The Minutes in a Minute

Meeting July 18 2012

Twenty-one members and two guests attending.

After preliminaries, Commander Dave Shuster and Vice Commander John Gaston swore in Zarela Velasquez as staff officer for Communications Services.  Shuster introduced guests Barbara Elvi and Tom Hart, and speaker Captain Jonathan Blake from Tow Boat U.S.

Captain Blake reviewed the history and services of Tow Boat U.S., with six boats in local waters on call day or night and answering 2,000 calls last year.  He then answered questions from our members.

Items of interest:

·      The Dashboard shows that our flotilla compares favorably with others in reaching goals for the year.

·      We accounted for 100 percent of our participating members in the recent hurricane readiness test.

·      The Ready for Operations (RFO) test is available for members who want to prove their skills at the level of active duty Coast Guard.

·      The operations meeting is changed to 5:30 on the third Wednesday of the month, prior to the general meeting at 7:30.

·      The Lee County and Collier County Marine Patrol units have asked us to observe, document and report safety violations when we are on patrol.

·      Wiggins Pass State Park has asked us to conduct vessel examinations at the Water Turkey Bay boat ramp.

Shuster announced that he will not run for Flotilla Commander next year.

US. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITE.D STATES COAST GUARD AUXILIARY

Flotilla 96

13531 Vanderbilt Drive

Naples, Florida 34110

General Meeting

18 July, 2012

General Members present: 11

Staff Officers present: 10 

Staff Officers Aides present: 0

Guests Present: 2

The meeting was called to order by John Gaston Vice Flotilla Commander (VFC) at 1900 hrs.  The pledge of allegiance was led by Gaston. Dave Shuster (FC) called for a moment of silence in remembrance of our armed services personnel who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Shuster waived reading of the June 20^th General Meeting minutes and called for a motion to approve those minutes as presented.  The motion was offered by Larry Urbanek, Vice Division Commander (VDC) and after due second by Phillip Smith, those minutes were approved as submitted, by voice vote without dissent.

Flotilla Commander’s Report

Shuster called on Urbanek VDC for a short report from the Division.  Urbanek stated that there would not be any scheduled call for patrols from our division to supplement any GCAUX patrols for the Republican Nat’l Conv. in Tampa.  However, there will be no publication of any scheduled patrols.

Swearing in of new staff officer:

FSO-CS Zarela Velasquez was officially sworn in.

Introduction of Guests:

Shuster introduced Ms. Barbara Elvi from the Naples Fish Club, Mr. Tom Hart and Mr. Jonathon Blake the guest speaker from Tow Boat U.S. 

Mr. Blake provided an over view of Tow Boat U.S. services and history.  They started in 1994 with 1 boat and serviced 60 calls.  They now have 6 boats and service over 2,000 calls and they were voted the 2011 Marine Assistance Company of the year.  They are on call 24/7, for 365 days/yr.

Awards and Certificates:

           

None were presented

The FC next reported on the flotilla’s progress towards its goals (the Dashboard) and using the District 7 website he provided a comparison with different flotillas.  He commented that we compare very favorably with all flotillas in the Division.  However, it is the off season and Shuster cautioned the flotilla members not to lose focus.

Shuster once again reminded the members to make certain that their CGAUX membership card has not expired   .  If you attend something at the CG Station and it is expired they will keep the card!

During the last hurricane readiness test we had 100% accountability for all of our opt-in members.  If you are planning to be out of the area, please let the VFC know.  If a real emergency arises, time could be wasted searching for a member that has opted in but is not in the area and is not responding.

Shuster stated that it is very important for Operations members to read the Aux Ops Policy Manual and attend the Operations meetings.

As was mentioned during the last meeting, the Ready for Operation (RFO) test can be taken for those members that want to participate directly with the CG.  As an AUX member you must be able to conduct operations on the CG level.  He stressed that this is a non-jeopardy event and you can take the test over without any penalty.

Fed-Ex has agreed to copy any CGAUX manual for $17.00.  Shuster will firm up the details of this proposal for the next meeting.

In concluding his report, Shuster reminded the group of the N-Train Conference scheduled for September 19-23, 2012 at the Hilton Bayfront Hotel in St. Petersburg, FL. He also reminded those that need to be re-qualified for a position that they need to be scheduling the re-qual.  The Ops meeting schedule has been changed to coincide with the General meeting.  The Ops meeting is now scheduled from 1730 to 1900 on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month.  The General meeting is scheduled from 1915 until 2115, immediately following the Ops meeting.

Vice Flotilla Commander’s Report

Gaston reminded the members, especially those that operate AUX Facilities to make certain your vessel is in top mechanical condition and do not overlook the small things.

He thanked the clean-up crew and expressed some hope that the county would decide to spend the money to re-carpet the room.

We have established a good working partnership with both the Lee and Collier Co. Marine Patrol units.  They have asked that we Observe, Document and Report, when on patrol. They are particularly interested in repeat offenders.  They in turn will recommend that boaters take our Boating Safety Class (ABS).

On August 16^th we will host the Boy Scouts and w a few of their parents.  He then stated that FSO-VE Arnal would not be available to run the VEs on August 11, 25 and September 8. We need to have current qualified examiners volunteer to run the VEs on those dates.  FSO Willsey volunteered to take Aug. 8^th.   We have been asked to conduct VEs at the Water Turkey Bay Boat Ramp in Wiggin’s Pass State Park.  The Park reports numerous problems and has asked for our assistance.

Old Business:           

FSO- Thompson reminded the group that their dues ($70) are due.

New Business:    

Shuster announced that he would not be running again for FC but would be running for Vice Division Commander and that Urbanek would be running for Division Commander.

A motion to adjourn was offered by Urbanek and after due second by Thompson the motion to adjourn was approved and the meeting was adjourned at 2015.

Submitted by:  FSO-SR, Billy R. Willsey