June 6th, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. at the Ramada in Milesburg.
PLEASE SEND A CLUB REPRESENTATIVE
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State Meeting 3-7-10 - Milesburg
CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chairman, Jim Delesandro
ROLL CALL, Secretary Ben Bilott called roll – 14 clubs were represented.
MINUTES, APPROVAL: Motion to approve, Loyalhanna, seconded by Western PA
TREASURERS REPORT: The status of the state accounts was reported in Wayne Proctor’s absence.
The PA BFN is soluble. We can fund the divisional team.
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: T.D. Chris Kimmel reported that there are 25 individuals signed up to date for Mr. BASS. If there are 60 or more participants, there will be a meeting Thursday night @ the pavilion at the launch. If there are LESS than 60 anglers, the meeting will be cancelled. Applications are due by April 5th. Anglers MUST use PA BFN bags. Both Washington DC and Maryland (bay sport) licenses are needed. Please continue to watch the websites for updates on this tournament.
The finances involved with this tournament for 2010 were broken down and explained in detail as follows:
2010 Payout
100 Participants- Mr. Bass
Total Funds $12000 (entry fees & “pad”)
Fees
Conservation $500
Tournament Dir. $800
Supplies $200
Federation/Divisional Team $3000
Total Payout- $7500
1- $3000/ Trophy
2- $1500/ Trophy
3- $800/ Trophy
4- $500
5- $400
6- $250
7- $175
8- $150
9- $125
10- $100
11- $100
12- $100
13- $100
14- $100
15- $100
Total Fees & Payout $12,000
STATE TEAM DATE CHANGE: JUNE 18-19 Raystown
Clarifications regarding the state team format were discussed and noted. After 2nd day is complete, weights will be tallied. Each club’s top 4 anglers total tournament weight will count as the club’s weight.
Chairman Delesandro repoted on his efforts to secure an open tournament in PA, to take place at either the Three Rivers, Raystown, or Erie. He also reported that the PA BFN is going to the chamber of commerce and visitors bureau at Raystown to discuss perks and benefits available to us if we hold tournaments at the lake in the future.
The 2010 Divisional Team was introduced and congradulated. The team includes: Darin Doll, Jim Lambert, Dan Gray, Craig Matz, Rick Anderson, Doug Jewart, Jim Bittner, Josh Giran, Mike Moran, Kane Stein, Merrill Showers, Ken Baumgardner, and DJ Bishop.
Shirts for the Divisional Team were discussed, and it was noted that the tournament is out of Philip’s Landing.
WEBSITE UPDATE: Tom Malacki reported that the problems that many of you may have experienced with the website recently have been fixed.
CONSERVATION: Jim Cardillo attended a seminar at Penn State. They discussed several topics including invasive species and Marcellus shale. He is attending a caucus in Harrisburg about Marcellus shale. Mr. Cardillo also reported that new bags and aerators have been purchased.
It was reported that John Arway was appointed to the position of Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director. Letters are being drafted by the Western District as well as by the State Secretary welcoming and congratulating him on his appointment.
YOUTH: Youth Director Bill Otto reported that the youth tournament this year will be held at Goldsboro (Susquehanna River) July 31 – Aug. 1st. He is working with “Visit Hershey” – more to follow. Hotel will be at the Harrisburg Holiday Inn, New Cumberland.
Casting Kids will be held at Bass Pro Shops Harrisburg July 31st @ 4pm.
MEMBERSHIP: As of this meeting, there are 379 members. More rosters and dues are still coming in.
ALLIANCE: A new program from Berkely benefiting Federation anglers is available. For more information, contact Denny Breth.
Mr. Breth noted that Lowrance is extremely difficult to work with. They are not honoring their alliance deal in a timely fashion.
Triton brought back the alliance program although it may be to a lesser extent. All federation anglers are urged to make sure paperwork is completed when purchasing Skeeter/Yamaha, Triton, and Mercury products so that the PA BFN gets it’s kick back.
By-Laws: a Motion was made by Western PA Bass and seconded by Montandon to ratify the by laws. Motion carried unanimously
Chairman Delesandro also asked the memberships opinion regarding anglers attempting to qualify for the divisional via multiple states. PA’s opinion – Go for it!
NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made by Loyalhanna and seconded by the Road Warriors that the State pays $600 after the divisional ($100 to each boater) for gas expenses as long as they are willing to take riders for practice. All isues will be dealt with by the team captain at the divisional tournament.
Motion carried unanimously
Remaining 2010 meeting dates: June 6, November 7
Motion to Adjourn: Loyalhanna, 2nd Happy Hookers
NEXT MEETING –June 6th - PLEASE SEND A CLUB REPRESENTATIVE
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State Meeting 11-22-09 - Milesburg
CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chairman, Jim Delesandro
ROLL CALL, Secretary Ben Bilott called roll – 18 clubs were represented.
MINUTES, APPROVAL: Motion to approve, Loyalhanna, seconded by Mon River. Motion Carried.
TREASURERS REPORT: The status of the state accounts was reported.
A summary of the years expenses were detailed & it was noted that they were low.
The Divisional team cost approx. $22,000, which is about the norm.
The state purchased $2642 worth of alliance product at 50% below MSRP. Of special interest was that the
PA BFN sold a boat certificate for $5000, of which the proceeds will be split between youth/conservation.
Please contact the BOD anytime any alliance gear is purchased, so we can account for and receive any alliance money that is to be awarded to the state due to your purchase.
Motion to approve: Western PA, 2nd Road Warriors
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Congradulations were offered to the 2009 divisional team for their 2nd place finish on the Ohio River, Wheeling, WV. $2100 was collected from a “side-pot” payout, since BASS eliminated payouts for the divisional. The 2010 team was introduced and the results read from the 2009 Classic. The 2010 Mid Atlantic Divisional will be held on the Nanticoke River.
A motion was made by Lock 3 and 2nd by Mariners to “pad” payouts for Mr. Bass and State team by $2000 each for 2010. The additional funds are coming from membership money. Motion carried unanimously.
Tom Malacki is stepping down from his post as state tournament director as of 2010. A motion was made by Western PA BASS and seconded by Loyalhanna to elect Chris Kimmel to fill this post. Motion carried unanimously. Thanks were offered to Tom for all his hard work.
2010 State Tournaments: Mr. BASS – Apr. 16-17, Potomac
State Team – June 25-26, Raystown
Classic - Oct. 8-9, Raystown
The state will be purchasing a new computer, and rounding out the rest of the East district’s weigh in equipment to match the West districts. This will enable us to use either the West or the East’s equipment for state tournaments, depending on location.
A motion was made by Susquehanna Bronzebacks and 2nd by PA Southwest to:
-Keep State Team @ Raystown for an additional 1 year trial.
-Any # of boater/rider pairs may enter per club
-Top 4 club members weight after end of 2nd day count as team’s tournament weight
-10 Boaters and 10 Riders qualify for classic, but must fish 2 additional events (districts or state)
-Top 3 teams (minimum) paid out an equal amount
-No points are awarded
-$100 per man entry fee
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Western PA BASS and 2nd by Loyalhanna that we change the point system/season format. Each district will have 3 district tournaments worth 40 points each. The state will hold a Mr. BASS tournament worth 40 points, which will carry back to the district. No classic qualifiers will come directly from Mr. BASS. At the end of the season, a top percentage of each district will advance to the classic based solely on their points position. The only other way to advance is by finishing in the top 20 in the State team tournament, where no points are awarded (see above). In addition, in order to participate in the classic, qualifying anglers must fish at least 3 events (state and/or districts). A diagram is coming soon to the website.
Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Western PA BASS and 2nd by PA Southwest that starting in 2011, 2 districts will choose Mr. BASS and the Classic. This will eliminate the likelihood of most of the state events being held in one portion of the state each year. In 2011, the East will choose Mr. BASS and the Central will choose the Classic location.
Motion Carried
A motion was made to keep State team at Raystown for the next 3 years.
Motion Withdrawn
Motion was made by Loyalhanna and 2nd by the Happy Hookers that the state take over and supports the casting kids program which was abandoned by National BASS for next year.
Motion Carried
A motion was made by York County and 2nd by Loyalhanna to give away 2 motor guide trolling motor @ each state event, and 2 @ the march state meeting. These were the alliance items that were purchased at a greatly discounted rate by the PA BFN.
Motion Carried
WEBSITE UPDATE: Members are once again reminded that they must log on to view the message board in it’s entirety. Tom Malacki is the webmaster. We are seeking advertisers for the website. Please contact Tom Malacki if you know of any interested parties.
CONSERVATION: New weigh in bags with aerators are being purchased. Conservation Director Jim Cardillo would like conservation contacts within each club. He is also checking into the possibility of providing each member with a “keeping bass alive” wallet card.
YOUTH: Youth Director Bill Otto is seeking locations of all youth clubs. The youth tournament was reported on and results read.
Mr. Otto is looking into having events in Harrisburg, because discounts and incentives may be available. There is also a tentative possibility of securing scholarships for the kids from the Hershey Foundation if it is held there.
Suggestions were made to post Kid’s results on the web just as they are for the seniors
Bill would like more help from anglers, and states that each club should expect a call. He also suggests that we spend more money on jackets rather than plaques for the kids/leaders. The state purchased $1300 of gear from the youth and are giving it away. This will enable the youth to purchase more “usable” gear.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership numbers and stats were reported for 2009. The most growth seems to be in the central/east districts.
Membership Director Pat Vetter urges all clubs to register with B.A.S.S. online with a Credit Card.
New forms will be available shortly on our website. Please copy and paste this form to an e-mail and send back to Pat, as well as print and mail a copy.
PUBLICITY/SPONSORSHIP: Lisa Diehl reports that the Western District was published frequently in 2009. Tournament announcements, reports, results, and interviews were all included. Eastern and Central districts are encouraged to send Lisa their contacts at local papers, and she’ll help with the leg work in getting published.
ALLIANCE: Alliance Director Denny Breath reported on the alliance money we received this year.
The equipment that was purchased through the program and it’s dispersal was discussed, as well as the $5000 boat certificate which was sold.
It was noted that next year there will be $5000 of gear available.
Chairman Delesandro signed the new alliance package through 2013.
By-Laws: PA BFN accountant (and fellow angler) Jeff Flickinger was introduced. Mr. Flickinger explained where we are at in the process of applying for a 501-C4 status.
Jeff is going to work with the by laws committee to make sure that the by laws will comply with the regulations and tax laws required. There is currently a draft of the by laws, but they need revised to keep aligned with Mr. Flickinger’s suggestions.
Mr. Flickinger also encourages all clubs to file for a 501-C4 tatus, as this is the only way they could collect money if the organization was to dissolve. He is putting together a “guide” for clubs wishing to do this which will be posted on the internet.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Chairman Delesandro urges members to keep talking to friends, passing out tri-folds, and encouraging involvement. Also of note is that B.A.S.S. is raising dues to $30 for 2010.
FUNDING THE FEDERATION: Web sponsors are being solicited to help with funding. The B.O.D. continues to negotiate the best deals when spending is needed. The state is operating on only the money it needs, while carefully monitoring funds to ensure they do not build too high. They are being “paid-back” to the membership through tournament payout padding, and gear giveaways.
2010 meeting dates: March 7, June 6, November 7
Motion to Adjourn: Loyalhanna, 2nd Happy Hookers
NEXT MEETING – March 7 - PLEASE SEND A CLUB REPRESENTATIVE
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State Meeting 7-19-09 - Milesburg
CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chairman, Jim Delesandro
ROLL CALL, Clubs Present: Secretary Ben Bilott called roll – 7 clubs were represented.
MINUTES, APPROVAL: Motion to approve, Lock 3, seconded by Loyalhanna. Motion Carried.
TREASURERS REPORT: The status of the state accounts was reported. Expense vouchers were reimbursed for $18.66 - youth.
Rooms for the Divisional team are to be paid. Cost is $3245
Tri-Folds and business cards were purchased at a cost of $856.
Motion to approve: Pa Southwest, 2nd by Western PA Bass
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Raystown results were read. See the tournament results page on www.pabassfederation.com for all results.
As of meeting date, 10 boaters and 7 riders were signed up for Mr. Bass. The cutoff is Aug. 7th.
Watch for details on the website closer to Mr. Bass.
T.D. Malacki reminds everyone that the message board on the website is his vehicle for communicating with the membership. He points out that you must log in to get all information available.
WEBSITE UPDATE: The new website is working well, but the burden during tournament season is too great for Tom Malacki to both serve as Tournament Director and effectively manage the site. The B.O.D. is seeking 2 members to step up and serve as web administrators. Chairman Delesandro recommends that one of the administrators be from the east or central district.
CONSERVATION: A motion was made by Loyalhanna Bassmasters and 2nd by the Happy Hookers to purchase 36 weigh in bags and aerators (10+2 extra for each district), with the condition that we explore the possibility of purchasing at a “lower than list” price. Motion carried unanimously.
YOUTH: Youth Director Bill Otto reported that he needs boats for the Aug. 2nd Lake Augusta youth tournament.
Bill thanked capital city for helping put together the tournament, Lock three for a donation of a rod, Dave Kreutzer for the donation of a reel, and Dicks Sporting Goods for a rod/reel combo.
August 8th at 11am is a Casting Kids competition at the Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg. Cabelas is now building and supplying targets for these competitions. There are some questions lingering as to whether or not BASS will continue this program next year. The Youth directors of the Federation Nation are not pleased that BASS may be withdrawing support of these events.
It was reported that there are 3 cases of oil, a prop, and a 71lb trolling motor available for the youth program. A motion was made by lock 3 and 2nd by loyalhanna that these items be sold & the money converted to product for the youth that they can actually use.
The Connecticut tournament that was discussed last meeting is now cancelled.
Mr. Otto suggested that waivers be available for clubs sponsoring youth programs. These waivers would help with liability issues involved with taking children out fishing.
Tom Malacki suggested that a “map” be drafted to be posted on the youth section of the website. This “map” would explain the progression through the youth tournaments & qualifiers, and show how points are earned and applied.
MEMBERSHIP: National Rosters are continually being updated. The rosters will not reflect “state dues paid” until B.A.S.S. recognizes each new member as being in good standing. This sometimes causes a delay in the update process. Please be patient.
PUBLICITY/SPONSORSHIP: Thanks to DJ Bishop, Mike Iaconelli made an appearance at the Western Districts Southside tournament. There was a good turnout for the appearance, especially kids. Western District Chairman Dave Kreutzer has drafted a thank you letter to “Ike” for his support for the federation.
We are still seeking a representative from the east/central districts to help with publicity/sponsorship in those parts of the state.
DJ Bishop acknowledged Lisa Diehl for her work. They are splitting the workload involved with the position.
ALLIANCE: Alliance package director Denny Breth reports that all promotional materials that have been received thus far are present and accounted for. Chairman Delesandro has documentation on all promotional materials available for any parties who may be interested. All material will be distributed or used for the Federation.
A motion was made by Western PA BASS, and 2nd by Lock 3 that the state purchase $2500 worth of alliance product (at a greatly reduced rate). Motion passed unanimously. Use of this product will be discussed at a later date.
By-Laws: The bylaws have been reviewed and changes suggested by several members of the committee. We are still waiting to hear from two members. In order to file the necessary paperwork for our 501 c3 status, the bylaws must be prepared and submitted.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Tri-Fold advertisements were printed and distributed at a rate of 2 per club member. They were given to club representatives at the meeting. These tri-folds describe the PA federation nation, and can be distributed to people who express an interest. They will also be distributed to the public at selected events throughout the year.
DIVISIONAL TEAM: B.A.S.S. would like each state to kick in $1500 to cover any payouts above and beyond the team winning the Skeeter giveaway boat. A suggestion was made to propose a $2000 contribution, if all states in the division agree. A motion was made by loyalhanna and 2nd by Southwest Bassmen to pay the $1500 or $2000, whichever it may be. The motion passed unanimously.
FUNDING THE FEDERATION: The board of directors is soliciting ideas from membership on how to fund the federation. We are also seeking sponsors.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO DATE: Some accomplishments were pointed out.
- New website
- We are Incorporated
- Membership is Growing
- Literature for new membership
- Receiving good publicity
- We are financially sound – now padding state tourneys by $1000!
FOR DISCUSSION: Next meeting we will discuss moving meeting dates to avoid Bass Season.
Motion to Adjourn: Happy Hookers, 2nd Road Warriors
NEXT MEETING – Nov. 22nd PLEASE SEND A CLUB REPRESENTATIVE
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State Meeting 3-15-09 - Milesburg
CALLED TO ORDER BY: Chairman, Jim Delesandro
ROLL CALL, Clubs Present: Secretary Ben Bilott called roll – 14 clubs were represented.
MINUTES, APPROVAL: Motion to approve, Lock 3, seconded by Loyalhanna. Motion Carried.
GUEST SPEAKER: Our very own Bassmaster Classic contender Ken Baumgardner spoke about his recent experience competing in the classic. Ken shared highlights from his trail to the classic through the state, divisionals, and the national championship. Mr. Baumgardner thanked the PA Bass Federation Nation for the opportunity to make this experience possible. Chairman Delesandro expressed that Ken was and is a great ambassador for our Federation.
VICE PRESIDENT: Jim Adams suggested that 50/50 tickets be sold at tournaments for the youth fund. Our state received funding from B.A.S.S. for conservation at the classic, so youth is currently where the money is needed the most. A motion was made by Loyalhanna to sell 50/50 tickets for the youth account and was seconded by Western PA Bass. Motion was approved unanimously, and tickets will be distributed to all Tournament Directors.
TREASURERS REPORT: Treasurer Wayne Proctor reported the status of the state accounts. Expense vouchers were paid for reimbursement of the following:
President expenses - $788.51, Conservation Directors expenses - $802.69, Youth Directors expenses - $25, old website expenses - $200, New website expenses - $3.85, Treasurers expenses - $23.92.
Motion to approve the report, Lake Latonka, seconded by Mariners. It was noted that expenditures have been kept at a minimum.
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: State TD Tom Malacki reported that the July 11th Central tournament has been changed to Williamsport on the Susquehanna. Tom said to watch the web for updates on the state team tournament at Raystown as they become available.
The Eastern District is in need of a scale system for their tournaments. It was motioned by the Happy Hookers and seconded by Holiday Park to purchase the Eastern district a scale system. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by York County and seconded by Lake Latonka to “pad” the payouts for the State Team and Mr. Bass tournaments. Motion passed unanimously. These state tournaments will now have an additional $1000 each to pay out from state funds, in addition to the normal payout.
WEBSITE UPDATE: The new website is up and active. $200 was paid to the host of the old website to enable us to switch over to the new host. Costs will be less than $200 per year, and any changes can be made as needed, free of charge, and instantly.
BASSMASTERS CLASSIC REVIEW: In Chairman Delesandro’s meetings at the Classic, he was told that ESPN/BASS know that the federation is not a money making organization, but they are striving to get it more toward breaking even. To do this, there will have to be some changes. Increasing membership would be the most immediate solution. Mr. Delesandro stresses the importance of new member recruitment. BASS wants more support from the states for divisional events. They are also considering streamlining the path to the classic to save costs to themselves and the federation . They are also considering incorporating the youth tournaments with our divisionals. BASS has eliminated AD&D insurance and saved $117,000 by doing so. We will still have insurance, however.
CONSERVATION: Conservation director Jim Cardillo reported on his meetings at the Classic. He found out that many other states are far ahead of Pennsylvania where conservation is concerned. His entire classic report can be found on the website, along with a special feature about “fizzing” fish. To get to his report, click on “community”, and then “conservation”. Jim would like to have an immediate impact on our conservation by educating and enabling us to take better care of our fish at tournaments. When financially feasible, he would like the state to have a trailer, generator, tank & aerator system, etc. to ensure the highest possible care for fish during weigh in. Jim also outlined a tentative plan to present to the proper parties for a permanent weigh in site. In addition to our conservation, Jim said we need to keep up to date on political issues that can severely impact our sport and fisheries.
YOUTH: Youth Director Bill Otto reported on his trip to Kansas for the youth championships. Ryan Worely, our youth representative had a strong showing, and his thank you card was read to the membership present. For an upcoming youth tournament in Connecticut, a motion was made by the Road Warriors and seconded by Holiday Park that $350 be paid to the families who are towing a boat to the event, and $250 to the families who are not towing a boat. This money is to be paid after the families arrive at the event. The motion passed unanimously. There was some discussion as to whether or not this tournament will be necessary next year.
Mr. Otto expressed dissatisfaction that a $25 fee is now being charged for tournaments at state parks.
Ken Baumgardner suggested that to save money for the organization, we might consider having youth events the day after State Team tournaments. People would already be in the area, and may be more apt to stay and help.
Mr. Otto would also like the locations of all youth clubs in the state. This will enable him to match up interested parties to the clubs nearest to them.
Ernie Watkins will be Bill’s Liaison for the East. Ernie’s club, Capital City B/M, has been active with youth in the area. They have helped kids with disabilities, inner city kids, as well as privileged kids. This year they have started a youth club for the first time, and have had a great response.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership Director Pat Vetter reports that we currently have 38 clubs. He once again directed us to complete our national BASS dues and roster ONLINE. The Map on our web page showing club locations will be updated. The Information page on the BASS website will begin reflecting dues paid the week following the meeting.
PUBLICITY/SPONSORSHIP: Publicity Director DJ Bishop reported on the status of his endeavors thus far. He pointed out that this is a pilot program, aimed to make the public aware of our organization and its tournaments, youth, and conservation. DJ is also seeking contacts for the Eastern side of the state.
ALLIANCE: Alliance package director Denny Breth reports that he is attempting to make all alliance gear accountable. We hope to have $9000 due from last year from sponsors. Skeeter/Yamaha presented the PA Bass Federation a check for their alliance deal at the classic. Denny stated that other companies have been “passing the buck” when pried for information.
The state is eligible to purchase $2500 worth of gear at extremely low prices. Denny suggests we purchase this gear to use to draw people to meetings, use as a fundraiser for youth, etc. A motion was made by the Road Warriors to purchase this gear as soon as we are financially able. The motion was rescinded to be discussed at the July meeting, at which time we will have a better handle on our financial situation.
Jim Cardillo will be drafting a proposal to purchase livewell chemicals at an extreme discount to resell to PA BFN members.
It was reported that Lowrance is not cooperating as far as the alliance package is concerned. Jim Delesandro and Denny Breth will begin dealing with the situation this week.
Upon investigation, it was found that some companies are listed in the alliance package as our sponsors, but there is nothing available to us that is not available to the general public.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATIONS: Jim Delesandro would like to purchase generic stationary and business cards for the B.O.D. These cards would have no names, but only a position, so that when there is a change of board members, new cards will not have to be purchased. Jim would like this to happen AFTER the articles of incorporation are finished and we officially receive our name. When this is finalized, the new bylaws committee will review the bylaws and amend as necessary.
COMMUNICATIONS: Chairman Delesandro offered congratulations to the Capital City Bassmasters, as they were the feature of an article in the Bass Times. They have raised $45,000 for charity. This helps portray the organization in a good light, and others are encouraged to follow suit.
MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Discussions were had on how we can boost membership at a state level. Suggestions were to run ads in local sports sections, pennysaver magazine, etc. stating that the PA Bass Federation is Seeking Members. Tom Malacki also said he can keep track of “New Hits” to the website to gauge results from ads.
DIVISIONAL TEAM: Rooms for the Divisional Team are reserved. The tournament is now at Wheeling Island. Denny Breth has compiled a list of ways to improve the divisional process, and Jim Delesandro supports continued improvement each year.
FUNDING THE FEDERATION: The board of directors is soliciting ideas from membership on how to fund the federation.
Motion to Adjourn: Loyalhanna, seconded by York City
NEXT MEETING – JULY 19th PLEASE SEND A CLUB REPRESENTATIVE
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State Meeting Minutes
11-2-08 Milesburg
CALLED TO ORDER BY: President, Jim Delesandro
ROLL CALL, Clubs Present: Secretary Ben Bilott called roll – 14 clubs were represented.
MINUTES, APPROVAL: Motion to approve, Loyalhanna Bassmasters, seconded by York County. Motion Carried.
TREASURERS REPORT: Treasurer Wayne Proctor reported the status of the state accounts. Expense vouchers were paid for reimbursement of the following:
-An SD card & blank CD’s for state minutes Archive (secretary) - $57.20
-Postage - $21.00 (treasurer)
-Telephone calls, Postage, and Office Supplies (president) - $57.76
Motion to approve the report, Loyalhanna, seconded by Hunter’s Run
TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: State Tournament Director Tom Malacki opened the floor for discussion on topics that were tabled for discussion from the March state meeting as well as several new issues. After discussion on several topics, 6 role call votes were taken and the following decisions were made by the membership present.
1. District points will remain in Mr. Bass.
2. At least two (2) districts will be held before August 1st. Mr. Bass will be held after August 1st.
3. The State Classic will NOT be restricted to Pennsylvania waters
4. There will now be 1 state team event replacing the 3 individual regionals
5. There will NOT be a requirement to fish at least 2 districts to qualify for the classic
6. There will NOT be a split payout (boater/rider) for state tournaments
In addition to these important votes, Mr. Malacki pointed out that he is strictly enforcing the 7-10 day limit for classic qualifiers to contact him acknowledging their spot after the qualifying event. After this time period, he will continue down the list.
DIVISIONAL TEAM: The 2009 Divisional team was announced and congratulated. Tim Dolan is the captain of the 2009 team. Denny Breth is the alliance coordinator and is currently working on the packages for next year. Any questions regarding the alliance program should be directed to Denny. It was suggested that the State should supply the team with at least two (2) shirts. President Delesandro will exclude himself from the $1000 for the 13th slot (alternate). His expenses were already paid from his expense account.
Congratulations were also offered to Ken Baumgardener for qualifying for the Federation Nation national Championship. The membership approved $3000 for Ken to help offset the expenses he will incur traveling to Kansas.
It was discussed that the state should provide at least two (2) shirts to all Divisional Participants.
There will be no need for new fund raisers for the Divisional Team this year. There will be enough money in the account.
MEMBERSHIP: Jim Delesandro reported for Pat Vetter. Rosters should be filled out COMPLETE, and sent to B.A.S.S. with $20 per man. A roster and $40 per man should also be sent to Pat Vetter for the State dues by December 15th.
President Delesandro took time to speak about the Western district boosting membership via their involvement with the Regatta Tournament in Pittsburgh. He encourages other districts to find ways to get involved as well.
YOUTH: Youth Director Bill Otto is going to Kansas for the junior national championship. Bill asks the district youth directors to stay in contact and to offer help and suggestions. Mr. Otto stressed that we need more casting kids and youth clubs.
Junior competitor Ryan Worely is going to Kansas to represent the Mid-Atlantic division for the juniors. A motion was made by Hunters Run to pay $250 to the Worely family from the general fund to help offset expenses. The motion was seconded by loyalhanna and the motion carried.
Ken Saville, former youth director, expressed his dissatisfaction with Pittsburgh for charging $125 to use the ramp at the South Side for the youth tournament this past season. He pointed out that they also wanted to charge for an extra porta-john.
CONSERVATION: Conservation director Jim Cardillo reports his intentions as the new director. Mr. Cardillo pointed out that some statistics say that 30-80 % of all fish weighed in die within 6 days of the release. Jim would like to Improve the health of the fish at our weigh-ins. He would like to do this by improving weigh-in procedures, educate on fish handling, and suggest conservation project ideas. To enable the State to achieve this, suggestions were made to look into a trailer, tanks, generator, lights, bags, etc.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATIONS: The title "PA BASS Federation Nation" was filed incorrectly. Accountant Jeff Flickinger generated new forms which will be reviewed by Attorney John Chaffo, and re-submitted as PA BASS Federation Nation, Inc. As soon as the new articles are filed, a new by-laws and standard of procedures committee will review (not establish) by laws and standards of procedures. The following people expressed an interest and are now on the 5 person committee.
Jim Adams
John Chaffo
Merrill Showers
Matt Lovallo
Tom Malacki
COMMUNICATIONS: Dr. Austen of the P.A. Fish Commission has asked the federations support for the clean water referendum for 400 million dollars to upgrade the commonwealths aging waste water and drinking water infrastructure. It was also brought to our attention that lock and dam #6 on the Allegheny River is in trouble structurally. Immediate action is being taken to address the risk before winter arrives. Consequences of dam failure could be extensive, including loss of the upper pool, loss of navigation, damage of loss of water intakes, hydro power, etc.
The FLW Championship is scheduled for Pittsburgh in 2009. President Delesandro urges us to support the event. It will have a positive impact on the local economy.
President Delesandro recognized the female anglers in our federation, especially Lisa Diehl, who was the subject of an article in the Tribune Review (Pittsburgh) about her fishing the W.B.T.
AREAS OF CONCERN: Questions were brought up about the P.A. BASS Federation’s affiliation with the P.A. Federation of Sportsmans Clubs. We pay $1000 per year to be affiliated. Jim Delesandro pointed out that they were instrumental in helping with lifting the 15" length regulation of bass in the Springdale pool of the Allegheny River.
Suggestions are sought on how to improve our Federation, and attendance was strongly encouraged at the state meetings.
There was a presentation to the P.A. Fish Commission regarding our state regulations. The meeting reportedly had a warm reception. Some topics of discussion were:
-Bass season in all year
-Bass tournaments during trout season
-Reduction of size limit after October 1
For discussion next meeting: There is $2000 worth of alliance package gear available at a greatly reduced price. There have been suggestions to purchase this with surplus general fund money and give away.
The meeting was adjourned: motion by West Penn & Seconded by PA Southwest
NEXT MEETING: March 15, 2009 8am - Holiday Inn, Milesburg
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