Wednesday, May 9, 2018

KIDS FISHING CLINIC MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 26, 2018


Brenda Rosin      Schaff called the meeting to order at approximately 7:30 PM.   

Everyone present introduced themselves and their club affiliations.

Attendance:  Brenda Rosin Schaff, Ron Gray, Klye Olsen,  Duane Marcell, Brandon Witt, Ryan Flohr, Dave & Karen Schmitt, Steve Spielbauer, Dan & Diane Floryance, Jim Gilles, Jean Tackes, Jill Levy, Rick Frye, Rick Kirkley, Mary Lee Hatland, Don & Judy Kirby, Cliff Schulz, Wayne Avery, Cornell  Stroik, Dave Mueller, Kiven Groff, Barb Stevenson

Brenda opened the meeting by thanking everyone for there attendance. Because Klye Olson of the DNR had to leave to go back to work she had Klye described what his job consists of on a typical day. Kyle gave a detailed description of what his day is like.        

Brenda  then asked Dave Mueller to give us an up-date on the Hunger Task Force Hatchery and his stocking of the ponds. Dave talked about the various fish the hatchery has, their growth rates, talked about the pump problems they have had to over come. Dave also talked about the stocking of the ponds, species stocked, numbers stocked and dates of he stocking.

Brenda addressed the clinics and the weather conditions we had for the clinics. She noted she still has not heard from all the parks with the final numbers. She will send out final numbers when all the clubs get there numbers in. She noted that she and Ron had received e-mails stating that we should have cancelled the clinics due to the weather conditions. As everyone knows it is our policy to run the clinics no matter what the weather conditions are because a larger part of the teaching is conducted in doors. At this point in the meeting an open discussion took place. Points discussed were the logistics of the following. Present fishing regulations for kids only fishing, limitations in time frame and equipment of stocking, park reservations, commitments of volunteers for additional dates, providing the kids a season to fish without adult competition, scheduling around the Easter holiday, life of the stocked trout in the ponds as water warms. During this discussion the subject of illegal adult fishing came up.  After discussion the best thing to due is call the DNR hot line. After all discussion a vote was taken on continuing our policy of not cancelling due to weather conditions.  

Brenda talked briefly about the donations we received and the thank you letters that need to be sent out. She also addressed the schedule for next year. Ron commented that we could start working on next years flyer today by having the members in attendance commit to next years clinic dates which were announced as Feb. 9th and Apr 13th 2019. Badger Fisherman’s League stated they could not continue with the clinic’s due to a lack of help and the Wisconsin Fishing Club stated they are dropping out of the ice fishing clinics due to poor attendance at their park. Wern Valley indicated they will no longer support the clinics due to a lack of volunteers. Ron said he will then move forward with notifying the clubs not in attendance at this meeting for their commitments to next years clinics so the flyers can be finalized. He will also need to talk with the Waukesha County Parks to see which parks will be available next year. During discussion it was noted that the registration forms used needed some space adjustments for entry information. Brenda said she will  make adjustments for next year.

During discussions Brenda noted that American Legion Post 537 gave the Kids Fishing Clinics a very generous donation. Ideas discussed for using this donation were fish tanks for displaying fish and fishing tackle that could be purchased for kids prizes at the clinics. Discussion also noted that donation barrels could be placed at the clinic sites for donations to the Hunger Task Force who supports the clinics at their many distribution sites.

Brenda introduced  Cornell Stroik treasurer of the Wisconsin Council of Sport Fishing Organizations (WCSFO). Cornell gave a talk about how and why the WCSFO was formed and their interface between the sport fishing clubs and the department of natural resources. He indicated the WCSFO is a 501C3 organization and finances the printing of the kids fishing hand books. He indicated that most of the kids fishing clinic clubs presently belong to the organization. The president of the WCSFO has retired from his position due to health reasons. Cornell has asked that the organization look into training someone for his position. Ron Gray is taking over the position as secretary from Brenda due to her health reasons. This leaves the offices of President and Vice President open and the need for someone to train for treasurer. The WCSFO holds two 2 scheduled meetings a year one in March and October on the third Saturday of the month. The WCSFO has a seat on the DNR fishery advisory board.

Brenda asked if anyone was interested in these positions and would like to run in an election for them. Two members were and a request was made by another if we could hold off on an election so their club members could be notified. Brenda stated we will hold an election meeting on Thursday May 24th . The location will be the Milwaukee Casting & Sportsmens Club at 18200 W. Cleveland Ave. New Berlin, WI at 7:00 PM. Please note: That you or your club must be a member of the WCSFO to be considered for these positions.

Respectfully:

Ron Gray,  Secretary

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