ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE INC.
JUNE MEETING MINUTES
The monthly meeting was held on June 14, 2007 in the Gold Room of the Courthouse; President Maranche called order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
Attending clubs and agencies:
Bakerstown Beagle Homestead Pgh. Sportsmen L.
Bethel Park Sportsmen LFSC Penn Hills R&GC
Clairton Sportsmen McDonald Pitcairn Monroeville SC
Collier Sportsmen McKeesport West Deer
Dormont Mt. Lebanon Mt. Nebo W PA Taxidermy
Forest Grove Millvale
PFBC – WCO Larry Furlong
The May meeting minutes were approved, motion by (Hoffman/Stolfer)
Treasurer’s Report – in the absence of Joe Connors, report was given by the secretary. Motion for approval by (Cersosimo/Pritchard)
Correspondence – letter requesting support of the PSFD Special Day for Special Kids held at Keystone Park. Motion by (Stolfer/Hoffman) was approved unanimously to send $200.00 for this event. Help is needed beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, the 23rd.
PFBC – WCO Larry Furlong reported the class of ’07 graduating August 13; Graduate Mike Walsh will be joining Larry and Bob Wheeler as a third WCO for Allegheny County. There will be no field vacancies after graduation.
Three weekends into boating season has brought three BUI’s. There is a program on the PFBC website (www.fish.state.pa.us) for Boating I.Q Of the 700 boating incidents nationwide, 80% were not wearing life jackets.
If you fish the Susquehanna, a small-mouth bass survey is offered on the PFBC website.
Youth Fishing License – clubs can purchase a block of tickets and pass them out to kids to get them interested in fishing.
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Legislative Committee – Kim Stolfer and Mike Christeson reporting on a website of the PA Dept. of Health(http://www.pa-aware.org/who-are terrorists/domestic-6.asp on signs and behaviors associated with terrorists.
‘Opposition to gun control’ is at the top of the list as an indicator of likely domestic terrorist behavior. Taxpayers are funding this appalling info. to our own citizens. Please visit this site and express your feelings to your legislators that this is prejudice against our constitutional freedoms.
Reciprocity – PA Uniform Firearms Act – this reply was given by the A.G. Tom Corbett’s office to a recent e-mail: “recently we have been advised that some law enforcement agencies in PA, including the PSP, are taking the position “that our reciprocity agreements with other states do not confer a right to carry a firearm in PA on those license holders who do not reside in the state in question. Therefore, it appears that it would not be appropriate for you to carry a firearm in PA based on your New Hampshire permit despite our agreement with the State of NH”. “If you are arrested in PA for carrying a firearm without a license, the decision as to whether you should be prosecuted would be made by the local D.A. and not by this office.” This is very troubling! 70% police activities are controlled by the PSP. The ACSL is going after these situations.
HB1478 - raise the Instant Check Fee to $20 to purchase a firearm - was scheduled for a vote on June 5. The ACSL informed the legislators on the Judiciary Committee of the ACSL’s disapproval. Supporters in the JC became fearful of losing the vote, therefore pulling the bill for consideration. Doing this allows them to bring it up on a moments notice or add it as an amendment to other bills. The Legislative Committee will watch to make sure of the language of this bill should it come up for a vote
HB2640 (ensure ways for a person to regain their rights if their name has been added to the NICS list) this is a good bill.
View the Legislative Report on the acslpa.org website.
State Police Commissioner will be invited to the ACSL Oct.meeting
Conservation – world’s first fuel-cell-powered ice resurfacer has been developed. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is a viable long-term solution to end petroleum dependency and minimize carbon emissions.
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Conservation continued – Texas A&M U. and Dept. Energy has produced a new computer tool that will increase recovery of up to 218 billion barrels of by-passed oil remaining in mature domestic fields – the nation’s current proven reserve is 21 billion barrels.
Attn: children, hunters – removing ticks can be simplified by applying a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball, covering the tick with the cotton ball, and letting it stay on the insect for a few seconds (15-20)
Under a landmark settlement, ALCOSAN has agreed to a multi-year strategy to upgrade the sewage systems serving Pittsburgh and 82 surrounding municipalities. The settlement also requires ALCOSAN to pay a $1.2 million penalty for past Clean Water Act violations and to undertake $3 million in environmental projects.The settlement also requires ALCOSAN to submit a wet weather plan to EPA that would resolve untreated dis-charges from the sewer systems by 2026.
Fort Duquesne remnants unearthed during renovation of Point State Park are being preserved by work crews.
Game – Chairman Mike Maranche reporting HB13 Readshaw: encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public, providing for liability of landowners toward recreational users, persons or property – referred to Game and Fisheries Committee (01.30.07), Amended (04.25.07) re-reported (05.08.07) when amended was rewritten making it pertinent to hunting only, to make it less controversial and ensure passage before the next hunting season. Key provision limits landowner liability to “assume responsibility for or incur liability for any injury to persons or property, wherever such persons or property are located. Passed House (06.23.07), Sent to Senate. Referred to Senate Game & Fisheries Committee (05.31.07)
There is currently an attempt to amend HB13 to include all recreational uses and add an attorney fees clause. ACSL opposes this Amendment 00834.
News Release #061 Citizens Advisory Committee and its influence on Deer Management. Advised to check website. www.pgc.state.pa.us
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Game continued
SB900 McIlhinney: Amending Title 34, providing for unlawful devices and methods. Removes the prohibition of using artificial or natural bait in the taking of deer at a time which does not coincide with an open season for bear hunting. Referred to Game & Fisheries Committee (05.23.07) There is no clear definition for Hunting over Baiting.
Fish and Clean Streams – Frank S./Mike C. 7 million lbs trash polluting waterways; cigarette butts 1.9 m;750 thousand food wrappers, containers; 1,074 animals tangled in debris.
Youthday July 21– registration closed with 143 applications, 15 more to bring in. 200 water bottles will be included in bags. Print to be matted/framed from PGC and raffled off. Hot dogs are secured/volunteers are needed.
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley reporting entries for safety poster contest decisions made/two savings bonds will be awarded at Youthday.
The IRS will require all non-profit and not-for-profit clubs to file an electronic tax mailing beginning January ‘08.
Mandate on spaying and neutering dogs and cats 4mos or older – passed in CA, headed East.
U.B. Leon attended a Health Safety Fair, representing ACSL; at Forest Grove Elementary School.
New Business: Dan Ragaller proposed by-law change in O&D mtg.
Article IX, Section 4, Line 17 – strike “The Treasurer shall also serve as Membership Secretary”
Article VII – Standing Committees add “Membership Committee”
Motion made and seconded (Christeson/Ragaller) to make this change. Motion carried.
This constitutes the first reading of this change 6.14.07.
Dan Ragaller has accepted the position as Chairperson of the Membership Committee.
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New Business continued -
Plans for Big New Power Line in PA worries those in its path. Property is owned by Allegheny Energy, PA has 2 counties involved; however eventually 40 counties will be involved. Property values will decrease – PUC issue. Congress is calling for a strict review. We need to watch this.
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MEMBER CLUBS – The League has established a “Youth Delegate” program whereas junior shooters, hunters, fishermen, sports enthusiasts, are invited to attend the league monthly meeting. We would like to hear your ideas, suggestions and concerns on issues involving youth.
We ask the delegates of each club to encourage their juniors to join us and learn what we do.
Conservation Pledge – “I give my pledge as an American to save and faithfully to defend from waste the natural resources of my Country; the soil, the water, the air, the minerals, the plant life and the wildlife. This is my Pledge.”
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Meeting door prize was won by Joe Bucek, Delegate of the Bakerstown Beagle Club. Joe donated his winnings to Youthday.
Call for adjournment was at 10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sara Barnett, Secretary
JULY MEETING
THURSDAY, 12TH
6:30 P.M. Officers and Directors
7:30 p.m. open meeting
Delegates and Agencies
SEE YOU THERE!