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Membership Meetings

Minutes – 9/24/07 Board Mtg.
Chestnut Street Cafe / Sharon, Pa

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In Attendance:

J. Mondok, A. Monroe, P. Anthony, W. Fay, K. Tarczy, J. Kremis, R. McClelland, R. Shuey, and R. Natoli
1. Opening Comments – Aaron Monroe
    • Pa TU Fall Meeting – Aaron yielded the opening comments to Pete Anthony who attended the fall meeting that Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited held in State College, Pa on September 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.
       

      Pete summarized the content of the meeting for our group; here some highlights:

    1. Global Warming – Ed Perry, from the National Wildlife Foundation, discussed global warming and predicted that our winters will start later and be warmer than normal.  He said that our spring weather would start earlier, with more rainstorms, which will affect our streams.  To learn more, go to www.targetglobalwarming.com .
    2. Pa Fly Fishing Museum – Pete said that they gave a talk about their organization, and they are trying to expand to various new areas in Pa.
    3. National TU – They have new software on their website for login, chapter letterheads, logos, and business cards.  All chapters must file form #990 this year by November 14th.  Also, “election of officers” dates in contained in chapter by-laws should be revised to agree with fiscal dates.
    4. Legal Issues – The host for public events such as yearly banquets must have liability insurance in order to serve liquor.  Volunteers at chapter events such as workdays should be required to sign waiver documents to protect the chapters from liability.
    5. Stream Access – Andy Loza from Pa Land Trust talked about the importance of relationships between landowners and chapter members.  DCNR discussed matching grants used to purchase land to insure stream access for fisherman.  A grant is not available to a chapter unless they are incorporated; but a chapter may “partner” with an incorporated group to overcome that obstacle.  It is also possible to obtain an easement on the property, and not own the land.
    6. Pa Fish Commission – Scott Bolinger talked about easement agreements on some streams along Lake Erie.  PA Fish Commission has expended a considerable amount to money to acquire stream easement rights.
    7. Stream Electro-Shocking Demonstration – A demonstration was held on Spring Creek to determine the fish population in that stream.  Lots of fish surfaced; they filled three five gallon buckets with fish after the treatment.  Pete said that our Cool Spring Creek would be scheduled for electroshock in September 2008.
    8. Follow-up Information – Pete also sent out an e-mail on October 1st with website addresses that can be used to obtain more information:
    • 2. Minutes from Last Meeting – Aaron Monroe
    • The minutes were approved as written.
    3. Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Kremis
    • Jeff covered his budget report ending August 31; the report will be filed for future audit purposes.
    • The Oil Creek chapter donated $175 to cover our costs for gasoline and fish food to stock Little Sandy Creek.
    • Aaron Monroe volunteered to assist Jeff file the 990 forms electronically; chapters that have less than $25,000 in their treasury must file.
    • Jeff requested a status report on the request for a chapter credit card from National City Bank.  Carol Jochman did not attend the meeting, so information was not available.
    4. Committee Reports:

    A. Watershed Coordinator – Jeff Kremis/Jim Mondok

    • Fall Workday – Saturday, October 6th will be a workday on Coolspring Creek.  Members and volunteers should meet at the TU Parking lot at 9:00 AM.

    B. Nursery – Pete Anthony

    • Fall Stocking – The Pa Fish & Boat Commission will stock Coolspring Creek on October 1st, and Neshannock Creek October 2nd.

    C. Reverse Raffle – Tom and Carole Jochman

    • The board members reiterated that Tom and Carol should be reimbursed for any expenses they incurred obtaining prizes for the raffle.

    D. Banquet / Newsletter - Nick Loprire (Nick was absent)

    • No Report

    E. Membership – Tom Jochman (Tom was absent)

    • No Report

    F. Youth Coordinator – Dick Rickert (Dick was absent)

    • No Report
    5. Old Business:
    • Nothing Important
    6. New Business:
    • Chapter Logo – We discussed getting a logo via a design contest with entrants from local high school students.  Bill Fay knows a graphic designer who could finalize the design we could use to do shirts.  Everyone agreed we should get some polo shirts because they are more popular than T-Shirts and may be easier to sell.
    • Joint Meeting with Oil Creek Chapter – We discussed having a meeting with members of the Oil Creek chapter in order to brainstorm ideas for our spring banquet.
    • Farm Day at Munnell Run – Jim Mondok reported that Munnell Run Farm is having a Pig Roast on October 13th as a fundraiser.  Jim has tickets for sale at $10 for adults and $5 for kids.  The kids will be treated to an “unhaunted hayride”.