00. 

 

Wallington moved that MARP appropriate $750.00 for the status board in Pontiac.  The motion was seconded by Krieg.  After discussion, Wallington and Krieg agreed to amend the motion calling for MARP to appropriate $250.00 and assist in raising the remaining $500.00 from other sources.  Langdon agreed to head up the solicitation of the $500.00.

The Executive Committee approved the motion to appropriate $250.00 from MARP’s Outreach Budget for the Pontiac status board, with the expectation that Transf4m will provide $750.00 and MARP will raise the remaining $500.00 from outside sources.

 

Recess:  The Executive Session recessed at 11:20 a.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:                                             Accepted:

 

 

 

Hugh D. Gurney                                                         Robert Tischbein

Secretary                                                                     Chair.