(NOTE: Minutes presented here are paraphrased summaries of discussions and comments of meeting participants. Only statements with quotation marks represent exact quotes. Content and phrasing of the Minutes is subject to final approval by the board of directors.)

Board Members Present:
Jerry Snow
Wendell Goodwin
Tom Paradis
With club members present.

Meeting was called to order by President Tom Paradis at 8:03 PM at the Clubhouse.

1. Membership Applications, introductions.
o The first reading for two new club member applications was conducted, with applicants Guy Forsythe and Michael Stoner introducing themselves to the Club. They received copies of the Club bylaws and were informed about the new membership procedure. Club was reminded that dues for 2005 are due October 31 (First Tuesday November). The club was praised for having dues submitted on time in 2003, as it helped greatly with determining the next year's budget.

2. First call for 2005 project proposals
o Paradis asked the Club to begin thinking about major themes for projects in 2005. Two project themes mentioned were a new control dispatch board and various scenery-related projects. The Club was reminded about the proposal process and the deadline for project applications at the end of September, for those wishing to obtain club funding. The idea was forwarded to create a member sign-up list for 2005 projects when the time comes, so that every club members is allowed to choose a project or projects of interest, and to encourage more involvement. This idea generated some positive enthusiasm from some club members present.

3. Tuesday schedule for August, September
o The Tuesday schedule for August was reviewed, and club members were asked for any changes. The schedule for August and September is now on the Club bulletin board and on the Web site. All of August will involve some aspect of preparation for the County Fair. The first testing of Fair trains will be the first Tuesday of August during the monthly open house.

4. Preparations for County Fair 2004
o Volunteers were solicited for the officer position of Fair Business Manager for 2005. The current officer, Bruce Petrarca, will retire from the position after the 2004 Fair, and is interested in training someone new during this year's Fair, to take over the position in 2005. Anyone interested should talk to Bruce and/or a Board member. Petrarca updated the club on the Ad Train status: one-third of all sponsors have already paid for this year's Fair. Club members will be required to follow up on the unpaid sponsors beginning in early August.
o Paradis explained that the club will need to obtain "vendor, non-food" status for this year's Fair if we wish to hold a raffle legally under the guidelines of the County Fair. This status costs $150, for which board members voted in favor unanimously over email. Club vote to spend the $150 and hold a raffle was likewise unanimous.
o The club decided to purchase its own tent(s) for future use rather than rent county tents for the Fair, to reduce long-term rental costs. Vice President Eric Hadder made an earlier offer to purchase a tent for personal use, give it to the club for this year's Fair, and be reimbursed for the tent by the Club at a later date. Club vote for this plan was unanimous. Negotiations with Hadder pertaining to the cost of the tent will be determined at a later date. This year's tent will be placed in front of the building as it was in 2003, and used to display raffle prizes and the club greeter.
o A new "to-do" list was created and described to the club, containing all necessary jobs to complete prior to the Fair. Club members were asked to sign up for one or more jobs so that everything is accomplished in time. The shift schedule for the Fair was also posted, and members were asked to sign up on a first come, first serve basis. If club members can't fill the shift they signed up for, they are asked to find someone else to replace them. Each shift for the Fair requires at least 3 people at all times to maintain the facility and run the trains.
o The Club's official "Fair Operations Guidelines" were reviewed with the Club, including duties for shift positions during the Fair and rules of etiquette. Club members present were given copies of the Guidelines and asked to read through them thoroughly prior to the Fair.

5. Treasurer Report: Jerry Snow presented the club with an updated report of club accounts, expenditures and balances. A total of $417 of club funds has been spent on the Riordan Mill Town project, and will be reimbursed by the Riordan Mansion State Historic Park upon its completion.

6. In new/old business, Bruce Petrarca announced two MDC locomotive kits for sale to anyone interested. Petrarca was also recognized by the Board for his donation of a DCC-equipped DL-109 locomotive for use on the club passenger train. Petrarca also updated the aging passenger cars, and the train is now usable for the Fair.

7. A vote was held and passed unanimously to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM.