Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
Work Party March 21st 10:30am – 2:30pm Ranges will be closed
There are several projects we will be working on depending on how many show up. Replacement of some wood framing for the target stands at 100 and 200 yd lines ( lead -Peter Clark )
Replacement of several metal target holders that are badly shot up , and installation of a standard target holder at 50 yds on the blue range (lead Mark Johnson)
Weather permitting some tumbleweed burning, but in any case, breaking them, loose general manual weed control. (lead – to be determined)
The road to the 200 targets needs to be cleared of drift sand – toy tractor available (lead -John Drewrey)
A few shovels and racks are available but please bring some for your own use if you have them. gloves , hammer and other general hand tools may be helpful if you have them available. Mark Johnson will need members help that have a pickup, 6t ladder, tape measure and level. There are two sledge hammers at the range. We will be driving posts for target frames into the ground.
Work party credit granted toward current renewal if needed (credit when renewing in 2026) or
if you have ready renewed credit for renewal when it comes due in 2027
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
Notice of Three Motions to change Range Rules and Operational Procedures
At the March meeting three motions were made and seconded. The vote on these motions will be held during the April 2nd General meeting.
The italic text is informational and not part of the motions text.
First Motion . add the following sentence as the 5th bullet to the Range Rules in the Ammo Rules section:
5. No ammunition other than rimfire and pistol caliber centerfire may be used on the “Blue Range. “
(end of test of the first motion)
Synopsis of statements during discussion – The blue range was built as a rimfire range, but an ammunition restriction was never formally documented. The berm has seen damage from several sources and steps have been taken to stabilize the berm. This ammunition restriction is seen by the Board as a necessary step to assure the berms stability. The restriction is on ammunition, not firearm type i.e. pistol caliber carbines would be allowed.
—————————————————————————–
Second Motion – to adopt the Map , Control Station Sign TCMSA Range Overview document and Rule Change(that follow below)
Map.
Note – name changes from Red Range to Main Range , Blue Range to Short Range and Yellow Range to Restricted Area (modified and expanded) – A copy to be mounted at every control station and a poster sized copy in the Rail Car next to TCMSA overview.
Control Station Sign(To save space this is not the sign format just the text )
Making the Range COLD or HOT
To access Restricted Area (including 200 yd line) use YELLOW Light System
Communicate Walk the line, make eye contact, get agreement from all.
Inform Magazines out, actions open & empty, muzzles down range.
Audible indicator (horn) ONE blast for COLD: TWO for HOT
Visual indicator (lights) Lights ON for COLD or OFF for HOT
Verify Everyone DOWN RANGE is back before going HOT.
Note –Modifies the wording of the existing signs. All current signs would be replaced.
TCMSA Range Overview
TCMSA Range Overview
The TCMSA Facility has three ranges, the Main Range (with Rifle, Handgun, and Shotgun areas and a Restricted Area), a Short Range, and an Archery Range. A color-coded light system indicates range status, aka HOT or COLD, and permits a range to be HOT or COLD without impacting the other range. Strobe lights are located along the firing lines and on the West end of the Box Car. The Archery Range has no light system and operates independently of the other ranges.
FIREARMS MAY NOT BE FIRED OR HANDLED WHILE STROBE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED ON THE RESPECTIVE RANGE.
LIGHTS DO NOT REPLACE THE NEED FOR MEMBERS TO COMMUNICATE FACE TO FACEWITH OTHERS BEFORE CHANGING RANGE STATUS.
Short Range
The Short Range, located to the left of the Main Range, is a 50-yard range contained within a Wall on the right and a Berm at 50-yards.
Short Range Light System
The Short Range Light System consists of blue strobes on the firing line and at the West end of the Box Car with a local bell, all controlled by local switches on the Short-Range firing line.
Main Range
The Main Range consists of Rifle, Handgun, and Shotgun areas, and a Restricted Area.
Main Range Light System
The Main Range Light System consists of collection of red strobes located along the Main Range Firing Line and on the West End of the Box Car, all controlled by local switches. The Main Range has a horn which is manually activated when changing range status.
Restricted Area
The Restricted Area is used to control access to areas beyond the Short-Range Berm and 100-yard Berm. The Restricted Area is necessary as a direct line of sight exists from portions of the Short-Range Firing Line over the Short-Range Berm and Wall to the 100- and 200-yard rifle target holders and beyond. The 100-yard Berm, the Short-Range Berm, and the top of the Short-Range Wall are included in the Restricted Area. (Targets may be placed on the lower half of a berm.)
Restricted Area Lights
The Restricted Area Light System is controlled by a single switch located on the Short-Range Firing Line which actuates ALL range strobes (red, blue, and yellow) and actuates an alarm which signals every 30 seconds. The Restricted Area Light System overrides all light systems when activated.
NOTE: Lights must be turned off using the same switch at which they were turned on.
TCMSA Overview – A document offering a member refresher and visitor training aid on range operation. A poster sized copy to be mounted in the Rail Car next to the Map.
Rule Change
Replace existing bullet 7 of the Range Rules – Control Rules with the following :
7. After walking the line, making eye contact, obtaining agreement from all from impacted persons, and confirming firearms have been made safe, any member may change a range’s status to COLD. Before taking a range HOT, it must be confirmed everyone downrange has returned to the firing line and is ready to go HOT.
Use audible horn signal to signal others of the range change; one blast for COLD and two for HOT. Then turn lights ON for COLD Range or OFF for HOT Range.
The Restricted Area Light system must be used to enter any portion of the Restricted Area. Before accessing the Restricted Area (including the 200-yd line), concurrence is required from all Short and Main Range users. Restricted Area Light system overrides ALL lights and all audible alarms.
Main and Short Range lights are controlled by switches along the firing lines, and the Lights must be turned off at the same location that was used to turn the lights on.
(end of text of the second motion)
For reference – Existing bullet 7 – Range Rules – Range Control Rules
7. Any member may change range condition to COLD RANGE, HOT RANGE. Walk the line making eye contact and get agreement. Inform/assist members to make firearms safe. Use audible horn signal; one for cold and two for hot. Use strobe lights as appropriate. Make sure everyone downrange is back before making range hot.
Concerning Second and Third Motions
Synopsis of statements from discussion– Currently the range rules and operational procedures do not cover the way the range is posted and operated. If passed the rules , procedures and signage would align, providing increased member understanding of safe range operation. This may not be the perfect fix, but it is a solid start.
Synopsis of statements leading to a parallel motion (Third Motion) The current signage needs to be replaced; if passed signs could be printed and mounted. The new Map and Control Station wording should be used as a foundation. Get the signs mounted, then take the time and do the rest properly. Current range rule #7 should be in an operational procedure document not the range rules. The change to the Range Rules should be moving #7 not it’s in place modification.
Third Motion – Adopt – the Map and Control Station Sign only(as presented above for Motion Two and see the synopsis of statements leading to parallel motion above)
Post meeting, I was informed that the member that forwarded the Third Motion will offer a motion for leave to withdraw it prior to any vote. This is in support of the Second Motion. If passed the motion will be withdrawn.
If that wasn’t fun enough – There are contradictory terms between these motions and inconsistencies within the documents proposed for adoption.
Examples – Documents in the Second Motion rename the Range that is the subject of First Motion
Names or descriptions of the same object within the Documents are not consistent – yellow light system / Restricted area light system – possibly others.
These can be easily changed by amendments to the motions at the next meeting, but the group will then need to determine if these changes are of the type that would trigger another announcement of charge requirement i.e. that the text of the motion be posted – or are strictly housekeeping that does not affect the proposed Range Rule or Operational Procedure changes and should be considered de minims and so not requiring additional posting.
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
The following unopposed officers were unanimously elected: President: John Drewrey, Vice President: Vince Salvadalena, Treasurer: James Simpson, Secretary: Madeline Fenrich, Membership Coordinator: Connie Simpson
The two board positions attracted four candidates, and the first ballot resulted in a three-way tie. The runoff among the three candidates elected George Hledik and Rick Sunford.
The club wishes all members a safe and healthy New Year and sincerely thanks those who stepped forward to run for office.
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
We had a great turnout at the 50-yd. three-position match today. It was only the second time we’ve had a full line of 13 shooters. Several members had relatives visiting from out of town for the holidays, and they joined in the fun. Everyone had a good time, even though it was a bit chilly due to the wind.
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
In 2026, our regular first Thursday night meeting falls on New Years night (January 1). At the December 4, 2025 monthly meeting, those present voted to switch the January 2026 meeting from January 1 to January 8. At that time, we were under the impression that the Moose lodge preferred the date change. And, of course, so did our membership. Apparently there was a misunderstanding because the lodge informed us on Saturday 12/6/2025 that the date change was not possible and they would open the building for us on the first Thursday in January 1/1/2026). There will be no change to the usual schedule. The January meeting and voting will be Thursday January 1, 2026
Please convey this information to all members you know in case they don’t read the newsletter or check our website.
Nominations for Directors and Officers
As of December 7, candidates are:
President: John Drewrey
Vice President: Vince Salvadalena
Secretary: Madeline Fenrich
Treasurer: James Simpson
Membership Coordinator: Connie Simpson
Board Members: (two positions) Chuck May, Craig Johnson, George Hledic & Rick Sunford
Additional nominations will be accepted until we vote on January 1, 2026.
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
Annual elections for TCMSA directors and officers will be held at the January general meeting (1/1/2026). Nominations will be taken at the club meeting on Thursday December 4, 2025. You may nominate yourself by email to brett.menaker@gmail.com. Positions to be voted on are:
President Incumbent Gaylord Baker will not accept re-nomination.
Vice President Incumbent Brett Menaker will not accept re-nomination.
Secretary Incumbent Cossette Baker will not accept re-nomination.
Director Incumbent is Mark Kimmell.
Director Incumbent is Loren Mack.
We also need a safety advisor coordinator to replace Mark Johnson, who nurtured this program since its inception. Please volunteer. Unlike directors and officers, this position is not on the ballot. Speak any board member or officer.
This is an important election. Without replacements for the retiring officers, it’s uncertain if the range can continue operating. Please volunteer and be on the ballot for at least one of the open positions. If you are dissatisfied with how the club has been run, don’t whine; become a candidate for director or officer and correct what is wrong. The existing officers and directors have no more spare time than you. But they cared enough to make time for TCMSA. The club needs you.
Thank you for volunteering to help keep your club operating and safe.
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
A CHANGE IN THE TCMSA POLICY BOOK WAS PROPOSED AT THE SEPTEMBER4,2025 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING, TO BE VOTED ON BY MEMBERSATTENDING THE OCTOBER 2,2025 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING.
Proposed change to the TCMSA Policy Book . Chapter lll- General #16
The first motion is that the following sentence be added as the first sentence of text in the TCMSA Policy Book , Chapter III– General #16
Except in an emergency confirmed by the unanimous consensus of the thencurrent board and officers, any changes to the range safety rules or the rangeoperational procedures require a motion to and affirmative vote by the generalmembership.
The remainder of the text remains unchanged.
If seconded and passed the policy book would then read :
#16- Except in an emergency confirmed by the unanimous consensus of the then current board and officers, any changes to the range safety rules or the range operational procedures require a motion to and affirmative vote by the general membership. Motions to change the range safety rules and operationalprocedures may be made at any meeting and if seconded, the vote will be held at the next regular meeting. Passage requires a 2/3 majority of the members voting. Announcements of the upcoming votes and the text of the motions will be posted on the club’s webpage and in the monthly newsletter. Any changes resulting from the vote will be announced on the club’s webpage and in the monthly newsletter
Proposed change to the TCMAS Policy Book , Chapter l – Policy Book #1 The second motion is that the following sentence be added as the first sentence of text in the TCMSA Policy Book , Chapter I– Policy Book #1
Except in an emergency confirmed by the unanimous consensus of the thencurrent board and officers, any changes to the TCMSA Policy Book require amotion to and affirmative vote by the general membership.
The remainder of the text remains unchanged
If seconded and passed the policy book would then read :
#1 Except in an emergency confirmed by the unanimous consensus of the thencurrent board and officers, any changes to the TCMSA Policy Book require amotion and affirmative vote by the general membership. Motions for changes and new additions to the club policy book may be made at any meeting and ifseconded, the vote will be held at the next regular meeting. Passage requires a2/3 majority of the members voting. Announcements of upcoming votes and thetext of motions will be posted on the club’s webpage and in the monthlynewsletter. Any changes resulting from the vote will be announced on the club’swebpage and in the monthly newsletter.
STATEMENT FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE POLICY BOOK CHANGES
Purpose – To enhance range safety by providing clarification that all changes to thepolicy book , range rules or operation procedure require a motion and a vote , thisprovides a min of one months advance notice of all but emergency changes.
Justification – Each member is equally responsible for seeing that the range is operated in accordance with the range safety procedures and the range safety rules. Key to the continued safe range operation is communication well in advance of any changes in procedure or rule.
We didn’t get that notice this time. The email announcement outlining the recent change went out a day after the implementation date and it’s unclear if the mailing list includes all members or just those that requested email notifications. Posting of the procedural change on the web site didn’t occur for an additional 10 days. This is neither proactive nor adequate communication for procedural changes covering access to target frames, use of the signaling system and renaming and splitting the ranges. Additionally, this was implemented in a month when no general meeting was scheduled and without previous announcement of the final details of the changes, or a vote or motion.
The board currently holds the position that no motion or vote or additional communication is required. This seems inconsistent with a plain reading of the current policy book text. However. rather than arguing over something that has already happened, these 2 motions attempt to clarify that going forward , except in emergency, a motion to and yes vote by the general membership is required for changes to the policy book , range rules and operating procedures. This ensures at least one month of notice prior to a vote. It also ensures a posting of the complete text / procedure / policy in the newsletter and on the web site prior to the vote.
The intent is to provide prior notice of any changes that may effect your safe use of the TCMSA range.
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
The annual HUNTER SIGHT-IN event, which is open free of charge to the public, is Saturday September 13,2025 from 0900 to 1300, and Sunday September 21,2025 from 1000 to 1400.
All members interested in helping, please contact George Hledik at ghledik@gmail.com
Tri-Cities Metallic Silhouette AssociationPosted on by Mark Johnson
Something’s New at TCMSA!
Hello Members!
Your Board, Officers, and Safety Crew have finished the upgrades you voted on in December 2023!! Here’s the exciting result – TCMSA now has 3 separate ranges!
You can find new signs on either side of the condition switches. The month of August is our ‘testing’ period, so if you have any suggestions to make these better, or anything seems unclear or confusing, please submit a range incident report online at our website!
The Blue Range
Left or NW of the Eco Bloc barrier
Up to 50yd targets
Goes hot/cold independently of the Red Range
Blue safety lamps flash when cold
Condition switch located center-range
The Red Range
Right or SE of the Eco Bloc barrier
Up to 100yd targets + shotguns at the South end
Goes hot/cold independently of the Blue Range
Red safety lamps flash when cold
Several condition switches on different posts
The Yellow Range
Overlaps the 100yd benches center Red Range
200yds targets only
Requires all 3 ranges to be made cold when setting targets
Yellow safety rotators when cold + red & blue lamps flashing
Horn continuously chirps while cold
Condition switch at Blue Range only
(confirm both Blue & Red Ranges will be made cold)
Changing the Yellow Range condition can only be done at the Blue Range switch and will cause all lights to be
active/inactive with intermittent chirping during a cold state. This is to ensure communication with everyone on
the range that the entire range will be cold while setting targets at 200yds.
Any member may change the range condition of the Blue or Red Ranges by addressing shooters of that range,
making eye contact and getting agreement to the change of condition.
Members wishing to change the condition of the Yellow Range must inform both Red Range and Blue Range
shooters, make eye contact and get agreement for the change.
