MEETING NOTES: April 17, 2021 Heart of Dixie Harley-Davidson HOG Room, Pelham, AL
In attendance:
Matthew Schroeder
Shane Coker
Kris Cook
Rodney Green
Fred Johnson
Richard Comston
Deb Bailey
Mike Bailey
Alexis Holman
Brenda Matney
Justin Matney
Matt Roden
Bob Roden
Blythe Joslin
Donna Stormes
Karen Mize
Bill “Digger” Stormes
Katie Holm hosted the Zoom meeting.
Kris passed out notes from the last meeting and a treasurer’s report. No exceptions were noted. Fred moved to approve, Matt seconded, motion approved. The above documents are now on record.
This meeting was recorded on a Zoom call for later access by link.
Matthew and Shane announced the Dixie ABATE Noccalula Falls Chapter State Park Challenge. The person who turns in pictures of their bike with the challenge poster at the most state parks between now and the December state meeting, wins a $100.00 cash prize. $200.00 if a lifetime member. Alabama has 21 state parks. State parks in any other state count equally.
Fred Johnson reported on the places he set up the booth since the last meeting. He has the Law Tigers/Dixie ABATE pop-up.
We discussed the need for a newsletter and an event. We have our summer retreat every year but so far don’t really throw any events of our own. If we come up with the right thing, it could be a good fundraiser.
We discussed the reflective helmet tape bill, SB357, which died at the end of the legislative session, thankfully.
We discussed our desire for a motorcycle riding skills test (or passage of an approved safety course) to be required in order for a rider to get an M endorsement in Alabama. Rep Chris Pringle (R-Mobile-House District 101) brought a bill that would require a rider to complete a written test AND a safety course successfully in order to get an M endorsement. This bill was indefinitely postponed.
We discussed HB90, introduced by Rep K.L. Brown, R-Anniston/Oxford/Southside/Weaver – District 40) which would prohibit a driver from holding a cell phone with any part of his body while driving. This bill was voted down by one vote. It would have been a great thing for us.
We discussed posting a link on our Facebook page to the riding classes in the state.
Shane made a motion that we change the Freddy Wheeler Rider Training Scholarship poster to read “We will reimburse you 100% of the cost of any other MSF courses, provided you can….” Instead of the 50% reimbursement we offer now. Matt seconded the motion and it carried on a voice vote. The change has been made.
Richard and Matt to get together on shirt designs and sizes to have at the Meeting of the Minds, since we will have a products table set up.
Matt Roden talked about underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. We need to be sure we understand that that is for the other guy, not you. You probably need to bump up your coverage. If you buy it for your car it will follow you, no matter what you are driving. Also, if a dog runs out in front of you, you don’t really have any recourse unless there is a leash law in that area.
Our next meeting is at Arise Coffee Company, 113 Commercial Street, Hanceville, AL, at 2 PM on Saturday, June 19, 2021.
