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Michigan United Conservation Clubs Board of
Directors Minutes Hosted by: Cadillac Sportsman’s Club Cadillac,
Michigan Draft
– Pending Approval at the February, 2008 Board of Directors Meeting. Download a printable copy of these minutes (Requires Adobe Reader) Call to order: 9:04 a.m. Don Meixner, President
Bill Krepps, Statewide Vice
President led the Pledge of Allegiance,
and Dan Radloff, Statewide Vice President led the Conservation Pledge. Dawn Levey, Statewide Vice
President held a moment of silence for the recent passing of
two Board of Directors members, Mr. John Sherk and Mr. Dudley Davis.
Ms. Levey took a moment to recall the good times, the laughter, and
the memories these two have left behind. Ms. Levey then read a poem
titled “A Soldier’s Silent Night” and thanked all the veterans
in attendance, and the military men and women whom have served and are
serving this county during the holiday season. President Meixner introduced
MUCC’s Executive Officers, Statewide Vice Presidents: Dawn Levey,
Dan Radloff and Bill Krepps, Recording Secretary, Brenda Reich and 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 and Jim Grant. Introduction of Past Presidents: President Meixner introduced Immediate Past President, Ms. Fran Yeager, and Past Presidents Mr. Art Dittmar, Mr. Bob Laich, Mr. Wendy Briggs, and Mr. Stu Myers.
Announcements:
(none) Approval of the Agenda: President Meixner amended the
agenda by moving the NWF report under Treasurer, Paul Rose; mentioning
Natalie Ochmanek will not be here to assist Melissa Alderson with the
Wildlife Encounters presentation, and Captain, Dave Davis, Acting Captain
of Field Operations Law Enforcement, MDNR will speak on behalf of the
DNR. President Meixner asked for a motion to accept the amended agenda. Moved: Demos (Marko) Motion Carried Approval of the October 13, Board of Director meeting minutes: President Meixner asked for a motion to accept the October 13, 2007 Board of Directors meeting minutes as written. Moved: Furtaw (Demos) Discussion: none Vote on Motion Carried Unanimously Report from the Executive
Director: Dennis Muchmore Mr. Muchmore thanked the Cadillac
Sportsman’s Club for hosting the event and continued to report on
the following issues: 1.) Mr. Muchmore informed
the members of the new hires, Tracy Baker, Membership Director and Tom
Roberts, Public Relations Director. 2.) Camp for Kids: We
are currently engaged in a major overhaul at camp. Some of the
projects this month include new bed mattresses, a new commercial stove,
a new water softener, and new roofs for the dining hall and the main
latrine. Mr. Bill Furtaw has spent numerous hours sprucing up
the camp and is executing the bids for a much needed pipe and well replacement. 3.) New MUCC Membership
Benefit Programs:
4.) Mr. Muchmore is planning
to travel to different areas of the state to meet with club presidents.
Each trip, Mr. Muchmore will try to cover several meetings a day with
different clubs and listen to their needs and concerns. Policy Report: Donna Stine, Deputy Director of Policy Ms Stine addressed the Governor
recommending $5 million to the MDNR to offset the need for a game and
fish license fee increase. Ms. Stine and her Policy staff will
keep members informed as legislation moves through the legislation. Ms. Stine briefly discussed
the great lake compact and the ground water protection bills.
The policy report was distributed. For more information on these
topics please visit the mucc.org website and select the Policy and Advocacy
icon. Communications Report: Jimmy Gretzinger, Executive Producer and Publications Director Mr. Gretzinger sent a video presentation for all to view. The presentation focused on current updates within the Communications Division including a show hosted by a 13 year old which will focus is on today’s natural resources and outdoor activities from a younger perspective. As part of Executive Director Dennis Muchmore’s vision for improved awareness of MUCC, the Communications/Publications Division was created and is being directed by Tony Hansen and Jimmy Gretzinger. The goal is to incorporate universal themes and designs across all MUCC publications including not only Michigan Out-of-Doors media but also mailings, flyers, promotional materials, etc. These changes are in progress and will be taking place in the coming months. This was the first of many video presentations to inform about activities in the Communication Division. Club Report: Jim Grant, Region I and Region II Field Representative Mr. Grant reported on the following:
Membership Survey including in the Club Newsletter and the deadline for the winter edition is February 1, 2008 so if you should want to post information, please contact April Bennett or Tony Hansen. The survey will help us better understand what services clubs would like to see from MUCC.
Mr. Linn Duling reported that
the next Range Stewardship Program is scheduled for February 23, 2008
from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the headquarters in Lansing. Budget & Finance Report: Mr. Paul Rose, Treasurer Mr. Rose said that the audit was completed and followed with the review of the September 30, 2007 Budget and Financial Report. Mr. Rose asked for a motion to place the financial report on file for permanent record Moved: Demos (Marko) National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Report: Marc Smith, Regional Field Coordinator (absent) In lieu of Mr. Smith’s absence,
Mr. Rose informed members that a document was available with information
including the Farm Bill, Water Compact (new report expresses it’s
need to slow down climate change), and WRDA (Water Resource Development
Act) Enacted (enacted through a veto override by Congress). Any
question can be addressed today by Donna Stine or you may contact Mr.
Smith at (734) 255-5413. Committee Meeting Announcements and General Announcements: Kris Matthew encouraged members
to get involved in the Big Buck Banquet held at Oakland Sportsman Club
(4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston, Michigan) on January 19, 2008 with
the reception starting at 6:00 pm.. Tickets are $35.00 (includes
dinner) and a cash bar will be available. If you have any questions,
please contact Mr. Matthew at (734) 622-7852. Past President Art Dittmar
was recently appointed as Chair of the Ad-hoc Bylaws Committee and is
looking for volunteers to incorporate any changes to be acted upon at
convention 2008. Mr. John Witzke reported on
the DEQ/DOW issue. A motion was made to select Julia Meixner as an alternate for the NWF Conference. Demos (DeClerck) Motion Carried Mr. Bruce Levey personally
thanked the staff for an outstanding job on the recent meeting with
the Governor. Ms. Dawn Levey reminded the
members that the registration deadline is December 18, 2007 for the
Leadership Training Program. Thus far, 24 members have signed
up and 50 participants are required to conduct the program. Executive Director, Dennis
Muchmore reviewed a report on departmental goals. The goals are
broken down by department and then by priority dates. (If you would
like a copy of this report, please contact Brenda Reich at (517) 346-6496
or breich@mucc.org). Ms. Norma Hays-Walkley asked
how funding was budgeted for the two new hires (Membership Director
and Public Relations Director). Mr. Muchmore explained that the
positions were included in the 2008 budget. There were several members at the microphone expressing their opinions on the State Shoot. In order to keep on schedule and follow the agenda, President Don Meixner asked for a motion to place the topic under New Business for discussion. Marko (Yeager) Motion Carried Wildlife Encounters Program: Melissa Alderson, Wildlife Encounters Specialist Ms. Alderson has been with
MUCC for two weeks and this is her second presentation. Ms. Alderson
brought with her a barn owl, snake, and a porcupine. The Board
was pleased with the presentation. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Report: Dave Davis, Acting Captain of Field Operations Mr. Davis reported on the following:
An individual was recently
caught with the illegal taking of bucks from inside high-fence enclosures.
The man admitted to stalking, killing, and cutting fences of high-fence
enclosures. Upon retrieving the four missing bucks, the CO’s noticed
three or four other whitetail racks recently killed. The man then
admitted to stalking the enclosures during rutting season to kill the
bucks walking the fences trying to get to the females inside.
The man admitted he was extremely obsessed with big bucks. Paul Rose discussed making
it mandatory for businesses that plan or are selling bait to post a
sign at the bait station stating that they are in a restricted baiting
area. Mr. Davis said that it is not illegal for them to sell the
bait which means there would be no restrictions. Jack Marko proposed a bait
limit per business to sell and bait limit on how much one person could
purchase. Mr. Marko mentioned that it is necessary to be licensed
to sell minnows, it should be mandatory to be licensed to sell bait.
This would help cut down on illegal activity. Bill Furtaw asked for an update
on the botulism found in the birds washing up on our shorelines.
Mr. Davis recommended that he speak with a wildlife biologist for answers
on this. Committee Reports Outdoorama: Dan Radloff, Chair Currently, there are enough
volunteers for the membership booth at the Novi outdoor show however,
if you would like to be used as back up please contact Dan to have your
name put on the list. Volunteers will be needed for the Grand
Rapids, Lansing, and the Ultimate Fishing show. Membership Report: Pat
Klott, Chair Affiliations:
Ms. Klott asked for a motion to affiliate the mentioned club Supported: Marko (Lehto) Motion Carried Disaffiliates:
Ms. Klott asked for a motion to disaffiliate the mentioned clubs Supported: Marko (Lehto) Motion Carried Discussion: Ms. Levey reflected that this disaffiliation is a house cleaning project. Most clubs that have disaffiliated haven’t paid dues since 2004. Vote on Motion Carried Site and Convention Report: Jane Finnerty, Chair Ms. Finnerty reviewed the Board
of Director meeting calendar of events as follows:
Ms. Finnerty asked for a show of hands to obtain a central location to hold our board meetings. One location could be at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare. Mr. Rose reminded the members of the cost for staff attending with travel, food and lodging. Please give thought of going back to the 27/75 corridor and holding one or two board meetings a little bit further out. Perhaps Gaylord, Clare, and one more south. The Board did not agree to the idea of holding the meeting on the 27-75 corridors.
Attendance Report: Mary Ann McCormack, Chair Ms. McCormack reported the following: 51 Members Present: 22 Absent (12 excused – 10 unexcused); 5 Past Presidents; 11 Chairpersons; 9 District Field Reps
M. McCormack asked for a motion to have the report accepted and placed on file for permanent record Moved: B. Levey (Yeager) Motion Carried 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 Joe Sattler) The next meeting will be held
on January 23, 2008 at the Western Wayne County Conservation Association
at 7:00 p.m. Diner will be available. District 02 Report: (report submitted and announced by Al Pachy) The next meeting will be held
on January 22, 2008 at the Morenci Sportsmen’s Club. District 03 Report: (written report submitted and announced by Julia Meixner) The next meeting will be held
on January 12, 2008 at the North Adams-Jerome High School at 6:00 p.m. District 04 Report: (written report submitted and announced by Allen Kasdorf) The next meeting will be held
on January 13, 2008 at the Berrien County Conservation Club. District 05 Report: (written report submitted and announced by Paul Earl) The next meeting will be held at the Gun River Skeet and Trap Club in Plainwell on January 24, 2008. The Region III meeting will be held at the St. Joe Conservation and Sportsmen’s Club on February 16, 2008.
Region III Vice President,
Paul Earl attended twenty-six different events over the past few months.
Some of the events included a sporting clay shoot at Caledonia, a Board
meeting at Wolverine Sport and Conservation Club, a Board/Membership
meeting at Barry County Conservation Club, Mr. Earl chaired a meeting
in Fennville, attended a meeting at Flat River Club, attended the State
Shoot meeting, a second meeting in Fennville for nominations of officers,
a meeting of Ducks Unlimited in Hastings, and several conference calls
of the Executive Committee. Mr. Earl has been extremely busy and we
thank him for his dedication to MUCC. District 06 Report:
(no report) District 07 Report:
(no report) District 8 Report: (announced and written report submitted by Eldon Montross) The next meeting will be held
at the Pine River Sportsmen’s Club on January 26, 2008. District 09 Report:
(no report) District 10 Report: (announced by Tom Heritier, Chair) The next meeting will be held
at the Frankenmuth Conservation Club on January 8, 2008 starting at
7:00 p.m. District 11 Report:
(no report) District 12 Report: (announced by Rhonda Gregory) The next meeting will be held
on February 12 2008 (location could not be heard on recorded tape) District 13 Report: (announce by Jane Finnerty) The next meeting will be held
on January 13, 2008 at the Ruby Creek Conservation Club. District 14 Report: (announced by Dave Markle) The next meeting will be held
at Mio Field Office on January 12, 2008. District 15 Report:
(no report) District 16 Report:
(no report) District 17 Report: (announced by Pete Demos) The next meeting will be held
at the Alpena Sportsmen’s Club on January 20, 2008 starting at 1:00
pm. District 18 Report:
(no report) District 19 Report:
(no report) District 20 Report: (announced and report submitted, Bruce Levey, Chair) The next meeting will be held
on January 31, 2008 at the Headquarters starting at 7:30 p.m. Please visit the MUCC website
at www.mucc.org for the additional 2007-2008 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. Old Business: (no old
business to report) New Business: State Shoot: Executive Director Dennis Muchmore
stated that there are three options regarding the State Shoot….. 1.)
Continue to run it like we have in the past 2.) Don’t do it at all
3.) Work together and do it right. Mr. Muchmore continued with
explaining that the clubs run the State Shoot. It is designed
for the clubs to get together and have fun but the Board needs to decide
the level of financial commitment the organization needs to make. Statewide Vice President, Dawn Levey gave a brief description of the proposed options for the 2008 state shoot as follows: Option A: MUCC runs the State Shoot in conjunction with the committee. The total available budget for the State Shoot will be set by the board of directors with the understanding that MUCC will negotiate the profit split between MUCC and the host club in a manner that, at minimum, covers MUCC's expenses. If there are additional proceeds, MUCC will be entitled to 100% of the net revenue. Summary: MUCC will financially invest in the State Shoot, but will also take steps to see that investment is not lost. 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 State Shoot, however MUCC will not financially invest in the event. Option C: MUCC will grant the committee the rights to use the name 'State Shoot'. MUCC will have no official involvement beyond this. 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 essentially withdraws its involvement with the State Shoot. After several members offered their opinions and they appeared to favor option B, Dawn Levey asked for a motion to pass option B Supported by DeClerck Vote on Motion Motion Carried Discussion: Ms. Pat Klott mentioned her
concern regarding the liability that comes with attaching MUCC’s name. Mr. Bill Furtaw asked about
the seed money and Mr. Emil Silarski reported that he will put a detailed
budget together and bring to the February Board of Directors meeting
for further discussion. Mr. Earl mentioned that the
next State Shoot meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2008 at the Huron
Pointe Conservation Club starting at 1:00pm. All are welcome and
you may come early to shoot. Immediate Past President Yeager asked for a motion to close the discussion regarding the State Shoot until the February Board of Directors meeting. Demos (Heritier) Adjournment: President Meixner asked for a motion to adjourn the December 8, 2007 Board of Directors meeting Moved: B Levey (J. Meixner) Meeting adjourned: 2:32 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Reich, Recording Secretary to the MUCC Board of Directors 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 Mr. Eldon Montross reported
that the winner of the 2007 anniversary gun raffle is Dave Smith of
Beaverton. Joe Sattler gave a donation
of $470.00 to go towards camp from District 1. Linn Duling and his wife graciously
donated $500.00 to go towards Camp for Kids. Dennis Muchmore and
his wife Deborah along with Peggy Parke and her husband matched the
$500.00. Mr. Duling is challenging the other Districts in Region
IV to a match his $500.00 and/or that of District 1.
Merry CHRISTmas
and Happy New Year from all of us at MUCC !!!!! br/BOD/minutes/12.08.07 |
