Minutes of General Meeting December 18, 2013

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 96

13531 Vanderbilt Drive

                                     Naples, Florida 34110

General Meeting December 18, 2013

Attending:  34 members and six guests, including three active duty Coast Guard.

Meeting called to order at 1900, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence for fallen service personnel.

FC Jim Mayer gave an overview of the meeting and briefly covered the following topics:

·      Commemoration of lives of flotilla members Michael Murphy and Leonard Jadrych.

·      Participation in Lifejacket Program

·      Boating safety for Special Olympics organization

·      Safety for paddlesports

·      Change of Watch photos for newsletter

·      New members

·      Uniform check

Minutes of previous meeting approved unanimously.

Introduction of guests:  Bill Sawicki, Aux member from Bronx NY and PO Mitch Miller, PO Mike McHugh, and Seaman Mariana Scott.  Prospective member Joe King.  Sam Provin, son of new member Barbara Provin.

COMO John Tyson briefly described Leadership Training courses under way and available, including critical skills for new flotilla commanders.

Division Commander Dave Shuster explained goals for New Year, with emphasis on a net increase of 5% for new membership.  Leadership skills and training for coxswains and crew will also be Division priorities.

FVC Richard Laughlin administered the new member pledge to Barbara Provins and Marc Miller.

Petty Officer Mike McHugh, our speaker, explained how the Coast Guard decides whether or not to board a recreational vessel, the procedures they follow, the reasons for issuing warnings and citations, and the consequences of their actions for the boater.  He answered many questions from our members about their operations and equipment both at the meeting and aboard the CG vessel at our dock after the meeting.

Staff Reports:

PE:  No classes and next will be Jan 11.

MT:  Working on requal schedule, boat crew class and TCO.

COM:  Wants to survey qualified watchstanders and find out who is interested in serving in the radio room.

HR:  We are first in division for members.

PUB:  Newsletter will be out next week.

No new business.

No old business.

Moved, seconded and adjourned at 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily C. Harris, FSO-SR

Minutes of General Meeting November 20, 2013

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 96

13531 Vanderbilt Drive

Naples, Florida 34110

General Meeting November 20, 2013.

Fifty members attending and four guests.

Meeting called to order at 1900 followed by Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence for fallen service personnel.

FC Jim Mayer gave a brief overview of the meeting, highlighting award to Tom Hart as Auxiliarist of the Year for Division 9.

Minutes of the previous meeting approved unanimously.

Como John Tyson recommended book “Character in Action” for close look at work of US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Division Commander Dave Shuster commended Tom Hart.  Three positions need to be filled at division level:  Public Education, Program Visitation and Member Training.

FC Mayer presented certificates to Paul Thompson (PV), Brad Snow (VE), Jon Bigel (TCO), George Stancil, and Mike DiPierro (AUXOP).  Jeff Doyle (not present) for IMSEP. Certificate from TSA for airport security went to Len Nuzzo.

FVC Richard Laughlin called for staff reports.

Tom Hart, Human Relations:  With 95 members we are tied for first place.  We are in 5^th place in division for activity hours and Tom reminded all to fill out the 7029 to get credit for hours.

Len Nuzzo, Vessel Examinations:  Conducting VEs on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of each month.  Recommends website www.safetyseal.net for info on VE and PV programs.

Michael DiPierro, Operations:  Next QE set for November 26 for two boat crew candidates.  Ops meeting will be on Wednesday November 27, 1830 hours.  Memorial for Mike Murphy and Wreaths Across America on December 14.

Frank Raab, Change of Watch:  Thirty-one people are signed up for Change of Watch at the Stage on Dec. 13.  If going, sign up by Dec. 4.  We will have entertainment.  Breakfast on Dec. 1 and Fish Fry coming up at his club.  See newsletter for details.

FC Mayer announced flotilla building won’t be available to us on Thursday, December 5 because of a homeowners meeting here.  Three events are scheduled for December 7:  Paddlesports America, Great Outdoor Adventure at Lovers Key State Park, and the Children’s Christmas Party at Station Fort Myers Beach. 

ATON verifier’s classes on Jan. 18 and Feb. 1 in Punta Gorda.  A four-hour TCT class (replacing the 8-hour one) will be Dec. 7.  Dave Shuster has list of those attending.  COMO Tyson reminded all “if you sign up, show up.”

Flotilla 96 received awards at the Division meeting:  First for new members (13), first for Program Visits (950), and first for Vessel Examinations (516).

Next general meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18 will feature the new commandant at SFMB.

No old business.

New business:  FC Mayer called for a vote on donating $300 to the Children’s Xmas Party at SFMB.  Moved, seconded, passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 20:45, with one-hour TCT class to follow.

Respectfully submitted,

Emily C. Harris, FSO-SR

Minutes of General Meeting October 23, 2013

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 96

13531 Vanderbilt Drive

Naples, Florida 34110

General Meeting

23 October, 2013

General Members present: 29

Staff Officers present: 5 

Staff Officers Aides present: 0

Guests Present: 2

The meeting was called to order by Jim Mayer Flotilla Commander (FC) at 1900 hrs.  He led the pledge of allegiance and then called for a moment of silence in remembrance of our armed services personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Mayer waived reading of the September 25th General Meeting minutes and called for a motion to approve those minutes as presented.  The motion was offered by Ed Walters and after due second by John Gaston, those minutes were approved as submitted, by voice vote without dissent.

FC Mayer reviewed the meeting’s agenda and introduced guests that were in attendance.  Mr. Marc Miller and Elliott Tubbs were introduced as prospective members.

Flotilla Commander’s Report

Division COMO Tyson reported that budgeted funds were to be sent to the Auxiliary by today. As of a recent ruling, Watchstanders (WS) can have multiple WS’s in attendance; however, the lead WS must also be a Tele-Communications Officer (TO).

A Flotilla Leadership training course, for Flotilla leaders, is scheduled for January 11, 2014.

Division Nine Commander Dave Shuster reported that the division election will be held November 11 at the Bonita Springs Fire Department and the COW is scheduled for Dec. 9^th at the Stage in Bonita Springs.

There will be an ATON Verification class and a Program Visitation class sometime after January 1, 2014.

The Division received $3,200 dollars for upgraded supplies and FL96 was able to purchase a tent and new signs for VEs.

  

Election of Officers

Seventh District Commodore John Tyson conducted the election. After calling for nominations from the floor in proper form, 3 times for each office, the nominations were closed.  Jim Mayer was properly re-elected as FC and Richard Laughlin as VFC, by one vote each.

A motion to approve the election was offered by Division Commander Shuster and after due second by FSO Walters, the motion to approve the election as conducted was approved by voice vote without dissent.

Awards and Certificates: 

FC Mayer presented Sustained Service awards for SC&E, Weather, Seamanship, Patrols and NAV Rules to Mike DiPierro.

He then presented a VE (Vessel Examiner) certificate to Sue Brugett and PV (Program Visitor) certificates to Paul Thompson and Frank Raab.

Staff Officer Reports

FSO-OPS – DiPierro reported that due to the gov’t shutdown there was not much activity for the past month.

FSO-HR – Hart reported that we have 92 paid up members and two strong prospects and year to date we have 16 new members.  FSO Hart then congratulated those members that have successfully attained another year on this planet.

FSO-PA – Poyser reported on a meeting with the SW Spotlight Magazine writer on an overview of FL96 activities which should be highlighted in their Nov. issue.  He then reported that the media needs adequate lead time in order to publish our events.  Any documents need to be in Word format, not PDF and he will follow-up on this.

He then said that he needs the 2014 PE schedule.  The 10/23 Banner shows an ad for the Nov. 11 and 16 ABS Class.

FSO-FN – We have a membership that is 100% paid up.  We planned for dues income of $6,600 and contributions of $1,000.We have receipts of $6,300 in dues (90) members and contributions of $900.00. The largest expense, to date, is for the two phone lines.  If any member has a suggestion regarding the reduction of this expense- please contact him.  He then added that the cost of acquisition and maintenance of uniforms is tax deductible.

New Business: Frank Raab reminded the group that there is a fellowship gathering scheduled for this Friday evening at the Landmark Condo Community in Naples. Also, on the first Sunday of each month there is a brunch scheduled from 9 am till 10:39 am with the next brunch scheduled for Nov. 3^rd. 

FSO-HR and member Frank Raab presented a discussion regarding protocol and courtesy for meetings’ highlighting the up-coming COW.

FC Mayer reported that Collier County has been a very good lessor and have offered a new 30 year lease.

Phill Smith reminded those present of the parade of boats and VEs scheduled for this Sat 9 Nov. 26^th at the Pelican Isle Boat Club starting at 10:30 am.  Proper dress will be ODU shorts and tees, underwear and white socks are also appropriate.

A motion to adjourn was offered by Jordan Pollack and after due second by Ed Walters the motion was approved and the meeting was adjourned at 2017 hrs.

Submitted by:  FSO-SR, Billy R. Willsey

Minutes of General Meeting September 18, 2013

U. S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 96

13531 Vanderbilt Drive

Naples, Florida 34110

General meeting September 18, 2013.

Twenty-four members, two guests and one visiting member attending.

Meeting called to order at 1900 followed by Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence for fallen service members.

Jim Mayer, FC, gave brief overview of meeting.

Minutes of August meeting approved unanimously.

Introduction of guests Barbara Provins and Colton Rose.

Dave Shuster, Division Commander:  CGStaFMB needs help at station at least one day a week.  Tips for avoiding personal liability lawsuits: 

·      Stick to activities that include regular duties and/or training.

·      Undertake only missions authorized by flotilla or division officials.

·      Wear your uniform.

Slides show and quiz on Aids to Navigation led by Dave Shuster, FSO-MT.

Awards:

Certificate of appreciation from Transportation Security Administration to:

Al Lazzaro, Bernie Appelman, and Ray Mino.

Five-year service award to Sean Hanley.

Sustained service, vessel examiner, and TCO credentials to Paul Thompson.

Recognition of new members:  Wayne Murphy and Barry Brunell.

Staff Reports:

Tom Hart, Human Resources:  We have 97 members with seven leaving.  And for Jeff Doyle, Marine Safety (not attending):  Ocean Conservancy’s Coastal Cleanup on September 21.  All who signed up will participate.

Al Lazzaro, Operations, reporting for Michael DiPierro (not present):  CGStaFMB is asking for help.  Member training is developing class for crew. ATONs in our AOR are not done.  ATON classes coming in October.  We have total 56 patrols year to date.

Carol DiCostanzo, Vessel Examinations, for Len Nuzzo (not attending):  Three VSCs last time at Lovers Key.  Next scheduled there for coming Saturday.

Mike Clukey, Public Education:  Poor attendance at recent Paddlesports class.  ABS classes scheduled in October, contact Phill Smith.  John Liddel (instructor) is back permanently.   Present phone system costs $250/month.  Considering Magic Jack system but heard reports of poor tech support.  Peter Holsten will talk to Century Link.  Clukey will be away for extended period, contact Phill Smith.

Navigation Systems reported by Dave Shuster:  Classes for ATON Verifiers in Punta Gorda on Saturdays 10/19 and 11/2.  Important because of new forms and procedures.  Six members at the meeting indicated interest in attending.

Program Visitation:  More than 700 visits to date, an increase of 250% over last year.  New participants invited.

Finance report by Jim Mayer for Peter Holsten (not attending):  Seventy-eight members have paid total of $6,320, including dues of $5,460 and contributions of $860 from 23 members.  This is more than we would have made by increasing dues.

Jim Mayer, FC:  CG has donated a tent, banner, and folding table for the flotilla to use for VEs and PA events.  Also, elections are coming up with current bridge running for reelection.  No other applications have been received, so any other nominations must come from the floor on Election Day.

New Business:

Critters (four legs) have reinfested attic of our flotilla building and should be exterminated.

Frank Raab invites flotilla to breakfast at his club Sunday, October 6.  Email  him.

Social committee recommends holding Change of Watch at The Stage in Bonita Springs December 9, including 1 ½ hour entertainment.  More later.

Recycle bin for aluminum cans only now in. flotilla building, thanks to Ray Mino.

Meeting adjourned at 2025,

Respectfully submitted:

Emily C. Harris, FSO-SR