Minutes of October 9, 2001 LISC Board Meeting

Present: Kent Williamson, Robert Baird, Joe Seeley, Jon Foreman, Seamus Reilly, Terry Hinds, Trey Bradberry, Mike Wingo and Jan Weyhenmeyer

Jon explained the spreadsheets for the Fall Cups from 1995 to 2001.  The last three years the tournament has made money.  This money is in a separate Fall Cup account and has been designated for land/facility acquisition.  Operating expenses are in another account and this money is generated from dues.  The tournament in 2000 made approximately $21,000 and the 2001 tournament made approximately $16,000.  Jon suggested that this difference was tee shirt sales.  He also suggested that the club evaluate the vendors we have used and the money we get from them.  We are promised a percentage of the profits but have to rely on the integrity of the vendor since we do not know the actual amounts of the sales. 

Mike asked if the club should try and improve the Parkland fields.  The fields need water, grass and the holes filled.  There are 3 full size fields and there is room for 3-4 small fields.  The site can accommodate 14 teams a night.  Kent asked what are the arrangements with Parkland and Seamus answered that he has a letter from the athletic director stating the club can use the fields but the Parkland teams have priority for use of them.  He also is planning on developing a soccer field on the inside of the track since the track is no longer used.  Parkland is going to install a water main for the baseball and soccer fields.  Parkland’s long term plan (20 years) is to do nothing with the site.  The club could improve the site and still have money to pursue an indoor facility.  This is better than anything the club has had in the past.  The club will get estimates on improvements that include seeding and rolling the grass.  Parkland will improve the game field and 2 of the new fields at Dodds actually belong to Parkland.  Jon recommended Tom Singer from the U of I or Steve Biddle for estimates on seeding. 

Jon suggested caution when dealing with Parkland.  Their focus could change quickly and the club could lose the use of the site and the money put into the improvements.  He argued that the club should pursue it’s own facility.  However, if we continue using the Parkland site we should have a written agreement with them that includes dates and their commitment. 

Seamus stated that there are not enough coaches.  Some of them are coaching two and three teams.  There has also been some parental interference.  Trey and Seamus will redesign the practice structure.  Philip Holt, goalie coach, has been a positive influence. 

There will be a Fall Cup wrap up meeting October 11.  A written report has been requested from each committee chairperson.  Thank you notes will be sent to deserving individuals and businesses.  The number of volunteers was better this year than it has been the past few years.  Terry will meet with Sara Sees on 10/10 and with the Champaign/Urbana Hotel Association on 10/18.  He will submit a final report to the IYSA and to the board. 

Joe submitted a typed list of parent representative concerns.  The remainder of the meeting was spent discussing these concerns.  Did parents read the letter that was sent with the acceptance contract?  Many of the answers are contained in the letter.  Do parents use the Website?  Does the Website help or hinder?  The handbook also answers many of the questions.   There seems to be more negative comments than positive ones so far this season and there are many complaints about communication although Seamus and/or Mike attended the preseason team meetings.  Mike agreed to attend a Parent Rep meeting and to begin a monthly newsletter, which will also answer questions. 

Next meeting November 7, 2001 at 7:30 at Mike Wing’s house.