A regular meeting of members and directors of The Western Michigan Society for Industrial Heritage was held at Coopersville, Michigan on the 13 January 2003, pursuant to notice e-mailed to the membership.

1. The meeting was opened by president, Ed Hanenburg at 7:00 pm.
   
2. Roll call was taken.
   Members present: Mary Chubinski, Tom Chubinski, Philip Cok, Fred Florshinger, Ed Hanenburg, Ross Osterhart, Carl J. Sinke and Cindy Timmerman.
   Absent: Bob Birkholz, Duane Bowman, Tom Byle, Jeff DuPilka
   
3. Notice of the meeting and agenda was reviewed. Upon motion made (M. Chubinski), seconded (R, Osterhart), and approved, the agenda for the meeting was was passed as presented.
   
4. Minutes of 09 December 2002 were reviewed. Upon motion made (T. Chubinski), seconded (R. Osterhart) and passed, the minutes of 09 Dec. 2002 were approved.
   
5. Membership
   A). Secretary Cok noted we have received a request and a check from David Paul Vago for a 2003 family membership in the society.
   
   In his letter, Mr. Vago requested copies of our "Charter," By-laws, and a list of officers including addresses and phone numbers. This information was supplied as requested. It was noted that this information is supplied on our website, www.coopersville.com/industrialheritage, which satisfies IRS and Freedom of Information reporting requirements. Those individuals without internet access will continue to be supplied hardcopy when requested.
   
   B). Secretary Cok brought to the members' attention that the by-laws require a 3/4 majority vote of all members (not just 3/4 of those present) to approve new memberships [Article VIII Membership, Section 2, Qualifications]. Current membership stands at 12, a 3/4 majority would be nine (9) members voting affirmatively. Lacking the required majority, Mr. Vago's membership was tentatively recognized.
   
   C). Mary Chubinski made a motion to amend the by-laws, Article VIII, Sec. 2, to state:
   
   "Section 2. Qualifications. In order to be considered for membership in the corporation, the applicant must show an interest in the purpose of the corporation and contribute financially in the form of annual dues according to the bylaws (Article X). In order to be approved for membership, the applicant must receive an affirmative vote of 3/4 of the members present at a meeting."
   
   The motion was seconded by C. Timmerman and approved by unanimous vote. Secretary Cok was charged with filing the amended bylaws with the appropriate agency(ies). [Note: By laws may be amended with a 2/3 majority vote of all members - presently there are 12 members, 2/3 = 8 votes]
   
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6. Treasurer's Report
   Report was distributed. Upon motion made (C. Timmerman), seconded (Osterhart) and approved the treasure's report was accepted and is attached as part of these minutes. With the exception of interest in the amount of $0.83, treasurer Cok reported that there were no changes to the finances of the corporation for the month of December. The one outstanding invoice for lapsed membership dues to incorporator, Brad Anderson, will be voided and memberhip is terminated according to the bylaws. The balance in the Money Market account as of December 31, 2002 is $655.77.
   
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7. Handicap Car Project.
   A). Tom Chubinski reported about another visit by Carl and himself with Don Clock of Clock Conversions on December 16, 2002. Carl has submitted a letter regarding this meeting. It outlines rough costs from Don Clock to make the railcar ADA compliant and will go into the fundraising information packet.
   

   Rough costs are:
   Built-in Lift: $5,000.00
   Wheel Chair Tie-downs: $10,500.00
   Door: $2,500.00
   Restroom: $10,000.00
   Contingency: $2,000.00

   TOTAL: $30,000.00
   

   B). Further discussion was held regarding the search for a suitable railcar from sources other than Ozark Mountain Railcars. It is possible that the C&M Railway may have a car in inventory that would meet our requirements and would not incur additional transportation costs. A suitable candidate may already be onsite in Jeff DuPilka's Pullman Car. Cosmetically it needs work but is believed to be sound. It has historical and educational value in the pullman beds located in the center of the car which are still intact. The opposite ends of the car have already been cleared out and would be suitable for seating, tie-downs, a door and handicap restroom(s).
   
   C). The C&M has hired a railroad mechanic to inspect all rolling stock and provide a report on his findings. This inspection is to occur Thursday, January 16, 2003. The Pullman car will be included in this evaluation.
   
   D). Provided this vehicle receives a clean bill of health mechanically and structurally it will be considered as our next candidate for the handicap accessible railcar.
   
   E). A motion was made (F. Florshinger) and seconded (M. Chubinski) to authorize C. Sinke, F. Florshinger, and T. Chubinski, to act as WMSIH agents, to approach Jeff DuPilka about donating the Yellow Pennsylvania Pullman Railcar to the Industrial Heritage Society for conversion to a Handicap Accessible Railcar. Motion passed unanimously.
   
   F). A motion was made (M. Chubinski) seconded (C. Timmerman) to authorize the WMIHS agents to provide DuPilka with a receipt for up to $10,000 for the donation of the Railcar identified in item E above. Anything above this amount requires board authorization. Motion passed unanimously.
   
   G). Publicity on Handicap project.
   - Photos have been taken of Ed Helzer (with walker) & Brian Luke ( in wheelchair) by Tom Chubinski for use in fundraising and marketing.
   - Fred Florshinger will obtain original Pullman plans of the railcar for marketing purposes and Clock Conversions evaluation.
   - Tom Chubinski will take photos of the railcar in its present state for similar purposes.
   - Tom and Fred will obtain car dimensions at the same time.
   - Phil Cok will rough out a fundraising brochure with the materials above. Rough brochure will be run past Jeff DuPilka for review and comment.
   
   H). Fundraising.
   - C. Timmerman has book of Michigan Council of Foundations. Will review for appropirate appeals.
   - Carl Sinke will provide info to brother-in-law for review and recommendations and potential contributors list.
   - Nancy Hanenburg retires June 1^st and may be able to assist with search for funding sources.
   
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8. Member Comments:
   - Tom and Carl report that Clock Conversions are very capable and confident about their abilities to execute this project. Clock folks don't know of anyone else who would be able to handle a project like this.
   - Need a good packet that tells exactly what the project entails and what it is going to cost.
   - Ed Hanenburg will be gone the first half of February. Fred Florshinger will be gone first 10 days of February. Carl will be gone 18^th Feb. through first week of March.
   
9. Next meeting of the Industrial Heritage Society is scheduled for Monday, 17 February 2003.
   
10. Motion to adjourn (M. Chubinski) and seconded (Timmerman) and passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.