Northfield Pickleball Association

Board Meeting Minutes
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025 4:00PM - 5:00PM Location: Weitz Center, Northfield
Attendees: Lori Farmer, Bill Seeberg, Josh Zimmerman

1. Incorporation, EIN, and 501(c)(3) Status

  • ●  EIN: 39-4092459

  • ●  Waiting for state approval of incorporation.

  • ●  Discussion held on next steps:

    • ○  Option to reformat the mission to better align with IRS non-profit purposes.

    • ○  Option to proceed with filing and “see what happens,” noting that other organizations with similar missions have obtained 501(c)(3) status.

  • ●  NPA is automatically considered a non-profit provided revenue does not exceed $5,000/year or $15,000 over three years.

  • ●  Action: Bill will send out a recap. It was decided that we should seek 501c3 status by completing the 1023-EZ and use the mission statement from our bylaws to pass the operational test.

    2. Facilities Committee Update Riverside Courts Fencing

● Fencing is being framed as part of the original pickleball project (unfinished element).

  • ○  Bill reported no grant funding is currently available (per Dave Bennett).

  • ○  Mayor Zweifel has been working with Ben Martig to get fencing added to

    the Riverside courts in 2026.

High School Gym Update

○ Brief discussion; updates pending.

3. Paddle Holder Discussion

  • ●  Ongoing reports of confusion on proper paddle holder use and issues with players waiting in scattered locations.

  • ●  Considered creating a tutorial or purchasing new holders.

  • ●  Decision: Hold off on creating tutorial at this time since it is not a constant issue. Future fencing improvements may reduce problems.

    4. Advertising Policy for Website

  • ●  Inquiry received from paddle representatives regarding ad placement.

  • ●  Sense from discussion: advertising could be a useful tool for the community.

  • ●  Action: Josh will draft a proposal on marketing for the website and share with the board by October 5.

    5. Annual Meeting & Board Elections

  • ●  Target timeframe: late March to early April.

  • ●  Those present at the annual meeting would vote on new leaders and board members.

  • ●  Josh suggested increasing the number of board seats to seven to build capacity and strengthen the organization.

  • ●  Membership dues: lightly discussed and largely rejected due to the administrative burden and concern over reduced membership.

  • ●  Instead, a suggested donation model will be used as part of broader fundraising efforts.

  • ●  No formal decision was voted on.

    6. Budget Considerations

  • ●  Strategies discussed for balancing the budget by December 31, 2025.

  • ●  Briefly discussed opening a checking account to establish a place for funds.

    • ○  A formal vote will be recorded at the next meeting (or virtually) to demonstrate organizational approval for the bank.

    • ○  Merchants Bank identified as the preferred institution:

      • Convenient location near the post office and other downtown businesses.

      • Low to no fees make it an ideal choice.

        7. Other Business / Short-Term Goals

  • -  Add August update to the website - Josh

  • -  Keep working to reach goal of 200 members by Jan 2026

  • -  Next meeting October 19