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1 Welcome! | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Table of Contents Welcome! ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Forum Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 4 Seminar Descriptions ...................................................................................................................... 8 Getting Around at the Forum ....................................................................................................... 11 President’s Message ..................................................................................................................... 12 Executive Director’s Report .......................................................................................................... 13 Trail Coordinator Report ............................................................................................................... 14 Treasurer’s Report ........................................................................................................................ 21 NYSSA Goal Statements ................................................................................................................ 22 Annual Meeting Rules ................................................................................................................... 23 2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting Agenda ........................................................................................... 24 Professional Parliamentarian: Steven Anderson, PHP ........................................................................... 25
2008 NYSSA Annual Meeting Minutes .................................................................................................... 28
Committee Reports ....................................................................................................................... 31 Executive Committee .............................................................................................................................. 32
Budget & Finance Committee ................................................................................................................. 34
Auditors’ Financial Statements ........................................................................................................... 34
2009 – 2010 Proposed Budget ............................................................................................................ 44
Governmental Affairs Committee ........................................................................................................... 47
Membership Committee ......................................................................................................................... 64
RESOLUTION ....................................................................................................................................... 64
Trails Development & Funding Committee ............................................................................................ 65
Public Affairs & Communications ........................................................................................................... 67
Awards, Presentations, & Benevolence (Includes Charities) – Ernie Roosevelt ................................. 67
NYSSA Charities of Choice ................................................................................................................... 70
Corporate Relations – Gary Broderick ................................................................................................ 71
NYSSA Member Discounts .................................................................................................................. 71
Fundraising– Rich Rozzi ....................................................................................................................... 74
Meetings, Events & Promotions – Debbie Perkins ............................................................................. 74
Publications – Anne O’Dell .................................................................................................................. 74
Website Team – .................................................................................................................................. 74
Safety & Education Committee ............................................................................................................... 75
Nominating Committee .......................................................................................................................... 77
2 Welcome! | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Bylaws Committee .................................................................................................................................. 78
2009 Proposed By‐Law Revisions ........................................................................................................ 78
NYSSA BY‐LAWS (Revised April, 2008) .................................................................................................... 84
NYSSA Organization ...................................................................................................................... 99 2008‐09 Officers and Staff ...................................................................................................................... 99
NYSSA Past Presidents .......................................................................................................................... 100
2008‐2009 NYSSA Regions .................................................................................................................... 101
Regional Directors ............................................................................................................................. 101
2008‐2009 NYSSA Districts .................................................................................................................... 102
2008—2009 Board of Directors ............................................................................................................ 103
Director at Large Notification Form ...................................................................................................... 104
Director Reports .................................................................................................................................... 105
Forum Sponsors .......................................................................................................................... 144 NYSSA EXPO Exhibitors ......................................................................................................................... 146
3 Welcome! | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Welcome!
The New York State Snowmobile Association sincerely welcomes everyone to the NYSSA Forum and Annual Meeting. You are to be congratulated for taking time to represent your Club or Association this weekend. Their faith in you and your willingness to attend seminars, meetings, learn and participate in the proceedings, and report information to your Club or Association is a compliment to you. Speakers have worked hard to prepare information for you to take back to your Club. Please take the information from these seminars and share it with your fellow Club members. The Forum Book is filled with information that will be of value to you and your club. Use this book as a resource. Have it available at all future Club meetings to better answer questions. Information in the Forum Book may be photocopied and distributed as needed. Enjoy your visit at the Forum. Invest your energies and attention heavily; you and your Club will be better able to participate in the activities of snowmobiling in New York.
4 Forum Schedule | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Forum Schedule Friday, April 17 ‐ Optional Pre‐Forum Educational Sessions
1:00 – 3:00 pm Computer Magic: What Can Your Computer Do for You! new!
1:00 – 5:00 pm Chainsaw Safety Course (off site) new!
1:00 – 5:00 pm ABC’s of Snowmobile Club Finances: Accounting, Budgets and Cash Flow, Oh My! new!
2:00 – 5:00 pm NYS Groomer Information & Safety Training Course (certificate of attendance earned)
3:00 – 5:00 pm Software Solutions for Snowmobilers: A Toolbox full of tricks! new!
4:00 – 7:00 pm – Pick up Registration Packet at Registration Desk.
~ Neck Wallets Sponsored by Woody’s Traction ~
7:00 – 10:00 pm – Welcome Reception
Welcome Jim Jennings, Executive Director, NYSSA
Sponsored by our insurance provider, Family Financial Group Inc., will feature Hors D’ Oeuvres
and a cash bar. Live Entertainment by Fast Eddy the DJ will be back by popular demand. Meet and
exchange ideas with your fellow snowmobilers! (Note: this is not dinner so plan accordingly).
Saturday, April 18 ‐ NYSSA EDUCATIONAL FORUM
6:00 am – 8:15 am – Buffet Cash Breakfast (additional charge‐coffee, tea, & water available free all day)
8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Pick up Registration Packet at Registration Desk.
8:30 am – 8:55 am Opening Event
Presentation of Colors
Welcome David Holder, President, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau
Opening Remarks Jim Jennings, Executive Director, NYSSA
9:00 am – Three “tracks” of Educational Seminars Begin
10:15 – 10:30 Morning Break Sponsored by NILICO
5 Forum Schedule | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Morning
Sessions
Track 1:
Safety & Trails
Track 2:
Club Operations
Track 3:
Public Affairs
9:00 – 10:15 am OPRHP Presents Online Membership
System
511NY.org
Automated
Work Logs
Club
Roundtable
(9:00 – 11:45
double session) new!
NYSSA Budget
10:30 – 11:45 am Trail Condition
Reports new!
Getting the Message
Out: PR/Web new!
Trail Signage Roberts Rules of Order Legal & Insurance
Issues
12:00 noon Awards Luncheon
Welcome Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA
Speaker Carmella R. Mantello, Director, New York State Canal Corporation
Awards Gary Broderick, Vice President, New York State Snowmobile Association
Trail Groomer of the Year
Snowmobile Dealer of the Year
Snowmobile Club of the Year
Snowmobile Family of the Year
John Albert/ Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler of the Year
Afternoon
Sessions
Track 1:
Safety & Trails
Track 2:
Club Operations
Track 3:
Public Affairs
2:00 – 3:00 pm STEP & Trail
Coordinator Report
Volunteerism
Roundtable
(2:00‐4:45 pm
double session)
NYSSA Budget
Planning for
Grooming Excellence
Snowmobile PAC
6 Forum Schedule | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
3:00 pm Afternoon Break Sponsored by Cook’s Equipment
Welcome Hal Fleischman, Chair, NYSSA Governmental Affairs Committee
Presentation NYSSA Legislator of the Year Award
to Assemblywoman RoAnn M. DeStito
James Rolf, Director, Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Michael Fischer, President, New York State Snowmobile Association
Assemblywoman RoAnn M. DeStito, 116th Assembly District
Afternoon
Sessions
Track 1:
Safety & Trails
Track 2:
Club Operations
Track 3:
Public Affairs
3:45 – 5:00 pm NYS Operation
Lifesaver
Volunteerism
Roundtable cont’d
(Double Session:
2:00 – 4:45 pm)
501c3 and Charities
GPS Training Roberts Rules of Order Snowmobile Law
6:00 pm Cocktail Reception
10:30 am – 6:00 pm – NYSSA Expo (Exhibitor’s List on page 146).
See some of the industry’s hottest trends in sleds, accessories and clothing at our Vendor booths.
Vintage sled displays, NYSA Charities of Choice (Easter Seals, Pink Ribbon Riders & USO/Support our
Troops), grooming equipment and services geared towards snowmobiling.
7 Forum Schedule | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
6:00 pm Cocktail Reception
7:00 pm NYSSA Annual Banquet
Welcome Debbie Perkins, Chair, NYSSA Events and Promotions Committee
Welcome Jim Jennings, Executive Director, NYSSA
Dave Perkins, Trails Coordinator, NYSSA
Presentation NYSSA Legislator of the Year Award to Senator David Valesky
Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA
Keynote Speaker Senator David Valesky, 49th Senate District
NYSSA 2009 Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA
Presidents Award Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA
OCSA Raffle Ernie Roosevelt and Rich Rozzi, Onondaga County Snowmobile Assn.
Housekeeping Debbie Perkins, Chair, NYSSA Events and Promotions Committee
Entertainment Blueprints Band Sponsored by the Madison County Snowmobile Assn.
Sunday, April 19 ‐ NYS SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
8:00 am 9:00 am Registration (for those attending only the Annual Meeting)
9:00 am Official NYSSA Annual Meeting begins. Please be on time!
Delegates arriving after Roll Call has ended will not be permitted to vote. (Agenda on page 24 )
Thank you for coming and have a safe trip home!
8 Seminar Descriptions | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Seminar Descriptions
Friday Afternoon (optional – registered Forum Attendees Only) Computer Magic: What Can Your Computer Do For You! Led by Mike Fischer (1‐3 p.m.) Mike will lead
attendees in a basic review of today’s devices and how they fit together. From laptops to wireless
internet, to mouse infestation, GPS devices and printing, this session will show you the wonderful world
of computer hardware. Mike will also cover the basics of the Windows operating system, highlighting
basic commands such as copy, paste and delete! If you are a computer novice, or if you suffer from
processeraphobia, this class is for you.
new! Chainsaw Safety Course, coordinated by Dave Perkins (1‐5 pm) (offsite) ABC’s of Snowmobile Club Finances: Accounting, Budgets and Cash Flow, Oh My! Led by Scott Backus
(1‐5 pm) Presenter Scott Backus will provide information to help club reps attending this class to
understand basic accounting standards and how to apply them to club finances. This session will include
balance sheet accounting, how to develop income and expense statements, and how to use the club’s
financial data to develop forecast budgets for coming years. Scott will lead a workshop with the
participants to create mock books for a fictional club in order to show how these tools can help club
leaders manage their checkbooks and turn information into the foundation for financial planning.
NYS Groomer Information & Safety Training Course, led by Fred Carpenter , Frank Boepple & Mike Denapole of Salisbury Ridge Runners. (2– 5 pm) NYSSA will be issuing a certificate of attendance for those who attend this course. Topics cover grooming best practices, grooming theory, & groomer operator safety. Materials provided by NYS OPRHP. Software Solutions for Snowmobilers: A Toolbox Full of Tricks. Led by by Jason Kowalczyk and Mike
Fischer, (3‐5 pm) The session will give participants an understanding of the software options available to
help clubs manage operations and communicate to the outside world. From managing membership info
and emails to newsletters, web pages, press releases and presentations, attendees will learn how to use
these tools to help the club enter the 21st century. Attendees should bring laptops if possible.
Saturday ‐ Morning
OPRHP Presents, led by Stephen Lewis, Director and Jim MacFarland, NYS OPRHP Snowmobile Unit
(9:00 – 10:15 am) This seminar will present the snowmobile trails fund program, changes to the
program and how they affect the clubs and questions and answers. Information will be offered on all
aspects of the Snowmobile Trail Fund.
Automated Work Logs, led by Dave Dishaw. (9:00 – 10:15 am) This hands‐on session will show you how
to use automated worksheets to make your recordkeeping easier. It is recommended that you bring a
laptop with MS Excel to this session if possible.
9 Seminar Descriptions | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Online Membership System, led by Jim Bode & Mike Denapole. (9:00 – 10:15 am)This re‐vamped
session will focus not only on new membership but the role that Club Administrators have. Take a peek
at new financial functions that are available and ways to make communications easier with Club
Members. Learn to produce : mailing lists & labels, financial reports and more from the System.
511NY.org, Led by Mary Harding, Director of Community Relations, and Todd Westhuis, NYS DOT
office of External Relations (9:00 – 10:15 am) 511NY.org provides traffic, travel & transit information
and is expanding to include snowmobile trail information. See their website, www.511NY.org
NYSSA Budget, led by Gary Batchelder, Chair, Ways & Means Committee. (9:00 – 10:15 am) and (2:00
– 3:00 pm) The NYSSA Budget will be de‐mystified. Take this opportunity to review the budget in detail
and get questions answered prior to the Annual Meeting.
new! Club Roundtable, led by Gerry Ivison. (9:00 – 11:45 am)An interactive session for Club Members
to exchange their best ideas: community relations, landowner relations, member fund‐raising activities,
map production, best practices/what works etc.
new! Trail Condition Reports, led by Norm Scianna, Trackside Trailblazers. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Norm
will discuss ways to report trail conditions to all areas are using the same language across the state.
Attend this session to learn how to properly classify the conditions of snowmobile trails in order to
communicate the riding experience.
Trail Signage, led by Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trail Coordinator. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Review of OPRHP trail
signing guidelines. Changes will be discussed.
Roberts Rules of Order, What Officers Should Know. Led by Stephen Anderson, Professional
Parliamentarian. (10:30 – 11:45 am) and (3:45 – 5:00 pm) All clubs need to attend this valuable
session! This session will touch on the procedures for running an effective meeting, records that need to
be kept, and much more. Bring your questions!
new! Getting the Message Out: PR and your Website, led by Anne O’Dell, Editor, New York
Snowmobiler Online Magazine. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Is your website, newsletter and publicity a credit to
your Club, or are you sending the wrong message? Learn the do’s and don’ts of projecting your club in a
positive light.
Legal & Insurance Issues, led by Dave Linger, Esq., & Butch Franklin, Family Financial Insurance
Company. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Session leaders will field questions and provide answers concerning the
NYSSA trail insurance policy, risk management and legal issues that arise in your Clubs.
10 Seminar Descriptions | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Saturday ‐ Afternoon
STEP & Trail Coordinator Report, led by Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trail Coordinator. (2:00 – 3:00 pm) Dave
will report on the successful STEP program and offer his report as Trail Coordinator to the attendees.
Planning for Grooming Excellence, led by Rick Engasser. (2:00 – 3:00 pm) Led by Rick Engasser, this
session will review 5 key areas to help clubs review their grooming program and work towards the
next level of grooming excellence. This encompasses: Grooming Policy, Grooming Equipment, Asset
Management, Cost Management & Benchmarking.
Snowmobile PAC, led by Capitol Group & the Government Affairs Committee (2:00 – 3:00 pm)
NYSSA Budget, led by Gary Batchelder, Chair, Ways & Means Committee. (9:00 – 10:15 am) and (2:00
– 3:00 pm) The NYSSA Budget will be de‐mystified. Take this opportunity to review the budget in detail
and get questions answered prior to the Annual Meeting.
Volunteerism Roundtable, led by Gary Broderick. (2:00 – 4:45 pm) Does your Club’s membership grow,
but not your work force? This roundtable will offer some prove ideas on how to grasp that new member
into becoming an active, vital part of your Club. This is an interactive session – bring what works for you!
Effective Meetings & Roberts Rules of Order, led by Stephen Anderson, Professional Parliamentarian.
(10:30 – 11:45 am) and (3:45 – 5:00 pm) All clubs need to attend this valuable session! This session will
touch on the procedures for running an effective meeting, records that need to be kept, and much
more. Bring your questions!
NYS Operation Lifesaver, Led by Joe Croteau & volunteers. (3:45 – 5:00 pm) This seminar will deal
with railroads and snowmobile safety. Led by Joe Croteau and other volunteers from this essential
group, you will gain knowledge in railroad safety while snowmobiling or riding your ATV.
GPS Training, led by Jim Bode (3:45 – 5:00 pm) Jim will delve into the GPS program and how to use this
valuable tool to verify club trail mileage.
501c3 and Charities, led by Mike deFreitias, Esq. (3:45 – 5:00 pm) Mike will present valuable
information on how to form a not‐for‐profit corporation and will review the changes to charities
documentation that affect Clubs.
Snowmobile Law: by Stephen Lewis, Director and Jim MacFarland, NYS OPRHP Snowmobile Unit and
NYSSA Attorney David Linger, Park Police, and a Magistrate (3:45 – 5:00 pm) NYS Law contains many
different rules affecting the operation of snowmobiles and the development and maintenance of trails.
This seminar will look at all aspects of the snowmobile law from where we can ride legally, producing 3
year plans, law enforcement and the judicial ramifications and much more. Attendees will learn the
basics of snowmobiling law, general obligations, motor vehicle highway use, and other requirements.
11 Getting Around at the Forum | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Getting Around at the Forum
12 President’s Message | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
President’s Message
Welcome to Liverpool, NY and the 2009 NYSSA Forum and Annual Meeting. The NYSSA Staff, working in
conjunction with the Board of Directors and the Events and Promotions Committee, has worked diligently over the
past months to provide you with a blockbuster weekend. From the opportunity for fellowship with other
snowmobilers and leaders of the sport in New York State to the full offering of educational seminars and
informational sessions, you will benefit greatly from your participation in this exciting weekend.
The NYSSA 2009 Forum has been expanded to include pre‐forum educational seminars on Friday as well as a full
schedule of informational sessions and the NYSSA Awards Luncheon on Saturday. Our Annual banquet on Saturday
evening will be followed by live entertainment, providing a great backdrop for celebrating another successful
snowmobiling season in New York State.
The NYSSA Annual Business Meeting is scheduled for Sunday. With consideration of bylaws changes, decisions on
resolutions, election of officers and approval of the 2009‐2010 NYSSA operating budget, the business that is
organized snowmobiling in New York needs your careful consideration of the issues and participation in the
debates that will guide us in the years ahead.
NYSSA is at a crossroads. The ongoing implementation of the NYSSA strategic plan has identified opportunities, but
with each victory arise new challenges. Over the next few days you will have the chance to learn more about the
issues that affect the future of our sport. We are all stewards of snowmobiling in New York, and we all need to
work together to provide the direction and the resources to face the challenges ahead. Development pressures
and other land‐use issues, regulatory constraints and economic realities will have greater effects than ever on trail
development. The public image of snowmobilers is part the picture as well. We have to tell our story, because no
one else will tell it for us.
The past year has been interesting, to say the least. When we met last year in Niagara Falls for the 2008 NYSSA
Forum, we had just learned about a $1 million sweep of the trail development fund. Thanks to relentless pressure
from snowmobilers across the state, our elected officials helped resolve the crisis. From county representatives
and state legislators to the governor’s office, our voice was heard. The NYSSA mission directs us to serve as
watchdogs of the trail fund. Thanks to the single‐minded focus we displayed during the sweep, we now have the
political will and clout to make that a reality. It is our sport; it is our time, our talent, and yes‐ our treasure‐ that
makes it all happen.
I would like to thank my two predecessor NYSSA presidents, Hal Fleischman and Bob Perry, for their efforts on our
behalf. Because of their leadership, NYSSA had the necessary organizational structure and direction that allowed
me to focus much of my attention on the trail fund sweep during those first few months. Most of all, I thank the
100,000 NYSSA members who are the backbone of the sport.
Welcome to the 2009 NYSSA Forum. I hope that each of you will take away valuable insight and helpful
information from this weekend, and enjoy the time that we will share together!
With my warmest regards,
Michael Fischer, NYSSA president
13 Executive Director’s Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Executive Director’s Report Jim Jennings, Executive Director
Club Memberships and NYS Registrations increased this past season. This can be attributed to the fine
snow conditions across the whole state. When one can ride from their backyard they are apt to register
all their sleds. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles the voucher system is
running quite smoothly and they see no reason for any wholesale changes. More members are using the
online membership system‐as I said last year now is the time to access your membership account‐make
sure you know your ID and Password‐that way you will be ready to renew your membership and print
your voucher when you need it. Contact the NYSSA Office now (instead of a Friday afternoon in
December) if you need assistance.
One item sorely missed by our membership is a print magazine. Bottom line is NYSSA simply cannot
afford to publish a print magazine. One of the negative side effects of not having a print magazine is the
fact both Award and Scholarship Nominations decreased. Last year we had about 20 scholarship
applications but this year only 7. A second call was put out to garner more Award Nominations. NYSSA’s
online magazine has become a class publication and everyone with internet access should take the time
to read the articles. Even if we do resume a print magazine‐current events and news are best accessed
through the internet at www.nyssnowassoc.org (or the easy to remember www.nysnowmobiler.com ).
A year ago I wrote a paragraph about Adirondack issues. Mentioned were four issues the Adirondack
Park Agency needed to address. One year later one issue has been resolved: “No Material Increase”.
Decisions still need to be made concerning “Character of a Foot Trail”, Use of Tracked Groomers and
Definition of “Administrative Personnel”. The issue of “Character of a Foot Trail” will be the most
important aspect as I believe the outcome of this one aspect will influence the use of tracked groomers.
As always NYSSA will be engaged.
At the 2008 Annual Meeting Mike Fischer was nominated from the floor as NYSSA’s current President. In
my opinion Mike has performed quite well bringing some fresh ideas to how the NYSSA Board of
Directors operates. One of these ideas is bringing a regional approach to New York State (see map on
page 84). Every region has hosted at least one NYSSA Board meeting, thus allowing increased
participation from local clubs. We even tried to schedule certain meetings when there was snow on the
ground (so we could actually snowmobile)‐unfortunately with almost all locations we had to ride before
the snow melted. I look forward to working with the NYSSA Board to further our progress for the 2009‐
2010 season and beyond.
Jim Jennings
14 Trail Coordinator Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Trail Coordinator Report Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator
Any discussion or mention of snowmobile trails must recognize the tremendous volunteer efforts of club
trail workers that spend countless hours putting up signs, building bridges, clearing brush, and grooming
trails. We all know that without it, there would be no snowmobiling in New York except for those areas
where local government has made it part of their municipal recreation program. Hats off to all
volunteer trail workers!
STEP
Anyone that has read any of my reports this past year knows what STEP stands for. Just in case, STEP
stands for Safe Trails Education Program. STEP is the Association’s risk management program. It is an
educational program that addresses two areas of concern of club risk: groomer operator training and
trail signage.
STEP Grooming
SRRA legislation suggests that clubs strive to train their equipment operators. Tthe Board of Directors,
supported by legal opinion, believes that clubs need to recognize that clubs take training groomer
operators seriously. Clubs need to document what was done to provide that training. Many clubs have
established Groomer Operator Safety Guidelines. This document, among other things, would describe
the process of how a club member becomes a groomer operator. Many clubs include in that process
attendance at the groomer operator safety class.
Clubs’ experienced groomer operators should be the primary source of this training. Clubs should
record in their minutes which members are designated to train new operators. Requiring experienced
groomer operators to repeatedly attend the existing groomer safety class is an option for clubs.
Some county organizations host this class. There are several volunteers in the State that have
participated in groomer course instructor training and would be willing to instruct the class. A list of
these volunteer instructors will be posted on the NYSSA website. The current course is several hours
long. A goal for this upcoming season is to seek a revision to the course so that it can be done at an
evening session instead of a weekend day. A website calendar will be available to post groomer operator
classes so that others nearby may be able to take advantage it.
An educational program that provides grooming information for the snowmobiler (the one that knows
nothing about grooming) is being developed. At the Big East Powersports Show in October , a
presentation was given targeting the average snowmobiler with this information. In addition, the IASA
(International Association of Snowmobile Administrators) has put together a grooming information
brochure for the average snowmobiler that has excellent information and could be used by club
leadership to communicate to club members about grooming.
15 Trail Coordinator Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
STEP Signage
STEP Signage represents that area of risk management that consumes that greatest effort and time. The
importance of proper trail signage cannot be overstated.
SRRA legislation states that clubs strive to mark and delineate their trails. The OPRHP Trail Grant
Application contains wording stating trails, including signage, are to be properly maintained. This past
season the Phase II application contained a private landowner and trail maintenance statement that had
to be signed by each club president. In it, the president is stating that all designated and funded trails
are to be signed according to administrative guidelines.
Improperly signed trails can result in a club being difficult to defend should a legal situation occur. This
situation can have catastrophic results for the trails fund and the availability of insurance.
STEP Signage trains volunteer snowmobilers to serve as a Safe Trails Advisor who is partnered with a
club. The Advisor and a club representative ride the club’s trails for the purpose determining how well
the club is meeting trail signing guidelines.
For the past few years, the responsibility for signing and maintaining safe trails has fallen to the local
club that obtained landowner permission for the trail. Features the club puts into the trail (such as
bridges, culverts, and junctions) are easily identified and easy to sign. If a bridge exists on a trail, the
guidelines are clear on how to sign it.
Other aspects of a trail are much more difficult to sign consistently, as they require a subjective
determination which may lead to greater inconsistency in signage. These aspects of signage need study
and discussion to better enable clubs to sign these conditions consistently.
Perhaps subjective signing situations need to be replaced by operator responsibility? An effort to get
more signage education into the hands and minds of snowmobile operators was pursued this year. At
last year’s Forum the idea of a signing brochure targeting information to the snowmobile operator was
mentioned by many as a good idea. A draft brochure was developed during the summer. The project
stalled when planned signage changes did not occur. Until there is universal agreement on what signage
is necessary and universal implementation of signage agreements, educating snowmobilers will be
virtually impossible.
STEP Signage Classes
The primary purpose of STEP Signage classes is to train Advisors. However, many attendees at classes
last fall were club trail workers that wanted to learn about trail signing guidelines. Each trail worker that
attends a signing class and uses this information when putting up signs helps make clubs defensible and
achieve consistent trail signage.
16 Trail Coordinator Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Satellite STEP
In an effort to provide more local control over Advisor visits, the Satellite STEP program was established.
Currently ten counties are participating in the program. Each county assembles its volunteers for a STEP
Signage class held in their county. Following the same training format as every other class, the county
organization determines which of their volunteer Advisors is partnered with a club in their county. The
benefit of this is that Advisors close to the host club provides greater opportunity to talk about trail
signage inconsistencies and determine corrections.
Every county organization is encouraged to participate in the Satellite STEP Signage program for 2009.
STEP Signage 2009
The Satellite program is scheduled to continue again next fall. During the summer the class schedule
will be developed and posted on the NYSSA website. Clubs need to get their trail workers to participate
in a class. To help with costs, several snowmobilers have volunteered to serve as a signing class
instructor. Their help will be invaluable.
High Snowfall
Each year funding is provided for trails that qualify by being in a high snowfall area. Currently areas that
receive over 110 inches of snowfall annually based on 1960 – 1990 snowfall measurements receive high
snowfall funding. However the density of reporting stations is unknown. Stations sparsely located may
cause some areas to be overlooked in terms of high snow funding eligibility.
This season an additional $350 per mile was provided for high snowfall trails. Some clubs have
expressed concern that there are trails that should qualify for high snowfall funding that are not
receiving this funding. Research is on‐going to find information about criteria used to qualify for high
snow funding and to explore more accurate measures of this data.
Bulk Sign Order Program
This is the time of the year, that time when signs are being taken down and stored for the summer,
when clubs should think about signing needs for the next season. The reason it is important to think
about signing needs now is that the location of trail signs is fresh in each trail worker’s mind and the
bulk sign order will be underway again this summer. The bulk sign program is a way for clubs to save
hundreds of dollars in trail sign costs. Purchasing signs in the fall will cost you much more than if you
ordered these signs in the bulk sign program.
The order form should be ready by the Forum.
Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Grants
This past fall was the time for clubs to submit applications for a Recreational Trail Program grant. Most
clubs that apply do so to obtain trail grooming equipment. Recently a summary of those that applied
was announced. The winners should be announced on National Trails Day (the first Saturday in June).
17 Trail Coordinator Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Chainsaw Safety
NYS DEC requires as part of a club’s AANR that anyone working on state lands needs to demonstrate
that they have completed the chainsaw safety requirements. Safety course requirements include safety
equipment such as cut‐resistant boots, gloves, safety chaps, and hardhat with the protective face shield.
In addition, each state land worker needs to complete first aid, CPR, and blood‐borne pathogens training
along with the Game of Logging I or an approved chainsaw video done by an approved instructor.
Any chainsaw safety course that is being done to meet DEC requirements for the AANR needs approval
of DEC.
Trail Complaints
The number of trail complaints decreased from last season to this.
The Erie County Federation developed an online method for snowmobilers to inform the Federation of
an unsafe trail condition. By all indications, the program worked very well. While there was fear that
the program would become merely a tool for those that like to complain, nearly all submissions were
based on safety issues found by snowmobilers on the trail.
Staking Fields
This issue generated a great deal of interest at last year’s Forum as it was announced that only double
staking as stated in the signing guidebook would be recognized. Many clubs indicated that single staking
should continue. Any club staking fields outside the signing handbook guidelines needs to document as
part of the club record the procedure used to single stake fields. This is necessary so that the decision of
staking outside of stated criteria would be identified as a club decision and not the individual putting in
the stakes.
Many western NY clubs attended Western Region NYSSA BOD meeting in Batavia to present their ideas
on single staking. As a result, the Trails Committee prepared a recommendation to OPRHP detailing a
method of single staking open fields.
Club Trail ID Signs
In the past there was no consistent means of identifying trails that were legal (have landowner
permission) but were not funded. OPRHP was clear that club trails are not to be identified in any
method that resembled the system used to identify funded trails. Use of any trail ID sign that resembled
that currently used on funded trails would not be allowed. As a result, the Trails Committee developed
a sign for club trails. Once notified of the number of club trails that needed identification, the Trails
Coordinator sent assigned trail numbers to the club. The club could then secure sign blanks from Voss
Signs and attach the assigned number. Many clubs did take advantage of this program.
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Trail Opening/Closing
When is a trail considered open? It used to be that when there was snow, you ride. OPRHP addressed
that at a recent BOD meeting stating that a trail is considered open when:
all landowner permission is in place,
all signs are up,
all bridges and culverts are in place,
all gates are open,
grooming equipment is ready, and
there is sufficient snow on the ground.
A club should not be announcing trails as open if signs are not in place.
How do clubs notify riders that trails are closed? Some clubs have installed sign boards indicating trail
status at locations where the snowmobiling public can easily see them. Many clubs announce it on their
websites. Clubs also put up Trail Closed signs at trail heads and other easily seen locations.
Clubs need to be sure they have in place a method of trail open/trail closed notification and make sure
members know about the procedure for when trails are open or closed.
Trail Access
A number of trail access issues were worked on this season.
There are over 500 miles of canals in New York State. Local interest groups have formed and are
working diligently at creating a statewide Canalway Trail. A significant number of miles of this trail
along the Erie Canal have been completed. Canalway lands are owned by various levels of governments,
and in some cases private parties.
Currently, any canal lands owned by the NYS Canal Corporation prohibit snowmobile use. A significant
effort has been made this past year to bring attention to this situation and seek change. It is not known
yet if there are favorable results. The efforts that have been made have produced tangible proof that
snowmobiles should be allowed on Canal Corporation lands. Many local governments have passed
resolutions of support of the needed change. In addition, petitions with over 1,000 signatures
supporting this regulation change have been received.
Planning for the Champlain Canalway Trail is being developed by a Canalway Working Group. Several
Group meetings and public meetings have been held to gather information for this trail. All efforts thus
far have included snowmobile use.
As Trails Coordinator, I have been appointed to a one‐year term on the Board of Directors of the
Canalway Trail Association of NY. The past two CTANY meetings have been via conference call with a
face to face meeting scheduled for May in Camillus (Onondaga County).
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Access to public property in the Adirondack and Catskill State Parks continues to be a high priority. The
State’s budget and uncertainty over financial support for the Environmental Protection Fund have left
many wondering when trails planned on the old Finch property would finally occur. A recent
announcement of the sale of timber property owned by The Nature Conservancy is reason for hope. But
before any snowmobile trail can be put in place, the State needs to purchase the easements that allow
trails to occur.
Last March the first Adirondack Park Snowmobile Trails Conference was held in Long Lake. The
Conference is scheduled again this year on April 4th. Invited participants include Park local government,
The Nature Conservancy, the Adirondack Park Agency, DEC Regions 5 and 6, and the Department of
Transportation.
Several Unit Management Plans for the Adirondacks remain in draft form and will not progress until the
APA and DEC come to agreement on several snowmobile issues. These issues include defining
administrative use, defining the character of a foot‐trail, and the use of tracked groomers on the Forest
Preserve. The previously approved Adirondack Snowmobile Plan contained provisions to relocate trails
from the interior of Wild Forest Units to the periphery. I have attended several meetings for the Wilcox
Lake Wild Forest where the effort to accomplish the goals of the ASP is happening. Affected
snowmobile clubs have been working with the DEC in establishing community connector trails.
Access in the Catskills is another area of concern. In many places in the Catskills, snowmobile trails
were not allowed if the land was higher than 2500 feet elevation. A change in the new Catskill Park
State Land Master Plan changed that limit to 3100 feet. It is expected that additional trails in the
Catskills will occur.
Last fall I had the opportunity to participate in a Catskill Park Local Government Day by giving a
presentation on snowmobiling to local government officials.
There have also been trail access issues centering around two Wildlife Management Areas in Albany
County and Rensselaer County. In the Partridge Run WMA the local club is pursuing legal trail
connections from the club’s trail system. The Capital District Wildlife Management Area in Rensselaer
County nearly surrounds Cherry Plain State Park (OPRHP). It is also located where three club trail
systems meet. They are seeking DEC approval to use approximately 3 miles of gravel road to connect
Rensselaer County communities.
Statewide Trails Coalition
NYSSA belongs to the Statewide Trails Coalition organized by Parks and Trails NY. Coalition members
participated in a Trails Advocacy Day on March 11th. During this lobbying session, several elected
officials were visited to discuss primarily funding for the Environmental Protection Fund and completion
of the Canalway trail.
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National Grid Trail Licenses
Several clubs in the state applied to National Grid for a trail use License. This License would enable the
club to maintain a snowmobile trail on National Grid property. These Licenses are good for one year. To
obtain information on securing a License, contact the NYSSA Office or the Trails Coordinator. Essentially
clubs need to provide a map showing the right of way being considered for trail use, provide pole
numbers for that area, secure a certificate of insurance, and complete the License application. Clubs
should do this as early as possible before the season so that there is sufficient time.
Trails Fund Issues
Assisting clubs in dealing with the snowmobile trails fund program also continues on a regular basis.
Common issues this season focused on:
• identifying funded trails, their mileages, and maps
• equipment rates in a timely manner
• high snowfall
• distribution of worklog attachments
• use of automated worklogs
• allowable expenses
• signing revisions
• grooming equipment inventory
• availability of 0910 Phase I application
• communicate with County Trails Coordinators
• worked on single staking issue
• assisting clubs in 3‐Year Plan development and trail narratives
Clubs need to make sure there is constant, open communication with their local sponsor. One club did
not do that and as a result lost funding for this past season and will have to apply in the 09‐10 Phase I
application to get their trails re‐designated for funding. This includes having to re‐do all previous
narratives. The unfortunate part is that this could have been prevented.
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Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer’s Report will be inserted separately.
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NYSSA Goal Statements
Forward: NYSSA is a statewide organization comprised of clubs, businesses, individuals, and other
interested parties for the purpose of improving snowmobiling in New York State. It is an umbrella
organization advocating the best conditions possible for snowmobiling enthusiasts. It is managed by an
elected Board of Directors, primarily consisting of District Directors representing the 33 districts in the
state.
Defining the role: To achieve the purposes stated in the Forward, the managing Board must determine
the key areas that must be addressed in order to improve snowmobiling in the state. Such statements
must reflect the general areas of work for the Board. These statements can be either short‐term or
long‐term goals. Additionally, such statement must be followed by plans of action to direct efforts of
the organization in achieving these goals and a means to measure whether or not success has been
achieved. These plans of action of the organization must also be updated yearly.
Goal Statements:
1. Trails: all snowmobile trails identified as those trails suitable for public use receive adequate funding and are maintained at acceptable standards, including the physical condition of the trail, efforts to promote safer snowmobiling, and protections for the landowner.
2. Membership. Ensure that all snowmobilers belong to the local club where they ride and to the state association.
3. Protection. Snowmobiling remains a recreational activity through the communication efforts of the organization and its local clubs.
4. Legislation. The organization works to develop positive, productive relationship with members of the New York State Legislature and the federal government and monitors their activities.
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Annual Meeting Rules
This Annual Meeting is being held for the benefit of the member clubs of NYSSA and to provide the
opportunity for the current Board of Directors to issue a State of the Organization Report. In addition,
the Board of Directors is asking the voting delegates, representing the member clubs in NYSSA, to
provide the ability to conduct its business for the upcoming year through the passage of a proposed
budget and through the election of its officers.
Another area of appeal from the Board of Directors is for the voting delegates to respond to the reports
of the Standing Committees, and then to vote to accept or reject each Committee Report.
The Board of Directors is asking that the following rules and policies be followed:
1. To be seated as a delegate you need to present your delegate ticket (received at registration) and
arrive on time.
2. Microphones are available for voting delegate use in addressing the Annual Meeting.
3. Paper ballots will be available for all votes taken requiring a paper ballot.
4. Approval of a Standing Committee report means approval for any recommendations by the
Committee Report.
5. Election of Officers will involve announcement of the slate of officers as presented by the Nominating
Committee. Each office will begin with nominations from the floor. If an office is contended, then each
nominee will be required to address the delegates. All votes for any office will be done on paper ballot
unless there is only one candidate for the office under consideration.
24 2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting Agenda | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting Agenda April 19th 2009
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Liverpool NY
9:00 a.m. Call to Order and Introductions
Welcome and Flag Salute Michael Fischer
Agenda and Procedures Review Michael Fischer
District Roll Call Jim Jennings
9:30 a.m. Executive and Committee Reports
Secretary's Report Linda Middleton
Treasurer's Report Roger McCabe
Executive Committee Gary Broderick
By‐laws Gerald Mitchell
Events & Promotions Debbie Perkins
Safety & Education John Brinkman
Governmental Affairs Hal Fleischman
Trails Jason Kowalczyk
Trails Coordinator Report Dave Perkins
Communication John Buckley
Membership Mike Denapole
10:45 a.m. NYSSA 2009‐2010 Planning
State of the Association Michael Fischer
Budget & Finance Committee Report Gary Batchelder
Budget Review and Approval Michael Fischer
Nominating Committee Jim Bode
Election of Officers Jim Bode
New Business and Closing Comments Michael Fischer
1:00 p.m. Adjourn
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Professional Parliamentarian: Steven Anderson, PHP
STEVEN ANDERSON, PRP 12595 State Route 90 Locke NY, 13092 Cell: 315‐224‐1696 Tel/fax 315‐497‐9982 skype: sta.prp [email protected] www.yourparliamentarian.com
Steve recommends all Club Presidents obtain "Robert's Rules In Brief", available from Amazon for $6.95.
He has graciously provided some notes on Parliamentary Procedure, reproduced below. For more
information, please attend Steve’s session on Saturday!
NYSSA wishes to thank Steve for his excellent service to our organization.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Governing Documents
Statutes, Bylaws, Standing Rules, Rules of Order, Custom & Practice
All but Statutes are open to interpretation.
Basic Principles
One speaker at a time.
One subject at a time—talk about pending motion only.
Minority must be heard, but the Majority decides.
Quorum—minimum number of members who must be present to legally transact business.
Chairperson— follow agenda, guide members, keep order
Secretary—record what was done
Previous notice—members have the right to know when important actions will be considered.
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Actions:
You want to: After being recognized, you say:
Bring new business to the meeting “I move that…”
Think, then speak. Must be a new question to that meeting. Specify who, what, when,
and how much.
Improve the pending motion “I move to insert (words)…” or
“I move to strike (words)…” or
“I move to substitute (paragraph) for the pending
motion”
Must be germane. Only 2 degrees of amendment permitted. Debate only the pending motion.
Each adopted amendment becomes part of the “new” main motion, which must also be
voted on.
Simplify the pending motion “I move to divide the question into (new sentences).”
Send the pending motion to committee “I move to refer the pending motion to the (name) committee.”
Study, execute, or delay.
Postpone the pending motion “I move to postpone … to (date).” or
“I move to table the pending motion to allow…”
(Emergency only)
No question can be postponed beyond the next meeting.
Close debate “I move the previous question on (this) (all) motion(s).”
2/3 vote required to order an immediate vote on pending motion(s).
Make sure of the voice vote “Division.” (Chair must take a counted vote on demand)
Take a break “I move we recess (for) (until)…”
Terminate the meeting “I move we adjourn. (until…)”
Take up something out of order, “I move to suspend the rules and take up….”
or outside the rules “I move to informally consider…
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You want to: After being recognized, you say:
Reconsider an action already taken “I move to amend (or rescind) the motion on…”
(Higher vote threshold)
Get more information “Point of information.” (Substantive—Chair answers)
“Parliamentary inquiry.” (Procedural‐‐‐ Chair answers)
“Request to ask the member a question.”
(Substantive—Member may answer)
Enforce the rules “Point of Order.” (May interrupt)
“You snooze, you lose”‐‐‐Point of Order must be timely.
Submit the Chair’s ruling to a vote “I appeal from the decision of the Chair.”
“Shall the decision of the Chair be sustained”…majority in negative to overrule.
Voting
Majority—more than half the votes cast.
Normally voice vote. No member can be made to/allowed to explain his/her vote.
The chair should: state the exact wording of the question;
ask for both positive and negative, not abstentions;
report both positive and negative (if counted), stating which side has prevailed;
declare that the motion is adopted or lost;
state the effect of the vote, or order appropriate action.
Precedence of Common Motions
Adjourn
Recess
Table
Previous Question*
Postpone
Commit
Amend
Main Motion
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2008 NYSSA Annual Meeting Minutes NYSSA Annual Meeting (Unofficial) April 13, 2008
9:30 AM $1200.00 collected last night for troops – Thanks Ernie Roosevelt Pledge Secretary’s Report Page 26 Motions: Ivan Davis, 2nd John Brinkman – Motion Carried Treasurer’s Report – Roger McCabe Page 68 and Page 145 – Audit Report and Treasurer Report Motion: Ron Hajdasz, George Couell – Motion Carried. New Business Rick Pugh ‐ Penn Mt Snow Riders Trails Coordinator – Dave Perkins Page 87 Landowner survey – purpose is to gather info. Club trail mileage – needed for insurance Public meetings with parks – 2 this week – Please get someone from club there. Need input. Sign order forms available. July 3rd deadline. July 29 deadline Quad maps Survey will go out for staking, working with parks on it. What can clubs do – be ready to respond regarding DEC/APA when request come from NYSSA office. Executive Committee – Gary Broderick Page 29 Ways & Means – John Occhino Page 30 Budget approved by BOD at March meeting Motion: Tom Baker, Vic Dewenot– Motion Carried Membership – Mike Denapole Page 85 Membership 65,136 as of April 1 1800 landowner memberships Online 17,000 joined using this. Motion: Bob Eiselman, Ron Barnes – Motion carried. Trails – Jason Kowalczyk Thanked Doug Brownell for his past work. Thank Dave Perkins for all his work this year. Need to be more active in Adirondack issues. Safety – reduce insurance in past 3 years by 50%.
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Don’t want to take trails away – want to make trails safer. Motion: Dave VanDerlinde, Anne O’Dell – Motion carried. Public Relations/Education – Deb Perkins Page 96 Thank you for last nights’ patience. Website – is only as good as the info that is there. Clubs need to keep info updated. Message Board – a lot of people look at it, use it wisely. Charity reports – only received a handful back – these go on to Congress – please get info in. Motion: Ron Hajdasz, Sue Paul – Motion Carried. Safety ‐ John Brinkman Page 103 Motion: John Occhino, Ed Zaler – Motion Carried By Laws – Anne O’Dell Page 97 One bylaw that did not pass BOD – think about changing delegate count for next year. Bylaw 2008‐1 Clarification of wording Motion: Verbal approval Bylaw 2008‐2 Meetings to include show of hands Motion: Verbal Approval Awards – Linda Middleton Nominating committee – Dick Knapp President – Robert Perry V. President – Gary Broderick Treasurer – Roger Secretary – Linda Middleton and Dave VanDerlinde Bill Hajdasz – Nominate Mike Fischer for president, 2nd Tom Bally Mike will accept nomination Mike Fischer, Bob Perry, Dave VanDerlinde and Linda Middleton spoke. Voting by paper ballot Tellers =Deb will get names for me. New Business Rick Pugh –Penn Mtn Oneida Cty Motion: I, Rick Pugh, from Penn Mountain Snow Riders, Inc. snowmobile club make a motion that: The President
of NYSSA shall appoint a study group to investigate how NYSSA could reduce the cost of doing business
as well as increase the effectiveness of the association on a month to month basis. This study group shall
consist of a minimum of six (6) members and a maximum of eight (8) members. There shall be an equal
number of Board of Director members and non‐Board of Director Members serving on this study group.
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The study group shall report back to the full Board of Directors with its findings no later than January 2,
2009 and also report its findings to the membership of NYSSA at the 2009 Forum & Annual Meeting for a
vote on the proposed changes needed to accomplish the savings recommended by the study group.
Motion; Tom Baker, Mike Fischer ‐ To postpone until after the long range planning committee meets.
Motion carried.
Anne O’Dell Magazine Online – VS Printed Magazine Everyone is getting paper magazine – cost have increased. Company wants to charge $.25/copy. Would you accept lower quality? No paper magazine? Any other ideas? Have shopped for other proposals received 4 back and reviewing but don’t match Printcomm. Need to continue with print Take out repeat addresses. If you get multiple copies, let office know Make it a color paper instead of magazine. Must have 50% of magazine as ads to pay for it. Do an online survey to clubs to see what they want. Make it letter size as opposed to flat. Likes professional hard copy that we have now. Don’t mail online magazine unless requested. Deb Voting 389 delegate ‐ 396 ballots cast with 2 thrown out. President – Mike Fischer V.President – Gary Broderick Secretary – Linda Middleton Treasurer – Roger McCabe Motion to destroy ballots by Deb Perkins, 2nd Jason Kowalczyk – Motion carried Motion to adjourn: Carl Hubbell, 2nd Gary Broderick – Motion carried.
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Committee Reports
Purpose
Committees of NYSSA are the heart of the organization. It is the committee that represents the real
work of the organization. Without the efforts of committees, the work assigned, delegated and assumed
by NYSSA will go undone. Therefore, each committee member has a responsibility to be an active
participant in the work of the committee.
Kinds
There are two kinds of committees in NYSSA: Standing Committees and Ad hoc Committees. The
Standing Committees are committed to an ongoing, never‐ending effort for the betterment of
snowmobiling in New York. Ad hoc Committees are those approved by the BOD and are assigned a
specific, short term temporary task. The President appoints all members of committees, unless
otherwise noted in the By‐Laws. Any individual interested in becoming a member of a committee must
notify the President of their interest in being appointed to a certain committee. A member’s request
does not guarantee appointment to a specific committee. The members of each standing committee will
select a chairman from its Committee membership during the first meeting after the Annual Meeting.
Persons that are not Directors, Alternate Directors, or employees that attend regularly may be assigned
to a committee at the discretion of the President.
Standing Committees
The NYSSA standing committees are: Executive, Legislative, Trails and Landowner Relations, Ways and
Means, Safety, Membership, Public Relations and Education and Awards and Presentations.
Each Director is obligated to serve on at least ONE Standing Committee.
Ad‐Hoc Committees
The NYSSA ad hoc committees are: By‐Laws , Nominating , Miscellaneous Business .
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Executive Committee Chair: Gary Broderick
NYSSA’s Executive Committee consists of the:
* President (Mike Fischer)
* Vice‐President (Gary Broderick; Chairman)
* Secretary (Linda Middleton)
* Treasurer (Roger McCabe)
* Ways and Means Committee Chair (Gary Batchelder)
+ Immediate Past President (Bob Perry)
+ Hudson Region Director (John Occhino)
+ ADK/Tug Hill Region Director (Mike Denapole)
+ Central Region Director (Elwin Goff)
+ Mohawk Region Director (Jon Karker)
+ Western Region Director (John Brinkman)
* Executive Director (Jim Jennings; Non‐voting)
* Trail Coordinator (Dave Perkins; Non‐voting)
(* ‐ Required by By‐Laws; + ‐ By Presidential appointment IAW the By‐Laws/Policy Manual)
This committee’s charter, per the NYSSA Policy Manual is to:
To preview and act on issues involving NYSSA. Determine assignment of issues to committees, other
activities as contained in this policy manual.
Duties:
Secure BOD approval for activities and expenditures
Handle overnight, emergency, last minute issues
Items assigned by the BOD
Maintain NYSSA’s physical office
Present any new issues and information not assigned to any other standing committee
communicate with Directors and employees on issues affecting the organization
Maintain committee financial plan as approved in the NYSSA Budget and follow procedures as
stated in the NYSSA Financial Plan
Approve Press Releases prior to release
Use of e‐mail voting for press releases and other time sensitive decisions is authorized.
During the past year, the Executive Committee worked on the overall issues concerning the operations
of the organization as a whole. Our very first priority after the Forum 2008 was to work on retrieving
$1,000,000.00 taken by the state from the trail fund. Working with the Government Affairs Committee,
our lobbyist Capitol Group and various state agencies we were able to secure a promise from the
Governor to re‐appropriate one million dollars over three years from OPRHP and DEC to the snowmobile
33 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
clubs of New York State, where the money needs to be. Additionally, the Governor publicly promised
that the Trail Fund would never be raided again and ordered the department of budget to oversee fund
use and disbursement, resulting in a raise in reimbursement totals from $2.8M in 2007‐8 to $5.34M for
2008‐09. Most of this was accomplished due to your participation in the letter writing campaigns
suggested by NYSSA.
At the President’s discretion, the Executive Committee was expanded in 2008 to include Regional
Directors (5 regions). This is in accordance with the NYSSA Strategic Plan completed in 2007. Part of the
plan is to have less full Board Meetings, reducing expenses (this is not reflected in the budget you have
received) and having the expanded Executive Committee ensure day‐to‐day business is properly cared
for. We continue to implement the Strategic Plan, which includes re‐naming committees and re‐aligning
duties as seen in the proposed By‐Law changes to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, we
are planning to use conference calling capabilities to further reduce meeting costs.
The Executive Committee makes decisions as needed on the Day‐to‐Day operations of NYSSA while
informing the Board of all items. At some times, this requires executive action in‐between board
meetings for time sensitive matters as designated by the President. These matters are voted on by all
voting members of this committee.
Additionally, the Executive Committee maintains the NYSSA Policy Manual which amplifies NYSSA’s By‐
Laws and provides guidance for areas unaddressed in the by‐laws as applied to the Board of Directors.
The Executive Committee builds additions/updates/deletions to the Policy Manual and presents them to
the Board of Directors for consideration prior to implementation. At no time does the Policy Manual
supersede the by‐laws.
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Budget & Finance Committee Chair: Gary Batchelder
Auditors’ Financial Statements
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2009 – 2010 Proposed Budget
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Governmental Affairs Committee Chair: Hal Fleischman
The government Affairs Committee consisted of Gerry Mitchell, Don Roark, Robert Perry, John Karker,
Elwin Goff and Hal Fleischman‐Chair. Meetings were held prior to and in conjunction with the NYSSA
Board of Directors meetings.
Perhaps the most important action of the committee was the reversal of the sweep of $1,000,000.00
from the Snowmobile Trail Fund. We all owe a great deal of thanks to NYSSA President Mike Fischer for
his diligent effort in negotiating a solution for the return of our funds.
The changes in State Government starting with a switch to a Democratic governor, a lag in the turnover
of Commissioners, the subsequent resignation of that Governor and the installation of a new one, not to
mention a change in majority leadership in the Senate, yielded an impossible climate for promoting any
legislation. While this turmoil was very interesting and would probably make for good TV, it was
impossible to seriously move any bills toward reality. We did however have a good deal of discussion on
several topics and ideas such as the concept of a TRAIL PASS to promote out of state tourism. The
Sportsman’s bill lowering the registration fees for ice fishermen and trappers was revisited as well as a
request for discounted registration fees for antique/vintage snowmobiles. These items are still on the
table. Another item pending more thought and discussion involves changes to the way the Trail Fund is
distributed. We also authorized Capitol Group to begin the process of changing the law to allow the use
of the CSS lighting system.
Your input is always welcome. Please feel free to contact this committee with your comments and
ideas.
A report from Capitol Group follows.
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NYSSA /GENERAL2009 Both Houses Bills
Run Date: 04/06/09 02:19 PM
Color Code: Green – Support Blue ‐ Watch
Yellow – Awaits Review Gray ‐ Concerns
Red ‐ Oppose
A495 Hoyt (MS) ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Public Authorities
AN ACT providing for the creation of a temporary state commission to determine the future governance
of the canal corporation; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
SUMM : Provides for the creation of a temporary state commission to determine the future governance
of the canal corporation to be called the commission on the future governance of the canal corporation.
Last Act: 03/03/09 reported referred to ways and means
Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means
Old Bill: A9849 of 2008
A687 Destito (MS) ‐‐
Same as S 2916 DEFRANCISCO
Primary Law: Real Property Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the real property tax law, in relation to providing tax abatement for private
landowners who allow snowmobiling on such land
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SUMM : Add S496, RPT L Provides a tax abatement of 10% for landowners allowing snowmobiling on
such land; such abatement limited to those parcels crossed by a trail which is maintained by a county,
city, town or village as a part of a system of trails and eligible for aid pursuant to the parks, recreation
and historic preservation law.
Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to real property taxation
Significant Act: Assembly Real Property Taxation
Same‐As S 2916 Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Same‐As S 2916 Significant Act: Senate Local Government
Old Bill: A813 of 2008
A868 DelMonte (MS) ‐‐
Same as S 3535 GRIFFO
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of snowmobiles used solely
for the purpose of hunting or fishing
SUMM : Amd SS2222 & 2230, V & T L Establishes a non‐trail snowmobile registration for snowmobiles
which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas; requires a $25
registration fee, $15 of which shall be deposited in a snowmobile trail development and maintenance
fund.
Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Same‐As S 3535 Last Act: 03/24/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Same‐As S 3535 Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Old Bill: A10715 of 2008
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A1056 Destito (MS) ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Railroad Law
AN ACT to amend the railroad law and the state finance law, in relation to trespass on railroad property
and the establishment of the railroad crossing safety fund
SUMM : Amd SS83, 83‐a & 83‐b, add SS83‐c, 83‐d & 93‐c, Rail L; add S89‐h, St Fin L Limits railroads'
liability to intruders upon their property and rights‐of‐way; defines offenses of trespasses on and
damage to railroad property and establishes penalties therefor; also penalizes disruption of railroads
and causing death or serious injury in connection therewith; establishes the railroad crossing safety
fund, to be funded by fines and forfeitures from railroad‐related offenses; the fund is to be used for
training and education to improve safety at railroad grade crossings and along railroad rights‐of‐way
throughout the state.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Old Bill: A6809A of 2008
A1102 Sayward (MS) ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the tax law and the general obligations law, in relation to the use of lands for
recreational activities and an income tax deduction for certain landowners
SUMM : Amd S615, Tax L; amd S9‐103, Gen Ob L Provides a specified tax deduction for taxpayer land
made available annually for recreation as part of a local, national, state or regional trail system; limits
liability of such landowners to willful or malicious creation or perpetuation of a dangerous condition, use
or structure.
Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to ways and means
Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means
Old Bill: A7534 of 2008
51 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A1177 Seminerio ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Penal Law
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to vehicular manslaughter
SUMM : Amd S125.12, Pen L Includes within the crime of vehicular manslaughter in the second degree,
the operation of a motor vehicle by a person with three or more suspensions or revocations of his or her
driver's license, when such operation causes the death of another person.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to codes
Significant Act: Assembly Codes
Old Bill: A464 of 2008
A1888 Morelle (MS) ‐‐
Same as S 3085 VALESKY
Primary Law: Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to a four‐stroke snowmobile tax credit; and providing for the
expiration of such provisions after five years
SUMM : Amd S606, Tax L Provides a tax credit in the amount of five hundred dollars for the purchase
and registration of a four‐stroke snowmobile.
Last Act: 01/14/09 referred to ways and means
Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means
Same‐As S 3085 Last Act: 03/10/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Same‐As S 3085 Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations
Old Bill: A2401 of 2008
52 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A2156 Englebright ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Environmental Conservation Law
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the use of all‐terrain
vehicles within the forest preserve, the Long Island central pine barrens and the Albany pine bush
preserve, and providing penalties for violations of all‐terrain vehicle laws in such sensitive areas
SUMM : Amd SS9‐0303, 46‐0111 & 57‐0121, add S71‐0717, En Con L Prohibits the operation of all‐
terrain vehicles by the general public in the state forest preserve, Long Island central pine barrens area
and Albany pine bush preserve; grants exceptions for the disabled, official purposes and law
enforcement; provides for the impoundment of all‐terrain vehicles operated in violation of such
provisions and the imposition of a $100 surcharge upon the owner thereof; provides for the deposit of
such surcharges into a separate all‐terrain enforcement fund.
Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to tourism, arts and sports development
Significant Act: Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Development
Old Bill: A916 of 2008
A2178 McEneny (MS) ‐‐
Same as S 3239 FLANAGAN
Primary Law: Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exemptions from sales and use taxes
SUMM : Amd S1115, Tax L Exempts bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile and equestrian helmets from sales
and use tax.
Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to ways and means
Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means
Same‐As S 3239 Last Act: 03/13/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Same‐As S 3239 Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations
Old Bill: A5376 of 2008
53 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A2418 Magee (MS) ‐‐
Same as S 2876 AUBERTINE
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of snowmobiles used solely
for the purpose of hunting or fishing
SUMM : Amd SS2222 & 2230, V & T L Establishes a non‐trail snowmobile registration for snowmobiles
which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas.
Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Same‐As S 2876 Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Same‐As S 2876 Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Old Bill: A1602 of 2008
A2612 Sweeney (MS) ‐‐
Same as S 183 FLANAGAN
Primary Law: Penal Law
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to penalties for causing serious injury or death while
knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a revoked or suspended license
SUMM : Amd SS120.03 & 125.12, Pen L Penalizes crimes of vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter
as felonies when such crimes are committed while driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 01/21/09 referred to codes
Significant Act: Assembly Codes
Same‐As S 183 Last Act: 01/07/09 REFERRED TO CODES
Same‐As S 183 Significant Act: Senate Codes
Old Bill: A2440 of 2008
54 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A3007 Barclay (MS) ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to registration fees for snowmobiles to be used
on frozen bodies of water for sport fishing or for access to hunting or trapping lands solely
SUMM : Amd S2222, V & T L Exempts snowmobiles used solely for sport fishing on a frozen body of
water or solely for access to hunting or trapping lands from certain additional registration fees.
Last Act: 01/22/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Old Bill: A3738 of 2008
A3274 Englebright ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Environmental Conservation Law
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the adopt‐a‐natural resource
stewardship program
SUMM : Amd S9‐0113, En Con L Prohibits stewardship agreements for the preservation of a natural
resource from authorizing the destruction or alteration of the natural resource in a manner inconsistent
with the state's natural resource preservation policies; requires the department of environmental
conservation to give public notice of any proposed adopt‐a‐natural resource stewardship agreement in
the state environmental notice bulletin not less than 30 days before final approval of such agreement.
Last Act: 01/23/09 referred to environmental conservation
Significant Act: Assembly Environmental Conservation
Old Bill: A1614 of 2008
55 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A3653 Oaks (MS) ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to notices of termination for policies of liability
insurance
SUMM : Amd S313, V & T L Requires notices of termination to apply to snowmobiles and all vehicles
insured or covered under an owner's policy of liability insurance.
Last Act: 01/27/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
A4207 Meng ‐‐
Same as S 1372 STAVISKY
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the penal law, in relation to operating a vehicle while
fatigued; in relation to vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter; and providing for the mandatory
suspension of a driver's license upon conviction of operating a vehicle while fatigued
SUMM : Add S1212‐a, amd SS510 & 1193, V & T L; amd SS120.03, 120.04, 125.12 & 125.13, Pen L
Establishes the crime of operating a vehicle while fatigued; relates to vehicular assault and vehicular
manslaughter by including within the definition of such crimes the operation of a vehicle while fatigued
where the result of such operation is serious physical injury or death to another person.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 01/30/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Same‐As S 1372 Last Act: 01/29/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Same‐As S 1372 Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Old Bill: A4143 of 2008
56 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A4357 Morelle ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law
AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the environmental
conservation law, in relation to the survey of snowmobile trails
SUMM : Add S21.09, Pks & Rec L; add S9‐0115, En Con L Requires that no snowmobile policies be
implemented or trail length be altered until the completion of a survey of the existing snowmobile trails;
requires the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to work in conjunction with the
commissioner of environmental conservation to produce a survey of the current snowmobile trails in
New York.
Last Act: 02/03/09 referred to tourism, arts and sports development
Significant Act: Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Development
Old Bill: A2485 of 2008
A5331 Butler ‐‐
Same as S 3042 SEWARD
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of vintage snowmobiles
SUMM : Amd S2222, V & T L Allows for a fee reduction for the registration of vintage snowmobiles;
prescribes the use of a different color registration sticker for vintage snowmobiles; defines vintage
snowmobiles; creates a violation for misuse of a vintage snowmobile registration.
Last Act: 02/13/09 referred to transportation
Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Same‐As S 3042 Last Act: 03/10/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Same‐As S 3042 Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Old Bill: A10893 of 2008
57 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
A6572 Burling (MS) ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: General Obligations Law
AN ACT to amend the general obligations law, in relation to the duty to keep premises safe for certain
uses and the inherent risk for use of off highway recreational vehicles
SUMM : Amd S9‐103, add S9‐107, Gen Ob L Provides that the owner, lessee or occupant of premises
owes no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others performing certain activities,
including recreational activities such as snowmobiling and motorized vehicle operation for recreational
purposes.
Last Act: 03/06/09 referred to judiciary
Significant Act: Assembly Judiciary
Old Bill: A5099 of 2008
S183 FLANAGAN ‐‐
Same as A 2612 Sweeney
Primary Law: Penal Law
AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to penalties for causing serious injury or death while
knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a revoked or suspended license
SUMM : Amd SS120.03 & 125.12, Pen L Penalizes crimes of vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter
as felonies when such crimes are committed while driving with a suspended or revoked license.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 01/07/09 REFERRED TO CODES
Significant Act: Senate Codes
Same‐As A 2612 Last Act: 01/21/09 referred to codes
Same‐As A 2612 Significant Act: Assembly Codes
58 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
S300 LITTLE ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exempting Diesel motor fuel and residual petroleum product
used at or in a non‐road operation from taxation
SUMM : Amd SS282‐a, 285‐b, 301‐b & 1115, Tax L Exempts from taxation, diesel motor fuel and residual
petroleum product which will be used at or by a non‐road operation.
Last Act: 01/07/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations
Old Bill: S7947B of 2008
S837 MARCELLINO ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: General Obligations Law
AN ACT to amend the general obligations law, in relation to the liability of landowners who permit
recreational uses
SUMM : Amd S9‐103, Gen Ob L Relates to the liability of landowners who permit recreational uses of
their land; establishes landowners owe no duty to keep premises safe for entry, passage over premises
or other recreational uses or to give warning of any hazardous condition of use of or structure or activity
on such premises to persons entering for such purposes.
Last Act: 01/18/09 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
Significant Act: Senate Judiciary
Old Bill: S2761 of 2008
59 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
S856 MARCELLINO ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: General Obligations Law
AN ACT to amend the general obligations law, in relation to landowner liability
SUMM : Amd S9‐103, Gen Ob L Relates to landowner liability for injury during recreational use of
property; defines occupant to include organizations who develop or maintain trails and recreational
facilities.
Last Act: 01/21/09 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
Significant Act: Senate Judiciary
Old Bill: S4263 of 2008
S1372 STAVISKY ‐‐
Same as A 4207 Meng
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the penal law, in relation to operating a vehicle while
fatigued; in relation to vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter; and providing for the mandatory
suspension of a driver's license upon conviction of operating a vehicle while fatigued
SUMM : Add S1212‐a, amd SS510 & 1193, V & T L; amd SS120.03, 120.04, 125.12 & 125.13, Pen L
Establishes the crime of operating a vehicle while fatigued; relates to vehicular assault and vehicular
manslaughter by including within the definition of such crimes the operation of a vehicle while fatigued
where the result of such operation is serious physical injury or death to another person.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 01/29/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Same‐As A 4207 Last Act: 01/30/09 referred to transportation
Same‐As A 4207 Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Old Bill: S2488 of 2008
60 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
S2876 AUBERTINE ‐‐
Same as A 2418 Magee
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of snowmobiles used solely
for the purpose of hunting or fishing
SUMM : Amd SS2222 & 2230, V & T L Establishes a non‐trail snowmobile registration for snowmobiles
which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas.
Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Same‐As A 2418 Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to transportation
Same‐As A 2418 Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Old Bill: S7085 of 2008
S2916 DEFRANCISCO ‐‐
Same as A 687 Destito
Primary Law: Real Property Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the real property tax law, in relation to providing tax abatement for private
landowners who allow snowmobiling on such land
SUMM : Add S496, RPT L Provides a tax abatement of 10% for landowners allowing snowmobiling on
such land; such abatement limited to those parcels crossed by a trail which is maintained by a county,
city, town or village as a part of a system of trails and eligible for aid pursuant to the parks, recreation
and historic preservation law.
Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Significant Act: Senate Local Government
Same‐As A 687 Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to real property taxation
Same‐As A 687 Significant Act: Assembly Real Property Taxation
61 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
S2917 DEFRANCISCO ‐‐
No same as
Primary Law: Navigation Law
AN ACT to amend the navigation law, the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the vehicle
and traffic law, in relation to the effect of prior conviction for operation of certain vehicles while
intoxicated upon imposition of penalties for boating while intoxicated
SUMM : Amd S49‐a, Nav L; amd S25.24, Pks & Rec L; amd S1192, V & T L Provides that a conviction for
operation of a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or all terrain vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs shall be deemed a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing penalties for boating while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs and a conviction for operating a vessel, snowmobile or all terrain
vehicle under the influence to be a prior conviction of operating a motor vehicle while under the
influence.
Criminal Sanction Impact.
Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Old Bill: S3271 of 2008
S3042 SEWARD ‐‐
Same as A 5331 Butler
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of vintage snowmobiles
SUMM : Amd S2222, V & T L Allows for a fee reduction for the registration of vintage snowmobiles;
prescribes the use of a different color registration sticker for vintage snowmobiles; defines vintage
snowmobiles; creates a violation for misuse of a vintage snowmobile registration.
Last Act: 03/10/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Same‐As A 5331 Last Act: 02/13/09 referred to transportation
Same‐As A 5331 Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
62 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
S3085 VALESKY ‐‐
Same as A 1888 Morelle
Primary Law: Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to a four‐stroke snowmobile tax credit; and providing for the
repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
SUMM : Amd S606, Tax L Provides a tax credit in the amount of five hundred dollars for the purchase
and registration of a four‐stroke snowmobile.
Last Act: 03/10/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations
Same‐As A 1888 Last Act: 01/14/09 referred to ways and means
Same‐As A 1888 Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means
S3239 FLANAGAN ‐‐
Same as A 2178 McEneny
Primary Law: Tax Law
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exemptions from sales and use taxes
SUMM : Amd S1115, Tax L Exempts bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile and equestrian helmets from sales
and use tax.
Last Act: 03/13/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations
Same‐As A 2178 Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to ways and means
Same‐As A 2178 Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means
Old Bill: S796 of 2008
63 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
S3535 GRIFFO ‐‐
Same as A 868 DelMonte
Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law
AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of snowmobiles used solely
for the purpose of hunting or fishing
SUMM : Amd SS2222 & 2230, V & T L Establishes a non‐trail snowmobile registration for snowmobiles
which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas; establishes a
$25 registration fee, $15 of which shall be deposited in the snowmobile trail development and
maintenance fund.
Last Act: 03/24/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION
Significant Act: Senate Transportation
Same‐As A 868 Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to transportation
Same‐As A 868 Significant Act: Assembly Transportation
Old Bill: S7500 of 2008
64 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Membership Committee Chair: Mike Denapole
Committee Members: Jim Bode, Chuck Rose, Kevin Makuen
The Membership Committee was very busy and worked hard on Phase 11 of the NYSSA/Club On‐line
Database application.
Jim Bode and I have worked hundreds of hours on this project with Cifarelli Technology LLC to further
develop and enhance the On‐line Database.
The data of near 70,000 members who joined NYSSA is managed by the NYSSA/Club On‐Line Database.
Over 24,000 members have joined the Club of their choice and received their voucher instantly online
this year, up 41% from last season.
Member log in and joining have been made easier and Club Membership Administers have new features
including accounting reports and monthly statements that manage $820,000 for NYSSA, Clubs and PAC .
NYSSA membership dues represent an income of approximately $340,000 to NYSSA.
The NYSSA/Club On‐Line Database now has a dedicated e‐mail server. Response time has been reduced
to seconds, and we have unlimited capacity.
Membership Cards with each primary members ID number have been provided to each member at no
cost.
RESOLUTION
Clarification of NYSSA Trail Defender Membership category: NYSSA Trail Defender is an optional
membership category with $25 total NYSSA dues. Each Trail Defender membership card will have TRAIL
DEFENDER printed on it. The additional $20 is used to support the NYSSA Mission Statement, preserving
and protecting snowmobile trail access and support the Trail Defender Fund. Use of these funds will be
defined each year in the NYSSA budget.
JUSTIFICATION
In view of the rather ill‐defined and out‐of‐date definition of Trail Defender membership category that
was established 9 years ago, we propose to redefine this membership category, dropping the $6 TD and
$8 allocation used many years ago when membership was optional and before SRRA.
65 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Trails Development & Funding Committee Chair: Jason Kowalczyk
The members of the Trails Committee are: Rick Burt, Cortland; Aaron Fischer, Hamilton;Tom Highers,
Clinton; Mike Hill, Warren; Robert K. Jennings, Tioga‐Chemung; Jon Karker, Otsego; Jason Kowalczyk ,
Lewis(Chair); Dan Middleton, Oswego; Tim Taylor, Onondaga; Barry Wilson, Washington.
Mission Statement
The following Mission statement was developed in response to the new formation of committees and
was approved by the Committee. If the By‐Law changes are approved by the membership, it will be
entered into the policy manual.
“Responsible for all issues related to trails. Works closely with Legislative committee and OPRHP on trail
related legislation. Works on the funding crisis for extended season areas. Responsible for Trail
Insurance policy management. Responsible for grooming policy, GPS policy, trail inspection policy, etc. “
Goals and Objectives
A goals and objectives statement was also approved as follows:
• Right‐of‐way permit: assist clubs in securing permission to use public rights‐of‐way
such as utility lines
• Assist clubs in the preparation of trail maps
• Follow up on potential trail opportunities and closures
• Provide input to state trail manual and trail policies
• Develop and administer GPS Program
• Develop and administer Grooming Policy
• Review and act on monthly trail coordinator's report
• Participate in planning efforts statewide, e.g. DEC UMPs
• Disseminate trail issue information so members can act in support
• Develop materials to address landowner liability concerns
• Establish and promote cordial landowner relations
• Administer the Trail Insurance Policy
• Identify funding issues affecting clubs and provide recommendations to OPRHP via
the BOD
• Work with OPRHP to protect the Trails Fund from unauthorized legislature actions
• Complete a statewide analysis of trails funding issues and report to the BOD
Yearly Highlights
This year I was proud to continue the Chair responsibilities of the Trails Committee. There have been
significant changes in the formation of committees. Now that we have been through the growth
process, we should be more effective in 2009.
66 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
We have established a process to track and inventory club trails. This process will allow the Trails
Coordinator to track unfunded trails and have a complete picture of each Clubs’ trails. Please work with
Dave to start tracking your club trails.
Last year the bulk sign order saved participating clubs approximately 50% on the usual cost of signs. The
bulk order sign order form will be available shortly. Please take time to utilize this effort for your
benefit.
The Insurance Subcommittee successfully managed the RFP process for the new trails insurance
program. This process saved approximately $150,000.00 that was made available for trail maintenance.
As with any change of this magnitude, we had our growing pains with insurance forms and additional
insured certificates. The insurance company issued certificates to 255 organizations and over 8,000
additionally insured. I want to thank everyone that was a part of the Insurance Subcommittee for their
work and the savings this has provided.
We are working on instituting an on‐line process to request certificates and receive them if you would
like. This will significantly reduce the amount of paper and problems associated with the process. The
Committee is also pursuing a 6‐month extension to push the effective date of the policy to April. This
will allow for any problems obtaining coverage to occur at the beginning of the season instead of
October when clubs are readying their trails for the season.
The Satellite STEP program was a success last year with over 10 districts participating. The goal of this
program is to promote safety issues on the trail system. This program will also reduce the need for the
Trails Coordinator to coordinate with hundreds of safe trail advisors, and allow for closer coordination
with County organizations. Evaluating the success of a program like this is challenging, and the Trails
Committee has implemented a mandatory summary report feature for the Committee so that we can
track progress. This STEP program benefits all snowmobilers by not only making riding safer, but
reducing the cost of the trails insurance program by having less accidents.
In response to the "million dollar sweep" from our trail fund, and to better serve the Clubs, the Trails
Committee approved the following motion. The Governmental Affairs committee to pursue changing
the laws in regards to trails funding laws:
a) The 70%/30% payment system be removed from law and replaced with a payment system that
depletes the fund as much as possible, with regard for reserves necessary for the proper function of the
Unit. This would be done as of January 1st and June 1st of each year.
b) All additional grants should be proportionally paid out as of January 1st and June 1st of each
year.
We also would like to encourage OPHRP to utilize a 3 year average of both Snowmobile Registrations
and Trails mileage to produce trails funding rates for the funding year.
The Committee will continue to pursue all programs we have initiated, and will continue to seek input
from all clubs on issues relating to snowmobile trails.
67 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Public Affairs & Communications Chair: Anne O’Dell (to 1/2009) John Buckley, Debbie Perkins (1/2009 – 4/2009)
Committee Members: Mike Blance, Gary Broderick, Kathi Bryant, John Buckley, George Couell, Gerry
Ivison, Mark Kerling, John Linton, Lester Lucas, Sean Mullen, Anne O’Dell, Debbie Perkins, Ernie
Roosevelt, Rich Rozzi, Tony Testani.
With changes to the committee this year, our focus was to enhance our website, our direct communications with our members and at events that we attend.
Awards, Presentations, & Benevolence (Includes Charities) – Ernie Roosevelt
Scholarships In 2007‐2008, four scholarships were awarded! Thank you to all who applied. The deserving winners for
2007‐08 were:
Norris Brusoe Scholarship McKayla Nuffer
(also won the NEC Scholarship of $500)
Norris Brusoe Scholarship Amy Renee Moore
Joan and Digger Vriessen Scholarship Chelsea Shaw
Joan and Digger Vriessen Scholarship Amanda Nevlezer
2008‐2009 Scholarship Awards will be presented in June, 2009.
Awards The Awards, Presentations and Benevolence Committee's mission is to promote NYSSA by annually
recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations that improve snowmobiling in New York State.
Award categories are listed below. Click on each for the current application form. Applications may be
submitted throughout the Fiscal Year to the NYSSA Office. The awards are presented at the Awards
Banquet held in conjunction with the NYSSA Annual Meeting and Forum at the end of each season.
Below is the Awards History.
2007‐2008
Club Of The Year Pleasant Riders Snowmobile Club, Hamilton County
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Quinn Lewis/Osceola Snowmobile Club
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Albert Hundley,/St. Lawrence County Association
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator George Maziarz, Assemblywoman Francine Delmonte
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Anne O'Dell (Shawangunk Snowmobile)
Family of the Year Rick and Larry Engasser, Cherry Creek Sno‐Goers
Dealership of the Year Rodgers and Sons, Chautauqua County
68 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
President's Award Mike Denapole (Herkimer County) and Jim Bode (Fulton County)
2006‐2007
Club Of The Year Cranberry Lake Mountaineers
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Ralph Collins/Cranberry Lake Mountaineers
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Barry Staves/Shu‐make Mountain Climbers
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Assemblywoman RoAnn Distito/Senator James Seward
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Mike "Gunner" Cook (Penn Mountain)
President's Award Don Roark
2005‐2006
Club Of The Year Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Al VanSanford/Square Valley Trail Blazers
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Clay Albright & Evan Pearl/Deerfield Snow Trails
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator Meier/Assemblyman Morelle
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Marty Bull
President's Award Ernie Roosevelt
2004‐2005
Club Of The Year East Herkimer Sno‐Riders
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Bill Cole/Penn Mtn Snow Riders
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Pete Moore/Tully Trailblazers
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator James Wright
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Jim Jennings
President's Award Gary Broderick
2003‐2004
Club Of The Year Canadarago Snowtoppers
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B John Meyer/South Warren
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Gary Thompson/Delaware Valley Ridge Riders
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Assemblyman Joseph Morelle
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Vic Wood
President's Award Joan Vriesen
69 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
2002‐2003
Club Of The Year Allegany County Federation
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Ron Hajdasz/Deerfield F&G Snow Trails
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Carl Hubbell/Twin Lakes Snowmobile Assoc
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator James Seward
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Mary Brusoe
Snowmobile Safety Instructor‐Parks Award Victor Daino Jr/Jean Blanchard‐Daino
President's Award Mike Fazio
2001‐2002
Club Of The Year Central Catskill Trail Association
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Martin Beyer/Valley Snow Travelers
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Jim Waite/Charlton SM Club
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Assemblyman David R. Townsend Jr.
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Jim Stevenson/Marilla Sno Mob
Governors Award George E. Pataki
President's Award Jeff Johnson
2000‐2001
Club Of The Year Marilla Sno Mob
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Larry Fuller/Lewis County
Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Charles McKusic
Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator John DeFrancisco
John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Doug Polovic/Penn Mountain
President's Award Don Woodin
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NYSSA Charities of Choice
NYSSA CHARITIES
Pink Ribbon Riders www.pinkribbonriders.com
The Pink Ribbon Riders mission is to promote awareness of
breast cancer in the motor sports industry for both men and
women while raising funds for those in need.
Easter Seals www.easterseals.com
Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities
and special needs, and their families, live better lives for
over 85 years.
NYSSA encourages its individual members and its Clubs to
support the following charitable organizations:
The USO www.uso.org/howtohelp
The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose
mission is to support the troops by providing morale,
welfare and recreation-type services to our men and
women in uniform.
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Corporate Relations – Gary Broderick
NYSSA Member Discounts Gary Broderick, Team Leader
We have more than doubled the sponsors in the NYSSA Membership Discount Program this year, largely
thanks to the efforts of Cathy Light (Blue Line By Design) working in Old Forge and the surrounding
areas. These discounts are only available to NYSSA Members. These Discounters and Sponsors have
helped us to turn the Membership Card Program into a profitable venture this and last year. Using this
program not only saves you, the NYSSA Member, money, but allows us to attract new discounters and
more sponsors to the program!
Exclusive for members of NYSSA: you can save up to 30% a year on snowmobile insurance with a special offer from Nationwide. Whether you have a perfect driving record, or a lapse in coverage, Nationwide is on your side. For more information call 1‐866‐447‐SNOW (7669) or click http://nwagent.nationwide.com/agentwebpages/OfficePage.asp?agent=grant_getzoni.html&Language=en&navRef=
Allstate offers extensive discounts, up to 40%, such as the Good Rider Discount, Multiple Vehicle Discount, Transfer Discount, Multiple Policy Discount and Safety Course Discount. Stop by and receive a quote from your local agent today. http://www.allstate.com/orv‐snowmobile‐insurance/main.aspx
NYSSA members save 15% off at over 5,000 participating Choice hotels worldwide! Call 800.258.2847 & mention NYSSA ID# 00803214, or go to choicehotels.com and enter the NYSSA ID # 00803214 to book online. Discount subject to availability at participating hotels and is not for use in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotional rate. Advance reservations are required.
Save up to 15% on your rental car needs. Call 1‐800‐654‐2200 (members only hotline) or www.hertz.com to reserve. Use code ‘CDP#1708788’ when reserving.
SnowTrails TV is a touring and destination TV show on PBS. SnowTrails TV is offering NYSSA members: buy 2 DVDs from any season and get the third one free to complete the 10 show season series. Visit www.snowtrailstv.com for ordering/program information.
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Impact Global Industries, the maker of the C.S.S. (Communication Safety System), an LED light system used to replace the unsafe outdated hand‐signals, is exclusively offering 10% off to NYSSA members. Discount orders must be placed by phone at 508‐865‐9144. www.impactglobalindustries.com.
AmerLink offers 25% off the purchase of a log home to NYSSA members, plus a $10 full color planning guide/free construction DVD. For 25 years we’ve been crafting dream homes that nurture, inspire and rejuvenate. To get inspired, visit us at www.amerlink.com to order a planning guide and to see over 70 custom home designs we offer or call us toll free at 877‐216‐5647.
Exclusive discounts for NYSSA members. With new service activations you are eligible for free or deeply discounted equipment (phones/BlackBerrys/PDAs), waived activation fees ($35 per line), and a contract based on a 1 year term instead of 2 years. Please call 866‐464‐8662 (option 3) and mention NYSSA and promo code (6619TMOFAV). For questions please contact eric.sarafin@t‐mobile.com or call 516‐707‐1758.
Sled Insure offers NYSSA members an additional 5% discount on their snowmobile insurance premium! Other discounts also available, such as Multiple Sled Discounts and Safety Course Discounts. We can write your coverage the same day and fax or email your NYS Insurance ID Cards immediately! Call us at 1‐800‐562‐6036 or visit us at www.SledInsure.com.
Book any two consecutive nights’ lodging for the winter season at the Big Moose Inn and Restaurant and receive a third contiguous night free. You will also receive a discount card good for 10% off through April 2009 on all meals, drinks, gift shop items and any future stay. Cannot be used for any other promotional pricing or package deals. Free night limited to Sunday‐Thursday. Excludes New Year's Eve and the Sunday before Martin Luther King's birthday. Must be booked by telephone: 888‐924‐4666. The Big Moose Inn and Restaurant , 1510 Big Moose Road, Eagle Bay, NY 13331 (http://www.BigMooseInn.com)
NYSSA WINTER SPECIAL: Use this 10% OFF COUPON FOR ROOM, FOOD OR DRINKS. Stay at this lake front resort and conference center and receive 10% off everything! (NYSSA Membership Number and Promotional Code NYSSA0809 required) Book one of our Jacuzzi suites—or call and ask about other Room Discounts or seasonal rentals. North Woods Inn Resort, 4920 NYS CRT 28, Fourth Lake, Old Forge, NY 13420 (www.NorthWoodsInnResort.com) Reservations: 315‐369‐6777.(Clip and Use this coupon!) (2008‐09)
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Blue Line By Design, a marketing firm in Old Forge, offers its $1000 Discount Coupon Book ($20 Retail Value) FREE to NYSSA Members who purchase a Trail Permit in Old Forge or Inlet when snowmobiling the Central Adirondacks! To see what is offered in the book, visit www.a1000thanks.com! Coupons for lodging, restaurants, entertainment, and services are available in the book, which is good through May 15th. Questions? Call Catherine Light, Blue Line By Design, www.bluelinebydesign.com (315) 868‐8436
NYSSA members save 20% on overnight lodging Sun‐Thurs (excluding holidays), December through April at The Loft in Raquette Lake, in the Central Adirondack Region. Fireplace, sauna, heated garage for sled storage & repair. No permit required for Raquette Lake/Long Lake/Indian Lake/Newcomb/Tupper trails. For description, rates, & photos visit http://www.raquettelakerentals.com
Water’s Edge Inn: SAVE 20% OFF ANY ROOM OR SUITE SUNDAY – THURSDAY NIGHTS! Rest assured at Water’s Edge Inn, located lakeside directly across from Water Safari, Snowmobile Trails 1&5 and Enchanted Premium Gas! (NYSSA Membership Number/Card required for discount, not to be combined with any other offer/discount, limit 1 offer per reservation, excludes holiday/event weeks) Water’s Edge Inn, 3188 St. Rte. 28, Old Forge, NY 13420. Reservations (315) 369‐2484. www.WatersEdgeInn.com
Old Forge Camping Resort: STAY 2 NIGHTS, GET THE 3RD NIGHT FREE! Offer good weekdays and weekends. Drive your sled right to your door! Direct access to Snowmobile Trail 5 and Premium Gas. (NYSSA Membership Number/Card required for discount, not to be combined with any other offer or discount, limit one offer per reservation, must be used for 3 consecutive nights) Old Forge Camping Resort, 3347 State Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420. Reservations: 1‐800‐CAMPING. www.OldForgeCamping.com
Makovic Homes offers a free Stainless Steel Appliance Package Upgrade to any NYSSA Member purchasing a Modular or Manufactured Home from Makovic homes. Must provide proof of current membership. Visit our Model Center at 411 State Rt 17B, Monticello, NY 12701 or call us at 845‐796‐4663.
The Rocky Acres Inn invites NYSSA Members to enjoy our facilities and receive $10 per night off the regular room rate ($15 off for the Floral Room). The Rocky Acres Inn is located on Trout Brook Rd. in Schroon Lake with easy access to trails taking you to local restaurants and Olmstedville/Minerva. Reservations required along with your NYSSA Membership Number. For more information, go to www.RockyAcresInn.com or call us at 518‐532‐9709.
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Fundraising– Rich Rozzi See Rich’s Director at Large Report.
Meetings, Events & Promotions – Debbie Perkins This year we attended many shows and events on behalf of snowmobilers across New York State. We thank you for the invitations and look forward to our continued efforts to make snowmobiling in New York be the best it can be.
Publications – Anne O’Dell The NYSSA New York Snowmobiler Online Magazine was distributed monthly via a new email tool called
Constant Contact. This software allows us to manage the email list efficiently and observe statistics on
each issue sent. Approximately 55,000 emails were sent to members each month. Response has been
great, although many are wishing for a print publication again.
We are hoping to support some form of print publication for the 2009‐2010 season with advertising
revenue.
Website Team – John Buckley, Jason Kowaczyk, Sean Mullen, Anne O’Dell
With the diligent work of the website team we are proud to Announce the enhanced site with both public and private information. Upgrades continue even now, so your patience is also appreciated during this time. Keeping websites current is a responsibility for all of us, and your help in moving forward with updated information is necessary.
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Safety & Education Committee
Note to all delegates: Due to situations beyond the 2007‐08 Safety Chair’s control the committee was not
able to function as well as it had in previous years. The Safety Committee had been making very positive
strides and hopefully for the 2009‐10 season will continue to do so. I fully anticipate the 2007‐08 Chair to
be able to resume his duties in 2009. I have taken the liberty of reprinting the report from 2008 with full
expectation these projects will be pursued.
Jim Jennings, Executive Director
NYSSA continues to promote snowmobile safety. The NYSSA mission statement is a single sentence as
follows: "It is the mission of the New York State Snowmobile Association to coordinate and provide
leadership for New York State snowmobile clubs and organizations in developing and implementing
policies, strategies and action plans which foster the growth of safe snowmobiling." (NYSSA Policy
Manual, approved by BOD August 1997). As NYSSA grows we can never forget the need to promote
safety to members and non‐members alike. We must take every opportunity to promote safety in this
sport.
At the time of this report I haven’t gotten any official information on accidents or fatality for this current
season. The safety committee will have this information available for display at the forum. Please look
for our safety display.
2007‐2008 season saw an increase in fatalities from the previous year. The safety committee has
drafted a proposal for increased law enforcement on our trails. This is currently being reviewed by our
lobbyist. This proposal would add a $2 fee to your sled insurance policy. This is currently done on every
auto policy in the state of New York. This fee would increase the much needed funding to get the
policing of our trails that we need, without taking any additional monies out of the trail fund. We will
need every snowmobilers help in getting this done.
Your safety committee is here to get the message of safety out to every snowmobiler and non‐
snowmobiler. We need to take a pro‐active approach to safety. Local clubs need to work with their
local law enforcement and get them involved.
Every year NYS OPRHP provides a law enforcement training seminar that helps train officers on how to
handle snowmobile related accidents and how to write tickets.
Our Safety Trailers are on display here. In the upcoming year we will try to replace the old safety trailer.
We are going to look into getting one donated by one of the trailer manufacturers. The safety trailers
are available for events and parades if needed. Please contact the NYSSA Office to schedule a trailer for
your event. We do need to know well in advance as we try to keep a schedule. We will also work on
getting the trailers equipped to do shows. We have asked for an increase in our safety budget to get
this accomplished. We need to include the following on each trailer, pop‐up tent, table, chairs, NYSSA
banner, and the other stuff needed to put up a proper display at events. The new trailer also serves as a
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rolling billboard. This past season we only had one permanent billboard located in the Watertown area.
Again we would like to thank Lamar for their help with this endeavor.
With the onset of a new season fast approaching the Safety Committee is always open to new ideas. If
anyone has anything that they would like to see this committee work on please feel free to contact us
through your District Director. We will try and get some type of safety article in every New York
Snowmobiler Online Magazine. If anyone has a safety article please feel free to submit it to the office.
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Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee presents the following candidates for 2009—2010 Officers, to be voted on
by Delegates present at the 2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting, Sunday, April 19, 2009:
President Michael D. Fischer
Vice President Gary Broderick
Treasurer Roger McCabe
Secretary Ginny Ivison
Linda Middleton
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Bylaws Committee Gerald Mitchell, Chair
2009 Proposed ByLaw Revisions
BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM
IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 2009‐001
NAME ___Gerald F. Mitchell__________________ DATE December 1, 2008
By‐Laws Article, Section, Part: ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES, Section 3
Current Wording (Show only the part to be changed):
Executive
Governmental Affairs
Trails and Landowner Relations
Ways and Means
Safety
Membership
Public Relations and Education
Awards, Presentation and Benevolence
Proposed Wording:
Executive
Governmental Affairs
Trails and Landowner Relations
Budget and Finance
Safety and Education
Membership
Events and Promotions
Communications
Justification: Re‐align the Standing Committees and their respective responsibilities and functions to
reflect the research and conclusions, which were developed by the 2007 Strategic Conferences.
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BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM (CONT’D)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEW
Recommended by: Gerald F. Mitchell
Article, Section Part: ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES, Section 3
Date Reviewed by Executive Committee: 2/7/2009
Recommendation to Board: Approve
Justification:
See Justification above.
Date of Board Action: 2/7/2009
Board Disposition: Approved
Date Presented to Delegates: 4/19/2009
Delegate Decision at Annual Meeting:
__________________________________________
(Signature of presiding President)
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BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM
Identification Number: 2009‐003
NAME: James Jennings DATE: January 15, 2009
By‐laws Article, Section, Part: Article III, Section 1(a) and Section 2
Current wording: (show only part to be changed)
Section 1
A District shall be defined by the following criteria:
(a) A single-county district, in which a county shall be considered a District if it has an incorporated county association, has its own set of By-laws, meets regularly, and secures dues from each member club. The county association shall pay dues to be a member of the Association as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2
Any county within a multiple-county district that forms a county association as defined in Article IV, Section 1(a) may seek to become a single-county district immediately following the Annual Meeting held after the formation of the county association. If the affected District has only one (1) county remaining in the District, that county will be assigned to the closest multiple-county District, if it does not form its own county association. If the affected District has two (2) counties remaining in the District, that District will remain intact with the two (2) remaining counties.
Proposed wording:
(a) A single-county district, in which there is at least one NYSSA member club.
Delete Section 2
Justification:
Over the years many Single County Districts have been formed. In many cases this has caused a single
county that does not have a county association to exist outside the by‐laws. The board has desired every
area to be represented, meaning the NYSSA BOD was not adhering to its own by‐laws. It is quite evident
that these single counties with a county association are functioning just fine and should be allowed to
exist. Because of SRRA it is not necessary for County Associations to pay dues to NYSSA as all the club
members are already paying dues. Passage of this By‐Law Amendment will require an Amendment to
Article IV Section 2
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BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM (CONT’D)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEW
Recommended by: James Jennings
Article, Section Part: Article III, Section 1(a) and Section 2
Date Reviewed by Executive Committee: 2/7/2009
Recommendation to Board: Approve
Justification:
See Justification above.
Date of Board Action: 2/7/2009
Board Disposition: Approved
Date Presented to Delegates: 4/19/2009
Delegate Decision at Annual Meeting:
__________________________________________
(Signature of presiding President)
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BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM
Identification Number: 2009‐004
NAME: James Jennings DATE: January 15, 2009
By‐laws Article, Section, Part: Article IV, Section 2
Current wording: (show only part to be changed)
Section 2
In single-county districts, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote from the member county association, as prescribed in Section 10 of this Article. In multiple-county districts, the authorized votes of each member club shall be received by the Association.
Proposed wording:
In single-county districts with a County Association that is incorporated and has a set of bylaws, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote from the member county association, as prescribed in Section 10 of this Article.
In single-county districts with no County Association, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote directly. In multiple-county districts, the authorized votes of each member club shall be received directly by the Association.
Delete Section 2
Justification:
This amendment allows for single county district to exist whether they have a county association or not
and clarifies voting.
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BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM (CONT’D)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEW
Recommended by: James Jennings
Article, Section Part: Article IV, Section 2
Date Reviewed by Executive Committee: 2/7/2009
Recommendation to Board: Approve
Justification:
See Justification above.
Date of Board Action: 2/7/2009
Board Disposition: Approved
Date Presented to Delegates: 4/19/2009
Delegate Decision at Annual Meeting:
__________________________________________
(Signature of presiding President)
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NYSSA BYLAWS (Revised April, 2008)
NYSSA BY-LAWS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
By-Laws Revised April, 2008
ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE ............................................................................................ 85 ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION ...................................................................................................... 85 ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS ........................................................................... 86 ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ................................................................................... 87 ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF DIRECTOR .......................................................................................... 89 ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP ......................................................................................................... 90 ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS........................................................................................ 90 ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ........................................................ 91 ARTICLE IX. OFFICERS ............................................................................................................... 92 ARTICLE X. DUTIES OF OFFICERS ........................................................................................... 92 ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES ......................................................................................................... 94 ARTICLE XII. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES .................................................................................... 95 ARTICLE XIII. MEETINGS ........................................................................................................... 95 ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS ....................................................................................................... 97
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ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE
Section 1
The name of the Corporation, hereinafter called the Association, shall be the New York State Snowmobile Association, Inc., and shall be a not-for-profit corporation.
Section 2
The purposes of the New York State Snowmobile Association, Inc., are:
(a) To further and improve the sport of snowmobiling in New York State by promoting the safe, lawful, and responsible use of snowmobiles for recreation, commerce, and public safety.
(b) In furtherance of (a), to coordinate the efforts of persons affiliated with snowmobiling, including without limitations, individuals, Industries, Chambers of Commerce, landowners, snowmobile clubs, dealers, government officials, and other state and national organizations.
(c) To work toward making more private and public areas open to snowmobiling. (d) To assist local snowmobile clubs, county and district associations and state agencies in all
manner possible with the development and maintenance of a statewide network of snowmobile trails.
(e) To minimize the detrimental effects of the use of snowmobiles upon our environment. (f) To foster a close relationship with, and appreciation and recognition of the landowners of New
York State.
ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION
Section 1
The Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors, consisting of one (1) Director from each of the Districts in New York State as established by these By-Laws under Article III, Sections 1 and 2, and elected by the member clubs of the Association as prescribed under Article IV, Sections 1 and 2, together with the elected officers of the Association, as prescribed under Article IX, the Directors-at-large, as prescribed in Article VII, Section 2, and the immediate past-president of the Association, as prescribed under Article VII, Section 1.
Section 2
The Association may purchase, lease or rent offices, buildings or lands as may be proper to the objectives of the Association and may purchase, lease or rent the necessary equipment and/or services for said properties. The Board of Directors shall have all authority in the selection, operation and management of said properties, equipment and/or services.
Section 3
The Association shall organize the State in Districts for the purpose of electing representation to the Association and will form the Board of Directors as prescribed in Article II, Section 1. Each elected District Director, the immediate past-president of the Association, and the Directors-at-large, and all officers except the President shall be entitled to one vote on any issue presented to the Association at any meeting. Each District is entitled to one vote at all meetings of the Board of Directors. A Director
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may not serve as a proxy for any other District. As per Article X Section I, the President will vote only to break a tie.
Section 4
Member clubs of a District shall mean those incorporated local snowmobile clubs that meet regularly, have written by-laws, collect dues from its members, and member clubs to the Association are clubs which enroll all of their club membership to also become individual members of the Association. Clubs become member clubs on the date of signing of the letter of understanding form, committing the said club to this membership agreement. All references to clubs includes those local clubs that do not belong to the Association.
Section 5
All Directors, officers, committee members and other individuals undertaking any activity on behalf of the Association must be a member of the Association. Exceptions may be granted only by majority vote of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS
Section 1
A District shall be defined by the following criteria:
(b) A single-county district, in which a county shall be considered a District if it has an incorporated county association, has its own set of By-laws, meets regularly, and secures dues from each member club. The county association shall pay dues to be a member of the Association as prescribed by the Board of Directors.
(c) A multiple-county district shall be comprised of contiguous counties (except as prescribed in Section 2 of this Article), with no more than three (3) counties making up a multiple-county district.
(d) District boundary lines may be changed by majority vote of the Board of Directors and by a two-thirds vote of member clubs in the affected Districts.
Section 2
Any county within a multiple-county district that forms a county association as defined in Article IV, Section 1(a) may seek to become a single-county district immediately following the Annual Meeting held after the formation of the county association. If the affected District has only one (1) county remaining in the District, that county will be assigned to the closest multiple-county District, if it does not form its own county association. If the affected District has two (2) counties remaining in the District, that District will remain intact with the two (2) remaining counties.
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ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The member clubs in each District of the Association shall elect the Director that will represent the District to the Board of Directors. Each member club of the Association in the District shall complete the certification form for the Director-candidate of their choice. The certification form must be signed by the member club and verified in the minutes of that club, and will then be considered an authorized vote for the individual seeking the position of District Director. The District Director candidate named by a majority of authorized votes of the member clubs of the Association in that District will be declared and recognized as the Director for that District.
Section 2
In single-county districts, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote from the member county association, as prescribed in Section 10 of this Article. In multiple-county districts, the authorized votes of each member club shall be received by the Association.
Section 3
If several candidates secure the authorized votes of member clubs in a District, no individual will be recognized as the District Director until that individual secures the authorized votes of the majority of the member clubs in the District that have voted.
Section 4
(reserved for future use)
Section 5
Each member club of the Association is entitled to one vote to elect the District Director in the member club’s District. Each member county association is not entitled to a vote for the District Director.
Section 6
Any District may elect, designate, or choose an Alternate Director to represent the District at Association meetings. Alternate Directors would represent the District only in the event the duly elected Director is not able to attend an Association meeting. Alternate Directors shall not be eligible to represent the District Director until the elected Director has been officially seated as a member of the Board of Directors.
Section 7
A Director may serve consecutive terms.
Section 8
In the event a District is not represented, and after a minimum of three (3) months after the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors may appoint a District Director to represent that District to the Board of Directors until the next Annual Meeting or until appropriate certification is received from the member clubs or member county association in that District.
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Section 9
Each District may set its own residency rules for its Director-candidate seeking election to the Association Board of Directors for that District. A Director shall represent only one (1) district. An elected Director must be a resident of New York State and a member of a local club in that District.
Section 10
The Association Board of Directors shall design the certification form for use by member clubs in each District, through which each member club will determine its authorized vote for its District Director. The Association Office shall mail or electronically mail each member club a certification form at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The Association shall design a county association certification form, through which each member club in the county association may list the authorized vote of each member in lieu of each member club of the member county association completing individual certification forms. When the member county association certification form is used by the member clubs in the member county association, a record of the authorized votes shall be recorded in the minutes of the member county association. The Association Office shall mail to each member county association the county association certification form at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting.
Section 11
All elected District Directors, having met the criteria as prescribed in this Article, shall assume their position immediately following the Association Annual Meeting until the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of the following year.
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ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF DIRECTOR
Section 1
The duties of the District Director shall be to provide active leadership for the Association and its activities in the District and:
(a) Serve on the Association Board of Directors and attend all its meetings. (b) Act as a liaison and prime link for communication between the Association and the member
clubs and member county association in the District; between the Association and local clubs in the District; between the Association and state agencies at the District level; between the Association and other organizations at the District level.
(c) Serve on at least one (1) Association standing committee. (d) Be familiar with these By-laws and perform duties in accordance with the By-laws. (e) Work under the general direction of the Board of Directors of the Association. (f) Attend at least one (1) regular meeting per year of each club in the District for the purpose of
addressing the club meeting and seeking all inputs possible from those at the meeting. (g) In a single-county district, attend as many District (county association) meetings as possible
to report information from Association meetings and to solicit input from those at the District meetings for the Association.
(h) Meet with the Association membership at any reasonable time and help in the formation of new clubs.
(i) Be present to assist in the conduct of the Annual Meeting, Special meetings and Board of Director meetings.
(j) Undertake efforts to secure membership in the Association by clubs, associations, and individuals that are not members of the Association.
(k) Attempt to secure financial assistance from the clubs and/or county association that are in the district the Director represents.
Section 2
Removal of an elected Director, Director-at-large, or Officer of the Association.
(a) Any Officer, elected or appointed Director, or Director-at-large that is not in attendance at three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors may be removed from his/her position by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance at the regular meeting at which the action is taken. Any elected Director that is being represented by an alternate director is exempt from this action.
(b) Any officer or Director may be removed from their office or as a Board of Director member for lack of performance of their office or duties as a Director or conduct unbecoming an officer or member of the Board of Directors of NYSSA with a seventy-five percent (75%) vote of all directors that are present at any board of directors meeting that has a voting quorum of Directors and Officers. A member of the Board of Directors or Officer must be allowed to address the Board of Directors before a vote for their removal is put before the Board of Directors for anything other than lack of attendance at three (3) consecutive meetings as stated in Section 2(a) of these By-Laws. If a member has been removed under Section 2(b) of the By-Laws they will not be allowed to serve as a Director or Officer of the Board in the future.)
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ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Membership in the Association shall be open to all individuals or organizations who are interested in the recreational use of snowmobiles and are willing to subscribe to the purposes of the Association as set forth in these By-laws.
Section 2
Different classifications of membership in the Association shall be established by the Board of Directors, subject to approval by the membership at the Annual Meeting.
Section 3
All dues assessed at each category of membership are determined by the Board of Directors and approved at the Annual Meeting as part of the budget vote by the Association’s club delegates.
ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The Board of Directors shall be comprised of one (1) Director from each District of the State, Directors-at-large, the elected Officers of the Association, and the immediate past-president of the Association.
Section 2
The Board of Directors may designate up to three (3) Directors-at-large, who will not be assigned a specific District, but will be available to offer assistance wherever possible. To be elected at Director-at-large, candidates must secure a majority vote of the Board of Directors at the Directors meeting following the Association Annual Meeting.
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ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1
The duties of the Board of Directors are as follows:
(a) Appoint an Executive Director and determine compensation, if any. (b) Appoint a Trails Coordinator and determine compensation, if any. (c) Develop short-term and long-term goals and stated objectives as part of an Association Strategic
Organization Plan. (d) Formulate and adopt policies consistent with the By-laws, the Association Mission Statement, and
the Association Strategic Organization Plan; measure the effectiveness of those policies adopted and make necessary corrections to achieve the stated objectives.
(e) Ensure that duly adopted policies are implemented either through an Executive Director or appropriate committee or sub-committee.
(f) Monitor the progress of committees through written committee reports or committee meeting minutes, that each is performing its duties in accordance with the Association Mission Statement and the committee mission statement. Through a majority vote of the Board of Directors, it may require a committee to revise its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
(g) Approve payment of Association expenses during the time from the end of the fiscal year to the approval of the Association budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
(h) Develop a process through which standing committees will determine their funding for the upcoming year.
(i) Section 2
The Fiscal Year of the Association shall begin on April 1 and end on March 31 of the following year.
Section 3
The Board of Directors shall enter into contract for the purpose of performing services on behalf of the Association.
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ARTICLE IX. OFFICERS
Section 1
The Officers of this Association shall be the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. Each Officer shall be a member of the Association, a member of a local club, and a resident of New York State.
Section 2
The Officers of this Association shall be elected by the club delegates at the Association Annual Meeting, with member clubs being notified in writing at least thirty (30) day prior to the Annual Meeting of a proposed slate of officers as presented by the Nominating Committee. Officers of this Association shall hold office beginning at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at which the Officer was elected. The term of office for the Officers of this Association ends at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of the following year.
Section 3
Any compensation accorded an officer shall be recommended by the Board of Directors and voted on at the Annual Meeting by the club delegates present.
Section 4
No person shall simultaneously act as an employee of the Association and either an officer or director of the Association.
Section 5
Unexpired terms of any vacated office may be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors.
Section 6
An individual may serve as President for a maximum of three (3) consecutive one-year terms. After one (1) year has passed, a past-President may be a candidate for President of the Association.
ARTICLE X. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1
The duties of President are to preside at Board of Director meetings, serve as chairman of the Board of Directors, (preside at all meetings of the Board,) but to vote only to break a tie, be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee, (and) shall not chair any more than one special project committee, and shall not chair any Standing Association committee, to provide active leadership for the Association, to carry out the recommendations and policies set by the Board of Directors, appoint members to standing and temporary committees as are necessary with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, and to ensure the right of all visitors to speak to the Board of Directors at each meeting of the Board of Directors during the part of such meetings assigned to public comment.
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Section 2
The duties of Vice-president are to officiate in the absence of the President and to assist the President in carrying out his/her duties.
Section 3
The duties of the Recording Secretary are to keep a permanent record of the minutes of all Annual, Special, and Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors. The Recording Secretary shall serve on the Awards, Presentations,and Benevolence Committee.
Section 4
The duties of Treasurer are to maintain or cause to be maintained all accounts of the Association and have charge of its funds. He/she or his/her designate shall deposit all sums received in any bank which shall be designated by the Board of Directors in the name of the Association. He/she shall disburse the funds of the Association under the direction of the Board of Directors. He/she shall cause a certified audit to be made at least annually and submitted to the membership at their Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall serve on the Ways and Means Committee.
Section 5
The duties of Executive Director shall be to perform all duties prescribed to the position by the Association Board of Directors.
Section 6
The duties of Trail Coordinator shall be to perform all duties prescribed to the position by the Association Board of Directors through the Trails and Landowner Relations Committee.
Section 7
It is the duty of all officers to carry out assigned and designated tasks at the direction of the Association Board of Directors.
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ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES
Section 1
Each Director shall be required to be a member of at least one standing committee of the Association. The committees shall review and recommend policy and procedures to the Board of Directors for their disposition. The President appoints Directors to committees. Each committee will select a chairman from its own ranks. The President may appoint non-directors to serve on standing committees of the Association. The members of all standing committees are reappointed annually after the Annual Meeting.
Section 2
Temporary (ad hoc) committees shall be appointed as necessary by the President upon approval of the Board of Directors to assist in carrying out the mission of the organization. Ad hoc committees shall be appointed to complete activities associated with functions of nominating, audit,and by-laws of the Association, in addition to other needs for an ad hoc committee. Ad hoc committees may seek funding necessary to complete their functions and activities from the Board of Directors.
Section 3
The following Standing Committees shall be established:
(a) Executive (b) Governmental Affairs (c) Trails and Landowner Relations (d) Ways and Means (e) Safety (f) Membership (g) Public Relations and Education (h) Awards, Presentation, and Benevolence
Section 4
Standing Committees shall be created by approval first of the Board of Directors and then by the club delegates at the Annual Meeting.
Section 5
Standing Committees are the only committees that can present a budget proposal for inclusion in the Association budget.
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ARTICLE XII. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES
Section 1
(a) It is the responsibility of each Committee to meet as necessary to carry out its goals and objectives.
(b) Each Committee shall determine a chairman from its membership. (c) Each Committee shall develop a mission statement and goals and objectives, subject to
approval of the Board of Directors. (d) Each Committee shall thoroughly and completely inform the Board of Directors of issues the
committee discusses through written reports and/or committee meeting minutes. (e) Each Committee shall prepare a written report to be presented to the club delegates at the
Annual Meeting. (f) Through the budget process, each Committee must prepare and submit a budget at least
ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting to the Ways and Means Committee for inclusion in the Association budget.
ARTICLE XIII. MEETINGS
Section 1
Board of Directors Meetings
(a) Board of Directors meetings are held the first Saturday of each month unless otherwise rescheduled, postponed or canceled by a two-thirds approval of the Board of Directors. An Agenda of each meeting of the Board of Directors shall be sent to Directors and Officers at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors shall be kept by the Recording Secretary or temporary designee.
(b) A quorum for Regular and Special Board of Directors meetings shall be a number representing 50% of the Districts that have elected Directors. All members of the Board of Directors, as defined in Article II, Section 1, shall be included in determining attendance at Board of Directors meetings.
Section 2
Annual Meeting
(a) The Annual Meeting of the Association shall by held in April of each year at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors. The Association Office shall mail or electronically mail notice to the member clubs of the Association at least sixty (60) days in advance of the Annual Meeting.
(b) The business of the Annual Meeting will be for each Standing Committee to present its written report to the club delegates for their approval, to follow a procedure that cause votes to be taken according to part (d) of this Section, and to complete any other business as part of the Agenda as determined by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. A Parliamentarian shall be appointed to settle points of order. Any club delegate that wishes to speak shall be provided opportunity to address the Annual Meeting.
(c) A quorum at the Annual Meeting shall be ten(10)% of all the club delegates qualified to attend the Annual Meeting.
(d) Club delegates representing the member clubs of the Association shall vote at the Annual Meeting, with a majority vote of the club delegates, on the following issues:
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(1) Association Budget. If the budget is not approved by a majority of the member club delegates, discussions will be undertaken to resolve the issues preventing support by a majority of the club delegates present at the Association Annual Meeting. If agreement is not reached, the Board of Directors shall operate under the previous year’s budget.
(2) Amendments to the By-laws, as prescribed in Article XIV of these By-laws. (3) Officers of the Association, in accordance with Article IX, Section 2 of these By-laws. (4) Reports to the Annual Meeting, followed by a general question and answer period
before the vote is called. (e) The number of delegates calculated for each member club of the Association shall be
calculated by the number of NYSSA memberships sold by that club. A club having a member who also belongs to another club may count him/her in their NYSSA delegate representation, provided NYSSA membership is documented by the member. Modification of club dues structure to meet this end shall be a function of the club.
(f) Each member club of the Association shall be entitled to one (1) voting delegate according to the following table of increments: (5) up to 30 NYSSA members = 1 voting delegate (6) 31 to 60 NYSSA members = 2 voting delegates (7) 61 to 90 NYSSA members = 3 voting delegates (8) 91 to 120 NYSSA members = 4 voting delegates (9) 121 to 150 NYSSA members = 5 voting delegates (10) 151 to 180 NYSSA members = 6 voting delegates (11) The number of voting delegates for each member club shall continue to increase by one
delegate for each additional block of 30 NYSSA members. (g) Election of officers shall be done by ballot; all other voting shall be done by voice vote unless
requested to be done by show of hands or by ballot. (h) There shall be no delegate voting done by proxy. Any voting delegate can represent only
one club. (i) Each member club shall verify and be in agreement with the Association in identifying the
number of members belonging to the member club and the number of voting delegates the member club is therefore entitled to represent the member club at the Association Annual Meeting at least (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting. Member clubs that complete this verification less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting shall lose one (1) voting delegate from the member club’s voting delegate count, except as prescribed in part (j) of this Section. Membership totals and delegate count of the member club must be verified with the Association Office.
Section 3
Special Meetings
Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President, by five (5) District Directors or by five (5) member county associations. All Directors and Officers shall be notified at least three (3) days by mail or electronic mail, prior to any Special meeting called, including a written agenda. A quorum for a Special meeting is the same as for a regular meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 4
All meetings of the Association shall be conducted under the procedures prescribed in Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised.
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ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS
Amendments of these By-laws shall be presented to the Association by the By-laws Committee for action and approval of the Board of Directors, after which the club delegates at the Association Annual Meeting shall vote on the amendments. A two-thirds vote is needed to amend these By-laws. All member clubs must be notified in writing of By-laws changes at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting at which the changes will be voted on. All changes to the By-laws will take effect following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at which the changes were approved by the voting delegates of the member clubs of the Association.
Amended April, 2004:
Article XIII, Section 3
Article XIII, Section 2(j)
Article X, Section I
Article V, Section 2
Article I, Section 3
Article IV, Section 10
Article XIII, Section 2(a) and 2 (i)
Amended April, 2005:
Article VIII, Section 1
Article X, Section 6
Article XI, Section 3
Article IV, Section 10
Article XIII, Section 2
Article XIII, Section 3
Amended April, 2006:
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Article II, Section 4
Amended April, 2007:
Article XI, Section 3
Amended April, 2008:
Article II, Section 3
Article XIII, Section 2g
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NYSSA Organization
200809 Officers and Staff Officers Staff
President Michael D. Fischer PO Box 111 Chittenango, NY 13037 Tel: (315) 420‐8208 [email protected]
Executive Director Jim Jennings PO Box 612 Long Lake NY 12847‐0612 Tel: 518‐624‐3849 Fax: 518‐624‐2441 Cell: 518‐791‐8637 [email protected]
Vice President Gary J. Broderick 5785 West Street Sanborn NY 14132‐9206 Tel: 716‐731‐1719 Cell: 716‐807‐7002 [email protected]
Trails Coordinator Dave Perkins PO Box 13 Hudson Falls NY 12839 Tel: 518‐747‐4609 Fax: 518‐747‐4609 Cell: 518‐796‐0897 [email protected] or [email protected]
Secretary Linda Middleton 108 Baum Rd Hastings NY 13076 Tel: 315‐668‐2127 [email protected]
Office Administrator Stephanie Howe PO Box 612 Long Lake NY 12847 Tel: 518‐624‐3849 Fax: 518‐624‐2441 [email protected]
Treasurer Roger McCabe S 3915 Four Rod Rd East Aurora, NY 14052 Tel: 716‐655‐1593 [email protected]
Office Administrator Anne O’Dell 310 Brimstone Hill Road Pine Bush NY 12566 Tel: 845‐527‐9251 Fax: 845‐853‐1518 Email: [email protected]
Past President Robert V. Perry 27 Kellogg St Fort Plain, NY 13339 Tel: 518‐993‐2653 [email protected]
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NYSSA Past Presidents
1976 – 1980 Russell (“Skip”) Snyder, Holland, NY
1980 – 1981 Jerry Reider, Syracuse, NY
1981 – 1983 Russell (“Skip”) Snyder, Holland, NY
1983 – 1986 Lee Supensky, Norwich, NY
1986 – 1989 Dwayne Daigle, Granville, NY
1989 – 1991 Peter Costa, Syracuse, NY
1991 – 1993 Lynn Truesdell, Watertown, NY
1993 – 1994 Dave Perkins, Hudson Falls, NY
1994 – 1996 Lynn Truesdell, Watertown, NY
1996 – 1998 Ray Quackenbush, Stillwater, NY
1998 – 2000 Dave Perkins, Hudson Falls, NY
2000 – 2002 Jeff Johnson, Ilion, NY
2002 ‐ 2003 Don Roark, West Winfield, NY
2003 ‐ 2006 Hal Fleischman, Buffalo, NY
2006‐ 2008 Robert Perry, Fort Plain, NY
2008‐ Michael D. Fischer, Chittenango, NY
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20082009 NYSSA Regions
Regional Directors
Adirondack & Tug Hill Mike Denapole (Herkimer)
Central Elwin Goff (Madison)
Hudson Anne O’Dell (Ulster) (through 1/2009)
John Occhino (Dutchess) (2/2009 – 4/2009)
Mohawk Jon Karker (Otsego)
Western Jim Meyer (Monroe/Livingston)
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20082009 NYSSA Districts
Shaded are multi‐county Districts.
Albany‐Greene
Allegany
Broome‐Chenango
Cattaraugus
Cayuga
Chautauqua
Clinton
Columbia
Cortland
Delaware‐Schoharie
Erie
Essex
Franklin
Fulton
Genesee
Hamilton
Herkimer
Jefferson
Lewis
Madison
Monroe‐Livingston
Montgomery‐Schenectady
Nassau‐Suffolk
Niagara
Oneida
Onondaga
Ontario
Orange‐Sullivan
Orleans
Oswego
Otsego
Putnam‐Westchester‐Dutchess
Rennselear
Rockland
Saratoga
Schuyler‐Tompkins
Seneca
Steuben‐Yates
St. Lawrence
Tioga‐Chemung
Ulster
Warren
Washington
Wayne
Wyoming
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2008—2009 Board of Directors
Albany‐Greene Vacant
Allegany John Brinkman, Jr
Allegany (Alt) Mark Kerling
Broome‐Chenango Michael Blance
Broome‐Chenango (Alt) Richard Knapp
Cattaraugus George Couell
Cattaraugus (Alt) Joe Williams
Cayuga Randy Coleman
Cayuga (Alternate) Mike Major
Chautauqua Steve Smith
Chautauqua (Alt) Lester Lucas
Clinton Tom Highers
Columbia Vacant
Cortland Rick Burt
Delaware‐Schoharie Gerald F.Mitchell
Erie Hal Fleischman
Erie (Alt) Vic Doino
Essex Vacant
Franklin Vacant
Fulton Charles Rose
Fulton (Alt) Emory Chase
Genesee Gerald Ivison
Hamilton Aaron Fischer
Hamilton (Alt) John Buckley
Herkimer Mike Denapole
Herkimer (Alt) Don Roark
Jefferson Fritz Delaney
Lewis Jason Kowalczyk
Lewis (Alt) Gary Stinson
Madison Elwin Goff
Madison (Alt) Thomas Baker
Monroe/Livingston Jim Meyer
Monroe/Livingston (Alt) Randy Gurnsey
Montgomery/Schenectady Jim Bode
Nassau‐Suffolk Don Barrett
Niagara Gary J Broderick
Oneida Bill Hajdasz
Oneida (Alt) Jim Rolf
Onondaga Ernest J. Roosevelt
Onondaga (Alt) Tim Taylor
Ontario Vacant
Orange‐Sullivan Kevin Makuen
Orange‐Sullivan (alt) Carl Vogt
Orleans Sean Mullen
Oswego Dan Middleton
Otsego Jon Karker
Otsego (Alt) John Dyn
Putnam‐Westchester‐Dutchess John Occhino
Renssaelaer John Linton
Renssaelaer (Alt) Scott Newell
Rockland Vacant
Saratoga Bob Bryant
Saratoga (Alt) Kathi Bryant
Schuyler‐Tompkins Carl Hubbell
Seneca Vacant
St. Lawrence "Tony" Testani
St. Lawrence (Alt) Craig LaPlante
Steuben‐Yates Steve Hubertus
Tioga‐Chemung Robert K Jennings
Tioga‐Chemung (Alt) Sean Morris
Ulster (05/08 ‐ 01/09) Anne O'Dell
Ulster (01/09 ‐ 04/09) John Hart
Warren Mike Hill
Washington Barry Wilson
Washington (Alt) Keith Elms
Wayne David VanDerlinde
Wayne (Alt) Richard Cowley
Wyoming (7/10/08‐) Roger McCabe
Director at Large Richard Rozzi
Director at Large Gary Batchelder
Director at Large Debbie Perkins
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Director at Large Notification Form
Please complete the following information. It must be returned to NYSSA no later than April 24, 2009:
DATE
NAME
ADDRESS
TEL
CELL
FAX
I WISH TO BE CONSIDERED A CANDIDATE TO BE ELECTED AS DIRECTOR‐AT‐LARGE. I BELIEVE THAT I AM QUALIFIED
FOR THIS POSITION FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
Submit Form to: NYSSA
PO BOX 612, Long Lake, NY 12847‐0612 Fax: 518‐624‐2441 Email: [email protected]
(Signature)
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Director Reports Albany‐Greene District VACANT – PLEASE VOLUNTEER!
Allegany County District John Brinkman, Jr, Director [email protected] (585) 973‐3160 6680 County Rd 31 Friendship NY 14739
Mark Kerling, Alternate [email protected] (585) 968‐3002 9703 West Cuba Rd Cuba NY 14727
Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers (A.C.F.S.)
PO Box 195 Friendship, NY 14739
Phone # 585‐973‐3160
Chapters of A.C.F.S.
Alma Ridge Runners
Almond (Southern Tier Snowdrifters)
Angelica Snowdrifters
Bolivar Trail Blazers
Centerville Hill Riders
Cuba Driftbusters
Fillmore
Rushford Snowmobile Club
Scio‐Amity Pathfinders
Wellsville/Andover Touring Club
Whitesville Association of Snowmobilers, Inc.
374 miles of funded trails 74 miles of unfunded trails
Trail Grooming Equipment County wide:
4 ‐ Class A groomers 3 ‐ Class B Groomers 27 ‐ Class C groomers
Membership: Individual total membership for the county is 786 members.
Summary of season/ district issues, problems, accomplishments:
This season with early snow brought out all sorts of snowmobilers. Be those old timers or new people to
the sport. Clubs also saw an increase in new members. Many of the clubs have continued to improve
their trails with brushing, building bridges, placing sluice pipes and dozer work all to widen and improve
the trail system.
We have also started to work with the county planning department to improve snowmobiling with in
the county. The county tourism guide now includes information on snowmobiling in the county and also
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includes a generic snowmobile map. We are work close with them to get the message out to the public
about snowmobiling in beautiful Allegany County.
The county clubs held 4 youth safety classes around Allegany County, Training more kids and adults to
be better, responsible snowmobilers. This course is a valuable tool in getting a positive message out to
the local newspapers about the good there is in snowmobiling. Allegany County Federation of
Snowmobilers was once again host for a signing and STEP training class held late in October at the Cuba
VFW located on Rt 305 just off of I86. We plan on having this class again this upcoming season also.
Again this year we participated in STEP as a satellite partner. We have 19 locally trained inspectors that
where able to complete 6 inspections. We are seeing a big improvement in the consistency of signing.
With a little instruction from those inspection a few correction will be made for the upcoming season.
Numerous clubs in the county held fund raisers for a variety of events and causes. From chicken BBQ’s
to ice races. The local clubs in Allegany County are trying anything to get more money back into the
trails and grooming equipment.
All of the clubs here in Allegany County want to take the time to say THANK YOU to all of our
landowners, towns, villages, and county officials that help make snowmobiling here in Allegany County
possible. Without them there is no way we can have the great trails that we do.
To all the volunteers that keep our trails open and safe, Thank You. And to all of you, we invite to enjoy
our part of your trail system. Come ride and enjoy Allegany County.
Broome‐Chenango District Michael Blance, Director [email protected] (607) 648‐4564 PO Box 405 Chenango Bridge NY 13745
Richard Knapp, Alternate [email protected] (607) 648‐3669 523 Dunham Hill Rd Castle Creek NY 13744
What a great season this was! Snow came early, followed by cold temperatures, up until mid
February. The nine clubs in this district had their 500 plus miles of trails well signed. As the season went
on, trails kept on getting smoother. After three years of low snow clubs finally had a chance to put many
hours on the groomers.
Eight of the clubs meet once a month to attend the Chenango County Federation meetings. We all
talk about many important topics including trail issues, laws concerning snowmobiles, and ways to
improve communication within clubs. The general consensus on field staking was to use single stakes
with a keep right at each end. The Federation’s website, ccsf.snowclubs.com, will show all the club’s
events during the season. This district is located just north of Binghamton. If planning a ride for next
year look for a new map in November 2009. You will enjoy all types of terrain fields, woods, and rolling
hills.
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BC Sno Riders Chenango Sno Riders
Po Box 312 Po Box 1244
Port Crane, NY 13833 Norwich, NY 13815
DOCS Greene Drift Riders
Po Box 33 282 County Rt. 3A
Sidney, NY 13838 Greene, NY 13778
SHASTA Tioga Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club
Po Box 37 Po Box 0578
Sherburne, NY 13460 Owego, NY 13827
Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Trail Hounds Snowmobile Club
Po Box 1004 351 County Rt. 12
Whitney Point, NY 13862 Pitcher, NY 13136
Unadilla Valley Snowdrifters
Po Box 423
New Berlin, NY 13411
Cattaraugus County District George Couell, Director [email protected] (716) 992‐9019 4898 Enser Rd Eden NY 14057
Joe Williams, Alternate [email protected] (716) 938‐2331 130 South Union Street Suite 200 Olean NY 14760
Clubs: Ashford Snowmobile Club Elibomwons Enchanted Mountains Snowmobile Club, Inc. Franklinville Sled Club, Inc. Portville Snowmobile Club, Inc. Snow Bounders, Inc. Southern Tier Snow Drifters, Inc. Tri‐County Drifthoppers, Inc. Western New York Snowmobile Club of Boston, Inc. Trail Mileage: 368 funded miles plus an additional 75 miles in Allegany State Park The Federation, Clubs and Cattaraugus County continue to have an outstanding working relationship. We are fortunate to have a legislative body that understands the economic impact of snowmobiling and we appreciate their support. The County provides landowner maps and lists, assists in re‐routing, GPS trails and this year provided a file that Garmin and Tom Tom GPS users could dowmload that showed where the trails and roads crossed. This will build awareness for safer trails. Cattaraugus County Economic Development, Planning & Tourism completed a GIS project this year that will assist the clubs
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and the county with promoting the snowmobile trails in Cattaraugus County. The department completed a GPS project that will allow GPS users to download trail heads, gas stations, restaurants, bed & breakfasts and hotel/motel locations in the County. There were over 450 downloads of the snowmobile file from December until February. They also created a major road and snowmobile trail crossing GPS file that will make motorist aware of the crossings This January the County trails and clubs were featured on SnowTrailsTV.com. We would like to thank NYSSA and Cattaraugus County for providing the assistance to make this happen.. The segments were filmed March 08. Mike featured our area as on the best kept secrets in snowmobiling. We enjoyed working with Mike. Video Mike did an outstanding job on the segments and we look forward to having him back in the future. The Federation and clubs have completed the necessary paperwork to become 501‐C3 and most of the clubs are now sales tax exempt. We had a very successful year due to the snowfall that we received this year.
Cayuga County District Randy Coleman, Director [email protected] (315) 252‐8358
Mike Major, Alternate Director [email protected] (315) 253‐2096 PO Box 131 Skaneateles Falls NY 13153
This year the Cayuga County Snowmobile Association sponsored a STEP signage program for the county.
The training class was sponsored by NYSSA with our own trainer and assistant. By providing this in‐
house training, problems were corrected quicker and club members had a great learning experience.
Attendees represented all of the county’s seven clubs.
Our county snowmobile association continues to actively work between the sponsor and local clubs to
ensure that the paperwork and deadlines are met. Currently, there are seven clubs that are members of
the county association:
Cato Trail Blazers, Inc.
Fingerlakes Ridge Runners
Poor Folks Snowmobile Club
Port Byron Snow Panthers
Ridge Runners of Groton Snowmobile Club
Sterling Trail Tamers
Weedsport Winter Wanderers
There are 262 miles of funded trails in Cayuga County. Of these funded trails, there are 143 miles of
Corridor A and 119 miles of Secondary A. The clubs also have approximately 50 miles of club trails that
are not funded yet. Most of the clubs in the county association own trail grooming equipment. The
equipment consists of 9 Class A groomers, 1 Class B groomer, and 6 Class C groomers.
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The clubs participated in several events this year, such as an antique car show, antique snowmobile
show, chicken barbecues, landowners’ appreciation breakfasts and dinners, meat raffles, motorcycle
raffle, mad‐cash raffles, poker runs, spaghetti dinners, and the Great Eastern Whiteout. The clubs
continue to sponsor various youth and adult safety courses and groomer training classes throughout the
season.
Alternate Director Mike Major taught and oversaw the trail STEP signage program. He devoted a lot of
his time to setting up and executing all of the training, and he has been of great assistance.
I look forward to continue working with the other counties and NYSSA to improve the sport of
snowmobiling.
Chautauqua County District Steve Smith, Director [email protected] (716) 792‐9802 28 Central Ave Brocton NY 14716
Lester Lucas, Alternate [email protected] (716) 753‐7925 PO Box 103 Dewittville NY 14728
Chautauqua County Federation Of Snowmobile Clubs‐ With 400 miles of funded trails and over 75
miles of unfunded trails nestled into southwestern New York the area clubs offer some of the best
groomed trails in the state. The clubs of Chautauqua County have a total of 20 class A groomers. Below
is a little bit about each club in Chautauqua County.
Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club ‐ www.chautauquasnow.com
This club has over 180 miles of funded trails and over 30 miles of unfunded trails. the club has recently
updated its groomer fleet to include three newer Tucker 2000 Sno‐Cats in the 08‐09 season alone, to
bring our fleet to seven groomers. We have trails in several Towns and Villages throughout Chautauqua
County including, Stockton, Brocton, Clymer, Mayville, Sherman, Findley Lake, French Creek,
Westfield and Panama.
The Club has over 1600 members, and offers a variety of member activities virtually every weekend
including Mystery Dinner rides, a Memorial run, Pancake Breakfast, Landowner appreciation Dinner and
an End of Season Banquet.
President: Chris Jaynes
Vice President: Steve Smith
Secretary: Paul Weatherlow
Treasurer: Robert Perry
Membership Coordinator: Brandy Smith
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Lake Effect Trailbreakers ‐ www.trailbreakers.com
This club is located in Southern Chautauqua County. We have 45 miles of funded trails in our territory,
but our club grooms over 70 miles of trails in and around the towns of Gerry, Kennedy, Ellington,
Conewango Valley and Sinclairville using a Tucker Sno‐Cat 1000 with an 8 foot Mogul Master drag and a
Sno‐Plane with an 9 foot Mogul Master drag.
We currently have 360 club members and 150 landowners that receive our monthly club newsletter.
Doug Mann – President
Bob Volpe – Vice‐President
Dianne Cornell – Treasurer
Dave Robbins – Secretary
The Ellery Sno‐Cruisers
The Ellery Sno‐Cruisers was incorporated in early 1994 as a club dedicated to building and maintaining
snowmobile trails in Chautauqua County. With the gracious cooperation of our landowners, we have
managed to build approximately 70 miles of trails in the heart of Chautauqua County (56 funded miles
with 14 miles of non‐funded trails). Our trails run through 4 townships (Ellery, Bemus Point, Ellicott,
Gerry and Stockton), connect 3 state parks/forest, and also connect trails maintained by 3 other local
snowmobile clubs.
We are a volunteer organization and received status as a 501C3‐Not for Profit Organization in 2007.
Each of our participating members gives of his or her time freely in order to keep up the clubs day to day
operation. We currently maintain 580 family memberships from several states throughout the country.
Each loves to snowmobile and spend time with their families here in western New York, where the
snowfall totals can easily exceed 200 inches per season.
President – Steve Latone
Vice President – Jim Zipp
Treasurer – Sandy Carlson
Secretary – Jamie Carlson
Cherry Creek Sno‐Goers
Current Membership‐ 701
Miles of Trail‐ 117 Funded, 22 miles unfunded
Number of Groomers, 7, 5 Class A, 2 Class B
2009 Events :
Poker Run
Landowner Appreciation Dinner
Volunteer Appreciation Pig Roast
Groomer Safety Training
111 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
President‐ Joe Sorrento
Vice President‐ Bob Rodgers
Secretary‐ Sue Penhollow
Corresponding Secretary‐ Darlene Gilbert
Treasurer‐ Jackie Dybka
Membership Chair‐ Sandy Colvenback
Sunset Drifters:
Established 1969 ‐ Located in Northeastern Chautauqua County in the Silver Creek‐Irving area ‐ Current
membership 116 ‐ Club members originally put in approximately 17 miles of trail in our area but in
recent years the trails have been taken over by the Cherry Creek Sno‐Goers who do all the grooming
throughout the winter. Our club members still maintain and sign the trails throughout the year. Every
July the club puts on a family picnic for members and for the last two years we've held a ride in picnic in
January for members and other snowmobilers in the area who drop by to join us.
President ‐ Don Dalrymple
V. Pres. ‐ Dave Diefenbach
Treasurer – Mike Logan
Secretary ‐ Paul Erwin
Clinton County District Tom Highers, Director [email protected] (518) 643‐8944 6 Ratcliffe Dr Peru NY 12972
There are five club in Clinton County that maintain 184 miles of corridor trail and 194 miles of secondary
trail.
Mountain Lions Snow Sled Club President ‐ Allision Trucker
Northern Adirondack Trailbreakers President ‐ Larry Trombley
Northern Tier Sno‐Runners President ‐ Charles Lapier
Trailgroomer Snowmobile Club President ‐ Gary Schnieder
Trailfinders Snowmobile Club President ‐ Michael Relation
All five have worked together to produce the first Clinton County Snowmobile Trail Map. They also held
The Second Annual Clinton County Snowmobile Clubs Grass Drag, Vintage Show and Swap Meet. This
year ‘s show will be September 26, 2009 at Airborne International Speedway.
112 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Columbia County District VACANT – PLEASE VOLUNTEER
Cortland County District Rick Burt, Director [email protected] (315) 591‐5650
Cortland County has just experienced one of the best seasons that it has ever seen. With great snow
early in the season we were able to ride every day, from the open of the season until an unfortunate
warm up ended it for us in mid February. Cortland County has proven to be one of the hidden jewels of
snowmobiling in New York State. With over 350 miles of trails split between 9 clubs, you can always find
a different, challenging, and exciting place to ride. Weather you enjoy a technical ride through the
woods or a ride to see some of the most breath taking views anywhere, Cortland County has it all.
With the increase in funding this year, our trails will be even better for years to come. I personally can’t
wait for next season.
I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and landowners who
make this possible year after year. We just wouldn’t be able to enjoy our sport without you.
Twin Bridges Snowmobile Club Inc., McGraw ‐ www.tbsci.com
Marathon Snow Dusters Club Inc., Marathon ‐ www.snowdusters.com
Seven Valley Snow Goers Inc., Cortland ‐ www.svsginc.com
Truxton Trail Riders, Truxton ‐ www.truxtontr.com
Tully Trailblazers, Tully ‐ www.tullytrailblazers.com
Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Inc., Whitney Point ‐ www.ridgeriderswp.org
Trail Hounds Snowmobile Club, Cincinnatus ‐ www.trailhounds.org
Dryden Caroline Drifters Snowmobile Club Inc., Dryden ‐ www.dcdrifters.net
Finger Lakes Trail Runners Inc, Moravia ‐ www.fingerlakestrailrunners.com
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Delaware‐Schoharie District Gerald F. Mitchell, Director [email protected] (607) 967‐7185 223 Latimer Rd Bainbridge NY 13733
Erie County District Hal Fleischman, Director [email protected] 716‐876‐6515 2867 River Rd Buffalo NY 14207
Vic Doino, Alternate [email protected] (716) 627‐3241
Erie County, the largest NYSSA district with over 12,000 registered snowmobiles continues to grow. The
move to larger groomers has paid off and trails this year were better than ever. Most trails remained
open from the end of hunting season in December to the beginning of March. After the relatively low
snow totals of the previous few years a full season of snowmobiling was greatly appreciated. Many
businesses catering to snowmobiling that had just been hanging on through the past lean years came
back to life in a big way. Sales were up and it was nice to see smiles on the faces of both dealers and
riders alike.
The Erie County Federation of Snowmobile clubs representing ten NYSSA clubs works closely with our
county sponsor to provide a quality trail system in Western New York. Our 400 plus miles of trail ‐ many
of them high snowfall ‐ offer many connections to our five surrounding counties. This provides
unlimited riding with many services and destinations. Please contact us through our website at
www2.pcom.net/ecfsc for frequently updated trail conditions, club contacts and further information.
Colden Trail Riders, Colden
Northern Erie Snow Seekers, Akron
Western NY SM Club, Boston
Southern Tier Snowdrifters, N. Colins
Grand Island SM Club, Grand Island
Hamburg SM Club Hamburg
Eden Trailblazers, Eden
Pioneer Snow Surfers, Sardinia
Holland Sno Rascals, Holland
Marilla Sno Mob, Marilla
Essex County District VACANT PLEASE VOLUNTEER!
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Franklin County District VACANT PLEASE VOLUNTEER!
Fulton County District Charles Rose [email protected] (518) 725‐9446 514 CO. HWY. 125 Gloversville NY 12078
Emory Chase [email protected]
Fulton County Clubs:
Bleecker Snow Rovers
Nick Stoner Trailers
Oppenheim Trailblazers
Royal Mountain Moonlighters
Snowdrifters Of Stratford
Southern Adirondack Snowmobile Club
Clubs That Also Groom in Fulton County:
Charlton Snowmobile Club
Ful‐mont Snow Travelers
Fulton County Association:
Gateway To The Adirondacks Trail and Snowmobile Association Inc.
Fulton County Clubs are all NYSSA members.
Fulton County Clubs groom 168 miles of funded trails.
Fulton County welcomed a new club, Royal Mountain Moonlighters to the association and the NYSSA.
The 2008‐2009 snowmobile season in Fulton County saw early snow and plenty of it. This enables clubs
to do an excellent job grooming their trails and gave them ample snow to hold their events. Several
clubs held Poker Runs and events for children.
The preseason work of bridge repair, signing, and the removal of brush from trails adds to the safety of
the Fulton County trails.
I would like to thank all the volunteers that take time to help out on the trail system.
115 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Genesee County District Gerry Ivison, Director [email protected] 585.548.9951 6775 Townline Rd. Byron NY 14422
Genesee County Snowmobile Association PO Box 58 Byron, NY 14422 www.gencosnowmobileassoc.com
Genesee County Assoc. Officers: Phone E‐mail
President Kevin Fisher 585.409.6628
Vice President Ken Radley 585.356.2709 [email protected]
Treasurer Ginny Ivison 585.548.9951 [email protected]
Secretary Gerry Ivison 585.548.9951 givison
@rochester.rr.com
Trail Coordinator Doug Hagen 585.948.9603
Member Clubs: Web Site Corrid. Miles–Second.Miles
Caledonia Trail Blazers www.caledoniatrailblazers.com 0 11
Genesee Sno‐Packers www.geneseesnopackers.com 93 37
Marilla SnoMob www.marilla‐snomob‐sc‐com 4 0
Northern Erie SnoSeekers www.snoseekers.com 5 0
Sleds Of Stafford www.sledsofstafford.com 52 22
Totals: 214 154 70
The Genesee County Assoc. is made up of five member clubs that have funded mileage in this county.
Caledonia Trail Blazers are located in Livingston County. Marilla SnoMob and Northern Erie SnoSeekers
are located in Erie County. I assume detailed information regarding these three clubs will be reported
under their home county.
Genesee Sno‐Packers Snowmobile Club Inc, P.O. Box 62, Oakfield, NY 14125
Kevin Fisher is President of this club that has over 550 members. They have facilities that
consist of two buildings that serve as club house, office, and groomer barn/repair shop. Four “class A”
groomers are operated on trails that cover mainly the western half of Genesee County. A very satisfying
event, usually held the Saturday after the super bowl, provides snowmobile rides and activities for those
with “Special Needs” and their families. The annual “Old Dog’s” ride – over a 10 mile ride for vintage
116 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
sled owners is a Parks permitted event. A fund raising ride and open house are held when snow
conditions permit. Two weeks after Nyssa’s forum the Sno‐packers have their annual awards banquet
where they recognize their outstanding members. Oct. is the usual date for the Landowner Chicken
BBQ/ Sled and Accessory Show. Complete chicken dinners are delivered to the landowners to thank
them for the use of their land. Christmas time has brought an “adopt a family” program where the club
has given gifts, clothes, and complete meal food items for needy families. Much time and energy has
been spent trying to gain permission from county and town agencies to install a bridge on Sour Springs
Rd. corridor C4G.
Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club Inc. P.O. Box 709, Stafford, NY 14143
Ken Radley has served many years as President of this club of close to 500 members. Three
“class A” groomers cover mainly the eastern half of Genesee County. The club would like to build a new
facility to house their groomer fleet rather than a building donated by a local business. SOS also has a
landowner chicken BBQ planned for May 17, 2009 where they deliver chicken dinners to landowners in
appreciation of the use of their land. The club has two annual events, The SOS Golf Tournament (June
28, 2009) and their Vintage Sled / Snowmobile and Accessories show (Sept. 13, 2009) both are held at
BW’s in Pavilion NY. The SOS Steak Roast is planned for Nov.21, 2009, a major fund raiser highlighted
with numerous raffles and door prizes for all. Mercy Flight, the local air ambulance service has been
given a fairly sizeable donation as a result of club fund raisers. Several members participate in, and many
donate to the NYS Pink Ribbon Riders event each year.
Genesee County Snowmobile Assoc.
The Assoc. has elected for the second year, to participate in the Satellite Step Program to self‐
inspect trails county‐wide for consistent safe trail signage. Several people were certified as Genesee Co.
Safe Trails Advisors and many others from outside the county attended a signing course led by Dave
Perkins on Oct.9 2008. Three Snowmobile Safety Education classes were held across the county with
over 120 youth and adults participating. Groomer Operator Safety Guidelines were updated and
operator safety classes were conducted by both major clubs. County trail maps were printed and are
available for sale at business sponsor locations. The County Assoc. has committed to maintenance and
conversion to a multi use trail if abandonment occurs of a section of Norfolk Southern RR in the
Alexander and Attica area.
THANK YOU to all LANDOWNERS and BUSINESS SPONSORS for their support.
Hamilton County District Aaron Fischer, Director [email protected] (315) 480‐8082 8627 Stephens Rd Canastota NY 13032
John Buckley, Alternate [email protected] (518) 439‐4761 40 Summit Rd Delmar NY 12054
117 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Herkimer County District Mike Denapole, Director [email protected] (315) 866‐0517 446 Folts Rd Herkimer NY 13350
Don Roark, Alternate [email protected] (315) 822‐6428 129 Wall St West Winfield NY 13491
This district has over 470 miles of funded trails, which are maintained by 11 clubs. These clubs
have spent over $1,500,000 on new and reconditioned grooming equipment over the last 10 years. It
cost a lot of money to provide good trails!
Fund raisers for supplement the trail fund and pay other club expenses include $100.00 ticket
raffle parties, raffles, dinners, breakfasts, poker runs, clam bakes, auctions, swap meet, antique
snowmobile shows, amateur and professional races, hog roast and donations.
Major events to promote snowmobiling and also raise money include Herkimer Co. Power
Sports Expo, both hosted by E Herkimer Sno‐Riders, annual “Snow Bash”, held by the Ohio Ridge Riders,
the statewide “Grooming Equipment Show & Workshop” hosted by the Salisbury Ridgerunners and
$100.00 Raffle Parties held by Salisbury Ridgerunners, E Herkimer Sno‐Riders, Ohio Ridge Riders, Ilion
Sno‐drifters and West Canada Trail Riders.
We have built a strong alliance with the business community and our clubs. The Herkimer
County Snowmobile Trail & Trade Association (HCST&TA). HCST&TA is a member of the Chamber of
Commerce and works closely with the chamber to promote tourism and the local economy.
The HCST&TA has donated $1000 to Easter Seals and the 08 NYSSA Forum on behalf of it’s
Clubs.
Salisbury Ridgerunners have hosted the 13th Annual NYS Snowmobile Trail Grooming
Equipment Show and Workshop. 1325 people have completed the Snowmobile Trail Grooming seminar
to date!
Additionally, NYSSA and Salisbury certified instructors provided a Snowmobile Trail Grooming
seminar at the NYSSA Forum in April.
Efforts continue on behalf of the Ohio Ridge Riders for major work on the C‐4 trail from Bull Hill
Road to Jerseyfield Road.
Concerns and Ideas have been brought to NYSSA form the HCST&TA Clubs for action.
118 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Jefferson County District Francis (“Fritz”) Delaney, Director [email protected] (315) 783‐2978 PO Box 351 Clayton NY 13624
Jefferson County is located in northern New York state bounded by the St Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, St Lawrence County, Lewis County and Oswego County. Jefferson County is one of the leading destinations for family vacations, with the beauty of the St. Lawrence and its great fishing; to Lake Ontario; its boating and fishing; the Black River; the best white water rafting in the state; to 173 miles of snowmobile trails connected to the snowmobile capital of eastern United States (Tug Hill).
My district has 4 snowmobile clubs, Missing Link Snowmobile Club, Barnes Corners Snow Pals, Winona Forest Recreation Association and my club, the 1000 Islands Snowmobile Club. The 1000 Islands Club is the only club in the county that has its 82 miles of trails completely within Jefferson County. The clubs maintains this trail that connects the villages of Redwood, AlexBay, Clayton, and Cape Vincent along the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario and the village of Chaumont. This trail runs along the St. Lawrence River with panoramic views of this majestic river and across long stretches of rolling farm lands to winding forest trails.
The 1000 Islands club, a very active club with its 350 plus members, has taken on several programs to promote snowmobiling and its public awareness. They sponsored 2 young snowmobiler safety classes. They also held a “ride in” for the benefit of 1000 Islands Emergency Rescue Services (TIERS). As a fund raiser they participated in the Clayton Sno‐Fest plus held several raffles to raise money and were able to buy their second class A groomer this year.
Lewis County District Jason Kowalczyk, Director [email protected] (315) 214‐0168 321 Church St North Syracuse NY 13212
Gary Stinson, Alternate [email protected]
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Barnes Corners Sno‐Pals ‐ http://www.sno‐pals.com/
Brantingham Snowmobile Club Inc. ‐ http://brantinghamsnomads.org/
Club Cedar Pine, Inc. ‐ http://www.snowmobilingusa.com/
Long Pond Sno Sled Club,Inc ‐ http://www.longpond.freeservers.com/
Lost Trail ‐ http://www.losttrailclub.com/
Missing Link Snowmobile Club ‐ http://www.missinglinksnow.com/
Osceola Snowmobile Club
Plateau Riders Inc. ‐ http://www.timberview.com/
Southern Tug Hill Sno‐Riders Inc. ‐ http://southerntughillsnowmobileclub.com/
Valley Snow Travelers of Lewis County, Inc. ‐ http://valleysnowtravelers.org/
With over 1,000 miles of prime, groomed trails in the Tug Hill Region, it is arguably the premier
snowmobile destination in New York State. With short trips averaging ten to fifteen miles between
stops, it is a great place to bring the family, young and old!
We have had great riding conditions from early December through late March this season. Last
year, several clubs groomed until mid‐April.
We would like to thank all club members that donated to clubs in Lewis County.
Barnes Corners Sno‐Pals will be holding the 7th Annual SNIRT run next year on April 10, 2010.
With over 1,300 riders last year, it has become the season‐closing event in New York State. We hope to
see you all there next year. Please see http://sno‐pals.com/snirt.htm for more information.
We hope everyone has a great year and that we'll be riding before 2010!
Madison County District Elwin Goff, Director 3829 Mosley Rd Cazenovia, NY 13035 Email: [email protected] Cell: 315‐447‐7616
Kyle Hirt, Alternate 11 Sims Lane Cazenovia, NY 13035 Email: [email protected] Cell: 315‐750‐8640
Madison County Association of Snowmobile Clubs (MCASC)
Website: www.snowmobilemadisoncounty.org MCASC OFFICERS: PRESIDENT: Kyle Hirt, [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT: Elwin Goff, [email protected] TREASURER: Rich Taber, [email protected] SECRETARY: Art Paul, [email protected]
120 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Riding your snowmobile in Madison County will offer you some of the most interesting and beautiful
trails in New York State. Our trails offer you open fields with views that stretch for miles, winding state
and private woodland trails abounding with wildlife and scenic views of natural as well as manmade
attractions. You can enjoy the windmills high above the hilltops in Fenner while experiencing a
spectacular view of Oneida Lake and sometimes the shores of Lake Ontario. We also offer you a
breathtaking view of Chittenango Falls or a peaceful ride along the historic towpath of the Old Erie Canal
with trails leading north to the shore of Oneida Lake. After you have enjoyed our trails, you will always
be welcomed by the owners of many businesses that support snowmobiling throughout the County. We
also have something that no other county can offer; Madison County is home to our NYSSA President,
Mike Fischer.
MCASC is an association with seven (7) Member Clubs that are responsible for all the grooming, signing
and maintaining the 163 miles of Class A Corridors and 178 miles of Class A Secondary Trails. Three (3)
of the Madison County Clubs (Chittenango Polar Bears, Moonlight Riders and Snow Valley Riders)
maintain trails within the county while the remaining four (4) Clubs have multi‐county trails. Within the
county, all seven (7) Clubs groom the 341 miles of trails using Class A groomers with 8‐12 foot wide
drags. All of our Clubs continue to develop, sign and maintain the trails to be as safe as possible and
hold many youthful operator safety courses.
MEMBER CLUBS
CNY Snow Travelers Chittenango Polar Bears
P O Box 53 P O Box 111
Deansboro, NY 13328 Chittenango, NY 13037
www.cnysnowtravelers.com www.chittenangopolarbears.com
President: David Adams President: Jim Weaver
Moonlight Riders Shasta
P O Box 656 P O Box 37
Morrisville, NY 13408 Sherburne, NY 13460
www.moonlightriders.com [email protected]
President: Rich Taber President:
Snow Valley Riders South Shore Trailblazers
P O Box 104 P O Box 658
Cazenovia, NY 13035 Bridgeport, NY 13030
www.snowvalleyriders.com www.southshoretrailblazers.com
President: Elwin Goff President: Scott Fields
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Tri‐Valley Trailriders
P O Box 600
Oneida, NY 13421
www.tri‐valleytrailriders.com
President: Bill Vineall
Monroe‐Livingston District Randy Gurnsey<, Director [email protected] (585) 589‐9031 14107 Gillette Road Albion NY 14411
Jim Meyer, Alt (resigned 3/2009) [email protected]
Montgomery‐Schenectady District Jim Bode, Director 1077 Old Trail Rd. Fonda, NY 12068 [email protected] (518) 853‐1381
Schenectady County:
Frontier Sno Riders Snowmobile Club
Montgomery County:
Forest Preserve Users, Inc.
Ful‐Mont Snow Travelers, Inc.
Town of Florida Snowmobile Club
Charlton Snowmobile Club
These clubs maintain 192 miles of trail in Montgomery County.
All clubs are NYSSA members and are members of the
MOHAWK VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB, INC , the County association
Several youth safety classes were conducted by our clubs.
The area received plenty of early snow and continuous cold weather which led to the best season in
years with excellent trail conditions throughout Montgomery and Schenectady Counties. By mid to late
February some trails were closed due to low snow cover.
122 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
I served on the NYSSA Committee for Membership Software, investing well over 1000 hours in
development, testing, and financial accounting for that program.
I also served as the NYSSA GPS Program Director assisting many clubs in their trail GPS work and data
preparation.
Nassau‐Suffolk District Don Barrett, Director [email protected]
Niagara County District Gary J. Broderick, Director (716) 731‐1719 5785 West Street Sanborn NY 14132‐9206 E‐mail: [email protected]
Niagara County Snowmobile Federation
3747 Lockport Road
Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716‐807‐7002
Clubs of N.C.S.F:
Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs Snowmobile Club, Inc. (www.snochiefs.net)
Northern Erie Sno‐Seekers Snowmobile Club, Inc. (N.E.S.S.) (www.snoseekers.net)
The Pendleton Snowmobile Club
70 Miles of funded Trails
16 Miles of Unfunded Trails
Trail Grooming Equipment County Wide
3 Class A Groomers, 1 Class C Groomer
Members
Families 1500+
Business (business owners join as individual members)
Summary of Season/District Issues, Problems and Accomplishments:
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This year, Niagara County received funding for our previous year’s trails based on GIS data
usage‐we are trying to get our entire system GPS’d properly, though seeing how some counties GPS data
is being disregarded by OPRHP, it has slowed down on our priority list. The Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs and the
Northern Erie Sno‐Seekers, working together continue to build more trails. We are working on opening
a section of trail on the canal banks, though we are hitting roadblocks at the state and local level. We
are working with Senator Maziarz’ office to convince the Canal Corporation that a trail connecting
Niagara and Orleans County will be beneficial to many, including businesses along the canal. We have
begun meeting with municipalities to request their backing‐we have met with mixed success. Niagara
County has passed a resolution supporting our efforts. NESS and Shawnee’s expansion requires
countless hours of courting land‐owners, businesses, County and municipalities. This expansion also
requires numerous man‐hours getting landowner permissions, laying out the trails, clearing the trails
(trees, bushes, etc.) and several bridge building projects. We continue to have major problems with ATV
riders on designated snowmobile trails. Most of the land our trails are on is privately held and
agricultural in nature‐destruction on these properties costs our farmers money. Local law enforcement
lacks funding to help. NY State Parks Police have been very active and visible on our trails this year,
along with assisting the Sno‐Chiefs teaching a NY State Snowmobile Safety Course.
This winter’s snow cover was excellent and lasting! We had cover in December, up until the post
Christmas Warm‐up, then in January and the first half of Feb. In March, we got some cold temps and
snow back‐all in all, it was a great season for us!
Our membership continues to increase‐we have an active public relations campaign using both
television and print media. Shawnee bought a 1995 Bombardier BR‐160 and Mogul Master Drag
(trading in the 1978 SV‐301 Groomer and the 1976 SV‐301). Shawnee kept the 1992 BR‐60 Plus and the
small class ‘C’ machine. N.E.S.S. continues their ‘One Groomer’ philosophy with a BR‐180. Additionally,
Shawnee purchased a Groomer Storage and Maintenance Building from a local fire company to keep
and store all club property.
We continue to work with our local Senator’s office along with the Niagara County Legislature to
promote tourism throughout the county and state, to include ‘Riding to the Falls’. We continue working
with our county sponsor to become involved with Greenway funding in Niagara County.
The Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs annual Grass Drags at the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company continues
to draw crowds and is the number one fundraiser for the club. The club introduced a local restaurant
chili cook‐off with public judging and trophies‐giving our sponsoring restaurants some ‘face time’ with
potential customers. This is one the top Amateur Grass Drag Events in New York. This year’s event will
be on Sept. 26, 2009.
Niagara County joined with the Erie County Snowmobile Federation to build a Erie/Niagara
County Trail Guide again this year. This guide is a professional level guide produced showing Niagara
County and Erie County trails. The federation, clubs and dealers/ sponsors have all made income from
this trail guide. We would like to thank all of our local businesses for supporting us in this and many
other endeavors!
124 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
For more info on riding in Niagara County, check Shawnee’s website: www.snochiefs.net and
the NESS website at www.snoseekers.com.
Contact Information:
Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs Snowmobile Club, Inc. www.snochiefs.net
3747 Lockport Road
Sanborn, NY 14132
716‐807‐7002
N.E.S.S. www.snoseekers.com P.O. Box 167 Akron, NY 14001 Sno‐Phone 716‐741‐NESS (6377)
The Pendleton Snowmobile Club 5707 Oak Lane Lockport, NY 14094 716‐434‐9932
Oneida County District Bill Hajdasz, Director [email protected]
Oneida County Area Snowmobile Association PO Box 1484 Rome, NY 13442 President: Jim Rolf Secretary: Bill Hajdasz Treasurer: Dave Leonard
Clubs of OCASA
CNY Snow Travelers
Deerfield Snow Trails
EZ Riders Snowmobile Club
Lost Trail Snowmobile Club
Oriska Sno Drifters
Penn Mountain Snow Riders
Taberg Trail Blazers
TC Riders Snowmobile Club
Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club
Trailbusters Snowmobile Club
Tri‐Valley Trail Riders
West Rome Riders
Summary of 2008/09 season
Oneida County has had a wonderful season. Snow came in November around many parts of the County
and lasted until mid‐ March for the Northern areas. With over 475 miles of funded trails, the second
most statewide, and an unknown number of club trails, along with being in a populated area allowing
for great infrastructure to fully accommodate the snowmobile traffic, Oneida County has become a
125 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
snowmobile destination for many. Twelve clubs make up OCASA with many of these clubs providing
trails into Madison, Lewis and Herkimer Counties as well. These trail systems connect to both the
Adirondack Park and the Tug Hill regions in the northern parts of the county and into the Tassel Hill/
Brookfield State Trails in the southern parts.
Oneida County also has the second most registered sleds and leads the state in the number of Club
members, according to last year’s numbers. Club membership was even higher than last season,
according to Club reports. Two Clubs were presented with monetary awards from two downstate non‐
trail maintenance clubs at the 07‐08 NYSSA Forum. These much appreciated awards were put to good
use in helping repair a groomer and clean up a trail that was heavily damaged from a major wind storm.
Thanks goes out to these clubs for recognizing our clubs.
This past February, OCASA helped host the Polaris National Dealers Convention by providing both the
trails and tour guides for the dealers to try out the new Polaris Rush. Dealer Representatives, and some
professional racers including Levi Lavalle, were led on 30 mile loops of the trail system in the Rome, Lee,
Taberg and Westernville areas. Many compliments were made to our guides on how well signed and
nicely groomed the trails were.
Many clubs including Lost Trails, TC Riders, Trailbusters and Trackside all put new grooming equipment
to work keeping the trails smooth, with each club clocking over 500 hrs on each. Other clubs also
updated their older equipment with newer machines. With all the groomers out and the amount of
snow that kept falling, there were some break downs. However no one would ever know due to the
cooperative effort from the neighboring clubs to either groom or donate their groomer to the club with
the breakdown leaving the trails smooth.
Even though the snow came early, all the clubs were able to get the trails ready for the season by
getting out in September and October to do the brushing and reroutes. Most of the reroutes that were
reported were very small and/or were made to help improve the safety of the trail system. A large
number of bridges were either replaced or redecked and additional signing was installed throughout the
entire County.
In between the grooming and trail maintenance going on, many clubs had some very successful
fundraising events as well. Deerfield held their annual chicken barbeque selling over 300 halves of
chicken in just a little over 3 hours. The TC Riders began holding pancake breakfasts on Saturday
mornings at their groomer barn which also turned into a great event for them. Trailbusters kicked off a
fundraising campaign to replace their 1989 Piston Bully by having a trailside party. Penn Mtn. held an
antique sled ride‐in and trail party at the very popular OD6 junction with a great turn out for them as
well. The CNY Snow Travelers held their annual antique snowmobile show and chicken barbeque and
reported that it was their biggest turnout of antique and vintage sleds ever. Lost Trails has teamed up
with the Boonville Snow Festival in hosting the Adirondack Cup ice racing event at the Boonville Fair
Grounds. This event is so big it lasts three days. There is a torch light snowmobile parade kicking off the
weekend on Friday night, and then the racing begins Saturday with the Adirondack Cup being awarded
Sunday afternoon. Lost Trails is proud to announce that Andy Seelman, who is a charter member and
126 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
still very active, as the Parade Marshall for the Snow Festival. West Rome held their annual Charity Ride
with the money raised going to a local church preschool in the Rome area. All clubs reported that their
fundraising events went over with good results.
After the grooming, brushing/signing, and fundraising was done all the clubs continued to stay busy with
helping out the communities they reside in. Each club held at least one NYS Snowmobile Safety Class,
while some clubs held two. The classes had between 30 and 60 kids and adults attend them as well. This
means over 500 snowmobilers participated in a safety class in Oneida County alone. OCASA hosted a
NYSOPRHP Groomer Safety seminar and a NYSSA Step Signage class as well. Both classes had a very
good turnout and helped to inform club members of proper grooming and signing techniques.
Trailbusters awarded its annual $250 scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in technology. Other
clubs donated to their local fire departments or other Charities in need of help.
Oneida County clubs are dedicated to improving the trails and the image of snowmobiling statewide.
Onondaga County District Ernest J. Roosevelt, Director [email protected] (315) 214‐5436 100 Steele Rd Camillus NY 13031‐1922
Tim Taylor, Alternate [email protected]
ONONDAGA COUNTY SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION PO BOX 392
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13215
This season Onondaga clubs have maintained almost 300 miles of trails, both funded and unfunded. All
clubs had a good year with plenty of snow, minimal problems with closings and accidents were also
down. The trails were in good shape, but that was difficult because of the delay in receiving the Trail
Fund money.
Although money was tight the clubs made significant donations to charities as is the case every year.
The charities which benefited include: Care Packages for Troops, THANK OUR TROOPS, Food Pantries,
churches, Volunteer Fire Departments, Easter Seals, SPCA, High Schools, Outreach, American Legion,
VFW, Lions Club and Breast Cancer.
TULLY TRAILBLAZERS...Donated a total of $930.00 including several Volunteer Fire Departments, Thank
Our Troops and Easter Seals.
TOAD HOLLOW... Replaced their groomer and donated more than $2,000.00 including area residents
who experienced medical problems, support for troops and Easter Seals.
MARCELLUS SNOWMOBILE CLUB...Donated $600.00 to various causes including a person with a serious
medical problem, an After Prom High School Party and the SPCA.
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LAFAYETTE TRAIL RIDERS...Held several hill climbs including their "Climb for the Cure" to benefit Breast
Cancer Awarness. In addition they donated $1,350.00 including College Scholarships and several other
charities like American Legion, VFW and Outreach.
SNOW OWLS CICERO/CLAY...Participated in the Clay Ride for Kids Day. They also replaced their Bombi
groomer with a Polaris Ranger with Tracks. This smaller unit is working well on their trail which is
essentially flat andis adjacent to some developed areas. They donated $100.00 to THANK OUR TROOPS.
They also held Snowmobile Safety Classes.
FULTON AREA SNOW TRAVELERS...Made improvements to their trail system and 25 students passed
through their Safety Training Course.
CAMILLUS SNOWMOBILE CLUB...Held their annual event for Mentally Challenged People which
consisted of snowmobile rides and a cookout for about 150.
The ongoing effort to encourage local media to present snowmobiling in a positive light continued with
good progress. Local television stations have shown segments promoting safety and courteous riding
and the local paper has included snowmobile news and has suggested a column devoted to
snowmobiling. They also published a letter calling for respect for landowners.
Ontario County District Matt Schaertl (certified in March)
Orange‐Sullivan District Kevin Makuen, Director [email protected] (845) 222‐6427 30 Maple Ave Goshen, NY 10924
Carl Vogt, Alternate [email protected] 915 Route 284 Westtown, NY 10998
Clubs
Rock Tavern Snowriders – www.rocktavernsnoriders.com
Greenwood Lake Snoballers – www.nysnowmobilers.com
Sullivan County Trail Association –www.sctrailassoc.com
Rock Tavern Snow Riders sign, maintain and groom 40 miles of unfunded trails at Stewart State Forest.
This year the Vice President built a home‐made groomer which worked great to maintain a large amount
128 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
of snow fall accumulated this year. A large membership base helped fund grooming and maintenance
costs. Future plans include purchase of a SkiDoo Skandic for better grooming efficiency.
Greenwood lake has no trail system available due to rapid development in their area. This club does
provide valuable information to its members who cannot attend monthly meetings at clubs where they
ride. They also provide safety classes several times per year to help educate young riders coming into
the sport.
Sullivan County Trail Association has over 30 miles of State funded trails in the Willowemoc Wild Forest
Preserve. They use 3 SkiDoo Skandic and Mogulmaster combos to groom their trails. Their large
membership is actively trying to connect to the trails in Delaware County. Elevation restrictions and
landowner issues have prevented this from occurring. The club is trying hard to find new routes and
solutions. Sullivan County also provides several safety classes a year to help educate new riders.
Orleans County District Sean Mullen, Director [email protected] (585)746-9110
Orleans County is nestled on the southern shore of Lake Ontario between Rochester and Niagara Falls. We have approximately 150 miles of funded and unfunded trail. Trails range from open farm fields and woods, to an abandoned railway corridor and the Erie Canal towpath. Orleans County has the only road and subsequent snowmobile trail in New York State that runs under the Erie Canal. The Orleans county district is made up of the Orleans County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (http://ocfsc.net), the Orleans County Snowdrifters
(http://orleanscountysnowdifters.com), and the Southern Orleans Trailblazers (http://southern‐orleans‐
trailblazers.net).
The Orleans County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Inc. was incorporated November 16, 2004.
The Orleans County Snowdrifters were incorporated December 2, 1975 as the Lyndonville Snowpackers.
The Snowdrifters have 426 members and their main fundraiser is their annual pancake breakfast that is
held on Super Bowl Sunday. Every Christmas the club participates in Adopt a Family. This program
helps a needy family in the county.
The Southern Orleans Trailblazers were incorporated October 27, 2004. The Trailblazers have 169
members and hold an annual grass drag at the Murray Tractor Pull Field as their main fundraiser.
129 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
This was our first year as a single county district. We held two safety courses and certified 70 youth and
adults. We are working closely with our county sponsor through the Planning and Tourism Dept.
(http://www.orleanscountytourism.com).
The Orleans County Legislature adopted the following resolution on December 23, 2008 in support of
snowmobile use on canal lands.
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Oswego County District Dan Middleton, Director 315‐668‐2127 [email protected] 108 Baum Rd Hastings NY 13076
John Crane, Alternate
Oswego County Snowmobile Association, Inc
An association of the ten snowmobile clubs of Oswego County, New York and surrounding area
Fulton Area Snow Travelers, Inc.
P.O. Box 434 Phoenix, NY 13135
(315) 695‐3835
Web: www.fastsnowclub.org
E‐Mail: [email protected]
Kasoag Lake Trailblazers, Inc.
64 Cox Road Williamstown, NY 13493
(315) 964‐2561
Web: www.kasoagtrailblazers.com
E‐Mail: [email protected]
Mexico Trail Riders, Inc.
PO Box 564 Mexico, NY 13114‐0564
Web: www.mexicotrailriders.com
E‐Mail: [email protected]
Pulaski ‐ Boylston Snowmobile Club, Inc.
5001 US Route 11 Pulaski, NY 13142
Trail Info Hotline ‐ Phone: (315) 298‐3255
Web: www.pulaski‐boylstonsnow.com
E‐Mail: secretary@pulaski‐boylstonsnow.com
Redfield Snowmobile And Recreation Club, Inc.
4971 County Route 17 Redfield, NY 13437
(315) 599‐7762
Square Valley Trail Blazers, Inc.
PO Box 846 Central Square, NY 13036
(315) 668‐9945
Web: www.squarevalley.org
E‐Mail: [email protected]
Snow Owls of Cicero / Clay
P.O. Box 278 Clay NY 13041
(315) 699‐3269
Web: N/A
E‐Mail: [email protected]
The Sterling Trail Tamers
PO Box 155 Sterling, NY 13156
(315) 947‐5383 (315) 591‐0851
Web: www.sterlingtrailtamers.com
E‐Mail: [email protected]
Winona Forest Recreation Association
4920 N. Jefferson St., 3R Pulaski, NY, 13142
Office (315) 298‐6993
Trail Steward (315) 465‐6536
Web: www.winonaforest.com
Email: [email protected]
Vanderbilt Snowmobile Club, Inc.
PO Box 332 Constantia, NY 13044
(315)‐675‐3663
Web: www.vanderbilt.snowclubs.com
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Otsego County District Jon Karker [email protected]
Robert Korosec, Alternate
Putnam‐Westchester‐Dutchess District John Occhino, District Director & Hudson Region Director [email protected] (845) 225‐3140 PO Box 1063 Carmel NY 10512
I am the District Director for Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess regions as of December 1, 2004 and newly appointed as the Hudson Valley Regional Director.
Our region, unfortunately, does not have any NYState funded trails, but we are aware of the needs in the other counties that have trails and what it takes to maintain the extensive system. As a member and President of the Snowrats Snowmobile Club, Inc in Dutchess County, we are dedicated to helping our clubs in the areas we, as members, ride. Now that I am the Regional Director of the Hudson Valley, I intend to visit all the clubs in this area to make sure they are all aware of what in happening within our association. As a club President, I take pride in the ongoing support of my members to continue the public awareness of snowmobiling and the impact it has on our economy.
The Snowrats Snowmobile Club, Inc. over the past 4 years, has dedicated countless hours to the development and maintenance to a trail system in Lake Taghaknic, of Ancram, NY, located in Columbia County.
With the SRRA bill is now in its third year, it made our club members and our Association grow to a point we will get noticed, we have a voice and they will listen.
In the upcoming year I look forward to more of our clubs getting involved with NYSSA and to support the Association all year round.
Rennselear County District John Linton, Director [email protected] (518) 733‐0469 995 Rt 43 Stephentown NY 12168
Scott Newell, Alternate [email protected]
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Rockland County District Vacant – Please Volunteer!
Saratoga County District Robert Bryant, Director [email protected] (518) 882‐9543 1673 Perth Rd Hagaman NY 12086
Kathi Bryant, Alternate [email protected]
The clubs in Saratoga County got an early start this year on trails when we were hit with a snowstorm in
the middle of December. This caused many problems because the ground was not frozen when the
snow came and it left a lot of waterholes in the trail. The clubs worked hard filling the holes and making
the trails better . We received a lot of snow throughout the season and the trails were open into the
middle of March. The clubs were kept very busy grooming trails because we saw a lot more riders this
year, many of them families.
In the past year The County Association has sponsored and run a groomer training class by NYS OPRHP.
We held a Chain Saw safety class put on by DEC. The plan for next year is for the County to run another
groomer class in December of 2009, and also hope to run a chain saw safety training class. The clubs
have run many snowmobile safety courses for children as well as adults. The County Planning Dept.
hired a GIS specialist to work on the trail mapping and develop a map for the County clubs to use and is
working to get them on their website. Also the GIS specialist will work on getting the GPS information
into NYS OPRHP on the trails in the County.
The Charlton Snowmobile Club purchased an RTV 1100 Kubota utility vehicle with tracks in 2007 and
used it to groom trails and maintain the trails year round. This year they added a turbo to give it more
power and make it operate more efficient in grooming trail. Sacandaga Club is planning to upgrade their
groomer to a newer one with rubber tracks. Some of the clubs have been widening and straightening
some of their narrow trails.
As a Director, I have been working on The Ways & Means Committee and I am also on the NYS Trail
Council, I am also on two other trail committees to connect trails to Warren and Washington Counties.
134 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
We are also very grateful for the help that we get from Saratoga County and its Planning Dept. It is such a delight that everyone in the county works hand in hand. We have 178 miles of funded trails in Saratoga County which all have been GPS’d. There are 7 clubs in Saratoga County, 6 trail maintaining clubs and 1 social club. They are: Charlton Snowmobile Club Country Trailblazers East Galway Snowmobile Club Lincoln Mountain Snowmobile Club Mohawk Valley Sno‐Bobbers Mulleyville Trail System Snowmobile Club Sacandaga Snowmobile Club. County Association is: Saratoga County Association of Snowmobile Clubs.
Schuyler‐Tompkins District Vacant – Please volunteer!
Seneca County District Vacant – Please Volunteer!
St. Lawrence County District
Dominic “Tony” Testani , Director 315‐344‐2388 [email protected] 2388 128 Lisbon St Heuvelton NY 13654
Craig Laplante, Alternate
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St Lawrence County Snowmobile Association, Inc. www.slcsa.org
P O Box 421
Canton, NY 13617
Phone: 315‐265‐0898‐SLCSA Email: [email protected]
508 Miles of funded Trails – 140 Miles of Unfunded Trails
Trail Grooming Equipment County Wide: 14 Class A Groomers/ 9 Class C Groomers
Members: Individual/Families – 2136 vouchers (3000 +/‐ with family members; business owners join as
individual members)
Clubs of SLCSA:
Boondockers
Childwold SnoPackers
Colton Sno‐Skippers
Cranberry Lake Mountaineers, Inc.
Dairyland Snowmobile Club
Edwards Snowmobile Club
Grasse River Groomers
Hermon Sledders
Heuvelton Punchlock Travelers, Inc.
Tri Town Trailblazers
Landowners
400 Landowners, 4 large land managers, 50 hunting clubs, 32 towns, 5 Villages, 14 Conservation
easements, 12 state forests (7 in forest preserve) 7 Unit Management Plans
Summary of Season/District Issues, Problems and Accomplishments:
SLCSA is very proud of all our accomplishments we have made over the last year with our
grooming equipment. We had a generous donation from our member Walt Planty, owner of Route 11
Trucking, and his staff who rebuilt our 1979 tucker which looks better than new. We are very fortunate
for all the volunteers we have and the donations we have received.
We worked hard to get the most out of our additional Grant‐ in‐Aid funds, knowing that they
may reduce in future years. We were able to pay off an existing loan on our 2006 Tucker, pay our 20
percent of the 2008 Tucker awarded thru our Recreational Trails Grant. We also purchased a new 2009
Tucker and a 2009 Polaris WT. We are now debt free and own 14 Class A groomers and 9 Class C
groomers.
One of our best additions this year has been our two‐way radios in all our groomers and a
dispatcher for each grooming area to report to when they leave and return. We have our own
136 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
dedicated ham frequency to communicate. We also updated beacons in each of our groomers to
provide information to oncoming snowmobile traffic with communicators that a groomer is in the area.
DOT helped us by loaning a permanent counter and a portable counter to place on our trails to
get an idea of traffic flow in our county.
SLCSA took the year off from training classes after offering classes the prior two years for
Grooming, Chainsaw Certification, AANR class, and Step Signage Classes. 2009‐2010 we plan to offer
classes again.
We had meetings with DEC at both state and local level, including the Attorney General
meeting, to try and improve both the North and South ends of our Corridor 8. We are trying to develop
these corridor trails to fit the eight‐foot wide definition of the OPRHP’s Corridors, to make them safer
and help the local economy; while at the same time trying to keep the grooming and maintenance done
on State Lands now under review in environmentally sensitive areas. We will continue to work with
State Agency’s to clarify usage in our seven forest preserve areas and to work with us on alternative
trails when logging occurs in our 14 conservation easements. This would help us resolve our yearly
detours and temporary trail closings. We are not looking for additional mileage ‐ we just want to keep
our existing mileage.
We continue to work with our county chamber to promote tourism throughout the county and
state, with our county trail map. This year we tried a new approach sending out 10,000 postcards to
snowmobilers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other parts of New York State inviting them to send in their
postcard for a free St Lawrence County Map to come to “Big Snow in the Big County”.
SLCSA is celebrating 34 years as a Not‐for‐profit “volunteer” organization dedicated to the
preservation of snowmobiling. For more information on riding in St Lawrence County, check the SLCSA
website: www.slcsa.org.
Steuben‐Yates County District Steve Hubertus, Director [email protected] 607‐324‐6446
Steuben County has about 150 miles of state funded trails. Yates County does not have any state
funded trails at this time.
There is one snowmobile club in Yates County :
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Yates County Snow Travelers Assoc., Inc
President – Matt Yonts
3605 Pepper Road
Bluff Point, New York 14478
Steuben County has three clubs:
Bath Sno‐Flakes Snowmobile Club
President – Bob Clark
6993 County Road No. 15
Bath, New York 14810
E‐mail [email protected]
Ten Towns Snowmobile Club
President – Kress Foster
2270 Taft Road
Canisteo, New York 14823
E‐mail [email protected]
Quad County Snowmobile Club, Inc
President – Rose Schmitt
P.O. Box 219
Naples, New York 14512
E‐mail [email protected]
Our trails offer some dynamic scenery and wildlife. We are in the midst of the Finger Lakes and some of
the best hunting in New York State. Bring your camera!
Tioga‐Chemung District Director: Robert Jennings 1232 Cafferty Hill Rd Endicott, NY 13760 607‐754‐3128 [email protected]
Alternate: Sean Morris 400 Ithaca Road Spencer, NY 14883 607‐589‐4156 [email protected]
There are three clubs in the Tioga/Chemung district that maintain 99 miles of corridor trails and 123
miles of secondary trails.
Candor Valley Riders Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 924, Candor, NY 13743
President – Matt Crowe
Phone: (607) 659‐4923
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Candor Valley Riders Snowmobile Club maintains 83 miles of trail (28 Corridor and 55 secondary) in
Tioga and Tompkins counties.
Spencer‐VanEtten Snowmobile Club, PO Box 550, Spencer, NY 14883
President – David Schrader
Phone: (607) 589‐7467
Spencer‐VanEtten Snowmobile Club maintains 73 miles of trail (23 Corridor and 50 secondary) in
Chemung, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins counties.
Tioga Ridge Runners, PO Box 578, Owego, NY 13827
President – Mike Worzel
Phone: (607) 687‐8998
Tioga Ridge Runners maintain 66 miles of trail (48 Corridor and 18 secondary) in Tioga and Broome
counties.
Ulster County District John Hart 1575 Lucas Avenue Cottekill, NY 12419 845‐687‐4317 (H)
Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club, Pine Bush (156 Members)
NYSSA Club of the Year – 2006 (covers parts of Ulster, Orange, and Sullivan Counties)
http://www.ShawangunkSnowmobile.com
Tawaeri Taqui Trailblazers, Cottekill (166 Members)
http://www.Tawaeri.com
Trail mileage: The area has lost nearly all of its “Club trails” due to increasing development pressure
from NYC residents moving northward after the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.
Grooming equipment: none. The Shawangunk club maintains a Skidoo Skandic and rescue toboggan as a
self‐contained unit on its own dedicated trailer, which is available for winter emergencies.
Summary of Season: Local riding was good this year for those lucky enough to have farmland nearby.
Each club planned trips; Shawangunk to Speculator and Tug Hill, Tawaeri to Vermont, Tug Hill, Rome,
and British Columbia. Between 25‐60 people attended each trip with an estimated economic impact of
$10,000 ‐ $30,000 per trip. This is up from 2007‐08 mainly due to the lower price of gas.
These clubs are extremely active politically, as some of the most influential Senators and
Assemblypersons are from our District.
139 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Issues/Problems/Accomplishments : These clubs have long been considered “social clubs” but this is far
from being true. Although due to geography and inconsistent cold weather they cannot maintain funded
trails, they actively support snowmobiling in many ways. Safety courses (Shawangunk held one, Tawaeri
three) continue to be held. Club fundraisers were very successful and allowed us to continue to support
NYSSA monetarily, as well as give back to the communities in which we live and ride. SSRC promoted
snowmobiling as a fun, safe family activity by participating in the Wurtsboro Winter Festival.
Donations:
Shawangunk donated $1,240 this season to the Delaware Valley Ridge Riders
Snowmobile Club in Delaware County for safety signage. Tawaeri donated $1,200
to T.C.Riders, West Rome Riders and Taberg Trailblazers.
Richard Rozzi, Director at Large and NYSSA Super Raffle Co‐Chair, is a member of
Shawangunk. Anne O’Dell, formerly Ulster County District Director, is a member
of Shawangunk. Anne was awarded NYSSA 2008 Snowmobiler of the Year and is
also Chair of the NYS Trails Council.
Warren County District Mike Hill, Director [email protected] (518) 494‐4548
Washington County District Barry E. Wilson, Director [email protected]
Keith Elms, Alternate
As always Washington County Snowmobile Association consists of 9 hardworking clubs. These clubs
include: Kingsbury Barnstormers, Hartford Ridge Riders, N.W.C. Trailblazers, Granville Border Riders,
Sno‐Kats of Easton, New Adirondack Riders, Battenkill Snow Drifters, Hoosic Trail Masters, and
Greenwich Trailblazers. We are located in Eastern NY, bordering Vermont’s VAST system. To our west is
Glens Falls, Saratoga is to our south, and our county sits both south & north of picturesque Lake
George.
Our Association has been in existence for 36 plus years. With the dedication of our numerous
volunteers, we hold the confidence of our land owners, and County government. They clearly see the
countless hours and commitment we dedicate to the sport of snowmobiling.
Washington County clubs are proud of the many sponsored events they participate in to give back to the
community. These projects include Easter Seals, Pink Ribbon Riders & Support Our Troops, Blood Drives,
Cancer Benefits, Bob Waite Memorial Golf Tournament which funds the Bob Waite Memorial Awards
140 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Program, Sponsored Rescue Sled, and Safety Courses for kids and adults, Training Programs that include
the NYSSA Step Program and Grooming Techniques & safety classes and chain saw safety. Our clubs are
on call with the local emergency departments to help if the need arises.
This year we sponsored an economic survey within the County to help improve our relations with not
only the Tourism & Planning Council, but the other County departments as well.
And one event we are very proud of is the Bob Waite Memorial Award. Bob was instrumental in the
organization of our County Snowmobile Association and also New York State Snowmobile Coordinating
Group‐ the forerunner to NYSSA. This award is given to 12 deserving students within the school
districts of where our trails run‐ to recognize their dedication to their community: be it their family,
school, church or home community, regardless of their academic standings or future education plans.
Washington County Clubs have worked hard to obtain trails throughout every section of the County.
They are visibly marked and groomed. We owe this achievement to the Step Program. This program put
us all on the same page, enjoying safe well marked trails. We had significant snowfall on our 360 miles
of funded trails this year which was beneficial for the County at all levels.
No complaints here, just “What a great day for snowmobiling”.
Wayne County District David VanDerlinde, Director [email protected] (315) 923‐7653 235 Elm St Clyde NY 14433
This year, the clubs in Wayne County have joined together to form the Wayne County Snowmobile
Federation. The Federation has been tasked with coordinating the production of a single map for the
snowmobile trails located in the County. All of the clubs worked together to greatly improve upon what
had previously been done. We are making progress at resource sharing and looking forward to working
together on future activities and endeavors.
Heavy snow in November and December got us off to a great start as it did across most of the State. Our
trails held up well with increased ridership from locals as well as visitors. However, the warm weather at
the end of February and early March ended our season.
Landowner relations and trail access issues continue to plague our area with some of our trail mileage
being cut off from other parts of the system. The western edge of the County has a significantly higher
housing density leading to more property transfers and even more opinions over accessibility. We
continue to work through these issues but they become ever more complicated. The eastern side of our
County is much more rural in nature with significantly fewer property owners to contend with. Parcel
sizes are much larger and transfers occur at a much slower pace. We are trying to reallocate some
resources of our higher density areas to the more rural areas where it is easier to obtain trail access and
normally for a longer period of time.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank the clubs in our County for a job well done this year:
Webster Ridge Runners
Williamson Driftriders
Canaltown Snowmobilers
Lakeshore Snow Devils
Old Erie Riders
Wyoming County District Roger McCabe, Director [email protected] (716) 655‐1593 S 3915 Four Rod Rd East Aurora NY 14052
There are total of five clubs in Wyoming County that maintain the 268 miles of funded trails.
The majority of the trails are maintained by the Folsomdale Trailblazers, Oatka Valley Snowmobile
Association and Tri‐County Drifthoppers. Both the Holland Sno‐Rascals and Marilla Sno‐Mob each have
a few miles in the county where they connect to the Wyoming county system from Erie and Genesee
Counties.
A traditional winter like we all remember from the past characterized the majority of the
snowmobile season in Wyoming County this year. The optimism for a great season started as winter
seemed to set in early in December with a nice snow cover by the end of big game season as the trails
opened. A warm spell during the holiday season interrupted this early season putting winter on hold
but it returned to the area in earnest the first week in January. The icy grip of winter was here to stay
into February with a snow cover building in the fields that made it difficult to find the tops of the fence
posts. The clubs were able to establish a deep base on the trails that survived a couple of warm spells
well into March. Excellent conditions on groomed trails throughout the county were the norm over the
entire season.
The Clubs maintain their own websites which are listed below where you will find contact information,
up to date trail condition reports and announcements of upcoming events.
Folsomdale Trailblazers www.folsomdaletrailblazers.org
Oatka Valley Snowmobile Association www.oatkavalley.org
Tri‐County Drifthoppers www.drifthoppers.net
Holland Sno‐Rascals www.snorascals.com
Marilla Sno‐Mob Snowmobile Club www.marilla‐snomob‐sc.com
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Director at Large Gary Batchelder [email protected] (315) 895‐4923 17 Pine St Ilion NY 13357
Director at Large Debbie Perkins [email protected] (518) 747‐4609 PO Box 13 Hudson Falls NY 12839
The duties of the Director at Large are to help where the President or other officers feel the need. This year, I have been heavily involved in the PA&C committee (Public Affairs and Communications) working on all aspects of promoting snowmobiling as a safe, family orientated recreation for all to enjoy. I am also a member of the International Snowmobile Media Council and the International Snowmobile Tourism Council and bring information from these committees back to NYSSA. I was fortunate to of attended the International Snowmobile Congress held last year in Boise, Idaho. Snowmobile enthusiasts from across the US, Canada, Finland, Sweden & Russia, gather to share information, join forces in causes of concern and to have a vision of making snowmobiling as common and accepted as other sports such as boating, skiing and many others. I have worked closely with several committees this year and am currently working on making the Forum be the best it can be. Director at Large & Fundraising Chairman Richard Rozzi [email protected] (914) 969‐2889 587 Palisade Avenue Yonkers NY 10703
This past year (2008/2009) was my third year as a NYSSA Director‐At‐Large. Prior to becoming a
Director‐At‐Large I had been attending NYSSA Annual Forums since 2005 as a voting delegate from my
club, Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club (2006 NYSSA Club of the Year).
This year has proven to be the most challenging year for me since taking over the job as NYSSA Fund
Raising Chairman. The economic tumult that has affected almost each and every one of us to some
degree was no stranger to the Super Raffle either. Obtaining prizes was a challenge as some previous
sponsors were no longer in business and others were feeling the money crunch and understandably
143 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
tightening their belts. The raffle licensing process was also a prolonged affair. Once again NYSSA
received the critical support and generosity of three sled manufacturers:
ARCTIC CAT, BRP‐SKI DOO & POLARIS
The raffle license application process required extensive review and fact finding. Once the application
was filed and approved by the State Racing & Wagering Board the actual licensing was issued at the local
County and Town level. This whole process began in the spring after last year’s Forum and lasted until
late autumn. State requirements dictate that the raffle be drawn within 180 days from when ticket sales
commence. Therefor, future sales will begin exactly 180 days (Approx. 6 months) prior to our Annual
Forum drawing date.
I would like to thank all those that assisted me with the Onondaga County Snowmobile Association
Super Raffle in support of NYS Snowmobile Trails. In particular, Ernie Roosevelt, Don Roark, Roger
McCabe, Jim Meyer, Jim Jennings, Herm Harris (Printer of the tickets/posters), and the many NYSSA
directors and members that “rounded up” prizes. Also, a very special “Thank You” goes to the Onondaga
County Snowmobile Association’s Board of Directors for their cooperation in producing the 2009 Super
Raffle.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED ME. I could not have done this by myself.
In closing, this past year was a very busy one for me, and I immensely enjoyed the opportunity to serve
my fellow snowmobilers as the NYSSA Fund Raising Chairman and as a Director‐At‐Large. I look forward
to my continued involvement with NYSSA and hope to be re‐elected by my fellow directors for another
term (2009/2010).
Thank you, Richard Rozzi
144 Forum Sponsors | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
Forum Sponsors
www.woodystraction.com
www.ffgnj.com
www.nilico.com
145 Forum Sponsors | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
www.cooksequipment.com
www.nationwide.com
www.allstate.com
Thank you sponsors!
146 Forum Sponsors | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009
NYSSA EXPO Exhibitors
Allegheny County Tourism
Clubs and Associations
Amsoil
Easter Seals
Global Impact Industries
Mabie Brothers Equipment & Grooming
NYS Operation Life Saver (both indoor & outside)
NYS Police
NYSSA displays
Oswego County Tourism
Pink Ribbon Riders
Saratoga Grooming Equipment ‐ Ray Quackenbush
University of Buffalo Clean Snowmobile Challenge
USO Support our Troops
Vintage Snowmobiles
Voss Signs
Warren/Washington Counties Tourism (joint booth)
Willy P's
Our Forum Book was printed by: Printed Image
1906 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14206‐3206
– Rich Zanella ‐ 716 821‐1880
Formatting by Anne O’Dell