NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION

KENTUCKY STATE CHAPTER

2007-2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 16, 2007

NOLIN RECC BUILDING

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY

MINUTES OF MEETING

 

Present: Phil Rawlings, Joe Broughton, Pat Cardin, Bobby Spencer, Jim Williams, Pat Williams, Donnie McDonald, Joseph Bland, Randall Phelps, Mary Free-Phelps, Alex Lea, Anita Hardin, Ricky Hardin, Bob Passeretti, Donald Kitts, Steven Dobey, Schuyler Olt, Billy Mudd, Hank Patton and Kim Passeretti.

Not Present: Jonathan Davis, David Gibson, Bryan Hartsell, Timmy Lile, Eddie Orozco, Kym Abernathy (absence reasons given)

 

President Spencer called the meeting to order at 1:03pm.  The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by President Bobby Spencer, invocation was given by Joe Bland, and roll call was taken by the secretary.

 

Approval of Minutes - President Spencer asked if there were any corrections/changes to the Minutes from the July 15, 2007 Board of Directors meeting.  No corrections/changes were required.  President Spencer asked for a motion to approve the Minutes.  A motion to approve the July 15, 2007 Minutes was made by Jim Williams, seconded by Donnie McDonald.  Motion carried by Board.

 

Guest Speaker KDFWR Deputy Commissioner Hank Patton - Deputy Commissioner Patton discussed KDFWR 2008-2012 strategic planning for the future for Kentucky’s fish and wildlife.

Goal #1: To conserve and enhance fish and wildlife populations and their habitats,

  • Strategic Objective 1: To improve fish and wildlife habitat on private and public waters,
  • Strategic Objective 2: To improve fish and wildlife habitat on private and public lands,
  • Strategic Objective 3: To protect, enhance and restore riparian habitats,
  • Strategic Objective 4: To sustain and enhance the health of fish and wildlife populations,
  • Strategic Objective 5: To responsibly manage populations of fish and wildlife species.

Goal #2: To increase opportunity for, and safe participation in hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and other

              wildlife-related activities.

  • Strategic Objective 1: To increase public land and water access,
  • Strategic Objective 2: To increase safety of all wildlife-related and boating activities,
  • Strategic Objective 3: To increase the quality of all fish and wildlife-related activities.

Goal #3: To foster a more informed and involved public.

  • Strategic Objective 1: To improve public understanding of KDFWR policies, publications and regulations,
  • Strategic Objective 2: To improve public understanding of conservation and stewardship of fish and wildlife resources,
  • Strategic Objective 3: To increase public awareness of fish and wildlife programs and opportunities,
  • Strategic Objective 4: To increase public involvement in, and support for fish and wildlife management.

Goal #4: To expand and diversify their user base.

  • Strategic Objective 1: To recruit and retain more participants in all fish and wildlife-related activities,
  • Strategic Objective 2: To increase the participation of minorities, females and families in hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and other wildlife-related activities,
  • Strategic Objective 3: To establish multi-use public access areas.

Goal #5: To create a more diverse, effective and efficient organization.

  • Strategic Objective 1: To secure dedicated and ample long-term funding resources,
  • Strategic Objective 2: To increase diversity of their workforce,
  • Strategic Objective 3: To maintain a professional workforce,
  • Strategic Objective 4: To increase efficiency in department services.

Deputy Commission Patton talked about the Conservation Coalition.  This website will legislatively update the public on what’s going on in Kentucky.  The Foundation will be handling and updating this website: www.kycoalition.org.  The Archery in the Schools program now has over 226,000 youths involved and is installed in 48 states.  The program’s next step is getting more youths involved by expanding the program for after school events. 

 

Approval of Treasurer’s Report - President Spencer handed out and read the Treasurer’s Report for the absent Treasurer.  Beginning balance: $9,746.37; total deposits (covering 07/24/07 through 08/31/07) totaled $907.25; total disbursements (covering 07/11/07 through 09/13/07) totaled $3,338.90; ending balance of $7,314.72.  President Spencer asked for a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report was made by Anita Hardin, seconded by Bob Passeretti.  Motion carried by Board.

 

President Spencer asked Schuyler Olt to explain the responsibilities and conduct of State Board of Directors.  As a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, Schuyler stated that there are certain rights, duties, responsibilities and loyalties that State Directors should follow.  As State Directors, we owe a fiduciary duty of loyalty and trust to every single member of the NWTF in Kentucky and to do what is in their best interest at all times.  We also owe a duty to not even create the appearance of impropriety.  Schuyler also reminded the Board that every newly installed 2007-2009 Director had been handed a packet of information (at the July 15, 2007) that explained the duties of State Directors, and he asked that each Director re-read that information.      

 

Technical Representative’s Report - Technical Representative Steven Dobey handed out a press release concerning Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), EHD details, symptoms, transmission, and impact on Kentucky’s deer herd.  In Kentucky, the disease is responsible for the deaths of white-tailed deer in at least 76 Kentucky counties this year.  The most significant outbreak appears to be in Western Kentucky, where all 25 counties of the Green River Wildlife Region and most counties in the Purchase Region, have received reports from landowners accounting for over 700 dead deer.  The virus is also on the increase in Central Kentucky, where 20 counties have been confirmed to have dead deer.  People usually find the dead or weak and emaciated deer near water.  Donnie McDonald asked how the Turkey Brood Survey is coming along.  Steven said he is still receiving information and hopes to have the brood survey completed in the next month.

 

Women’s Volunteer Coordinator - Mary Free-Phelps informed the Board that the State WITO event will be held at Jabez, KY, and is scheduled for the weekend of July 11-13, 2008.  Scheduled for October 26 & 27, 2007, is a Women in the Outdoors Fall Turkey Hunt being held in Grayson County.  There are 15 women currently registered, but are still in need of extra guides to help with this event.

 

National Board Member’s Report - Joe Bland reported that the Charity Navigator, America’s premier charity evaluator, gave NWTF its highest rating - “4-Star” for the second year in a row. State Fish & Wildlife Agency meetings are being held this week and NWTF is sponsoring the Thursday morning breakfast. Hopefully, Rob Keck or Carl Brown will be attending, and Joe plans on attending.  Leadership Conference had 11 national board members present and Kentucky had 48 volunteers attend.  National Convention - the NWTF has the largest national convention, among sportsmen organizations, had over 40,000 people attended.  Kentucky volunteers were recognized nationally during this convention.  The NWTF has a vision for the future and has a national board that is worthy of trust from state and local chapters and its volunteers.  NWTF staff is outstanding.  NWTF Management Team is going to spend a week, this summer, working on strategic planning with growing memberships as the top concern.  Families Afield is a partnership between NWTF, NSSF and Sportsmen’s Alliance.  18 states have removed youth hunting barriers.  Michigan had 34,000 new youth tags which they contribute to Families Afield program.  Archery in the Schools (NASP) has more than 700 schools in the program - 55% of all our schools.  NWTF was the only national conservation organization that attended the NASP event held in Louisville, KY this summer.  Joe thanked the Derby City Chapter for having a booth set up at this event and signed up between 500-600 youth members.  Budget Update - NWTF spent more money on projects this year, than in previous years. Unassigned Members has been changed to “Donated Members”.  Joe handed out copies of the nominees running for the National Board in the upcoming national election and asked the Board to remind their chapters to vote.  A national “policy committee” has been created which will consider any changes of policy that Rob Keck or Carl Brown submits.  The Policy Committee made changes to the 5-Star State Chapter program: Item #3 - support a wholesome family activity by sponsoring state/provincial 4-H Shooting Program (minimum changed from $5,000 to $1,000), and Item #4 - share the excitement of the outdoors by supporting local chapter Women in the Outdoors events or Wheelin’ Sportsmen events (minimum changed from $250 to $100 per event).  On the 5-Star Local Chapter Program, the addition to host a Women in the Outdoors event, JAKES event, Xtreme JAKES event OR Wheelin’ Sportsmen event.  Schuyler Olt commented that the Archery in the Schools Program should be added to Item #3 for the 5-Star State Chapter Program Commitment Form, and that Archery in the Schools should be included in Item #5 of the 5-Star Local Chapter Program.  Joe Bland said he would bring this key point up to the National Board at their next meeting.

 

President’s Report (Bobby Spencer)

  1. 2008 National Convention - President Spencer reminded the Board to register early for rooms for the 2008 National Convention held in Atlanta, Ga.  Room prices are $166.00/night at the main hotel and $150.00/night for overflow at another hotel.
  2. Local JAKES Events/Proper Procedures - President Spencer talked about the new JAKES event insurance process and release/liability forms policy.  Step #1: State/local chapters must complete a hunting heritage super fund request form for a JAKES event and submit it to NWTF headquarter BEFORE an event is held.  State approved forms should be submitted to the NWTF headquarters one (1) month prior to the event to ensure processing.  Event date MUST be included on the form in order to provide chapter insurance.  If an event does not require funding from the state, complete the form with date of event and $0 as the amount requested.

Step #2: It is REQUIRED when having events for children that parents sign a release form.

  1. Scholarship Program Changes - President Spencer told the Board that the scholarship deadlines have changed.  Students must submit complete applications to local chapters by JANUARY 1ST; local chapter presidents must submit local scholarship winner applications to state/provincial chapter presidents by FEBRUARY 1st; state/provincial chapter presidents must submit state/provincial scholarship winner applications to NWTF national office by MARCH 1ST. 
  2. Turkey Hunter’s Care Program - NWTF is requesting chapters to participate in the Turkey Hunters Care Program this year.  Since the inception of this program in 2001, chapters have extended a helping hand to their communities by providing more than 54,388 turkeys to disadvantaged families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.  All participating chapters can order specially made plastic bags at NO COST in which to place each turkey before distribution to an organization.

 

Regional Director’s Reports

  1. Future Meeting Dates (Pat Cardin) - Pat gave the future dates for the Board of Directors meetings to be held at Nolin RECC Building: Sunday - May 18, 2008, Sunday - July 20, 2008, and Sunday - September 21, 2008.
  2. 2008 Core Package (Pat Cardin) - Pat handed out the new 2008 Core Package books.
  3. Education Boxes (Pat Cardin) - The target date for shipping education boxes is September 21, 2007. Boxes include a colorful bulletin board display, wild turkey history, communication and habitat videos, multimedia CD/CD-ROM with turkey sounds, NWTF Wildlife Bulletins, activities, etc., wild turkey biology and habitat posters, K-12 multi-curriculum lesson plans - including math, science, history, English, creative writing, technology/design and art, plus 30 each supply of rulers, pencils and bookmarks in a scaled down trap and transfer box.
  4. Operation Heartland (Pat Cardin) - Each chapter can receive 25 free trees which will consist of: Pin Oak, White Oak, Northern Red Oak, and Burr Oak.  Request forms will be mailed out to chapter presidents and should come out in either December or January of next year.
  5. Conservation Seed Program (Pat Cardin) - Kentucky/NWTF will not be participating in this program in 2008. 
  6. 2008 Scholarship Program (Pat Cardin) - Scholarship packets will not be mailed out next year.  These forms are online and downloadable from the NWTF website.  Pat went over the new scholarship deadlines again.
  7. New Chapters (Joe Broughton) - Joe needs a contact(s) for the Casey County area -trying to restart that chapter.  Joe does have a few areas that look promising.
  8. 10-10-10 Gun Raffle (Joe Broughton) - The Northeast Kentucky Chapter is holding another 10-10-10 gun raffle - had many requests for that raffle.  Ten chances on ten guns for $10.00.  A percentage from this raffle will benefit the 7th Archery in the Schools program in the Ashland area and a special Super Fund project just started at Camp Webb that will benefit disabled youths and adults who attend camp and/or Wheelin’ Sports event.
  9. Conservation District Convention @ Jabez (Joe Broughton) - Wednesday, Joe and Kym Abernathy will be down at the Conservation District Convention at Jabez.  Joe and Kym will be doing 5-40 minute seminar presentations, starting at 8:00 am.
  10. Camp Webb/Wheelin’ Sportsmen Project (Phil Rawlings) - The Little Sandy Chapter has partnered for several years with Camp Webb on various NWTF events, such as JAKES, WITO and Wheelin’ Sportsmen.  The Little Sandy Chapter and Camp Webb have partnered on a $22,000 project to build a new handicap-accessible bathroom to service disabled youths and adult hunters.    
  11. Kentucky Biologist Position (Phil Rawlings) - A new position has been created solely for a full-time Regional Biologist for the state of Kentucky.  The position will be responsible for all facets of the NWTF’s habitat conservation, wild turkey restoration and wildlife management programs in Kentucky.  Duties shall include, but will not be limited to working cooperatively with private, corporate, and governmental agencies and organizations to enhance forest and grassland habitats and hunting opportunities in Kentucky, assist the KDFWR with wildlife management issues as directed, assist the Kentucky State Chapter with the administration of the Kentucky Hunting Heritage Super Fund program.  This 5-year proposal has a proposed funding partnership consisting of: KDFWR = $30,000 (per year); North Carolina NWTF $10,000 (per year); Virginia NWTF = $10,000 (per year); Kentucky NWTF = $10,000 (per year); USFS = $20,000 (per year) and NWTF National = $20,000 (per year).
  12. State of the State 2007 Statistics (Phil Rawlings) - Phil handed out information and highlights on the “State of the State” 2007 vs. 2006.
    1. Net/Gross = 54% (2007) vs. 61% (2006) = (7%) variance
    2. Average Net Dollars = $9,721 (2007) vs. $12,099 (2006) = ($2,378) variance
    3. Average Net/Net = $2,622 (2007) vs. $3,548 (2006) = ($926) variance
    4. Average Regular Members = 37 (2007) vs. 42 (2006) = (5) variance
    5. Average WITO Members = 12 (2007) vs. 15 (2006) = (3) variance
    6. Average Sponsor Members = 19 (2007) vs. 23 (2006) = (4) variance
    7. Average Wheelin’ Sportsmen Memberships = 7 (2007) vs. 9 (2006) = (2) variance
    8. Average JAKES Members = 96 (2007) vs. 122 (2006) = (26) variance
    9. Superfund = $122,000 (2007) vs. $171,000 (2006) = ($49,000) variance
  13. 2008 VAN (Volunteer Appreciation Night) (Phil Rawlings) - Phil explained that the awards format will be completely different from the others and will reflect the appreciation NWTF has for its local chapters and volunteers.
  14. 4-H State Committee (Phil Rawlings) - Phil explained the past working relationship between KY/NWTF and the 4-H State Shooting Sports Committee with Wheelin’ Sports fundraisers, and related the current partnership situation.  
  15. 2008 Direction/Goals & Impact of the Kentucky State Board of Directors (Phil Rawlings) - The 2008 direction is getting back to the basics and understanding that even one person can make a huge difference, and that the State Board and KY/NWTF staff have a responsibility and a great opportunity to help local chapters know what tremendous impacts their events and local community activities impact others.  Starting 2008, the RD’s will be focusing on the three principles of doing a banquet: donations, underwriting merchandise and selling tickets.  Even more focusing will be on the efficiency of our events, and recruitment of volunteers.

 

Committee Reports

  1. State Seed (Chairman Donnie McDonald) - No action/no report
  2. State Wheelin’ Sportsmen Coordinator (Chairman Billy Mudd) -  Billy reported that there are 2 Wheelin’ Sportsmen Deer Hunts coming up - Bernheim Chapter’s Ultimate Team-Up scheduled for October 13 & 14, 2007at Bernheim Forest, with their WS Benefit on October 12th at the Hillbilly Heaven; Little Sandy Limbhangers Chapter’s Ultimate Team-Up Scheduled for October 12-14, 2007 at Camp Robert C Webb.
  3. Communications and PR (Chairman Bob Passeretti) - Bob reported that website activity was above normal for August and that every article he receives is sent on to Edgefield for The Caller section in the Turkey Call magazine.  Bob reported that Kentucky has so many articles at Edgefield, which they will be run in the next couple issues.  The deadline for articles for the fall state newsletter will be November 1st.  At the last meeting, Bob was given the Board’s approval to respond to OSHA’s proposed rule change on explosives which would have come close to putting an end to hunting and shooting.  But the voice of the sportsmen had been heard.  The Labor Department issued a letter that stated it was never their intent to block the sale of ammunition and/or its components and that as of Saturday - September 15, 2007; OSHA’s website last comment on the rule change was “that it is being revised to clarify the intent of the rule change.”
  4. State Super Fund (Chairman Bobby Spencer) - President Spencer reported that the Super Fund Committee considered and approved 2 rewards payments, Wheelin’ Sportsmen equipment, and the Camp Webb handicap-accessible bathroom project, and deferred a proposal from RMEF for habitat improvement for Board consideration.  Secretary Kim Passeretti read the RMEF proposal and discussions were held.  The Board had questions and requested more information from RMEF. Jim Williams asked that the dollar amount being requested, in this proposal, be set aside until the Board can consider this once more information is obtained.  President Spencer asked for a motion that consideration of this proposal be deferred until the January meeting and the requested dollar amount be set aside until more information is received by the Board.  A motion to defer consideration of the proposal until the January meeting and set aside the proposal’s dollar amount until more information is received by the Board was made by Ricky Hardin, seconded by Jim Williams.  Motion carried by Board.    

 

Old Business

  1. Update on KDFWR Trailer/FASTS System - President Spencer reported that the KDFWR Trailer/FATS System in no longer available for use.  The FATS System was removed from the trailer and has been installed at the Salato Wildlife Education Center.
  2. Obtaining Names for JAKES Memberships - Phil Rawlings talked about the struggle the RD’s have obtaining names for JAKES memberships and wanted the Board’s input on feasible ways to gather these names.  Discussions were held with no resolution reached.  Phil wanted the Board’s thoughts on possibly reducing the State Board of Directors meeting from 4 per year to 3 per year.  Discussions were held concerning this item. Secretary Kim Passeretti reminded the Board that the July meetings are important in that the new Boards are always installed at the July meeting.

 

New Business 

  1. 2008 Proposed Super Fund Budget - President Spencer handed out copies and read aloud the proposed 2008 Super Fund Budget for discussion, consideration and approval by the Board.  Phil Rawlings and Secretary Kim Passeretti explained the budget line items and why some were increased or decreased. President Spencer asked for a motion to approve the proposed 2008 Super Fund Budget.  A motion to approve the proposed 2008 Super Fund Budget was made by Pat Williams, seconded by Anita Hardin.  Motion carried by Board.
  2. Formation of State Disciplinary Committee - President Spencer reported that a new committee has been formed - the Disciplinary Committee - which consists of Bobby Spencer, Alex Lea, Jonathan Davis, Schuyler Olt, Bob Passeretti, Pat Williams and Kim Passeretti.

 

Open Discussion

    1. President Spencer gave the phone number for making reservations at the Country Inn Estates in Shepherdsville, KY for our State Awards Banquet/Volunteer Appreciation Night.  The phone number is (502) 543-8400.  Room rate is $72.00/night and you must mention that you are with the National Wild Turkey Federation.  Phil stated that there will be about 50 rooms blocked for NWTF volunteers.
    2. Jim Williams reported that the Shelley Nickell mural brochures will be delivered to the Wolf Creek Dam and Fish Hatcheries soon.

 

Adjournment

With no further business to discuss, President Spencer asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.  A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Ricky Hardin, seconded by Bob Passeretti.  Motion carried by Board.  Meeting was adjourned at 4:42pm.

 

 

Submitted by:  Kimberley S. Passeretti, State Secretary

                      Kentucky State Chapter

                      National Wild Turkey Federation

                      December, 2007