ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE INC.
MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 8, 2007
The monthly meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
Attending clubs and agencies:
Bakerstown Beagle LFSC Police R & G
Braddock District McKeesport Renton R & G.
Clairton Sportsmen Mt. Nebo TCTC
Collier Sportsmen Penn Hills TCWA
Forest Grove Pitcairn-Monroeville W Deer
Harry Lewellen, MAL Al Bachy-Youth PMSC W PA Taxidermy
PFBC – WCO Mike Walsh PGC – WCO Gary Fujak
The October Minutes were approved as mailed.
Treasurer’s Report – presented by Joe Connors. Motion by Hoffman/Pritchard
Motion carried unanimously.
Communications – confirmation letter permitting use of Gold Room for 2008.
PA Chapter NWTF Scholarship information. Any son or daughter of an ACSL Club Member
being a hunter, can qualify for a $250.00 PA State Scholarship Award. Contact Bob Schmid at BobSchmid@thermofisher.com, (412.766.7687) for more information.
Jerry S. Males, Director of Parks and Recreation Department of South Fayette Twp.was present to discuss their annual Disabled Sportsman Deer Hunt”, held Oct.18-20, 2007.
In accordance with PGC Law, volunteers for the hunt are required to be licensed.
Director Males requested support to change the requirement for assisting and participating in hunting which he will present in February when he attends the PGC Commissioners meeting.
The delegates, officers and directors in attendance discussed the proposed changes for 2008.
Further discussion will take place under new business.
PGC – WCO Gary Fujak stated that SGL203 is reopened after the lead clean-up. A third WCO will be placed in Allegheny County.
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PFBC WCO Mike Walsh reported the PFBC is looking for fishing and aquatic education programs that could use some financial assistance. Grant applications from organizations and local agencies are welcome. Grantees can receive up to $5,000 to purchase equipment, materials and costs associated with field trips etc. Well-structured youth fishing programs lead to kids increasing their interest in fishing.
The deadline for applications is December 31, 2007. Information is available at www.fishandboat.com or by calling 717.705.7835.
Legislative Committee –Mike Christeson reporting on House Bills being advanced that presented moderate gun control concepts to appease certain more radical legislator elements within the PA House. Two bills voted out of committee: HB784 which was unacceptable in its original form sponsored by Rep. Scott Petri, was successfully re-written, correcting defects. HB1744 was deemed by sportsmen and gun owner representatives as unacceptable ACSL complaints generated amendments that were to supposedly moderate their concerns. Unfortunately, open exchange of ideas was not allowed because of the process leading up to this vote. Several amendments were not even available for review until the morning of the committee vote, which is an unacceptable situation.
The Legislative Committee Report can be read in its entirety at http://www.acslpa.org,
Issue 157.
Game – Mike Maranche reported HR477 Clymer Resolution designating the month of November as “Hunting and Fishing Heritage Month” in Pennsylvania. Adopted by a vote of 192 YEAS 0 NAYS. SB1118 Vance amends Title 30 (fish) decreasing the number of days a PA National Guard or Air National Guard member must be deployed overseas to become eligible for a PA National Guard Fishing License from 180 to 120 days; Referred to Senate Game and Fisheries. The Humane Society tried to take the Minnesota Game and Wildlife Commission to court to stop trapping through the endangered species act. This bill was set aside; however, other animal rights groups are active trying to eliminate trapping by using the endangered species act.
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance – look in the schools for a newsletter called “Kind” loaded with anti-hunting animal rights messages published by the Humane Society.
Fish & Clean Streams – Mike Christeson reporting in the absence of Frank Sparrow-
Channel catfish caught in the Allegheny River near Kittanning contain five times more toxic mercury and selenium than fish at Pittsburgh’s Point. Dr. Conrad Volz, Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pgh. wants to enlist fishermen throughout the watershed in Allegheny River Stewardship Program to find out why. He will be holding several community-based meetings throughout the county. Residents are warned of mercury found in fish sampled in Kittanning and the Allegheny River. The Reliant Energy facility in Springdale could be a potential source. Mail your pollution info. to Conrad Volz, BridgesidePoint, 100 Technology Dr. Suite 564, Pgh. PA 15219.
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Fish and Clean Streams continued --
More than half of the major industrial and municipal water treatment facilities in PA have exceeded their water pollution permit limits.
ASTOS – February 13-17, 2008 Beef Jerky Sale sign-up sheet; you can sign up for one spot – if there are vacant areas and no more clubs signing up, a second spot will be available handled as a lottery. Passes will be issued to club members who man the booths – color coded for certain days. League booth workers will be given cards also. Set up will be Monday the 11th, tear-down the 17th. Help is needed. Floor space is 70% filled, clubs receive a 20% discount for 5 days – cost is $775 for 10 X 10, after June 1 $795.
Banquet – March 8, 2007 – Futule’s Harmar House If your club would like to sponsor the tickets, (approximately $60.00)let Ron Bachy know 412.824.6467 thebachyfamily@verizon.net. Be considering your nominees for recognition.
There will be a meeting of the committee Tuesday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m. at Sallys.
By-Laws – Article 5 Section 2B Individual Membership at Large, Article 5 Section 1 “Associations or individuals” eligible for membership in the ACSL This constitutes the 3rd reading. Motion to accept (Pritchard/Christeson) Adopted 11.8.07 Information on individual membership is forthcoming at the Sport Show in February.
Audit Committee – President Maranche selected Frank Girdich and Joe Cersosimo to conduct the Audit of the Treasurer’s books. Report to be given at the December meeting.
New Business – Motion made and seconded (Christeson/Ragaller) to generate a letter supporting Jerry Males in his effort to improve disabled hunts – proposal of a group permit be created for financial and volunteer considerations. Motion carried unanimously.
ACSL letter of support and Jerry Male’s Proposed Changes for 2008 will be presented at the PGC meeting in February.
Call for adjournment 9:40 p.m.
Door prize was won by Mike Christeson. Motion to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.
ACSL December 13, 2008 Meeting
Officers & Directors 6:30 p.m.
Open Meeting 7:30 p.m.