OPTU Board Meeting
May 27, 2009
El Charro
Swan and Speedway

Attending
Clay Hernandez
John Singley
Mickey Fletcher
Steve Reiter
Joe Fagan
Mike Mehrer

Clay Hernandez, OPTU president, called the meeting to order at 6:00PM

1. Speaker Committee
Pursuant to previous discussions on this topic, at next week’s members meeting, Clay will ask for volunteers to form the committee. The committee would be responsible for finding and inviting speakers, paid and voluntary, at OPTU functions such as monthly members meetings and special events e.g. the October meeting currently being planned and the annual banquet. In the event that no volunteers appear, Plan B calls for personal appeals by Board members by mail and in person to the membership list. The committee will be asked to report on activities to the board each month.

2. Banquet Event Committee
Like the Speaker committee, Clay will ask for volunteers to form a committee to organize the annual banquet. Although in recent years the profit from the banquet has been dwindling, many members have told Clay how much they look forward to and enjoy the event. The board concluded that new blood is needed to bring new ideas and energy to the dinner and to develop a more active membership. The banquet committee will submit monthly reports. We are confident that our membership will respond with enthusiasm for this popular affair.

3. First annual October OPTU Saturday Bash
Mike reported that Ed Engle had accepted the $1000 fixed fee proposal but cannot make the October 24th date. In an earlier email Ed suggested Oct 31st was available and it was agreed that Mike should pursue that date. Once confirmed Mike and Mick will contact sister organization at the U of A and Sierra Vista inviting their participation

4. Public Relations
The board discussed opportunities for press releases on OPTU activities such as Trout in the Classroom and Healing Waters.The discussion was tabled for future consideration

5. Website
Robin Marsette and Stan Vanagunas continue to work on up-dating the website. The current site does not take advantage of technology available. Mark Barlett, web master, estimates that the site could be updated for between $600 and $1000. Board members agreed to look at modern sites such as the TU website with an eye to reviewing a proposal for change from Stan and Robin.

6. Workdays
Clay suggested that a plan and schedule should be developed for the week-long workday in July. Board members should cooperate so that at least one board member is present all week. Similarly, board members should be present at each workday if possible. Joe Fagan will attend the July workday. Joe Fagan moved to reimburse the cost of bait to trap crayfish at the July workday. Clay seconded the motion. The board approved unanimously.

7. Dead Horse Ranch Family Outing
The board agreed that a presentation promoting the Outing should be made at each member meeting. Mike will look for pictures and videos to show.

8. Trout in the Classroom (TIC)
Volunteers are needed to help with the program. At present Joe Fagan is working the program through AZF&G. It is a OPTU project but recruitment of volunteers has not been successful. The board asked Joe to put together a "job description" for participants. Mick will contact TU national to find a DVD or other info on TIC that can be presented at members meetings. Other TU chapters support multiple TIC schools. The board agreed that OPTU should more actively promote this worthy project.

9. The White Mountain Lakes Association
Clay Hernandez was contacted by an organizer of The White Mountain Lakes Association looking for board members. The association aims to improve fishing in public lakes in that area. OPTU members are invited to contact Clay if they are interested in participating in the group.

10. New OPTU hats and shirts
John Singley reported that he has found a new vendor for hats and Columbia Pro fishing shirts. The shirts w/ OPTU embroidered logo will be $55. Add $2 for name embroidery (plus tax?). The sun shade hat would cost $20 w/ embroidered logo. This vendor will provide the clothing on a pay as you go basis. A number of board members ordered shirts and hats. Clay moved to pay the set up charges for the items. John seconded. The board approved the motion unanimously. Clay will inform the membership that the goods can be ordered, paid in advance.

With no other business to conduct, Clay adjourned the meeting at 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted by Mike Mehrer with invaluable assistance from Joe Fagan, expert note taker.