Meeting Minutes – August 2015

Miami Area Society of Homebrewers
Minutes of the Monthly General Meeting
August 27, 2015

The monthly general meeting of the Miami Area Society of Homebrewers was called to order at 7:30 PM at the M.I.A. Brewing Company on August 27, 2015 by Vice President, Dan Barrett.  (President, Bob Billany, was not in attendance.)

I.  Review of Previous Minutes

Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting was waived.

II.  Treasurer’s Report

$2,900 in the coffers.

III.  Old Business

1. Club Tax Status

Josh Hubner continues to research this issue. 

2.  Meeting Site

After reviewing the survey responses from the membership, the Board has agreed that M.I.A. Brewing in Doral will be the site for our monthly general meetings.  To accommodate those that are fighting rush hour traffic, the regular meeting time will be pushed back to 7:30 p.m.

The management of the brewery will reserve space for us in the tap room.  If it is too noisy to conduct a business meeting, they will allow us to gather in the brewery.  Alternatively, if weather allows, we can meet outdoors at the picnic area.  Management will allow us to utilize a p.a. system if necessary.

III.  New Business

1.  Upcoming Competitions

The entry window for Commander SAAZ closes on September 8th.  The competition will be held on October 2-3, 2015 in Cocoa Beach, FL.  Club member, Scott Graham, has offered to transport entries north. Entries must be delivered to Scott no later than September 3rd.

2.  Education Session

David Kirsten conducted an educational session focusing on the basics of water chemistry.  Samples of distilled water  and Budweiser were dosed with Gypsum or Calcium Chloride.  Tastings were conducted to determine if the alterations were perceptible. 

3.  Grovetoberfest

The annual Grovetoberfest Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, October 17th at peacock Park in Coconut Grove.  MASH man a tent and be pouring homebrew.  Club members will be reimbursed i/a/o $30 for each 5 gallons of brew they provide for the event.  Dan Barrett will coordinate.

4.  Election of Officers

Election of new club Officers for 2016 is around the corner.  MASH members were encouraged to consider if they would like to take an a more active role in management of the club.

Our By-Laws currently state that “Directors shall be elected . . . by the voting members at the Annual Meeting . . . “.  A question was raised about allowing members to participate in the voting process electronically. There was much dissent around this point.  A motion was passed to allow for further discussion prior to voting for a change in the By-Laws.

5.  Coconut Cup

It is time to lock in a date for next year’s Coconut Cup competition. February 26  27. 2016 was suggested.  No objections were raised.  A poll to the full club membership will be disseminated to ensure that the bulk of members will be available to participate.

6.  Brewer of the Year (BotY)

The BotY style for August was Belgian & French Ale.  9 entries were received, the largest field of entries in 2015!  The winners were . . . 

First Place:                 Jay & Kari Fonte (Saison) 
Second Place:            Marie Waldron (Belgian IPA)
Third Place (Tie):       Scott Graham & Henric Boiardt (Saison) / John Falco (Belgian Wit)

The BotY style for September will be Sour Ales.

IV.  Time/Place of Next Meeting

Thursday, September 24th @ 7:30 p.m

M.I.A. Brewing Co.
10400 NW 33 Street #150
Doral, Florida 33172

Minutes submitted by:  David Kirsten, Secretary

Minutes approved by:   Bob Billany, President