ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE, INC.

MEETING MINUTES   

April 10, 2003
Opening
Allegheny Country Rifle-Susick Elizabeth Twp. - Collura Renton - Girdich/Barchak Bakerstown Beagle - Helch/Bucek Forest Grove - Cersosimo TCWA - Connors Bethel Pk.Sptsmn. - Walters Greater Pgh - Stolfer Tri County - SparrowBull Creek - Stanislaw LFSC - Liberto W Deer - Bagaley Clairton - Maranche Pit/Mnrvl - Hoffman W PA Taxidermy - Fundy E Monongahela - Bragano Police R & G - Felice PGC - Fujak PFBC - Wheale

Due to illness, President Lewellen was unable to attend. First Vice President Henry Hoffman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison.

There were no guests present.

The March minutes were approved with corrections by the secretary.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Treasurer Joe Connors gave his treasurer's report which was accepted without question.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE
PGC news release; CCRKBA Point Blank; PGC Becoming an Outdoors- Woman. 30-June1 Bradford Campus University of Pittsburgh - contact Lori at (717)705-9350;

June 7 AV Chapter National Wild Turkey Fed. Women in the Outdoors at Bullcreek Sport. Club - contact Lori at 724-224-4182.
Pennsylvania Fish &Boating Commission
WCO Mike Wheale stated streams are well-stocked for opening day of trout. Great fish put in Glade Run, North Park, Deer and Pine Creeks. Be courteous to land-owners.

April 28 commission meeting may reveal the PFBC position on Res. 15. No matter which way your feel about the merger, make your voice heard by contacting your state rep or senator - in writing. Petitions are not as effective.

Mike announced his retirement effective June 20; thanking those who have helped him with stocking etc. in the past. A round of applause was given to thank Mike for his help over the many years.
Pennsylvania Game Commission
PGC - WCO Gary Fujak asked for response to HR15 (merger of PGC/PFBC). Show of hands resulted in the majority not favoring this merger. A lot of questions need to be answered. Sportsmen must speak up and write letters to their representatives and the game and fisheries committee. Several states who have combined the agencies now regret the move.

Bear feeding ban takes effect 3/22. Bobcat harvest - 135 taken in 19 of the 20 eligible counties.

Elk survey - 83 branch-antlered bulls; 22 spike bulls; 320 adult females;110 calves; elk are found in an 835 square mile area of Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Centre and Clearfield counties. 2002 deer harvest figures-517,529 - (352,113 antlerless, 165,416 antlered) safest season in history. Website at www.pgc.state.pa.us

Next commission meeting June 16, 17 - unfinished business will be discussed. Final approval was given to the 2003-2004 deer seasons that included modifications to antler restrictions and the use of crossbows in WMU 2B, 5C and 5D during certain firearms deer seasons.

--In WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2 and 2D, hunters will be required to abide by the four points on one side antler restriction;

--In all other WMUs, hunters will be required to abide by a three points on one side antler restriction.

The Board approved the use of crossbows in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D during the two-week concurrent rifle deer season (Dec.1-13) and late firearms deer seasons (Dec. 26-Jan.10)Crossbows already are legal statewide during the two-week concurrent rifle deer season.

The deer seasons and bag limits for 2003-2004 follow the same format as last year. MORE INFO- http://sites.state.pa.us.PA-Exec.PGC/newsroom/2003/nr021-03.htm.

Special youth spring gobbler hunt 4/24/04; - A youth pheasant hunt; youth squirrel and waterfowl hunts and special antlerless deer harvesting opportunities - part of the license fee increase approved in '98 created a junior combination license that packages regular license privileges with archery, flintlock and furtaking opportunities for $9.00. Small game - 10/25, one week earlier than 2002,03; squirrel and grouse open 10/18.
DEER CREEK PROJECT
No Report

 

C O M M I T T E E S
Sporting Arms and Information  & Legislation
Mike Slavonic's report http://www.acslpa.org 

Kim Stolfer gave the report in Mike Slavonic's absence. The reckless lawsuit bill, HR1036 passed 4/9/03. This bill will put an end to frivolous lawsuits. Kim was called by Senator Murphy's staff, wanting to know how to vote on it. Kim informed them that the league was in support of the bill but not the five amendments that were offered to weaken it. It was good that they wanted to know the league's position. Some of the amendments would allow exceptions for lawsuits, rather than strengthening the ability of gun manufacturers to only be restricted to actual physical liabilityproblems instead of emotional court actions. Legislators in support were John Murtha, Melissa Hart, Tim Murphy; Mike Doyle voted against us. FOAC will be looking at Doyle's opponent in the next election. A.G. Fisher website gives the list of concealed carry reciprocity states. (www.U.S./PA.Gov)

A.G. Fisher called Mike Slavonic stating that his office was coming out with an official position on the "Goods for Guns", informing those individuals that they are in violation of state law.

The city of Latrobe is attempting to pass an ordinance that would ban persons with legally obtained Concealed Carry Permits from carrying concealed weapons in parks in Latrobe Borough. Section 6120 of the PA Crimes Code specifically states "no county, municipality or township may in any manner regulate the lawful ownership, possession, transfer or transportation of firearms, ammunition or ammunition components when carried or transported for purposes not prohibited by the laws of the Commonwealth"

A letter has been sent to the Latrobe Council and Mayor informing them of this violation. The ACSL, the Westmoreland County Sportsmen's League, the PSA, PRPA have joined to put up a unified front in opposition to this. They will be attending a meeting April 14, 7 p.m. in the Latrobe Borough Building.

Cease Fire PA/Million Moms March support the Governor's "one gun a month". If you see anything from the Cease Fire PA, let Mike or Kim know so they can give a response,

FOAC Voter's guides will be available at the May meeting.
CONSERVATION
Jack Walters reported that on behalf of Gov. Rendell, PA is restoring its municipal recycling grant program, offering $20 million to local governments for their recycle programs. More than seven million trees were saved by Pennsylvanian's recycling newspaper, office and mixed paper.

Spring is a good time of year for annual well checkup. Have well water tested once a year; usually 30 yrs. represents a serviceable life for private wells.
Game Committee
Chairman Mike Maranche commented on H.R.15 - some facts about salaries available at first commission meeting; The Executive Director of the PFBC earns a little over $107,000.00 yearly; Executive Director PGC earns well over $104,000.00 yearly; salaries of chief counsel PFBC $96,000.00; $84,000.00 chief counsel PGC; Deputy Directors both agencies combined $190,000.00; four directors $84,000.00 per year. Total expenses for executive offices PFBC, Harrisburg $860,000.00; PGC executive offices Harrisburg $1.4 million. The Susquehanna Small Mouth Alliance/Middletown (121 members) voted in favor of the merger. Bruce Smith of the Game and Fisheries Committee stated he had invited 42 sportsmen's organizations to testify at the commission hearings. The ACSL has not been included in the invitation, as yet. Agencies such as PFSC will not support the bill unless substantial benefit to the resource of sportsmen is evident; United Bowhunters is remaining non-committal pending the full course of hearings.

PFBC testimony is posted on the web. Levdansky's sportsmen's night turnout was very poor. It is thought that a feasibility study should be done first on H.R.15; then an investigative merger take place. Mike advised the delegates present to go against the merger because there has been no demonstration so far that it is going to benefit resource. Discussion followed. A motion was made and seconded (Liberto/Connors) to oppose any type of merger of the PFBC/PGC and possibility of DCNR merger. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Fish & Clean Streams Committee 
 Frank Sparrow reported on the Deer Creek stream clean-up. Thirty people came out; much accomplished even though the weather was not great.

Deer Creek Mall project not progressing due to the TIF money question.

Policy & Budget
Policy and Budget - Treasurer Joe Connors stated that the Conservation stamps purchased several years ago and flag decals purchased last year have not sold. Items such as these should be returned for refunds.
Organizing
No Report
Public Relations
No report. 
Allegheny Sport Travel and Outdoor Show
Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show - February 18-22, 2004.
Banquet
Chairman Joe Cersosimo stated several places are being checked out. The format of the banquet as well as the location will be changed. A decision must be made within the next two weeks. March 20, 2004 is likely the date. If you have suggestions, call Joe at 412-331-3412. 
Youth Day
July 26, 2003 - Millvale Sportsmen's Club. Frank needs committee members - call Frank at 724-444-6569. 
Unfinished Business
a meeting is being planned with all committee heads, officers and directors of the ACSL to discuss budgetary items. 
New Business
Joe Connors announced that the ACSL format has been changed to function according to the calendar year rather than the fiscal year.
For the Good of the Organization
No Report
Auditing Committee
Audit Committee Report is given at the end of each fiscal year. 
Nominating Committee
No Report
Treasurer's Report
Motion was made and seconded (Cersosimo/Hoffman) to accept the report as presented by Treasurer Joe Connors.
Adjournment 
Drawing - the door prize was won by Sally Barnett and donated to YouthDay.

Adjournment was called for at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Executive Secretary

ACSL NEXT MEETING - MAY 8, 2003 - 7:30 P.M. COURTHOUSE

 

REMINDERS! ! !
Special Meeting Notes

PLEASE NOTE - if you have an E-mail address - and would like the minutes sent to your E-mail, send it to Mike Slavonic at acsl@nauticom.net. or Sara Barnett at  salbarnett@nb.net 
Next Regular Meeting

GOLD ROOM-ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE

May 8, 2003, meeting begins at 7:30 PM

Everyone is welcome! ! !

ACSL on the Internet  http://www/acslpa.org

Email Address: acsl@nauticom.net