Montana Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee
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Meeting Minutes
November 16, 2004
1:00-5:00 pm
Scott Hart Building
Helena, Montana
Members Present: Dal Smilie, Chairman, Ladd Paulson, Michele Hand, Ken Conrad, Anita Drews-Oppedahl.
Also Present: Michele Calvert - Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety, Joe Mullikin- RiderCoach, David Huff-Office of Public Instruction, Priscilla Sinclair & Jim Erickson-Department of Transportation, Ray Paige-Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
1. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 1:10 pm by Chairman Dal Smilie.
2. Minutes of the July 22, 2004 meeting
The minutes of the meeting in Havre were approved with the addition that discussion was held on the Team Oregon curriculum & Forest Service Roads.
3. Old Business
Cooperation With Surrounding States - Michele C. reported that she has had discussions with the administrator from North Dakota about holding cooperative classes. She will be called by the person that schedules to work out the final details. Idaho has also expressed interest in working with Montana.
Reciprocity with other states - reciprocity is currently happening with active duty military members. Discussion was held
402A Grant - discussion was held. A grant proposal submitted previously had been denied due to lack of modification as requested. It was indicated that a new grant proposal would need to be submitted with the primary focus being on alcohol and speed issues.
4. New Business
2004 Training Season Report - Michele C. handed out copies of the 2004 training statistics. There was a 20% increase in the number of students trained. Discussion was held. Michele C. also informed the committee of the various activities she/the program participated in: presented with Trevor Mikkelsen - RiderCoach Trainer - at the Driver’s Education Conference in Great Falls along with having an information booth, Malmstrom Air Force Base’s Motorcycle Safety Day, Helena’s Safety Day (Ken Conrad, Udell Sharp & Justin Sharp attended), SMSA Conference in Charlotte, NC (Michele C. is one of the Western Region Representatives and is on the Executive Committee), attended the AMA Hall of Fame ceremonies (along with Janice Brady and Sandy Jappe of MSU-Northern, and MMSAC Board members Ladd Paulson, Ken Conrad and Michele Hand), the SMSA Executive Committee meeting in Bismarck, ND, and applied for and received SMSA Accreditation. Trailers are staying in the locations and have had winter maintenance completed on most. Annual Wrap-Up meeting for RiderCoaches was held in Havre. Very good discussion was held. Also held a meeting with the Missoula RiderCoaches when in Missoula for another meeting. Good discussion there also. The next RiderCoach Update will be April 2-3, 2005 in Great Falls.
Legislative Issues - Discussion was held on various bill drafts that involve motorcycles including Graduated Driver Licensing, vehicle definitions, ATV fees, and noise ordinances.
Financial Issues - Discussion was held as to how the program was going to fare with permanent registration. 2005 Training Season budget was also discussed. 2004 Cost per Student is still being compiled - all season invoices have not been sent and recorded. This will be ready for the next meeting. Discussion was held.
Military Request for ERC - Malmstrom AFB has been in contact with Michele C. about encouraging all current riders to take the Experienced RiderCourse. The question of being able to meet the demand (there are currently approximately 350 registered motorcycles) was asked. Michele C. indicated that the program could handle the demand as long as another range would be able to be painted, as not to take away from the BRC. It was indicated that would not be a problem. We are waiting for further information. Discussion was held.
Rider’s Edge Interest - Michele C. received a call from Harley-Davidson indicating that a Montana dealer was interested in offering Rider’s Edge. She was invited to attend a meeting in Missoula to discuss the possibilities. Michele H. also attended. Montana Harley-Davidson was going to be in contact with Michele C. about further details. She has not received any communications as of this date. Discussion was held.
DVD Review - Michele H. produced a video "documentary" about motorcycling in Montana. The group viewed the video. Discussion was held.
Scooters - discussion was held on training scooter riders, a scooter-only endorsement and the impacts of the rider being inadequately trained and endorsed for a motorcycle if trained on a scooter.
5. Group Reports
FWP - Ray informed the group of areas of concern with off-highway issues. They are in the process of making their 4th poster. He also brought up the request for this program to consider taking over dirt bike training.
OPI - discussion was held on the upcoming Traffic Education Conference in Billings April 24-26, 2005. The program would like to be able to present at a break-out session. David was going to look into this.
6. Adjourn
Meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm. Next meeting will be held in the spring.
