Minutes of the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association March 9, 2012 Board Meeting.
The meeting opened at 7am on Friday, March 9th, 2012.
1.) Approve February Board Meeting Minutes
Dan M. moved to approve the minutes as posted and Rod M. seconded. Andy A. noted a typographic error and with eight aye votes, the motion passed.
2a.) Formation of Educational 501(c)3
Andy A. reported Toby will be speaking with Jeff at G&P and that he received a call from James Wright, Director of Nebraska Office of Crime Prevention, who expressed interested in this project.
2b.) Formation of a PAC
Andy A. is still working on locating a treasurer for the organization and noted a need for some education on political strategy so members understand that to move NFOA bills forward, we need to develop a friendlier Judiciary Committee. This requires that some Omaha-area seats now held by anti-gun liberals actively obstructing us to be replaced with candidates who may support the NFOA issues, but not be able to come out strong on a pro-2A platform because of the district they are running in.
2c.) Sponsors/Supporters/Advertising
Andy A. noted that there is nothing new to report this month on this topic.
2d.) Lawsuit Updates
Andy A. noted that if the amendment to remove the requirement of citizenship from CCW eligibility is not presented, a lawsuit is prepared to be filed. The potential Lincoln suit is temporarily on hold.
2e.) Legislative Agenda for 2012
Andy A. reported:
-LB920 has been brought forward without our concerns being addressed, but is in the process of being killed or stripped by some Senators.
-LR40CA was on the schedule for 3/8/12, but it was passed over on the agenda,
-LB807 we have seen the Lautenbaugh amendment for the signage violation and while not perfect, it is progress, but Harr is not responding to him about the other amendment.
- LB928 is on General File and the Speaker has made it one of his priorities but it has not been discussed yet.
-LB804 Lathrop said he will try to get this bill out of committee week of 3/12/12.
2f.) Let’s Raise Some Money
Dan M. suggested a raffle prize choice between .22 suppressor and travel/enrollment at well known tactical training school.
2fi.) Kearney Gun Show banquet – April
Guy H reported difficulty in getting corporate sponsors to donate items for auctions and games. Andy A. suggested slightly downsizing the scope of banquet, but still focusing on making it a fun event for members and the Board agreed. Ideas were presented for a name and a generic 1st Annual NFOA Banquet was chosen.
2g.) Work with G&P to develop a public range at WMA – Action report/update
Dan W. reported Jeremy’s update:
“Ghost and I were invited to a meeting last Wednesday, Feb. 29.
It was a final meeting before Jeff and Co. present the concepts to the Commission.
We finalized criteria for each type of range, discussed some preliminary site options, and worked out approaches toward each group of ranges.
Essentially there are 3 style of ranges the G&P is looking to build to grow the shooting sports and retain hunters.
Heritage Parks. (such as the one at Platte River Park and currently in the beginning stages at another park) These Heritage Parks we be mostly Recreation Area/ State Park based and will enhance the offerings at a Park/Area on either the basis of current visitor numbers or in a effort to increase visitors to the area.
Community Shooting Parks. These multi-faceted ranges will be within communities and based mostly on need and population numbers. (such as the Boosalis Park in Lincoln which once again in the works) They will include a variety of shooting sports such as archery, airgun, rimfire, maybe handgun and rifle, depending on what is determined to be needed by the community (taking existing offerings into consideration and support of local clubs) (personally I am looking forward to such a park going into the Omaha area as I enjoy a good battle with the City Council)
WMA Sight-in Ranges. This one went from a Yeah-we-could-put-some-of-these-in-for-ya to a WOW-when-we-look-at-the-numbers-we-really-need-a-lot-of-these-don’t-we kinda of level. We decided to nail down some critera, these somewhat simple outdoor ranges will be based on big-game permit sales numbers for a given area, need and local support from G&P and local clubs and organizations.
There is another card in the G&P’s range deck – They have Grants available to existing ranges for different upgrades. I’m not sure of the details, but IIRC they kinda held back on these for a while to re-evaluate things, but are looking to promote the monies again.
Once we hear how the things are progressing, we will evaluate our organization’s role going forward.”
2h.) Phone # For the NFOA
Chris Z. reported he has purchased a Magic Jack for the NFOA and said he would email the Board number options once it is set up.
3.) Treasurers Report
Chris Z. reported:
Beginning Book balance 2/1/12 – $13,232.14
Total Expenditures – $4,994.54
- One debit for $38.96 for Benchmark email
- One check for $635.58 for DE Guns (for raffle gun)
- One check for $4,320.00 for Radio Advertising
Total Deposits – $2,349.14
Ending Book balance 2/29/12 – $10,586.74
4.) Membership Report
Dan W. reported:
General membership 5294 increase of 82
Associate membership 27 no change
Youth membership 26 no change
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Total membership 5347 on Mar. 8th, 2012
All new members have been added to the NFOA mailing list
5.) Volunteer Positions
Rod M. explained the need to clearly define a number of roles and functions that are vital to the ongoing success of the NFOA. These roles can be performed with a committee rather than a single person and the chair doesn’t need to be a Board member, though a Board member can serve as a point of contact (similar to the G&P project).
Volunteer coordinator
Maintain list of members that have shown an interest in getting involved
Personal communications with members to get them involved
Help create a committee, when / if necessary by contacting potential volunteers
Recognize active members / small rewards for their efforts
Legislative coordinator
Facilitate testimony preparation
Compile and keep updated list of NFOA position on various bills
Publication of NFOA positions on pending legislation
Work with BoD and Lobbyist
Responsible for setting up “lobby day at the legislature”
Communications
Newletters
Press Releases
Social media
Member updates (in addition to routine newsletters)
Call to action (as needed, like member updates)
The Board agreed with Rod and Rod will begin looking to the NFOA membership to fill positions on these groups.
6.) Ordering Materials (Brochures, Stickers etc.)
Andy A. inquired to the status of remaining NFOA materials. The consensus of the Board is that everyone’s stock of brochures is running low and that a new order will likely be needed by summer.
The March 2012 NFOA Board Meeting closed at 10pm on Tuesday March 13th, 2012.
