The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison. President Lewellen asked that the agenda be modified to allocate the Banquet Committee time for discussion prior to the business at hand. Motion carried unanimously.

Guest, County Controller Dan Ornorato was introduced and given the floor to address those present. Various questions and answers ensued. The gun buy-back program, property assessments, conservation issues and the assault rifle ban were discussed, with Mr. Onorato offering to meet again with the ACSL for further communication regarding these issues. 

Proponents were mostly made up of Harmar Twp. and Allegheny School officials and a few residents, namely senior citizens on fixed incomes whose concern is their taxes. The people against the project were residents of Indiana, W.Deer and Harmar Twps. who were told to go fight the battles in "your own neighborhood" - a reminder that the project is based around the $20 million dollar TIF that is PUBLIC MONEY and all Allegheny County residents are paying. Frank's address included "1st.proposal was to move the stream, new proposal "to not move the stream but include even more enclosed or covered culverts, thus covering more stream and thereby limiting stream access even further. Great expanses of concrete and  asphalt parking areas that will be built, allowing runoff petroleum by-products, silt and salts, will greatly affect the vitality of the trout stream. Current studies prove 98% failure in proposed storm water abatement ponds and manmade wetlands. The promise of 3,000 jobs-how many will be a full-time professional level?

95% will be low pay-which does not necessarily build a tax base. "I feel for the residents of Harmar Twp. and their current tax problems, but a quick fix, quick buck, political and monetary gain at the expense of the tax-payer? I hope DEP/Corps of Engineers do the right thing after hearing the opposition of this proposed mall and deny their permits." Frank, and the ACSL members present urge all clubs to write your comments opposing this project before 12/15/2001 to:

Department of Environmental Protection U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Attn: Tim Dreier                                         % Deer Creek Crossing

% Deer Creek Crossing Project                Pittsburgh District

400 Waterfront Drive                                1000 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222                                Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4186

Mike Slavonic expounded on his written report-the metal detectors operating in the public safety building-employees have been advised that if a weapon is found while entering the building, it will be confiscated and not returned. DEP directive states employees will be prohibited from possessing a firearm on DEP property, whether they have a license to carry or not Rep. Teresa Forcier, Crawford county, is going to introduce legislation to prohibit such directives; Current law, Section 913, provides that these buildings must provide a lock box for checking of firearms.

If you hear of an individual having a firearm confiscated while in possession of a concealed carry permit-contact the ACSL Legislative Committee-Mike at (412)882-9647 or Kim at (412)221-3346. 

 Commonwealth Court of PA in a 6-2 decision with Judge James Kelley and Doris Smith desenting decided against former Game Commissioner George Venesky. Article 6, Section 7 PA Constitution states appointed officers may be removed at the pleasure of the power by which they shall be appointed. The court agreed with the Governor and the AG office that any member of the Commission could be removed by the Governor at anytime for any reason. The court left undecided Section 30 of the PG laws that provided for the appointment of Game Commissioners That provision says that an individual "shall be appointed by the Governor, and by and with advice and consent of two-thirds of the elected members of the Senate. If the Governor has the power to appoint and remove, what is the need for 2/3rd confirmation by the Senate? George Venesky will appeal the decision to the PA Supreme Court.

A motion was made and seconded (Connors/Bloss) to fund a trip to Harrisburg to meet with Atty. Gen. Mike Fisher to discuss the ACSL proposal to reform our reciprocity provision in state law (Jan. 22) MOTION CARRIED.

By Glenn Cowen

In Tribute to WCO Gerry Greiner

I'm going on a fishing trip,

but I won't have a rod

My tackle box, my lures,

are all supplied by God.

I won't need a license:

They say my fee was paid.

They say there is no limit here,

my life had made the grade.

I'm told that I can't issue fines,

that all fish are fair game.

There are no closed seasons here

and all fish are the same.

I know I'll catch my limit

and trout won't be my dish.

Because I'm casting lines of love

Motion to adjourn at 10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett, Executive Secretary

REMINDER - - - ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN'S LEAGUE YOUTHDAY - - -

JULY 27, 2002 - MILLVALE SPORTSMEN'S CLUB VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP SHEET WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MARCH 14 MEETING YOUR HELP IS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED!

ATTENTION ALL CLUBS AND AGENCIES THERE WILL BE NO ACSL MEETING ON FEBRUARY 14 - BECAUSE OF THE ALLEGHENY SPORT, TRAVEL AND OUTDOOR SHOW SEE YOU AT THE EXPOMART!

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 

GOLD ROOM-ALLEGHENY COUNTY COURTHOUSE

March 14, 2002, meeting begins at 7:30 PM

GOLD ROOM-COURTHOUSE

Everyone is welcome! ! !

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