|
Montana Walleyes Unlimited (Rough draft until approved)
Annual Meeting – Lewistown
February 20, 2010
President Kennie Williams welcomed and thanked everyone for their
attendance. Three proxies were received from the Flathead, Glasgow/Fort
Peck, and Billings Chapters. Self introductions were made.
Minutes from the December meeting in Lewistown had been printed in “Fish
Tales” and posted on the website for all to review prior to the meeting. The
minutes were approved on a motion by Dave Snyder and second by Doug Grubb.
Election of Directors and Officers followed. Mike Brumble of the Great Falls
chapter requested the requirement for nominations to be submitted 30 days
prior to the annual meeting be waived. It was pointed out that the
nomination forms had been available on the website for more than the 30 days
and that it is clearly stated in the bylaws for elections, therefore this
would not be done. With only one person being nominated for each position,
the following were elected: Region 2 Director Robert Hickey; Region 4
Director Roy Ereaux; Secretary Nora Grubb; and Treasurer Mike Butzlaff.
Treasurer Mike Butzlaff distributed his financial report showing $28,544.11
in the checking, $7,314.72 in savings and $15,299.74 in the Walleyes
Unlimited Foundation accounts as of January 9, 2010. Income from the Walleye
Unlimited license plates was just over $6,700 for 2009 however net income
was only $6,100. $65,950.00 was projected for revenue of which $65,850.00 is
budgeted leaving a projected net income of $100.00 for 2010. After a few
questions the report was accepted as presented. It was pointed out that
license plates need to be pushed more.
CHUMS is missing financial reports from Shelby and Plentywood Chapters.
Event fees are current at this time however the new year is here so all
chapters are encouraged to get their reports and fees in to Mike Butzlaff as
soon as possible for insurance coverage for their events.
A “Membership Design Summary” [attached] was put together at a ‘brainstorm
meeting’ held in Billings on January 30, 2010. Attendees worked to identify
current membership maintenance and database issues and design a long range
plan to update the membership process into current technology with data
security and backup. They felt the process would best be developed in three
phases. After much discussion and many questions Bill Ronning moved and Todd
Riggs seconded Phase 1 of the plan be done for now, adding to it the
purchase of a computer to be maintained by the Treasurer/Membership
Director. Motion carried.
Montana Walleyes Unlimited stickers and triplicate membership application
forms will be printed and made available in March.
Mike Sedlock reviewed the Bylaws which have been posted on the website for
over 60 days. A question about Article VII, Clause 2, Duties of State
Officers, e. Regional Directors, 2. The word “monthly” was changed to
“annually” as was previously moved, seconded, and carried in September.
Dean Rhyneer asked that all chapters submit their “Chapter Chatter” by March
31st for the April issue of “Fish Tales.” He and Mike Sedlock asked chapters
to get more aggressive getting sponsors for both the magazine and website
from area businesses. Dave Sedlock and Mike Butzlaff will get together to
set up a tracking and billing system for existing and future sponsors’
advertising. A form letter will be drafted and placed on the website for
chapters to send to their area businesses soliciting for sponsorship of
both.
David Sedlock reported the website is getting lots of ‘visitors.’ Everyone
favored the new look.
Travis Scott talked briefly about the Tournament Circuit which will have
their directors meeting tomorrow morning. He reported tournament dates are
set and circuit posters are done. Circuit rules will have some changes as
voted on at the December 5th meeting in Lewistown, adding that many rules
were “unwritten” but will now be in black and white. All bills for 2009 have
been paid and plaques for “Anglers of the Year” etc. are ready for
presentation at the banquet tonight. Jim Muscat will be updating these stats
after every tournament in 2010. Jim and Travis plan to be at every
tournament in 2010 to help the directors.
Bob Gilbert gave his legislative report touching on bills and legislation of
interest to the group. One item was the proposal to require full size
license plates for ATV’s and motorcycles. This was defeated but Bob thinks
it may re-appear in the 2011 Legislature. He added that full sized license
plates are now required on all trailers at purchase.
Carl Seilstad reported the return of funds owed to 2 Rivers Growth and
Walleyes Unlimited by the FWP for the Hatchery is “not looking good.” The
FWP replied to the January 14, 2010 letter stating since the request is past
the 8-year statute of limitations, they are unwilling to reimburse the money
owed. After some discussion Carl was asked to send a final letter to not
only the FWP, but also the Governor and state legislators.
Darren Raney discussed the Upper Missouri River Plan for 2010-2019 which was
put out for public review in September 2009. The major conflict concerns
proposed ideas to improve this fishery such as limiting size of keepers,
lowering the limit of keepers, and implementing a slot size, all of which
were mostly rejected by the FWP and their biologists. Todd Riggs suggested
signs be posted to advertise “keeper” sizes, species, etc to help educate
the public not only at this site but at all fishing areas in the state.
Bob Klein distributed two different handouts made by a Billings advertising
agency. They provide valuable information about Montana Walleyes Unlimited -
its history, membership benefits, aims, etc. The cost to have 1000 trifolds
printed is $222 (including shipping).
Under new business Kennie gave a brief rundown of the 501c3 meeting held in
Billings and stated that basically all chapters and the state are doing what
is required to maintain this tax exempt status.
Roy Ereaux reported on the McNeill Slew. The dam has washed out and to
rebuild it would cost $700,000. The Malta chapter will be sending letters to
all chapters asking for support of the once popular kids’ fishery.
Donations were made in 2009 to Camp Walleye held at Tiber each year and
“Fishing for the Cure” both of which Montana Walleyes Unlimited was a major
sponsor. The Glasgow Chapter challenged all communities and chapters to meet
or beat their donation this year. Mike Newton moved, Mike Butzlaff seconded
$1500 be donated to “Fishing for the Cure.” Carried. $1000 will be donated
to Camp Walleye as moved by Dan Spence, seconded by Mike Sedlock, and
carried.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Nora Grubb, Secretary
|
Presidents
Message