ROCHESTER MINNESOTA SENIOR SOFTBALL

BOARD MEETING

American Legion

May 21, 2025

The meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by League Coordinator Jim Goodman.

ROLL CALL

Board Members: Jim Goodman, Deb Warnke, Mike Ewen, Ernie Hain, Randy Stocker, Joe Koerner, Willis Goll, Bill Klein, Kent Bruinsma, Bill Sutter, Gary Thomas, Dave Zemke and Bobette Pronk.

GUEST: Joe Kluck, Steve Lewison

SECRETARY’S REPORT:  The Secretary's report for the April 16, 2025 meeting was emailed in pdf format prior to the Board meeting for members to review. Motion made by Kent Bruinsma, seconded by Randy Stocker and approved to accept the Secretary's Report.

TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer's report for the month ending April 30, 2025 was emailed in pdf format prior to the Board meeting for members to review. Ernie Hain reported the following amounts as of May 21: checking account $8,806.02, designated funds $405.11 and non-designated funds $1,992.74. Motion made by Kent Bruinsma, seconded by Bill Klein and approved to accept the Treasurer's Report.

SAFETY & RULES REPORT:

Bill Sutter discussed using the small ball for women and those over 80 years old. Seems to be working ok and feels most of those over 80 know that they can request to hit the smaller ball.

Bill asked about the agenda item using field 6 instead of field 2. It was also brought up about using field 7 instead of field 5. After some discussion Deb Warnke made a motion to move to field 6 from field 2 starting with Session 2. Kent Bruinsma seconded the motion. Motion was approved.

PUBLIC RELATIONS REPORT:

Randy Stocker reported there will be two picnics with one after session 2 and the other after session 4. He and Melissa Doe have started to look into artwork for our 20th year next year.

Randy also reported on help for Rochesterfest. He has sent out a email to all players and is waiting for responses. Joe Kluck is looking for players to play against the Moonshots on June 26.

WEBSITE/TECHNOLOGY REPORT:

Joe Koerner reported he is working on Session 2 information. Reported that website is working fine.

ACTION ITEMS:

1. No games May 26.

2. End of registration for Session 2 is May 30. Jim Goodman sent out a email to people who hadn't registered but played before. Got eight responses back.

3. Session 2 draft is June 4. Kent Bruinsma will draft for Bill Klein for Session 2.

4. Last games for Session 1 is June 9.

5. First games of Session 2 are June 11.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

1. Jim Goodman rewrote a Rules and Procedures proposal concerning the official softball pertaining to the 12-inch ball and the 11-inch ball for women and 80 year old men. Motion by Bill Klein, seconded by Ernie Hain to adopt proposal as written. Motion approved.

2. A bylaw addition was presented by Jim Goodman pertaining to “All player conduct votes shall be done by secret paper voting, etc”. Motion by Gary Thomas, seconded by Kent Bruinsma and approved.

3. Jim Goodman is still working on the future division committee.

4. Steve Lewison sees a lot of people playing different positions. He is wondering about using Monday's as practice days and Wednesday's league days. Wondering also if the top players would like to go and play at a different field every other Monday. Consideration will be given in discussing future division play. He also talked about the flip flop rule.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Player draft procedure. All non-limited players are picked first. Limited availability players are picked after all non-limited players are chosen in the draft. Some players don't want to be drop-ins and bat last. Most likely a Session 1 issue going forward.

2. Deb Warnke talked about the Team Store and how it works. Deb will write up a explanation and send it to Jim so he can send out to all players.

3. Session 2 draft list. Willis Goll likes the Monday-Wednesday drafting concept. Talked about what should be on list for players to mark their playing availability. Joe Koerner will work on this.

4. Ben (DJ Biggie) from American Legion is wondering if his music business could be a sponsor.

5. Ernie Hain talked about $50 memorial to players. Bill Klein made a motion to give $50 to Craig Anderson in memory of Dave Anderson. Kent Bruinsma seconded and motion was approved.

6. Mike Ewen asked about a mock draft that was held in the Dome. Jim Goodman explained why that happened.

Next board meeting is June 18.

Motion made by Kent Bruinsma, seconded by Mike Ewen to adjourn at 2:25 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.