Monday, September 23, 2013

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