Minutes of February 8, 2008 Federation meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 8:17 p.m. by President Tony Going. Treasurer John Carlone was not in attendance.
The following chapters were not in attendance: Bass Kickers; Bergen; Clearwater; Cullin Bass Six; Essex County; Greenback; Hawg Heaven; Lake Hopatcong; Metro; New Jersey Bass Hunters; North Jersey Bass Anglers; Sunrise; Tri-State.
The Minutes from the January 11, 2008 Federation meeting were read by Recording Secretary Nick Angiulo. The minutes were accepted via motion/second.
Tony indicated that Treasurer John Carlone resigned from his position due to personal commitments. Tony wished to thank John for his many years of service as Treasurer.
The Treasury Report was held in abeyance, but the newly appointed Treasurer, Jim Bartolotto, was introduced.
The Tournament Report was given by Al Purdy. Al indicated that the Team Tournament waters at Lake Champlain will be closed from sunset on May 30, 2008 to sunrise on June 14, 2008. The waters are open for official practice from June 14 at sunrise until June 25 at 2:00 p.m. He again emphasized that final rosters for the Team Tournament are due at the April meeting and tat he did not need proof of Boater Safety Certificates He confirmed that anglers would need both New York and Vermont fishing licenses and could not use lead weights in Vermont waters. He re-read the 2008 regular tournament schedule. He also indicated that the plaques for the individual Co-Angler Division winners from the 2007 events were available.
Tony indicated that the clubs could get insurance for tournaments from the TBF and that the link to the form for such insurance was on the website.
Tony stated that the trophies for the 2007 tournament season would be distributed soon; but that there is no mechanism (dinner, etc.,) to distribute them anymore. Vice President Mike Hart indicated that dinners and banquets have not worked in the past. Al indicated that a ceremony/dinner/banquet could be held at the team tournament to distribute the awards.
Tony indicated that many clubs/individuals have not registered with the TBF. He stated that clubs/members could not fish the team tournament or the regular events unless they are members of the TBF. He emphasized that clubs needed to ensure that they are registered. Tony stated that Bruce will place a list of clubs that are registered on the website.
Tony stated that Joe Sancho purchased the $7,400 Ranger Boat certificate from the Federation for $5,000. Tony indicated that the money would be used in various accounts/ways. He also stated that there are programs through Evinrude and Yamaha that the Federation may be able to take advantage of in the future.
Tony reemphasized that there will be a total of $3,000 additional dollars to be paid out in the point tournaments in 2008. He stated that he hoped to be able to put additional monies into the 2008 purses in hopes of attracting more participation.
Executive Officer Forest Honeywell stated that the Pequest Trout Hatchery Open House will be on March 29 and 30; and the Federation will hold a casting event on both days. He asked for volunteers to help. He also stated that Joe Poms could use help at the Suffern Outdoor Show on February 28, 29, and March 1 and 2. Forest introduced P.J. Bartolotto who talked about the Federation Youth. P.J. stated that there is currently quite a lot of interest in youth club fishing events and Boat Captains are needed. He distributed a list for the clubs to bring back to its members so they can volunteer to be Captains. He indicated that being a Captain is very rewarding and a great experience for all involved. Bob Cicchetto also asked members to help out as Captains; he stated that it is a way to impart your fishing knowledge and your knowledge of boating, safety, etc., on the youth. John Milchanowski stated that it means a lot to the kids if you volunteer to help out.
A drawing for a Berkley culling system/scale was held. The winner was by Bob Gilbert. The drawing collected $57.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m.
Submitted by Nick Angiulo, Recording Secretary.
