ABATE of Ohio

Franklin County Minutes

October 2, 2016

Officers present- Pat Lytle, Melissa Lytle, Tony Losego, Glen Craig, J.R. Gantner and Kathy Gantner.

State Officers present – Cindy Balach, Bill Balach and Kolman Fuzy.

Meeting was called to order by Pat Lytle.

Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.

Welcome by Pat Lytle – thank you to Shooters for hosting our summer meetings.

Buy a Day and Special Draw are going around.

Officers Reports

Secretary Report –Kathy Gantner

  • Motion made to waive the reading of the Septemberminutes by Cindy Balach. 2nd by Bill Balach. All in favor, 1 abstained – motion passed.

Winter Meeting Location – Voting will take place during the today. Nominations are Colombini’s and Eldorado’s. Melissa will be taking your vote and location will be announced at the end of the meeting.

Treasurer Report – Kim Chafin – absent

Legislative – J.R. Gantner

  • MRF –related news from the Hill – Senator Sullivan from Alaska delivered on his promise to question the Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx about the plans to reestablish the Motorcycle Advisory Council. A response from Mr. Foxx was received 90 days after the request, in which he wrote that the agency was working through the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) requirements to establish the council. The council would focus on specifically suggestions that would “provide meaningful insight into safety topics, including barrier designs, road designs, construction and maintenance practices; and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.” MRF is pleased with Senator Sullivan’s assistance.
  • EPA and Renewable Fuel Standards – Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner is taking EPA to task for failing to produce legally required reports on the impact of Renewable Fuel Standards. The EPA Office of Inspector General published a report finding that the EPA’s Office of Research and Development has not complied with a statutory requirement to provide a report to Congress every three years on the impact of biofuels. The legislator demanded that the agency produce the report and provide updates by October 8th. As of yet the EPA has not responded.
  • Sacramento, Calif – Yet another city that is enacting laws to curb distracted driving. “motorist are prohibited from entering information on an electronic device while driving.” The law was signed by Governor Jerry Brown on Sept. 26th. This law gives clarification of “use” of and electronic devise and specifies the inputting into a dives is both distracting to droves and a violation of the law.
  • Lawmaker killed by motorist – “Right of Way Violation” – The recent fatality of State Representative Peter Pettalia shows that more state funded motorcycle awareness programs are need. This fatality was not the result of Michigan’s Adult Choice Helmet law. The real problem is unendorsed motorcycle riders and car driver violating a motorcyclist’s right of way by making a left had turn in front of the rider. This “cherry-picking” of data to falsely represent motorcycle safety records is unprofessional. ABATE of Michigan has partnered with public and private schools to teach more than 80,000 new drivers about motorcycle awareness, using resources donated by ABATE members.
  • Harley-Davidson, Inc. to pay $12 Million Civil Fine – Harley has agreed to pay the $12 million fine and stop selling after-market devices that cause motorcycles to emit too much pollution. The product sold by Harley was “super tuners” enabling the motorcycles since 2008 to pollute the air at levels greater than what the Milwaukee based company certified to the EPA. Harley must also deny warranty claims if owners continue to use the devise.
  • AMA – Vote like a Motorcyclist – AMA is encouraging members to let their candidates know about the Vote Like A Motorcyclist campaign and ask them to respond to questions and issues important to motorcyclist. The 2016 AMA Voter Guide provides links to candidate’s responses and links to their campaign websites. Choose wisely this election year.

Product Report - Melissa Lytle – no new products at this time.

Membership Report – Chris Winchester – not present

Technology Report – Tony Losego – nothing new at this time.

Region Directors Report – Roger Wright – not present

MRF News – Robin Pickens

COB Report – Jim Elgin – not present

Interm Legislative Director & Deputy Director C – A copy of Kolmans report is up front or can be found in this month’s Outspoken

Nominations for 2016 Officers – Nominations will be taken at the November and December meeting. Voting will be done at the December meeting. New Officers will begin their term at the January meeting. See separate attached list for nominations to date.

Old Business:

  • Toy Run- Silent auction items are needed. If you have any item that you will be bringing there is a list up front. The list will be used to determine how much space is needed for the auction. There will also be two, possibly three, large items that will be in a live auction. Flyers are available – take some and pass them out.
  • ABATE at the Blue Jackets game – There is still time to order your tickets for the Blue Jackets / AMA Bike Nite. Flyers are available that give the link to get tickets.

New Business:

  • Kolman’s Report

-Meeting of the Minds – there was a lack of Ohio bodies at the meeting this year.

-2017 MOTM – Williamsburg, Virginia

-Legislative agenda will have an emphasis on motorcycle profiling since it is a problem for all motorcyclists. CO C & SMRO’s are coming together to lend support in an effort to call attention to the profiling issue.

-Ralph Buss has a pamphlet - Riding Rights – a good guide for all riders.

-Rules – 1) know your rights. 2) Do not consent to a search

-House Resolution 831 – still in progress

-National Helmet Law – may become an issue again

-E15 – still a problem

Legislative Seminar 2017 – Akron Doubletree – reservations will be in Outspoken soon.

  • Winter Meeting Location- The winter meetings beginning November 6th, will be held at Eldorado’s Food & Spirits 4968 N. High St, Columbus, Ohio 43214

Year Pins: 10 Yrs. – Sue Nisley

Motion to adjourn by all

Buy a Day - $38.00

50/50 - $28.00 – Glen Craig – donated back to the Military Families at Christmas.

Minutes respectfully submitted by,

Kathy Gantner

Secretary