May 18, 2026 at  6pm 

Silver Maple Construction

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/miu-axot-zam

In attendance: Tim Steele, Samantha Morrissey, George Lawrence, Wes Butler, Scott Mason, Erik Dahl, Andrew Hirsch, Carl Robinson, Rob Wheland, Sarah Schumacher

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Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 6:03 PM.

Approval of Previous Minutes

Board Member Appointments

Board votes were conducted via email to induct the following members:

• Vice President: Sam Morrissey
• Bristol Trail Branch Representative: Seth Beck
• Vergennes Trail Branch Representative: Luke Snell

President’s Report – Tim

Logo Redesign Discussion

The board reviewed logo concepts presented by Capacitor Design Network.

Key Discussion Points

• Desire for a logo system with adaptable elements for social media and branding.
• Preference among several members for simpler, cleaner designs.
• Mixed opinions regarding use of a mascot.
• Concerns that some options were visually busy or difficult to read.
• Interest in exploring “ACDC” as a possible logotype concept.
• Discussion about incorporating recognizable Addison County elements into branding.
• General agreement that the logo refresh should feel more modern, fun, and versatile.

Decision

The board agreed to conduct an Australian ballot vote via email with additional comments collected electronically.

Action Items

• Board members: Submit logo rankings and comments via email ballot.
• Tim: Coordinate final feedback process with Capacitor Design Network.

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Bylaws & Leadership Development Discussion

The board reviewed proposed updates focused on leadership development, succession planning, committee structure, and reducing volunteer burnout.

Key Discussion Points

• Need for clearer volunteer engagement pathways.
• Desire to distinguish operational work from governance responsibilities.
• Proposal for rotating board terms to improve continuity and recruitment.
• Discussion of committee structures to engage more members.
• Interest in formalizing transitions and onboarding processes.

Proposed Structure Highlights

• Rotating four board seats annually.
• Potential third terms if recruitment needs require.
• Leadership transitions targeted for December/January.
• Committee development for events, fundraising, and merchandising.

Committee Development

The board discussed creating:

• Events Committee
• Fundraising Committee
• Potential Merchandising Committee

Action Items

• Sam: Draft committee standards, mission statements, expectations, and operating norms before next meeting.
• Sarah: Include a call for volunteers for Events and Fundraising Committees in the next newsletter.
• Sam: Serve as contact for Events Committee recruitment.
• Board: Continue discussion on bylaws revisions and board transition planning.

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Communications & Outreach

Upcoming Communications Needs

Topics identified for newsletters and social media:

• Upcoming events and trail days
• Membership survey promotion
• Lapsed member outreach
• Volunteer recruitment
• Family ride series

Specific Updates

• Trail Day updated to Wednesday, June 17 at 5:30 PM.
• Kids Ride scheduled for June 13 at Moosalamoo.
• Survey promotion to continue through mid-June.
• Welcome outreach ideas for new VMBA members discussed.

Action Items

• Andrew: Provide updated trail day details and Sarah will provide registration link emailed to Andrew.
• Sarah: Continue promoting survey through newsletter and social channels.
• Erik: Share survey through Lincoln Trails channels.
• Sarah/Tim/Sam: Coordinate VMBA welcome letter and sticker for ACBC new members.
• Tim: Coordinate complimentary memberships for landowners through VMBA.

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Movie Night Planning

George presented pricing for two film screening options:

• Best Day Ever – $500
• Mountains of the Moon – $595

Discussion

The board discussed hosting a movie night at the Marquis Theater in late summer or early fall.

Action Items

• George: Coordinate movie screening logistics once dates are selected.
• Board: Decide on film selection and preferred event date.

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Membership Update – Rob

Key Discussion Points

• Membership survey distribution strategies:
  • VMBA email
  • Front Porch Forum
  • Social media
• Discussion around social engagement ideas tied to future branding updates.

Action Items

• Rob/Sarah: Coordinate survey distribution through VMBA.
• Sarah: Send survey materials to Erik.
• Social Media Team: Continue promoting survey across channels.

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Treasurer’s Report – Carl

Financial Summary

• Current Bank Balance: $12,682.93
• Income:
  • $750 membership income
  • $1,000 donation from E. Berg
• Expenses:
  • $325 payment to Sarah

Infrastructure & Equipment Discussion

Topics included:

• Trail signage upgrades
• Adaptive-friendly signage
• Event gear purchases (tent, banners, tablecloths)
• Storage solutions for tools and equipment

Decisions

The board approved a $1,000 donation to 5TR for the 2026 season.

The board also approved up to $100 for Family Ride snacks.

Action Items

• Andrew: Develop rough cost estimates for trail signage.
• George: Send Andrew photos/examples of VMBA signage.
• Rob: Develop event gear budget proposal.
• Tim: Share 5TR donation letter with board.
• Carl: Coordinate relocation/storage plan for tool shed and equipment.
• Tim: Ask Silver Maple if shed can live on the property.

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Development Committee Report – Erik

Trail Network Updates

• New Leaf trail day to be added to help improve drainage.
• Waiting for Vergennes trail needs update from Luke.
• Lincoln trail work nearing completion; L&D expected back mid-June.
• Lincoln Sports fundraising for expanded trail loop.
• Upcoming Lincoln trail walks planned for this Saturday, 8am – 11am.

Trail Conditions

Reported issues:

• Tree down on Moosalamoo
• Tree down on Silver Moose
• Wet spots on Silver Moose

Ripton Trail Discussion

Board discussed possible trail development opportunities in Ripton and the need for landowner agreements before investment.

Action Items

• Seth: Add New Leaf trail work day.
• Luke: Provide update on Vergennes trail needs.
• Erik: Share Lincoln trail walk dates and promotional materials.
• Board: Follow up on Ripton trail exploration and landowner discussions.
• Maintenance Volunteers: Address downed trees and wet trail sections.

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Family Ride Series – Wes

Ride Schedule

• June 13
• July 11
• August 8
• September 12

June Ride Plan

• Meet at 10:00 AM at parking lot, start biking on Moosalamoo pump track.
• Route options include campground loop and adventurous kids/families can ride to Silver Moose bridge and back.

Volunteer Support

Additional adults requested to support rides.

Action Items

• Sam, Rob, and Erik: Assist with Family Ride support.
• Wes: Purchase snacks and submit reimbursement.
• Sarah: Add Family Ride signup link to newsletter and assist with promotion.
• Tim: Reach out to 5TR regarding participation/support.
• Board: Ensure waiver process is in place for non-VMBA participants.

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Pride Ride – Kaitlin

Proposed Dates

• August 20 or August 27
• Rain dates discussed.

Discussion

Need identified for event logistics support and communications planning.

Action Items

• Kaitlin: Finalize event date selection.
• Events Committee (future): Assist with logistics and event planning.
• Communications Team: Develop promotional plan once dates are confirmed.

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Adjournment

Meeting adjourned at 7:53 PM.