On Monday, April 6, 2009 at 7:30pm, the Coldbrook Snowmobile Club held its eighth monthly meeting at the Lucky dragon Restaurant in Winchendon , MA .  Due to the spring-like weather and the riding season behind us, the attendance totaled fifteen members.

    The minutes from the seventh monthly meeting along with the agenda for the eighth meeting were passed out to the members present before the start of the meeting to allow for perusal of said documents.

     The first topic mentioned was the completion of the report of the amount of hours completed by members into the trail work through clearing for the ice storm. The document completed by club president Balchuinas was distributed among the present membership so they could write in any man hours that could have been overlooked..  This past season was one of the largest documented trail work seasons for the club.

    Club treasurer Chuck Reed gave the treasurer's report which itemized the amount of monies collected for memberships by the club as well as the club's outgoing expenses.  President Balchuinas mentioned that club member Dave Eklund was able to negotiate a deal with a snowmobile club from Lebanon , NH to sell the second drag from the CSC's ASV. Gerry thanked Dave for his efforts in this sale.

Club president Gerry Balchuinas then informed members of his upcoming meeting with other local clubs to discuss and finalize a broad clubbed late fee. Gerry stated that he had done this before and that all clubs in the area were pretty much in the same boat as us. People wait until the snow before joining. You will still be able to join before the December meeting with no late fee. After which a twenty dollar late fee will be assessed. Member Lou Brassard mentioned that every business does this and why shouldn't we. If I am late for a payment a fee is always what happens. Members agreed and while no vote was taken it was agreed by members present. 

Club vice-president Dean Zuppio reported that the club will be reimbursed for SAMS decals in the amount of three thousand dollars.

Club president Balchuinas informed the present members that first aid kits and hazardous spill kits were updated in all of the club's groomers

The next item on the agenda for the meeting was the operational condition of the club's groomers in both the northern and southern sections of the club's area.  The maintenance and repairs needed on each groomer was outlined as well as the possibility of additional work to be done if such is deemed necessary when maintenance and repair work are conducted on each.  The agenda contained items which are currently known to be needed, for repairs, on the groomers. President Balchuinas stated that all groomers will be moved to a central location, and the drags will be moved too. Probably his field behind his house where the club all ready has a large amount of things stored.  (Since the meeting two groomers and 3 drags have been moved)

    Trail work to be conducted between now and the start of the upcoming riding season was the next item for discussion. Selling cords of wood to raise money for the club was discussed at this time as areas where wood could be found were discussed by club president Balchuinas and members present.  Inquiries for purchasing said wood have been made on the club's website already.  Gerry said that he will be having a cutting day probably starting in early May and that he would post it and Dean will email everyone to help out. Gerry said that if the help was not generated he would contact the purchasers with the news.

The proposed new bridge in the trestle area of the Ware River Rail Trail (ITS 71) was detailed by club president Balchuinas along with club vice-president Dean Zuppio.  The size of the new proposed bridge and the materials used to construct said bridge were explained in detail. Gerry stated that he was meeting with the DCR to discuss this bridge for it is a safety hazard to people using this area. Gerry stated that the DCR needs to get this addressed and we (the club) would be a great way to get it done with no cost to the state. Gerry said he would keep the ball rolling on this issue.

The Wetmore trail was opened and groomed for the first time ever this season. It needs to be made wider and help would be needed for this project. A member asked if they would be able to go and start this project on their own after work. Gerry informed the members that the DCR and the Army Corp did not want any single person working in the area. The person must have a friend with them in case of accident and the worker must contact Gerry first so he can contact the two entities for approval prior to working in the park.  

Opening up the trail located on Middle Road was the next topic for discussion. Gerry stated that if we get the new tractor that this should be no problem. Club member and Groomer operator Ben King mentioned that if we did that he knew of another area that should also be opened up.

An area which has been washed out in the Templeton sand pits will require a few loads of fill to repair according to club president Balchuinas. 

A proposed new design to the area where a ninety degree turn currently exists in the "flood woods/back bay" trail area was discussed at this time. Gerry said he would like to make this area a larger sweeping corner for it is a real safety hazard and grooming it is almost impossible. We can get around but there is never any snow in there. He will meet with Army Corp representative Zach Koziol on this in the months to come.

Club member/BOD Tom Donahue informed the membership that a gate must be installed in the Route 122 area on ITS 71 located south of the Coldbrook Country Club. It was asked if this gate could be used towards the one needed for the SYMMs grant for the tractor and Dean said that this could be used as it is on state property. As long as the DCR allows it to be used towards the project. What type of gate was then discussed.

Club member Jay Wrightman  mentioned that a large rock needed to be re installed located on Hale Road .  Discussions of how to move said obstacle ensued with club president Balchuinas volunteering present board of directors member Gerry Cremin and his equipment for the task.  Jay then said he would contact the land owner and see if a block would be ok to block the trail. Gerry stated that a block would be nicer for we could move it, and return it with the groomer each year. Jay said he would contact the owner. Since the meeting the owner has been contacted and the block is acceptable.

The next topic on the meeting's agenda was the SAM update given by club vice-president Dean Zuppio who represents the CSC at all SAM monthly meetings in Springfield , MA .  It was reported that SAM decals will increase in cost to thirty dollars for the upcoming season. On Thursday, April 9, 2009 SAMS will hold its annual meeting and dinner. Dean informed members that Gerry his wife Dawn and he would be attending the dinner which is to be held in North Hampton . Topics discussed at the monthly meeting for SAM, the idea to allow a modified ATV with tracks to register as a snowmobile was voted down unfavorably by most of the delegates present.  There is no new information regarding the club's proposed grant for purchasing a tractor for the club.  A proposed SYMM grant to purchase land with the possibility of erecting a storage building for the club's groomers must be submitted by October 2009 according to club vice-president Zuppio.  This topic ignited a conversation among the members present as to where land is available and the possible costs of the same, but no concrete plans were discussed at this time.  Gerry stated that contact with one other landowner still needs to be made before a proposal can be made. Gerry and Dean will get this ball rolling and keep all informed.

   The club's next meeting will be the first Monday in May 2009 to be held at the Lucky Dragon Restaurant in Winchendon , MA .  A decision as to what night of the week to hold the meetings during the summer time will be voted on at this meeting in May.

    Dave Piragis, from Higgins Power Sports addressed the members present about upcoming ATV and Spyder demos and hill climbs to be held in Barre during the weekend of April 18-19, 2009.  Please check the club website for the latest details on such.

      The eighth monthly meeting for the Coldbrook Snowmobile Club adjourned at 9:10pm.