April 18, 2012
Thirty-seven members attending and four guests
After preliminaries and the presentation of awards,
our Flotilla Commander, Dave Shuster, and Vice Commander, John Gaston, swore in
new members Peter Wallace and Steve Gates.
 |
| Swearing in Peter Wallace and Steve Gates |
David Crockwell, Commander of Division 9, commended
Flotilla 96 for its performance on the activities measured by the Dashboard,
saying that we compare favorably to many other flotillas in the Division.
Shuster introduced guest speaker Ray Jahn, sales
manager for Fish Tale Marina, who spoke about the outlook for boat sales
locally and addressed many of the safety issues important to the Auxiliary and
to boat owners. He said his marina is
eager to help our flotilla promote boating safety.
 |
| Guest speaker Ray Jahn |
Gaston reminded members that National Safe Boating
Week is May 19 – 25 and distributed a sign-up sheet for volunteers to
participate in our flotilla’s activities.
We will begin having patrols three days of the week
(Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday) instead of the usual twice-weekly patrols.
U. S.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
Flotilla 96
13531
Vanderbilt Drive
Naples,
Florida 34110
General Meeting
18 APRIL, 2012
General Members present: 25
Staff Officers present: 12
Staff Officers Aides present: 0
Guests Present: 4
The meeting was called to order
by Dave Shuster, Flotilla Commander (FC) at 1900 hrs. The pledge of allegiance was led by John
Gaston, Flotilla Vice Commander (VFC). Shuster
called for a moment of silence in remembrance of our armed services personnel
who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Shuster next reported that a few
changes to the previous meeting minutes, that had been circulated, was
necessary and rather than read those changes he called for a motion to approve
the changes as submitted, with the changes. A motion to approve the minutes of
the March 21st, 2012 General Meeting as amended was offered by Jordan Pollack
and after due second by Jim Mayer, those minutes were approved as changed and submitted,
by voice vote without dissent.
Flotilla Commander’s Report
Introduction of Guests;
Guests present
were: John Tyson, District Chief of Staff; David Crockwell, Division Commander
and Cynthia Crockwell, SO-SR and Mr. Ray Jahn, Sales Manager Fish Tale Marina.
Awards and Certificates:
Mike DiPierro,
Coxswain Certification
Dr.
Phil Smith, Crew Certification
Gus
Karlson, Interpreter Certification and Membership Card
Pete Holsten,
Program Visitor Certification
Jim
Mayer, Auxiliary Membership Service award, 5 years
Mel
Milstein, Auxiliary Membership Service Award, 15 years
John
Tyson, Auxiliary Performance Award, Public Education
Neil
Arnal, District Seven Mentor Certificate
Dave
Shuster, Sustained Auxiliary Service, 8th award
Max
LeFevre, Sustained Auxiliary Award, 7th award
Gene Richardson,
Sustained Auxiliary Service Award, 2nd award
Swearing in of New Members:
Shuster and Gaston swore in the
following new members: Peter Wallace and Steve Gates.
Shuster then introduced David
Crockwell, Division Commander for comments. Crockwell reported that Flotilla 96
is performing above standard and compares exceptionally well to all of the
dashboard measurements. He gave the
flotilla very high praise.
Shuster then introduced Mr. Ray
Jahn, Sales Manager from Fish Tale Marina.
Mr. Jahn reported, in general, on the local and national market for
boats and the status of boating in general. He said there are approximately
950,000 registered boats in Florida and about 55-60,000 boats in Lee and
Collier Counties. Fish tale Marina corners
about 35% of the boat sales in SW Florida.
Fuel costs are forcing boaters to
stay closer to their home docking facility which will increase local boating
traffic. He said that ethanol fuel is the single most destructive issue for
boaters.
Mr. Jahn reported that today’s
baby boomer boaters are family oriented and more interested in cruising than
fishing.
He then stressed that all employees of the marina are safety conscious
and he would welcome our VEs at the marina on a scheduled basis.
FLOTILLA COMMANDER’S REPORT
Shuster then showed a video that
stressed the need for proficiency in our CGAUX training and stated that the CGAUX
needs to be proficient and not just qualified.
He reported that we have reported
182 VEs to date and our PE classes have been held for 72 students.
As our members migrate north for
the summer, please keep in mind that activities performed, i.e. VEs, PAs, etc.
are credited to our flotilla.
VICE FLOTILLA COMMANDERS REPORT
Gaston reminded the membership
that National Safe Boating Week is May 19-25 and he is looking for volunteers
to assist with the various functions. We
will have an open house at the flotilla and will need to get the facility in
top shape. We will need to get the
Communications Trailer to the ramp area and will have a presence in or venues
as well.
He reminded the members of the
Hurricane Preparedness Plan and the Emergency Call Tree and that members should
print a copy of the plan for quick reference.
He then called on staff officers
for highlights of their reports.
VE: FSO
Arnal commented that we have indeed 182
VEs and that VEs are scheduled for Saturday April 28th at Lovers
Key.
MA: If
any of the FSOs are in need of materials call FSO-Stancil; he does not have
email.
PE: New
members need to provide a copy of their ABS Certificate to the FC or VFC.
OPs: We
will go to having patrols on three days, Wed., Sat. and Sun. instead of just
two and this should spread out our patrol effort. Mike DePierro will run the
Operations Schedule at the end of the meeting.
Old Business: None
New Business: Shuster reminded the group that we
need to be uniform compliant and if there questions concerning the proper
uniform, refer to Chapter 10 in the Auxiliarist’s handbook
Shuster then called for a motion
to adjourn. The motion was presented by
Hanley and after due second by Guederian, the meeting was adjourned at 2030
hrs.
Submitted by: FSO-SR, Billy R. Willsey
