03/17 - Board Meeting Minutes: March 5, 2008

I. Call to order
President Bob Honkala called to order the regular board meeting of the Somonauk Business Organization at 7:07 A.M. on March 5, 2008 at the Country Kitchen Restaurant.

II. Roll call
Bob Honkala conducted a roll call. The following persons were present: President Bob Honkala (Bud’s Citgo), Vice President Yong Shim (Miller’s Foods), Director Stacy Shim (Miller’s Foods), Director Pam Aloisio (Design Color Studio), Bob Guehler (Lake Reality), Eric Honkala (Dekalb Street Floral), Debby Honkala (Dekalb Street Floral), Cori Mander (Citizen’s First National Bank), Nikki Butterfield (Citizen’s First National Bank), Cheryl Berry (Baker’s Basket) Adam Arriaga (Country Kitchen), Tom Rarden (Tri County Couriers).

III. Approval of minutes from last meeting
Debby Honkala motioned to accept the minutes as mailed from the last regular board meeting. Seconded by Adam Arriaga. Motion Carried.

IV. Treasurers Report
Bob Honkala reported in the absence of Ken Poris. He reported no new bills or expenses were paid and that the General Operating Account now has slightly over $5000.00. A detailed treasurers report will be available next month.

V. Approval of New Members
Bob Honkala requested approval of one new member. By a show of hands, Prestige Auto, Inc. was welcomed as a new member of the Somonauk Business Organization.

VI. Open issues

a.) Committee Chairman Bob Honkala presented the newsletter committee’s information. He stated that the Pound Ridge Business Association in New York was willing to help get the SBO newsletter started, free of charge. They would need the name of the business newsletter to start making the template. The newsletter committee passed out a list of 7 possible newsletter titles. After much discussion, Nikki Butterfield motioned to accept example number four with the addition of “Somonauk” into the title. Seconded by Cori Mander. Motion Carried. The newsletter official title will now be: Linked, with the subtitle reading: Bringing the Somonauk Business Organization & Community Together.
b.) Committee Chairman Adam Arriaga presented the Wrigley Field baseball trip committee’s information. Ticket prices and bus fares were presented. Adam reported that he obtained prices from American Bus Company. The rate of the buses is $550.00 per bus, per five hours. Every hour there after will cost $85.00 per hour, per bus. It was reported that one bus will hold 48 passengers and the other 55 passengers. The estimate for seven hours was $1,400.00. Adam Arriaga will contact one more bus service to compare prices. Eric Honkala motioned to reserve two buses for the trip to Wrigley Field on June 25, 2008 not to exceed the amount of $1,600.00. Seconded by Stacy Shim. Discussion was held about parking on the day of the event and serving beverages and snacks on the bus. Parking ideas were tabled to the next meeting. A consensus was formed that Rambo’s should be asked to have first chance at the beverages and snacks if the idea to serve them is passed. Discussion will be held at April Board Meeting.
c.) Debby Honkala passed out new plaques and 2008 inserts to all members at the meeting. Bob Honkala and Adam Arriaga will distribute plaques to new members during the month of March. 2008 inserts will be mailed with minutes.

VII. New Business
A.) Amber Fay was verbally approved as Somonauk Business Organization Website Editor.

Roll Call Addition:
Craig Johnson (Somonauk Insurance Office) enters meeting at 7:24 am.

B.) The Somonauk Summer Fest was briefly discussed. The business organization still wants to do something for the event. Yong Shim said that it was necessary for the Organization to do something for the event since it was the first year. After much discussion, the leading events include a Petting Zoo, Pony Rides, and a 50/50 weekend raffle. An air blowing money machine was also discussed. Somonauk Village Board Trustee Scott Merrill will be contacted.
C.) Bob Honkala reported that a few different members voiced opinions about potholes around and near their businesses. Rich McMillen, Somonauk Village Board Trustee in charge of Streets and Alleys, was contacted. He said that the potholes would be filled when they were dry. He would try to prioritize the businesses that had major potholes. Snowplowing was also discussed. Bob Honkala stated that the Organization should form suggestions that the business district would like to see and present it to the Village Board for the next Winter snow season.
D.) Bob Honkala reported that the Organization is still operating with a Secretary and Director vacancy. Yong Shim motioned to appoint Adam Arriaga as new Director to fill the vacancy. Seconded by Stacy Shim. Motion Carried with much Applause. The Secretary position would remain vacant with President Bob Honkala serving as acting Secretary.

VIII. Other Business
A.) It was discussed whether gravel could be purchased to fill potholes. The idea will be considered but no action will be taken at this time.

IX. Adjournment
Craig Johnson motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Tom Rardin. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 A.M.


Minutes submitted by: Bob Honkala
Next Meeting Dates:
REGULAR BOARD MEETING: April 2, 2008. Time: 7:00am. Location: The Country Kitchen.