MINUTES TO SPECIAL MEETING
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
November 11, 2006

Called to order @ 8:35 a.m.

Pledge of Allegiance & Opening Prayer

Introduction of Visitors
Mark Gilmore, USCG Aux Liasion was present.  New attendees were George Kontra with Brechan; Peter Malley, Project Manager for Brechan; Bob Hough, Project Manager for Kodiak Support Services: Darren Asuncion, State Fish & Game; Chris Otto, Plumber for KSS; Cecil Sholl, Tire mechanic for VT Griffin, Alex Drake, welder for Kodiak Support Services.

FC Introductory Remarks & Announcements
Incoming FC Amberg needs to appoint positions.  FC Lee commented there is a large list of schools nationwide available for training.  FC Lee presented certificates of training for Maaike Myers and Tom Maloney for mid-level officers course.  

Adoption of September Meeting Minutes
Clarification by Susan Nymeyer that polo shirt suggestion was not meant in place of uniforms.  Mike Amberg moved to approve Minutes.  Mike Herter seconded.

Staff Reports
Jenni McCarty advised she had 12 new applicants at her house for introductory processing and sent in complete packets on all 12. 

Susan Nymeyer advised there is a class for web design in Anchorage on March 20th. She commented again on class she attended in California on powerpoint and web design.  She commented that free training benefits both the Auxiliary and you personally.

Yak reported via Jackie Herter that he retrieved 8 boxes from 3 sites.  They are now housed in Building 26.  One box was empty.  One had more jackets than originally stocked.  Two of the boxes need to be replaced due to rotting; they are two of the older, smaller boxes.  Yak recommends we inventory and number boxes before next boating season.  He suggests we consider a stencil so we can paint lettering because stick-ons are coming off.  Comment was made by Herter's about using beefier hinges.  Discussion re no life jackets available at Pasagshack for second year in row, so July 2007 will put a temporary box out.

Old Business
2007 Dues: Dues need to be paid this month or member will be disenrolled so we don't get charged.  Joy will take monies to Suzanne.  New members don't need to pay till January.

Uniforms:  Mark Gilmore advised uniforms can be ordered from website.  ODU (means Operational Dress Uniform) jacket (which is really a shirt) is dark blue and costs $16 and pants cost $16.  Could get an order together for the Lucky Bag in Cape May where shirts and pants are $8 each, however, only intermittent sizes available.  Shirts are normally short sleeve.  Dress jackets aren't available at the Lucky Bag.  What FC Lee wears is dress not ODU.  No special sizing for the dress uniform.  Normal uniform for auxiliarists is long sleeve for meetings and trainings.  ODU would be for vessel exam and operations.  Boots are available at the Exchange.  Shoes are black and females are no more than one-inch high heel.  Copies of Uniform Distribution Center order blank to help figure out needs and order on Net was made available.  (I have 3 extra copies).

Hats: Still need to talk to Captain Carmel and Maaike could design.

Buoy painting:  George Kontra suggested Hangar 2 if asked Captain for permission.  Buoy weighs about 250 pounds.  Bob Hough said KSS could donate sand.  Was suggested Joe test for lead-based paint.  Bob advised if exposed to lead-based paint, the paperwork would be overwhelming.  George Kontra advised Captain has a quick test too.  Captain Carmel's secretary's phone number is 487-5266 x 302.

New Business
Staff officer positions will need to be appointed soon.  Training will be scheduled once we have assignments.

Question on what is website address.

There's a FEMA qualification as well as Coast Guard.

District Conference coming up in February.

Member Comments
FC Lee advised we are not using the program through the Air Station but still need to be on the water.  Discussion re what we could go on water with.  Officials coming into town to sign off people to be crew certified.  No one is qualified to help someone in the water as it is.  Once crew certified, then need 9-day coxswain course in Homer.  ABC course (8-hour class) is minimum required to go to all their schools.  If interested in teaching can take a chapter even before the ABC class, prepare the chapter for the ABC class, then stay for the rest of the class and get ABC and teacher qualified at same time.  George will take over the aspect of getting us a crew to go on water.  Jessica has a boat available without insurance.  Vessel can be 84 feet max.  George Kontra and Peter Malley have boats.

Visitors' Comments
George Kontra has six pack inspection; nothing in USCG.

Bob attended meeting last spring and advised his employer State Fish & Game is reviewing their boating safety procedures.  He encouraged them to contact the Aux to put together a date and time for an ABC Course.  Asked if it were possible to be during the workday.  He asked about Coastie to visit Head Start, but was advised Coast 17 had returned to Homer.  Suggested we get coloring books. 

Bob Hough asked what the needs for the Aux were. 

Next meeting is December 9th.  Will have a social after New Year.

Adjourned at 9:42 a.m.