February 2024

Wavemakers Meeting

February 6th 7:00pm @ Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake, MN

Attendees: 

Jon Brown-President, Rob True-Vice President, Erica Taylor Radtke - Treasurer, Hayley Galsworthy - Secretary, Jen Brady, Dominick Mancini, Laura Davison, Amy Dunaway, Jim Fallon, Ann True, Jakki Tauer, Laura Hokeness, Rebecca Fahning, Ellemae Fahning, Shane Radtke

Agenda - Decisions and Action Item

Boys Team Update

Season nearly at an end, last home meet is this week against Roseville.  Also Senior Night. JV Conferences on Feb 17th and Sections are Feb 22-24th.  2 Pool Records have been broken for the boys this season so far. Irondale - Lucas Megahan 200Free - 1:44.11    East Ridge - Neil Abrahamson 100Yard Fly - 50.74


In answer to a question on why some of the girl records have no name or year - this is going back to older times when they did not have details of the record breaker, just the time.  Boys records have all been updated since 2015+. Some girls records go back to pre 1990’s.

Treasurer Report

Comprehensive breakdown of current financials sent round by Erica.  Erica noted that as at Dec 2023 we had around $4600 in WM account from fundraising throughout the year.  This is the most in a few years. Usually about $2000.  

She noted that on average the spend from WM account is $5000 so we need more fundraising ideas to enable us to break even on this.

In 2023 we spent money on Colorado timing buttons, Pool records, Backstroke poles, Backstroke flags, lane lines, microphones.

Fundraising

Recap for the camera fundraiser, currently funds are $17, 468. 

Funds are with the rotary and with WM and HS.  

HS Funds

$1200 - from 2022/2023 Lions Grant 

$677 - 2023 Plunge Ellmae donations

$300 -  NFS Club - org was dissolved and the $300 from Ellemae’s plunge portion was sent to the HS as per Renee Jan 2023.

Rotary Funds

$3000 - FL Rotary - $550 + $2450 (FL club + WM donation)

$3000 - Rotary District grant match - held at District Rotary

$1000 - Prior Lake Rotary - not yet received

$250 - Belle Plaine Rotary - held at FL Rotary

$500 - Brooklyn Center Rotary - held at FL Rotary

$1000 Rotary District Match for The Prior Lake Rotary donation - held at District Rotary

$250 -   Rotary District Match for Bell Plain donation

$500 - Rotary Grant District Match for Brooklyn Center - held at District

Wavemakers Funds

$1000 - Donation from D Mancini - held with WM

$1000 - Donation from Vocational Consultants - held with WM

$3791.02 - Cub Foods bagging - held with WM


Funds to be spent in the order of 


Jon asked if there was a consensus on the camera choice at this time.

Rochelle has said she is happy with what Laura thinks is a good fit and Dominick the same. He pointed out that there are pros and cons for each system when you research them.  

Agreed that 1 camera system for the Watlicam would be ordered initially . The system uses ipads for feedback and viewing.  Dom thought 2 ipads would be more user friendly so that 2 coaches can view and 2 waterproof cases for ipads.  The track idea Laura didn’t think was workable but could be added afterwards if needed.  The system comes in a backpack for ease of transporting.

Rebecca has had good communication from the HQ based in Spain. Tech support is possible and available though a few hours ahead of us in their Central Europe time zone. MN plus 7 hours.


One camera is around $8500 plus possible tax costs(VAT) and shipping etc.  Two cameras cost $16000

Ipad plus covers , extras, possibly around $1500.


Laura and Dom plus board agreed to order 1 in the start of the process to have to use in Synchro season. Swim and dive coaches for boys and girls can use the camera system and they can work out if it suits swim, dive and synchro and if not to decide a process to follow after.

Tech cameras can be left at the pool. Rubbermaid cabinets in the storage room.  Camera itself to go to and fro with the coach.

Set up Phase 1 of the camera project (complete in February)

to order 1 camera from the Watlicam company. 4-6 weeks delivery.

order 2 ipads plus waterproof cases

To decide on arrival that this is sufficient for all teams or if more tech is needed.  Rebecca mentioned that Mike Hennen, AD at the High School has decided that the coaches should decide by 45 days of camera arrival if the system is good for their needs.

After this we can move to Phase 2

Phase 2 (complete within 45 days of delivery)  is to either stay with the one camera , buy an extra Watlicam or a different camera system.

Phase 3 (complete within 45 days of delivery) - if no extra Watlicam or other camera needed -  extra tech equipment - Rebecca mentioned an underwater speaker.

Dom pointed out that he will always have needs on technical equipment.  Jim mentioned that Mike Hennen is looking at replacing the TV in the pool. One on the wall is not working. 


Funds are spent in the order of last year's plunge and Lions grant, then rotary funds, WM camera donations and Cub foods $.


Process involves a report from Rebecca to the Rotary for the camera choice and invoicing. This is due by Friday 9th Feb. Rotary might need some extra information which she will inform to Erica by Thursday 8th Feb.


Erica motioned to vote on the Phase 1, 2 and 3 plan.

Rob seconded the motion. All passed.


Winter Plunge Updates

Ellemae has packs for sponsors to take part in the plunge.

More athletes needed to sign up, coaches to message their team and encourage them to sign up and raise $50. Some are signed up but not plunging and this is OK. Rotary have confirmed this. Waivers for plungers will be needed. Those fundraising but not plunging do not need a waiver.  Boys team are at JV conference or in taper and unable to plunge but can still fundraise.  

Rotary are moving the plunge from the lake to a pool set up by the lake. Due to the warmer weather and ice situation.

Another challenge from the Rotary to promote is happening this weekend. Details from Rebecca. Destiny from Synchro won the Penguin challenge! Congrats to Destiny!

Other Business

Pool Records

Jon has the girls records.  Boys records need ordering after the meet on Thursday. 

Synchro Board. 

Laura is happy with the board except she wants to have the “Synchro” part on velcro as the sport will change to Artistic Swimming at some stage, in line with FINA.  She is looking for new artwork/graphics in the corners before approving the proof. Jon can ask his contact who has digital art experience. Laura wants some graphics that will not date.

Fundraising 

Email was received from Famous Dave’s to assist fundraising. We can choose a date and they will donate 20% of orders taken on a certain date. Jon is looking into this with the possibility of having a date in March. 14th March was noted.

Diving Depth/Pool

Dom said that Jill Christenson from the School Board attended the last boys home meet and met with him afterwards. She is not hopeful that the district will agree to a new pool facility but Dom pointed out that our divers cannot compete at their home pool as the diving well and depth is not compliant to use. The boys and girls team have State divers. This is not a situation that we think should be the case. It was hoped that Jill could listen to upgrading pool v. new pool. Jon can contact construction companies for ideas of how much such a project could cost. Dom will email with the requirements.

Vice President

Rob True resigned from VP position and nominated Jim Fallon to take over. Jim accepted and was voted in to the VP role.  Thank you to Rob for his support of the Forest Lake Wavemakers and all three aquatics programs over the years!

Next Meeting - March 12th - 7pm.

Meeting end 8.26pm