OPTU Board meeting minutes
April 28, 2010
Viscount Motel

Attending
Steve Reiter
Robin Marsett
Joe Fagan
Mickey Fletcher
Roger McKee
Scott Koktavy
Mike Mehrer

Roger McKee, President, called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM

Trout in the Classroom
Joe Fagan (both a member of OPTU and an employee of AZF&G), presented
background on the TIC project at Sahuaro School. A full and fascinating report is
available in the current newsletter. In conclusion, after a successful 3 years this TIC
project must be discontinued because Sue Simpson, the science teacher who has ably
mentored it can, due to family demands, no longer afford the extra time demanded by
the project. AZF&G, continues to enthusiastically support TIC and advises that it will be
easy to find another school in which to run the program. Joe asked, does OPTU want to
continue sponsoring TIC or turn it over to AZF&G. He asked the question because only
a few OPTU members, all board members, have contributed time to the project. He
wondered whether OPTU was truly interested in TIC.
Extensive conversation followed. Questions were asked about skill sets required of a
member to participate, about how much it will cost to continue the program, and about
how to promote the program to the membership. In principle it was agreed that the
OPTU board views TIC as a valuable program and one which we should support. It was
also agreed that OPTU participation needs better planning for success. A working
committee composed of Mickey Fletcher, Steve Reiter, Joe Fagan and Roger Mckee will
follow-up on a TIC plan. It was also suggested that perhaps John Murphy would be able
to help with contacts at the U of A and that Doug Thornburg should be involved in the
planning process representing AZF&G. The working group agreed to prepare
recommendations for the board ASAP.

Treasurers report
Cathy Hill reports that after recent expenses our checking account balance is
$11,649,21.

Conservation Report
We reviewed the cancelled workday in April. We discuss the scheduled workdays in
June, listed on the website. It was also noted that Jeff Collins has reported AZF&G is
working on a replacement stream clean-up workday in the Pinalenos. The followng
email was received from Jeff Collins subsequent to the board meeting
...I have not heard back from Mike Lopez on workdays in the White Mountains; as soon as I get
that info, it will be posted. I sent a letter to the Electro Shocker to AZGFD for review. As soon as
I receive a quote we can purchase the equipment with the EAS Grant money. This will leave
about $1,800 in that account which will be used on the upcoming work on the Pinalenos Gila
Trout Project. It was written to be designated for Gila Trout only. Funding for White Mountain
workdays will need to come from the general fund unless it is for Gila Trout.

Member Meetings
Steve Reiter reported that Peter Piconi of SoCal Fly Fishing In, San Diego, will be the
featured speaker at the members meeting in June. His fee will be $350 plus travel.
Steve was authorized by unanimous vote of the board to find a one time alternate
meeting location for June closer to the Northwest to test whether a change in location
might improve member attendance. It was agreed any change in venue must be
announced in the next newsletter and that a special email announcement would also be
made. Other speakers under consideration for future meetings are John Rohmer from
the Payson area, an entomologist, Rory ---- from AZF&G and several others. Mickey
moved that the July meeting, as has been our tradition, be cancelled, given so many
members are traveling at that time. Scott seconded. The motion was carried
unanimously.
Mike Mehrer suggested that fly fishing lessons at the member meetings might be a
good idea. Casting, fly tying, and net building were among many of the fly fishing
disciplines that might be offered. Others suggested that OPTU members had many
skills that would permit recruiting instructors from within the club. Certified fly casting
lessons were also mentioned. It was agreed to create a working committee to develop a
plan and make recommendations to the board on this matter. Joe Fagan, John Singley,
Scott Koktavy, Mike Mehrer and Roger McKee will participate in the working group.

Healing Waters
Robin Marsett reported on flshing trips to the White mountains, Parker Canyon and
Durango. One of the Fort Huachuca HW soldiers took third in a national rod building
contest. Dave Brown is contributing fishing trip for the men. Fly tying instruction at Dry
Creek and before the OPTU monthly members meetings continues. In summary, the
program is alive and well.

Miscellaneous
John Singley told the board that he and Roger had talked to Eric about buying OPTU
shirts and possibly other clothing through Dry Creek at a discount thereby offering a
better selection of outfits and less up-front investment by the club.
John also reported that the raffle at the last meeting had raised $70. At this rate the
original investment in raffle prizes of $300 will be paid off quickly.

With no further business to discuss Roger adjourned the meeting at 7:30 PM

Minutes respectfully submitted by acting secretary Mike Mehrer