February 8th, 2024
Download a PDF of the minutes here
Call to Order
Brad called the meeting to order at 7:06pm, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call -Lane Heatherwick
Lane called the roll. There were 9 directors, and 37 members and guests present.
Secretary's Report -Andy Rousonelos
Brad asked if everyone had received their minutes, and if there were any additions or corrections. Terry made a motion to accept the minutes as published. Ron seconded that motion, and it was passed by all present.
Treasure's Report -Fred Lestina
Fred reported we had income of $680 from the silent auction at the Christmas party, $125 from membership dues, and donations of $2,200 from 2 generous members and Berkots grocery store. Expenses included $100 for pedal tractor raffle tickets, $100 to the J.I. Case Heritage Foundation for an advertisement, and $915.41 in miscellaneous club expenses. Russ made a motion to accept the report as read, it was seconded by Jean, and it was passed by all present.
Old Business
Brad reported that the club had lost 3 members, Jerry Rice passed away on December 17th at 81 years old, Neil Drummer passed away on February 5th at 87 years old, and Roger Koehn passed away on February 6th at 61 years old.
An example of the new poster was brought in and passed around for approval. There were no corrections noted.
The “Human Tractor Pull” is moving forward, Alan and Jess made a list of rules and provided a waiver for participants to sign. Any money paid by entrants as well as any sponsorships towards the pull will be split into prize money for the winning teams FFA chapters.
Russ Jacobs will be representing us at the Peotone FFA Alumni auction on February 25th and will be selling pedal tractor raffle tickets.
Jeff Brandau reported that the Tractor Pull sled has been booked for Friday at the show. We stayed with that day instead of Sunday because of conflicts with other tractor pulls. The heavy classes will still pull in the afternoon and the lighter classes will pull in the morning.
Dave Wehrmann gave an in-depth explanation on the mechanics of the garden tractor pull sled, and how we can be most efficient using it during the pull. It is more than strong enough to use for small frame tractors up to 3000 pounds. Anything larger will qualify for the regular Friday tractor pull. “Wheelie Bars” are strongly recommended for the garden tractors and small frame tractors, as safety is key during these events. We have come a long way since we introduced this pull at Dollingers.
The club is looking for heavy duty pallets to mount the items donated by the Meinheits. Anybody with pallets to donate should contact Bob Homerding.
Ron Schubbe offered an update on the club’s scale. The Monitor needs to be sent in for calibration, and he has inquired with the manufacturer but is waiting for a reply.
New Business
Brad reminded everybody that the club tour of Terry Seggebruch’s collection would be held on Saturday, February 24. Terry & Carol will be providing lunch and he has a vast collection that he is eager to share.
Terry Donovan has made arrangements for the club to rent half of a machine shed within a mile of the showground, for storage of our sawmills and threshing machines. We would be splitting the shed and the rent 50/50, and the lease begins on July 1st, 2024. We have a sawmill and two Threshing machines that need to be moved from their current storage locations, and this will be a prime spot for them.
Lane reported that a preliminary tractor ride route had been mapped, but due to high traffic it was being reworked, and a new route would be announced at the March meeting.
The Manhattan Irish Parade is on March 2, and we have participated for several years. The plan is to have a float again this year, Grant Heatherwick will provide a hayrack, and Charlie & Jeannie Kestel will head the committee.
Brad and Andy reported that Phillip Anzelc and his families welding shop would like to fix up the wobble wheel packer owned by the club for use on the tractor pull track. Hank DeLair’s vibrating roller that is normally used is down with a bad motor, so something will have to be used in its place between pulls. The Anzelcs would like to fix up and paint the packer, and have people who donate towards it or sponsor it get their names listed as donors on the packer. Please see Andy if you would like to donate.
Brad reported that one of his helpers at the toy shows would like to donate a brand new socket set to the club to be added to the pedal tractor raffle as a second prize.
Eugene at Tractor Supply in Laraway Rd is interested in having us come for another event in June to promote the show. March 15th was suggested as a potential date. Russ made a motion for us to return, it was seconded by Steve and was passed by all present.
Tractors for a Cure is having their Cash Bash on March 9. Their President, Dan Lowe announced that in 2023 they donated $40,000 to the St Judes Childrens hospital. The Club will make a donation towards the Cash Bash by sponsoring the drinks for the event. Bob made a motion, and it was seconded by Alan. It was passed by all present.
Adjournment:
Terry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Pete and was passed by all present.
Meetings
March 14 Wilton Church Hall 7 PM
April 11 Wilton Church Hall 7 PM
May 9 Wilton Church Hall 7 PM
Upcoming Events
Sublette Toy Show March 16-17
Seneca Toy Show March 24
