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Michigan United Conservation Clubs Board of
Directors Minutes Hosted by: Monroe Rod and Gun Club Monroe,
Michigan Draft
II – Pending Approval at the April 12,
2008 Board of Directors Meeting.
Excused Absences:
Steve Bartz, Lois Colegrove, Ed Cortade, Theresa Cortade, Jerry Deschaine,
Jim DeClerck, Pete Demos, Rhonda Gregory, Tom Gregory, Tom Heritier,
George Lindquist, George Randall, Carl Walkley, Norma Hays-Walkley,
and Jay Youngflesh Call to order: 9:02 a.m. Don Meixner, President
Dawn Levey, Statewide Vice
President led the Pledge of Allegiance and the
Conservation Pledge. President Meixner introduced
Statewide Vice Presidents Dawn Levey and Bill Krepps, and MUCC’s Executive
Director, Dennis Muchmore. Mr. Muchmore introduced staff
in attendance: CFO/Deputy Director, Peggy Parke; Deputy Director, Donna
Stine; April Bennett, Policy Staff Assistant and Club Liaison; and Field
Coordinators, Linn Duling, John Robertson and Jim Grant, and the Recording
Secretary, Brenda Reich. Introduction of Past Presidents: President Meixner introduced Immediate Past President, Ms. Fran Yeager and Past Presidents Mr. Art Dittmar and Mr. Jim Campbell.
Announcements:
Statewide Vice President, Dawn Levey held a moment of silence for the
recent passing of Dr. Fred Brown. Dr. Brown was a conservationist
whose life was dedicated to taking extraordinary steps to safeguard
wildlife and the environment. He will be missed by MUCC and all conservationists
within the state of Michigan. Ms. Levey announced Past President
Bob Laich has been hospitalized due to health reasons and your cards
and prayers would be appreciated. Approval of the Agenda: President Meixner asked for a motion to accept the agenda as written. Moved: Pachy (Marko) Motion Carried Approval of the December 8, 2007 Board of Director meeting minutes: President Meixner asked for a motion to accept the December 8, 2007 Board of Directors meeting minutes as written Moved: Maki (D. Levey) Discussion: none Vote on Motion Carried Unanimously Report from the Executive Director: Dennis Muchmore Mr. Muchmore thanked the Monroe
Rod and Gun Club for hosting the event and continued to report on the
following issues: 1.) Headquarters Departmental Change A departmental change has been
made at the headquarters; Erin McDonough is now in charge of the Institute
for Conservation Education (ICE) effective the 1st of February.
She is very eager to jump in and is looking forward to the many challenges
that lie ahead. 2.) Possible Memberships Currently we directly impact
approximately 45,000 MUCC Members, and indirectly over 100,000 (including
family members, club members, etc). If we partner with clubs,
we should be able to increase our memberships by picking up many of
these potential members. 3.) VHS Update Mr. Muchmore had a recent conversation
with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and reported that the
DNR will continue the quarantine and plan to keep it in effect at least
until the end of the year. If you would like detailed information,
please contact Amy Spray or Erin McDonough. 4.) License Fee Increase Complaints are continuing to
come into the DNR regarding the license fee increase. Most of
the problems stem from an error in communication. Mr. Muchmore
reported that a link to the DNR’s budget on its website can be found
on the MUCC’s website. 5.) Big Buck Night Kris Mathew gave an update
on the recent Big Buck Night event. Mr. Mathew reported the following:
Overall, it was a very fun evening with an end profit result of $3,400. (revenue $6,800 and expenses
of $3,400). The proceeds will go to MUCC. Mr. Mathew mentioned that he
would like to return to Oakland next year and is searching for other
locations in Michigan (West, North, and Upper) to host the event back-to-back. 6.) ShowSpan Mr. Muchmore reported that
ShowSpan is doing a great job putting together the Outdoorama Show.
The show is scheduled in Novi from 2/28 to 3/2. MUCC brings a
new design, a new display, and a new booth to the show. In addition,
staff will be wearing MUCC uniforms to help the public differentiate
them. Elden Montross has done a great
job filling the membership booth with workers however; workers are still
needed in the Wildlife Encounters area. Please contact Elden or
Evan Steiner at (517) 346-6463 to sign up. If you are interested in having
a program held in your area, (your club or elsewhere), please contact
Paula Robison at (517) 346-6465. Mr. Muchmore highly recommends
the Birds of Prey program. 7.) Wage and Hour Classification Mr. Muchmore reported that
some changes with staff on the wage and hour classification are required.
Also, there is a need to cut back on employees’ time spent in the
field as they have gone without adequate compensation for quite some
time now. More information will follow after Mr. Muchmore’s
meeting with MUCC’s general counsel. 8.) Contracts A new topic will be placed
on the agendas for both Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings.
All contracts that are modified and/or signed between meetings will
be reported at the first available date. The contracts that have
been modified and/or signed since the last meeting are as follows:
9.) New Kids Show Mr. Muchmore expressed his
excitement of the new young lady (Hannah Grishke) hosting the new kids
program. This program will branch from the MOOD program and the
theme will be produced for the younger viewers. (approximately
8 – 14 year olds). 10.) Online Club Information Submissions Clubs can now submit their
club information such as club events, meetings, stories, etc. online.
Once submitted, a computer generated confirmation will appear.
The confirmation will inform you of the month the information will be
printed in the magazine and the length of time before the information
will be updated on the site and/or club newsletter, etc. Mr. Muchmore
(and the staff) encourages clubs and members to use this tool as a new
way of communication. 11.) New Programs New programs will fall into
place this month such as the banking with benefits program at Michigan
State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) the long-term care insurance
with Great American and auto-home owners benefit program with Auto Owners
Insurance Company. 12.) Pro-Am and Golf Scramble MUCC is planning to host a
Pro-Am Golf Scramble at Eagle Eye Golf Course. Eagle Eye is the
home to the PGA. The Pros that golfed with selected teams at the
first event in September, 07 were very impressed with the set-up, the
prizes, and the staff. The Pros are looking forward to this event. 13.) Grand Rapids Sports Show Don’t forget to mark your
calendars for the Ultimate Sport and RV Show in Grand Rapids. This event
will be held at the DeVos Place on March 13 - 16, 2008. Policy Report:
Donna Stine, Deputy Director of Policy Ms Stine addressed the following:
Working together on these issues will create a powerful voice for Michigan.
Dedication of certain sales tax revenue to be deposited in the Michigan Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund. Rep. Joel Sheltrown has proposed to dedicate one-sixth of the sales tax collected from the sale of sporting goods for deposit into the Michigan Conservation and Recreation Legacy Fund (legislation has not been introduced). This fund was created in Proposal One and approved as a constitutional amendment in 2006. All of the recreational related restricted funds are constitutionally protected under this umbrella fund, e.g. Game and Fish Fund, State Park Endowment Fund, Snowmobile Fund. Rep. Sheltrown estimates that his proposal would generate approximately $20 million annually which could be used to offset the need for hunting and fishing license fee or state park camping fee increases. This estimate is based upon information provided by the MDNR that $3.3 billion is spent annually on sporting goods in Michigan, contributing $100 to $200 million dollars in sales tax revenue. Under the proposal, the MDNR would decide how the revenues would be used. This would not be new revenue, rather a dedication of existing sales tax revenue. It is likely to be opposed by organizations such as the educational community who depend on the sales tax to fund their programs. A potential concern with the bill is that the department has cut its programs by $8 million over the last few years and expects shortfalls in the Game and Fish Fund (estimated at $13 million in FY 2009) and the State Park Endowment Fund (estimated to be $5.5 million in FY 2009) by next year. The $20 million dollars would not meet existing need but might be viewed as a permanent fix. State Park Funding Proposal The Citizen Committee for State Parks has adopted a new funding proposal for State Parks, State Forest Campground and local recreation. Funds would be generated from a $9 charge per annual vehicle license plate/registration and a $4.50 per motorcycle plate registration on all Michigan Secretary of State registered passenger vehicles and motorcycles. The fee would be in addition to current vehicle registration costs. There would be a refund provision following the license plate/registration for those who certified they did not want to support Michigan’s outdoor recreation system and would not be visiting state owned recreational facilities. The fee would be adjusted annually for inflation based upon the Detroit Consumer Price Index. The State Park motor vehicle entrance permit and the state boating access permit would be eliminated. The revenues would be divided as follows:
The proposal would generate $47,250,000 in total revenue of which $35,305,880 would be new revenues. The proposal has received a lukewarm reception. The Governor in her 2008 State of the State address, indicated that she supported no new fees. It is reported that the Secretary of State does not support the proposal. Rep. Sheltrown has also indicated that he does not support the proposal Hunters Choice Buck Tags: U.P. Whitetails has endorsed a proposal developed by George Lundquist to change the management of the state’s deer herd. The hunter would have the option of one buck tag for the year or buy the combination license with both tags restricted, one 3 points to the side, and the other 4 points to the side. The one buck hunter would still have the option of anterless tags, where available. From a biological standpoint this change would save yearling bucks. This, in turn, would help buck to doe ratio and improve the age classes in the buck herd. At the present time 65% of the bucks go to the check stations are yearlings (1 ½ years old). MDNR found in their deer hunter opinion survey reported at the MDNR Commission meeting on March 8, 2007, that 82% of the hunters believe that number of bucks should be considered when setting hunting regulations statewide and 81% of the deer hunters believe the number of deer needs to be considered. Seventy two percent of the hunters believed that number of mature bucks in the population was an extensive problem statewide. Staff points out that in the Lower Peninsula, three on a side antler development is common on yearling bucks. MUCC current policy positions:
Administration
Report: Peggy Parke, Deputy Director of Administration/CFO In December, the Montmorency
Club contributed $1,500 towards new mattresses for camp and since then,
they have come up with another $500. Thank you. We raised an additional $1,700
but need $10,000 - $12,000 to get the custom-sized mattresses replaced
on all the bunks. Mary Furtaw has offered to
sew mattress covers for them. Peggy reported she will be
backing off on most of the camp issues as Erin McDonough will be taking
over camp as it is included under the ICE program. Ms. Parke will
remain a volunteer to help with camp clean-up day and other miscellaneous
tasks throughout the year. In the past, clubs exempt as
501 status (including (C)3 and (C)4 that have less that $25,000 in gross
revenue per year did not have to file taxes. But from this point
forward, the IRS is mandating all 501s to file each year. It is a simple small form that
must be filed on line at the IRS website. The form is titled 990
N and includes 5 simple questions. (name of club, employer id, fiscal
year, presidents name, and address and a check box that states you make
$25,000 or less gross income) if you do not file this 990 form, you
will be financially penalized and it may result in your exempt status
being taken away. John Witzke donated $100 towards
the mattresses in memory of Dr. Fred Brown. Immediate Past President Yeager
challenged the clubs to purchase one mattress each at the total cost
of $125.00. Ms. Yeager donated the cost of one mattress as did Regional
Vice President Marko. Communications
Report: The Communication staff are attending the Shot Show ~ no
report available. Club Report: Linn Duling, Region IV Field Representative Mr. Duling reported on the
following:
If you have any interesting news you would like published in the next newsletter please submit your information to Tony Hansen at thansen@mucc.org by April 1, 2008. Also, if there is something you would like to see printed in the newsletters please contact April Bennett at abennett@mucc.org and she will do her best to get the information in the newsletter.
Budget & Finance Report: Mr. Paul Rose, Treasurer Mr. Rose informed the members that although Dr. Fred Brown was deeply involved and will be remembered for his involvement with environmental protection and regulations, Dr. Brown was also directly involved when MUCC developed the operating agreement and bylaws for the Budget and Finance Committee. Mr. Rose said that he visited Dr. Brown on several occasions while developing the final language which was ultimately adopted by the MUCC Board of Directors which governs the Budget & Finance Committee. Mr. Rose reported that as a result of changes in financial reporting requirements, an Audit Committee will need to be formed. This committee may be independent from the Budget and Finance Committee and he is currently attempting to identify potential candidates for membership on this committee. Any Board members, who may have an interest in serving or would like to learn more about the responsibilities associated on the charge of this committee, should contact Mr. Rose. Mr. Rose listed several capital improvement expense items which would not normally appear in the monthly revenue and expense report. These include an air handling unit and minor renovation at the headquarters, and several items including the new mattresses at the Youth Camp. These are things that have been deferred until now and MUCC cannot operate effectively and safely with out addressing these items soon. Mr. Rose followed with the review of the December 31, 2007 Budget and Financial Report. Mr. Rose asked for a motion to place the financial report on file subject to audit. Moved: Maki (Marko) Motion Carried National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Report: Marc Smith, Regional Field Coordinator Mr. Smith informed members
that a postcard is available for members to address their congressman
or congresswomen supporting the Clean Water Restoration Act. Farm Bill: negotiations are
at the House and Senate. Mr. Smith reported that there is a need
for a stronger bill and was unsure if the bill would be passed or not
this year. Wildlife Funding: there is
a need to find a sustainable long-term solution soon. Reform 1872 Mining Act: contact
your legislators and advise them of your support. Michigan Conservation Coalition:
by working together results will be achieved. Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) Report: Sergeant Kevin Davis and Specialist, Peggy Ruby (both
with the Hunter Education Section) Mr. Davis reported on
the following:
Ms.
Ruby reported on the following:
Committee Reports Executive Committee: Ron Burris, Board Representative Mr. Burris reported on the
following issues that came out of the January 17, 2008 Executive Committee
meeting.
Regional Reports
Statewide Vice Presidents
Reports
Immediate Past President’s
Report
Old Business ~ went into
closed session and discussed the evaluation process of the current Executive
Director position ~ after returning back into general session the process
was discussed with Mr. Muchmore and he agreed to the process.
Mr. Muchmore emphasized on how this procedure should be applicable to
him and future Executive Directors. Membership Report: Pat
Klott, Chair Affiliations:
Ms. Klott asked for a motion to affiliate the mentioned clubs Supported: Marko (Dittmar) Motion Carried Disaffiliates:
Disaffiliates Cont’d:
Ms. Klott asked for a motion to disaffiliate the mentioned clubs Supported: Marko (Pachy) Motion Carried Clubs requesting to move Districts
Ms. Klott asked for a motion to move the clubs to a new district Supported: Dittmar (Montross) Motion Carried Ms. Klott reminded members
that April Bennett needs your help in updating club information.
In order for the database to be managed efficiently, your updated information
is critical. Please submit your information to her ASAP. Education Report: Dawn Levey, Chair Ms. Levey reported that there
were several new faces at this year’s Leadership Training event mixed
throughout the 86 attendees. There was wonderful round table
discussion. It was unanimously decided to hold the training event every
other year instead of annually Nominations Committee: Fran Yeager, Chair Forms are available and please
submit your entry for an officer position (President, Statewide Vice
President, Regional Vice President, Treasurer, and/or Director-at-Large).
You can submit them to Ms. Yeager or Brenda Reich at the Headquarters. District Reports: Please
see reports below as they were submitted and typed in written form and/or
announced dates and locations of upcoming meetings. District 01 Report: (report submitted and announced by Kris Matthew) The next meeting will be held
on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the Wolverine Sports & Conservation
Club (Livonia, Michigan) starting at 1:30 p.m. District 02 Report: (report submitted and announced by Roy Snyder) The next meeting will be held
on March 25, 2008 at the Huron Sportsman Club (New Boston, Michigan)
starting at 7:30 p.m. District 03 Report: (written report submitted and announced by Ted Lopresto) A meeting in conjunction with
the Big Buck Banquets was held at North Adams F.F.A. on January 12th.
President Don Meixner, John Robertson along with 6 Clubs were present.
N.A.F.F.A. is the only F.F.A. Chapter affiliated with MUCC that teaches
taxidermy in the Michigan schools The 2nd Women in
the Outdoors meeting will be held on April 19, 2008. The next meeting will be held
on May 3, 2008 at the H.C.C. Club. District 04 Report: (written report submitted and announced by Allen Kasdorf) The next meeting will be held
on Sunday, March 2, 2008 at the Edwardsburg Conservation Club with a
meal at 1:00 p.m. and the meeting set for 2:00 p.m. District 05 Report: (written report submitted and announced by Paul Earl) The next meeting is scheduled
for February 28, 2008 at the Chick-owa Club in Zeeland, Michigan starting
at 7:30 p.m. Attended the Gun River skeet
and trap shoot in Plainwell on January 24, 2008. Upcoming meetings are as follows:
District 06 Report:
(no report) District 07 Report: (announced and a written report submitted by Elden Montross) The last meeting was held at
Whitmore Lake Rod and Gun Club and included a guest speaker Amy Spray
of MUCC’s Policy Department. Also presenting was Statewide Vice
President, Dan Radloff and Director-at-Large, Paul Farrell. The next meeting is scheduled
for March 11, 2008 at the Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club. District 8 Report: (announced and written report submitted by Bill Furtaw) The next meeting will be held
at the Perch Point Conservation Club on May 3, 2008 with dinner at 6:00
p.m. and the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. District 8 will hold a walleye
tournament ~ the 15 Annual Walleye Tournament will be held at Perch
Point Conservation Club on May 9 -10. 2008 ~ further information can
be acquired by calling Mr. Furtaw at (810) 765-5279 or Stan Bydlos at
(586) 716-7741. District 09 Report:
(no report) District 10 Report:
(no report) District 11 Report:
(no report) District 12 Report: (announced by Bill Krepps) The next meeting will be held
on February 13, 2008 at the Muskegon Conservation Club starting at 7:00
p.m. with guest speakers from the NWF speaking on Global Warming and
the effects on wildlife. District 13 Report: (announce by Jane Finnerty) The next meeting will be held
on March 9, 2008 at the Manistee Clan Muzzleloaders Club starting at
1:00 p.m. Ms. Finnerty sends a warm thank
you to the Mason County Fin & Feather Club for their generous donation
of $1,000 to MUCC and their intent to sponsor 6 campers for the MUCC
Camp for Kids. District 14 Report:
(no report) District 15 Report:
(no report) District 16 Report:
(no report) District 17
Report: (announced ~ no written report submitted) District 18 Report: (announced) The next meeting will be held
on May 16, 2008 at the Newberry Sportsmen’s Club. District 19 Report:
(no report) District 20 Report: (announced and report submitted, Bruce Levey, Chair) The next meeting will be held
on April 2, 2008 at the Headquarters starting at 7:30 p.m. Please visit the MUCC website
at www.mucc.org for the additional 2008 District meeting
dates, times, and locations. If you do not have access to the internet,
please contact the headquarters at (517) 371-1041 for meeting information. Committee Meeting Announcements
and General Announcements: Awards Committee: Art Dittmar, Chair Mr. Dittmar announced that
nomination forms can be found in the MUCC magazine or from the Headquarters.
Please submit the completed form and materials to the Headquarters ~
Attn: Brenda Reich ~ by the March 31, 2008 deadline. Attendance Report: Mary Ann McCormack, Chair Ms. McCormack reported the following: 44 Members Present: 33 Absent (21 excused – 12 unexcused); 3 Past Presidents; 10 Chairpersons; 7 District Field Reps
M. McCormack asked for a motion to have the report accepted and placed on file for permanent record Moved: Cullers (Yeager) Motion Carried Old Business: State Shoot: Dawn Levey, Chair Ms. Levey proposed the following: For the 2008 MUCC State Shoot
the committee is requesting the following. Please note that this
is a one time request while the committee reorganizes as outlined in
the option approved by the Board of Directors at the December 2007 meeting.
Total costs will not exceed
$3,500. Discussion: Mr. Paul Rose reported that Option B was passed at the last meeting but will need a motion with the promise of this being the last request asked of MUCC as we have underwritten last requests year after year. Option B: The committee runs State Shoot and assumes all responsibilities for financing the event, but is also entitled to retain 100% of the net revenue. MUCC will make its services available to the committee for purchase at a discounted rate. Examples of services that would be offered include: magazine and television advertising, graphic design services, printing and distribution or promotional material, staff time, etc… The committee would be able to select which services, if any, they would like to purchase. Please note that if this option is selected, the committee essentially becomes a separate legal entity from MUCC and will be required to take whatever steps they deem necessary to obtain their own identity (financial accounts, legal representation, insurance, etc…) Summary: MUCC will make itself available to aid the committee in running the State Shoot; however MUCC will not financially invest in the event. At the request of the Treasurer,
Mr. Paul Rose suggested the board only approve this with the understanding
and documentation that this is a final agreement. Dawn Levey asked for a motion to fund the State Shoot for one year as outlined in the above proposal not to exceed $3,500 Seconded: Paul Earl Discussion: Paul Rose asked for an amendment that no funding will be provided without a memorandum of understanding be drafted and signed by both parties (State Shoot Chairman and the Executive Director) confirming this agreement and dated this year (2008). Supported: Pachy Vote on Amendment Amendment Carried Discussion: George Cullers voiced his concerns on people shooting at the State Shoot that are non-MUCC members and does not recommend spending $3,500 on non-members ~ Paul Earl reported that the shooters are either IAM’s or members of an affiliated club of MUCC. Ms. Levey said she will be
in charge of selling memberships at this event at a MUCC membership
booth. Further discussion followed
from: Furtaw, Maki, Furtaw, Krepps, Earl, Levey, Rose, Maki, Rose Ms. Levey said the bulk of
the expense would be postcard mailings. From her understanding
in the past, MUCC has purchased the trophies (approximately $200) and
the remainder of the money would come from offset of patches (not a
large amount) and advertisement in the magazine. No actual cost
would be handled in this agreement. Ms. Levey asked for a motion
for the 2008 MUCC State Shoot the committee is requesting the following
on a one time basis only.
Vote on Motion Motion Carried New Business: Past President Campbell is
concerned with the titles on MUCC gear stating Michigan Out-of- Doors
instead of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Mr. Muchmore explained
that we do not keep inventory at the headquarters and the items brought
today were the items used by the television crew and were to be viewed
only and used as samples. Options are available to order either
slogan or the standard logo or the one voice logo. Adjournment: Statewide Vice President, Bill Krepps asked for a motion to adjourn the February 9, 2008 Board of Directors meeting Moved: B Levey (Dittmar) Motion Carried Meeting adjourned: 2:08 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled
for April 12, 2008 and hosted by the Rockford Sportsmen’s Club. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Reich, Recording Secretary to the MUCC Board of Directors
Minutes reviewed by: Executive
Director, Dennis Muchmore To ease
reading of the Board of Directors meeting minutes, all of the Points
of Personal Privilege have been place at the end of
this document. Point of
Personal Privilege PPP: George Cullers recently
took a survey within the schools in his surrounding areas to see which
schools offered Tracks. Many did not but showed interest.
Mr. and Mrs. Cullers paid for one class to receive Tracks and encourage
others to support a class as well. $69.00 is worth the learning
these children will learn from Tracks. PPP: Pat Klott reported that
District 5 has donated $500.00 to camp. PPP: Ms. Klott also reported
that the Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System
(GLNSIS) has provided a colorful page on their website with information
on the 185+ non-native species established in the Great Lakes.
Please take a minute to review the sheet she brought to the meeting
and inform friends and family to view the site. PPP: Paul Earl announced his
candidacy for Region III Statewide Vice President. PPP: Dawn Levey announced her
candidacy for Statewide Vice President. PPP: Jack Marko asked all candidates
to attend the Region IV meeting and introduce themselves. PPP: Mr. John Witzke reported
that Dr. Fred Brown has donated his body to U of M for scientific purposes. br/Minutes/BOD/02.09.08 |
