OPTU Board Meeting
6/23/10
Viscount Inn

Attending
Roger McKee
Joe Fagan
Clay Hernandez
Steve Reiter
Mickey Fletcher
Robin Marsett
Stan Vanagunas

President Roger McKee called the meeting to order at 6:00PM.

Roger reminded us that we are still in need of an annual banquet assistant to work with
Jay Elliott. Robin Marsett volunteered to fill the post. With undue haste the offer was
accepted unanimously.
Taken with the success of the initial issue, Roger reminded us now that the post of
permanent OPTU Secretary remains open. Mickey offered to take the post but Roger
suggested we should seek out new blood for the position. All board members were
urged to ramp up recruiting efforts. Mickey seemed disappointed but for the good of the
chapter agreed with the decision
Clay reported that Eric, at Dry creek, agreed to display in his store a white board with
OPTU activities and related notices. Mike reminded us that a white board would be
valuable at the SK meeting location. Steve said that he was storing a white board at his
home. Without objection, Roger authorized the purchase of a white board for Dry Creek
and the installation of Steve’s board at SK. Mike agreed to manage the SK board and
Clay will do the same for the Dry Creek Board.
Clay will follow-up with Eric regarding the purchase of shirts and together with Roger will
look into embroidery of the OPTU Logo. Clay reports that we still have an abundance of
the handsome OPTU hats. It was agreed that they should be offered at the raffles.
Steve Reiter reported Steve Roemer (sp?), Alex Landeen, and Bill Watts are on his
target list for future speakers. Several other names were suggested by the board which
Steve noted but the acting secretary did not.
Newsletter hard copy was discussed as an incentive to members to increase
attendance at meetings. Several approaches were discussed. It was agreed to table the
matter until John Murphy returns to town.
The NW members meeting in June seemed to have been a success. Although
attendance was similar to the meetings at SK (SE Tucson) most were new faces. Many
positive comments were heard from attendees. It was agreed that NW meetings should
be continued and Steve agreed to work on a fall meeting in that area. The possibility of
a meeting at the AZG&F headquarters in the Pima College area was also considered.
The meeting format with a fly fishing workshop will be continued for the next several
meetings. The raffle will also be a regular feature.
We discussed workdays, and OPTU objectives. It was agreed that for various reasons,
crayfish capture in Burro creek is of minimal interest for the future. Clay, as conservation
officer, suggested that we need a long term project of several years duration. Clay
moved that the project should be in the AZG&F Tucson region, most likely the
Pinaleños/Mt Graham area. Roger seconded. Clay will follow up with Jason at AZG&F
for initial guidelines. Joe Fagan, OPTU science officer, will do the same with George
Hayes. Once we identify a potential project OPTU will develop an EAS proposal. The
motion was passed unanimously.
Joe Fagan updated us on the effort being put into the selection of a new Trout-in-theclassroom
school. Doug Thornburg is coordinating the effort for AZG&F. Since OPTU
members have not actively volunteered for the project volunteers will be recruited from
other sources. OPTU will advise it’s members in the school zip code area after school
selection in the hope that proximity will generate interest in volunteering. Joe will keep
us informed. And Mike will look into selected zip code mailing through TU.
Mike asked the board for ideas for the use of Gary Borger in addition to his big tent
presentation during Halloween-on-the fly this year. We agreed that fly casting lessons
for a fee should be offered on the lake near Roger’s house (Fort Lowell & Swan area) in
the morning. Other ideas are in the air.
Mickey reported on the donation of a boat, electric motor and trailer donation received
from “Those Who care”, a non-profit organization that is closing it’s doors. For the
moment there are no costs to OPTU. Questions of liability were raised. Robin agreed
that Healing Waters might find uses for the equipment. Roger moved that we accept the
donation. Clay seconded. Discussion followed. The motion was carried unanimously.
Mickey will hold the boat at this place for the nonce.
No treasurers report was received.
Robin reported that the required donation had been received to fund the Healing Waters
trip the BC. The Durango trip still needs volunteers. Robin will prepare an email
message for the members seeking assistance. Mike will put it through the TU email
message system. Pending a review of a current treasurers report, Roger moved that
OPTU contribute $400 to the Durango trip. Mike seconded. Discussion followed. the
motion was approved without objection.
Steve Reiter was authorized to set up an OPTU PO box in a location convenient to the
Broadway/swan area.
Without further business to discuss Roger, with a sigh of relief, adjourned the meeting at
7:40 PM
These minutes are respectfully submitted by Mike Mehrer, acting secretary.