A regular meeting of members and directors of The Western Michigan Society for Industrial Heritage was held at Coopersville, Michigan on 22 August 2002, pursuant to notice mailed to the membership.

1. The meeting was called to order by president, Ed Hanenburg at 7:05 pm.
   
2. Roll call was taken. Eight members were present which satisfies the bylaw quorum of five members. Members present: Bob Birkholz, Duane Bowman, Mary Chubinski, Tom Chubinski, Philip Cok, Fred Florshinger, Ed Hanenburg, and Carl J. Sinke.
   
3. Notice of the meeting and agenda was read.
   
4. Upon motion made (Birkholz), seconded (Bowman), the agenda for the meeting was amended with additional item c)1 Byle letter. Agenda was passed as amended.
5. Upon motion made (Bowman), seconded (Birkholz) and passed, the minutes of 27 June 2002 were approved as written.
   
6. President Hanenburg read the letter to the Byles as written by Secretary Cok that was mailed to the Byles on 8/1/02. A motion was made (Birkholz) seconded (Mary Chubinski) and passed to approve the action taken.
   
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   Secretary Cok read a letter of response from the Byles dated 8/7/02. It appears the Byles' original demands have softened. Secretary Cok was directed to continue to pursue contact with the Byles to resolve the issue.
   
7. Upon motion made, seconded and approved the treasure's report was accepted and is attached as part of these minutes. After payment of bills approved at the last meeting, the current balance in the money market account is $149.84. Treasurer Cok reported that invoices for outstanding annual membership dues totaling $180 were mailed 09 August 2002. As approved at the last meeting, dues paid in 2001 by Chubinskis and Cok were credited to 2002.
   
8. An update on preparations for a membership drive was presented for information.
   
9. Philip Cok gave a publicity report. News releases have been picked up and published by several area newspapers. More interest has been shown in the Spring Lake Depot project than the Handicap Car project.
   
10. Discussion of a possible conflict of purpose with the existing Historical Society ensued. Chubinskis volunteered to approach the Budzynskis and invite them to attend a future meeting.
    
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11. Handicap Railcar Project
    a) Tom Chubinski reported on a meeting he had with Don Clock of Clock Conversions regarding the Handicap Car Project. Mr. Clock and his staff were very receptive to the idea of assisting with such an endeavor. They offered the possibility of donating used equipment and training volunteers. Tom outlined basic cost of $4000.00 for a van-style lift. In addition, wheel restraints to secure wheelchairs would be required. Handicap restroom facilities would be needed, as the City's public restrooms are inadequate and inconvenient.
    
    b) Tom presented the realities of dealing with handicap individuals from his experiences as a driver for the HOPE Network. The realities of handicap care are counter-productive to operating the train on a firm schedule as well as the increased volunteer staffing that would be required to accommodate their needs.
    
    c) Ed Hanenburg outlined some of the reporting requirements of foundations that might donate to such a project. Any proposal would need to address the 1) Need, 2) Usage, 3) Staffing, and 4) Cost(s) of the project. In addition a letter from the C&M Railway to agree to operate such a car if provided would be a necessary part of any funding proposal.
    
    e) Carl Sinke reported on the original intent of the project and that it was the impetus for the formation of this Industrial Heritage Society. The operation of the car would not be intended as a moneymaker but intended to cover costs. The operation of the car would be to enable the Railway to accommodate higher functioning handicap riders. Marketing would be directed to retirement homes and higher functioning challenged individuals. Intense handicap usage could be on a charter basis. Carl agreed to have the Railway provide a letter of intent to operate and staff a handicap car if provided.
    
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    f) Fred Florshinger reported on a railcar that would be a suitable candidate for the Handicap Car project. This car is being marketed by Ozark Mountain Railcar of St. Louis, MO. The car is listed as a CSX Classroom/Training Car for $25,500. Fred inspected the car and took photographs. The car has historical value as its original use was as a WW II Hospital car in addition to being functionally suited for our needs. This car is presently equipped with roomettes, a kitchenette, HVAC system with a diesel generator that would accommodate electrical needs of an additional car. Running gear and brakes are in excellent condition. Transport from St. Louis to GR could be provided at no charge. The car has been for sale for a period of time and no buyers have shown an interest in it. Present asking price is $22,000 but Fred feels could be purchased for less.
    
    g) A motion was made (M. Chubinski), seconded (Sinke) and approved to have the Secretary, assisted by Florshinger, provide the seller(s) a letter of intent to purchase the railcar identified by Fred Florshinger.
    
12. A motion was made (Birkholz), seconded (M. Chubinski) and approved to present the challenges to the C&M Railway and request a letter of intent to operate the Handicap car if it was provided. Carl Sinke, Duane Bowman & Tom Chubinski to follow-up with the Railway.
    
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13. The Spring Lake Depot project was discussed.
    Publicity efforts have generated interest and press coverage for this project. Fred Florshinger was assigned the task of drawing up preliminary plans for sitework and plans for the depot structure. Fred indicated Jim Budzinski has photos of the interior while in operation.
    
14. President Hanenburg opened the floor for member comments.
    
    a) Carl Sinke outlined an alternative location for the SL Depot, which had been presented in the past.
    
    b) Carl also outlined the idea of connecting the Interurban car #8 from the museum location onto the C&M right of way.
    
    c) Discussion of a possible engine house with 2 -3 stalls for ongoing renovations, renovation exhibits, skill center participation projects, and additional educational exhibits.
    
15. The next meeting of the directors is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 September 2002, at 7:00 p.m. in the Coopersville Farm Museum.
    
16. Upon motion made (Cok), seconded (M. Chubinski) and passed, the meeting was adjourned at 8:46 p.m.

Dated this _24th_ day of __August_, 2002

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Philip J Cok, Secretary