USCG Auxiliary Meeting The meeting was called to order by FC Hough, the pledge of allegiance was recited and prayer was offered at 09:00. Dave Gentry and Larry Cornett were introduced as guests. Staff Reports : Staff reports were offered in order as they are presented in these minutes. SR Nymeyer read the minutes of the January meeting and they were approved. FN Greene presented the financial report stating that the Flotilla has about $12,000 in its accounts and solicited a small committee to work on and present a budget for this year to the Flotilla. OP Kontra informed the Flotilla that our calendar was on line, reviewed new regulations for member activity, announced the availability of 2 boats and that boats would be deployed in May, directed everyone’s attention to the Web site, and was pleased to inform the flotilla that there were 11 people at the last Ops workshop. Further, there are new regulations for use of facilities and he was pleased to inform the flotilla that he was now a Q.I.T. VE Morris informed the flotilla that a class for Vessel instruction is coming, look for a date; Vessel examiners will begin summer inspections during Crab Festival. MA Hartley reminded the Flotilla that materials for any and all instruction as well as shirts are available – see the back table for samples of clothing. IS/CS Nymeyer reviewed a packet of information provided for each person present that would assist them in turning in hours and reiterated the value of the web site and the goggle calendar that is now up and running. FC Hough followed up with a reminder that turned in hours are what fund the Auxiliary across the nation. PA/PB Herman talked about the newsletter being on line; the flotilla is on Facebook; committees are needed to assist with National Safe Boating Week, Crab Festival and he is now on the local radio station KMXT 5-10 minutes per week. Len Schwarz has accepted the challenge of assembling a history of the flotilla and shared his findings thus far and asked for feedback and any assistance that members could provide in getting the necessary research together. FC Hough reported that we have 7 Kids Don’t Float boxes; more ABS classes are coming for anyone who needs to be basically qualified; AUXOP: Piloting class may be offered in March and that Dennis McMurry would assist. FC Hough closed reports with news from District Conference and wants to have a coastie here by Crab Festival. Introduction of New Members: Dan Card and Meghan Kincaid were sworn in as new members of the flotilla. Awards and Certificates : A Citation was read from Commandant Thad Allen citing the meritorious service of Auxiliarist who served between June 24, 1999 & June 23. 2009 for their efforts in all sorts of national crisis’s. FC Hough presented 5 year certificates to Bill and Tom Maloney and other certificates to people who have attained Basic Certification. Communications : FC Hough along with other flotilla staff officers encouraged participation in District Conference; setting up a Committee to gather funds for our own Coastie; setting up a committee to organize the Flotilla’s presence at Crab Fest . SR Nymeyer informed the flotilla that at the March meeting we would be voting on the Standing Rules and that they should look for those rules by mail so that they could be reviewed and voted on by informed members. FC Hough reviewed the basic rules for a member to have full base privileges. He covered the difference between members who are Active in Good Standing; Active and Non-Active and responded to questions. FC Hough & PS Lee announced that they would remain after the meeting to handle new member interviews. The meeting was adjourned at 10:40. Respectfully submitted, SR Mark Nymeyer |