U. S. DEPARTMENT OF
HOMELAND SECURITY
UNITED STATES COAST
GUARD AUXILIARY
Flotilla 96
13531 Vanderbilt
Drive
Naples, Florida
34110
General Meeting May 15, 2013
Thirty-three members and
seven guests attending.
Meeting called to order at
7:05 followed by Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence for fallen
servicemen.
Jim Mayer, FC, gave a brief overview of the meeting plan.
Minutes of April 17 meeting
approved unanimously.
COMO John Tyson reported District-level plans for National Safe
Boating Week and change of leadership at District. Sequester has wiped out the travel budget but
expect to reinstate it next year.
Dave Shuster, Division VC, reported that Larry Urbanek, Commander, has
resigned and an election to replace him will be held July 13. Dave has volunteered for the position. He said plans are under way at the Division
level to offer training and support for Public Education and Public Affairs at
the flotilla level.
Awards:
Chris Sundlee, transfer
letter from DIRAUX.
Rich Laughlin, Auxiliary
Performance Award for VSC and RSBVP
Matt Chester: Auxiliary Service Award, Re-certification for
Crew, 5-Year Service
Award.
Emily Harris, Second
Sustained Service Award, Gold Star for receiving two Auxiliary Commandant’s
Letter of Commendation Awards.
Rich Laughlin, VFC, said you may receive a call next week asking whether
you want to opt in or out of duty in case of a hurricane. More on this next month. National Safe Boating Week (NSBW) is coming
up.
Jim Mayer described a planned joint exercise with the Bonita
Springs Fire Department, which will conduct a boat fire rescue
demonstration. We expect this to be
covered by Channel 2 and Channel 5, as well as the Naples Daily News.
Len Nuzzo, FSO-VE, described efforts for NSBW that will cover boating
ramps at Mullet Creek, Wiggins Pass, Delnor Wiggins Park and Lovers Key.
Rich Laughlin and Tom Hart will respond to an invitation from Bass Pro Shops to
celebrate NSBW on Saturday by demonstrating and emphasizing the importance of
life jackets for children.
Guest Speaker Marcia Cravens of the
Sierra Club gave a presentation
on the recent dredging at Clam Pass. The
problem there is keeping the pass open for outgoing tide. A
video on Clam Pass Park emphasizes birds and wildlife in this shallow conservation
area used primarily for kayaks and canoes.
Staff Reports:
Mike Clukey, Public Education: Paddlesports
America class set for June 1 at the flotilla building, 9am to 1pm. $12 for flotilla members, $30 for others.
Jeff Doyle, Marine Safety: Recent Sea
Partners class for grade school students well received. Invited back next year. He now has list of tasks required for certification
in Marine Safety.
Len Nuzzo, Vessel Examination: Nearing 450
Vessel Safety Checks so far this year.
Ed Walters, Communications:
Telecommunications Operator course will start in August. Two already signed up. ICS 100 and 700 online required for
certification. Radio net drill is
scheduled for June 10.
Tom Hart, Human Services: We have 101
members now but will soon lose 10 inactives.
Everyone should be recruiting new members.
Emily Harris, Secretary/Records: You can read
the minutes of previous general meetings by clicking on the link in the
newsletter.
More business:
Flotilla 96 Dashboard shows we are ahead of last year’s totals in all six
categories of activities.
Uniforms: Tropical
blues and ODU longs may be worn to general meetings. No street clothes except in extreme cases.
New business:
Jim Mayer showed current
financial statement for the flotilla and explained the need to increase dues to
offset losses in public education income.
Discussion followed but decision will be made at the June meeting so the
change can be reflected in invoices for 2014 dues that go out in July.
Moved, seconded and
adjourned at 8:45.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Harris,
Secretary/Records
