ROCHESTER MINNESOTA SENIOR SOFTBALL

BOARD MEETING

Charlie's Eatery

April 16, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 12:35 pm by League Coordinator Jim Goodman.

ROLL CALL

Board Members: Jim Goodman, Deb Warnke, Chuck Brand, Mike Ewen, Ernie Hain, Randy Stocker, Bill Gosse, Joe Koerner, Willis Goll, Bill Klein, Kent Bruinsma, Bill Sutter, Tom Kowalewski, Melissa Doe and Bobette Pronk.

GUEST: Joe Kluck

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  The Secretary's report for the March 20, 2025 meeting was emailed in pdf format prior to the Board meeting for members to review. Motion made by Kent Bruinsma, seconded by Deb Warnke and approved to accept the Secretary's Report.

The Secretary's report for the Special Board meeting on March 24, 2025 was emailed in pdf format prior to the Board meeting for members to review. Motion made by Ernie Hain, seconded by Kent Bruinsma and approved to accept the Special Board meeting Secretary's Report.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer's report for the month ending March 31, 2025 was emailed in pdf format prior to the Board meeting for members to review. Ernie Hain reported the following amounts: checking account $11,367.27, designated funds $405.11 and non-designated funds $1,495.02. Motion made by Kent Bruinsma, seconded by Deb Warnke and approved to accept the Treasurer's Report. Ernie reported 105 players have registered so far for the 2025 summer session. All sponsors have paid.

SAFETY & RULES REPORT:

Bill Sutter brought to the Board a proposal that 80 year old players use the 12 inch softball unless they ask to have the 11 inch softball pitched to them. Women will automatically use the 11 inch softball with the option to switch to the 12 inch softball if requested. Motion made by Ernie Hain, seconded by Deb Warnke and approved to accept this proposal. Jim Goodman will add this proposal to the RMSS Rules and Procedures document.

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT:

Melissa Doe has ordered more Twins tickets. She still has a few left from the first batch she got. Randy Stocker asked for help in the beer tent at Rochesterfest. They both talked about the summer picnics. Still deciding to have one, two or more.

WEBSITE/TECHNOLOGY REPORT:

Joe Koerner reported the website has been converted to the summer schedule now. He has been working on the draft list. It was suggested looking into putting the QR Code on our posters.

ACTION ITEMS:

1.Jim Goodman announced the 2025 RMSS Managers. They are Bill Gosse-Shorewood Senior Campus, Bill Klein-Eagles Club, Casey Doe-Edward Jones, Chuck Brand-Black's Automotive, Deb Warnke-Charlie's Eatery & Pub, Tom Kowalewski-C&M Screenprinting (Session 1), Matt Halleck-Prime Time Health, Mike Wiest-C&M Screen printing (Session 2, 3 and 4) and Willis Goll-All Pro Pavers & Retaining Walls. Motion by Randy Stocker, seconded by Kent Bruinsma and approved to accept the 2025 RMSS Managers.

2. Jim Goodman will send managers names to Joe Koerner and Joe Kluck so they can update the website.

3. Randy Stocker reported on Rochesterfest activities. Joe Kluck is working on getting players for the Moonshots game. There will be no senior softball game this year. Randy also reported The Honor Veterans are starting up a league and would welcome anyone who would like to play with them.

4. D&R Pool Tournament is April 24-26 and the schedule for workers is full.

5. Session 1 draft is April 30 either at the Eagles or American Legion around Noon or 12:30.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Merchandise, hat and jersey orders. Deb Warnke reported that fan gear merchandise is almost ready to go for players. She has been working with Full Court Custom Apparel Inc. Players will be able to order what they want from a selection of items.

2. Joe Kluck gave a Dome Ball update. He reported a great Dome season and thanked all the players who helped him.

3. Jim Goodman sent out a list of players who needed to be protected when playing ball which pertains to our players skill test. Jim Goodman and Bill Sutter will visit with players that are felt to be in this category. It was decided players could just hit if they still want to play. It was determined they must wear a mask.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Kent Bruinsma reported that we have plenty of softballs for the upcoming season. He will check on getting more masks.

2. Mike Ewen brought a bylaw proposal to be included under player conduct. The bylaw proposal is: “All player conduct votes shall be done by secret paper voting. A Board member may not abstain from a player conduct vote unless that Board member is a player involved in the conduct issue, in which case they get no vote. Each paper vote shall be a Yes/No/Abstain on the motion before the Board and be initiated or signed by the voting Board member. The League Coordinator will tally the vote and confirm the tally with one other Executive Board member of their choosing”. Ernie Hain made a motion, Deb Warnke seconded to approve the bylaw change. Motion passed. Jim Goodman will add this proposal to the RMSS Bylaw document.

3. Joe Koerner and Ernie Hain are working on Session 1 draft list.

4. Future division committee was tabled until next month.

Next board meeting is May 21.

Motion made by Kent Bruinsma, seconded by Deb Warnke to adjourn at 3:00 pm. Motion approved.

Respectfully submitted electronically

Bobette Pronk,

RMSS Secretary

Any comments or concerns regarding these minutes should be directed to the League Coordinator. You are also encouraged to attend the RMSS board meetings to voice your comments and concerns.