Flotilla 2, Division 11, District 8 Western Rivers

Meeting Minutes

August 2007

Twin Cities Metro South Record of Unit Meeting DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION U.S. COAST GUARD  CG-3615 (Rev. 3-02)  AUXILIARY - RECORD OF UNIT MEETING   UNIT NO.     UNIT NAME (As recorded in AUXDATA) Members Present BQ + AX 8WR1102 f f f   Twin Cities Metro –South  13      5 DATE MEETING TIME MEETING LOCATION TYPE OF MEETING    (      )    16 August, 2007              1900   American Legion Post 435  X   REGULAR  BUS.     SPECIAL BUS. UNIT OFFICERS PRESENT (List office abbr. and last name only) FC Neil McMillin (PV),  VFC Bob Burck (PE), IPFC Ted Whitten, AN/SR John Peterson, CM/OP Clif Brochman, FN Paul Camitsch, MA Chuck Woodward, MS Matt Stokes, MT Dan Forby, PS Wright Truesdell, VE Craig Campbell GUESTS PRESENT FLOTILLA 2 MINUTES CAN BE FOUND AT WEBSITE ADDRESS: http://www.uscgaux.org/~0851102// Meeting Called to Order: 1900 FC McMillin Pledge of Allegiance:  All Introduction of Guests:  Barry Berg and Tom Holloway. Determination of Quorum: Yes, 13 BQ and 5 AX.                      Approval of Agenda:  Yes with 2 additions: 1) Automatic Defibrillator (AED) source. 2) AUXWEA Course interest. Appoint Mr. Burck as parliamentarian.                                          Adoption of July Minutes:                                                         Call for Additions or Corrections: NONE. Minutes accepted.  FC Report:  Mr. McMillin To:                   William Harris, DCP and Richard Hollenbach, VCP Subject: Flotilla 11-02 Report for July – August 2007 A successful flotilla annual steak fry picnic was held on July 19 at the Carl Kroening Interpretive Center at North Mississippi Regional Park. The food was great and plentiful and the camaraderie enjoyed by over 30 members and guests. Our AUXSEA class began on June 25th with 12 students and wrapped up on August 1 with all students passing. On Saturday July 14, the PA Team of Joan Beck with CJ, Coastie and a host of others attended Anderson Windows Corporate Picnic at Bayport where over 5000 attended. Clif Brochman and I met with the City of Newport Public Works Director on July 10 to discuss a proposed VHF repeater and antenna for Division 11 communications.  We learned the Washington County Sheriff Department will be installing an 800 MHz tower on the site and will not permit co-location at this time. Clif and I are pursuing a future meeting with the communications department to open dialogue on other site options. Flotilla members will be assisting Division 2 at the September FALCON by staffing the CAC, Hospitality, Registration and instructing at the Friday Night Fun Night. We have one member who has completed all boat crew tasks and awaiting his QE oral and check ride. One potential new member is currently going through the membership process – This will bring our new member count for the year to four.   Mr. Campbell will be taking his check ride this week for boat crew. Also, training this week for ISAR team. Respectfully, Neil McMillin, FC                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               FC Receives Staff Officer Reports: AN, CM, CS, FN, IS, MA, MS, MT, OP, PA, PB, PE, PS, PV, SR, VE: FSO-AN (Aids to Navigation): Mr. Peterson. The Auxiliary Aid to Navigation Department has moved from Operations to the “Maritime Safety (Prevention) “M” Department.” New tools are being developed for the “Federal Short Range Aid to Navigation Program.” A new Chart Updating Program has been developed. A new Small Craft Facility Updating Program is available on the First Northern AN Web Site. There is now a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with many opportunities available for the Auxiliary, ESPECIALLY ON THE WESTERN RIVERS.      For more information on these important changes and also updates on the PATON-Web-based Private Aid to Navigation System and the Auxiliary Bridge System, as well, read the upcoming National “Navigation Services” Team Monthly report in “The Cutter.” FSO-CM (Communications): Mr. Brochman:  The radio repeater project (Newport city garage roof) is on hold, due to the Washington County’s new 800 MHz 190’ radio tower being constructed at the Newport location.  Mr. McMillin is contacting the Washington County Sheriff’s office of communications to see if we might be able to get space on the new tower.  The county is also installing towers at other locations. No progress has been made on getting another person qualified to do frequency programming on the TAIT radios.  It is all done by the DSO-CM/SO-CM Robert Eddy who is very hard to get a response from. FSO-CS (Communication Services): Mr. Jones. No report. FSO-FN (Finance): Mr. Camitsch:  A full report of all revenue and expenses to date was given to the Flotilla by Mr. Camitsch and Mr. McMillin.  A summary of the bank balances are as follows:  Checking $1,275.90; Savings $1,034.44; CD $5,099.85; Deferred $0; TOTAL $7,410.19. In addition Mr. Camitsch reported that Wells Fargo Bank had reduced our CD interest from 4.78% down to 1.34% but as of the first of September we will be receiving 4.9%. FSO-IS (Information Services): Ms Nelson. Coxswain, POMS does not forward a copy of your patrols to me so you need to either e-mail or send hard copy to me so I am able to make sure they get entered into AUXDATA. To all members - keep those Activity Reports coming in - thanks for all your hard work. FSO-MA (Materials): Mr. Woodward. Devices for ribbons are available as Mr. Woodward has extras.  He also has stamps and envelopes available tonight. FSO-MS (Marine Safety & Environment Protection): Mr. Stokes. Mr. McMillin and Mr. Stokes did training in Red Wing. Mr. Peterson met with a DNR representative and received Milfoil handouts and boater regulations that we can handout.  He also has the name and number of the person to contact for additional handouts. FSO-MT (Member Training): Mr. Forby. AUXSEA course was completed by 11 members.  Fall planning will be for AUXWEA.  Nov and Dec will be planned for AUXCOM. FSO-OP (Operations): Mr. Brochman. A QE check ride is in the planning stage for Crew and Coxswain. As we get in to the later portion of the boating season make sure you have the required hours in for minimum to keep your qualification.  12 hours as Crew/Coxswain and 12 hours for PWC operators. Flotilla 2 ISAR team members (Clif Brochman and Neil McMillin) are training with the other team members this weekend in Wayzata and then headed to Mobile, Al in September for the on-the-water training.  Wish us well in Toronto for the competition to be held September 28 and 29. FSO-PA (Public Affairs): Ms Beck.  Safe-A-Roonie event will be this Saturday 9:30 -12:30.  We need additional volunteers.  We will put on 2 safety shows with CJ the PFD dog and Coastie the Safety Boat. FSO-PB Publication: Ms Nelson. I have received several articles for the September Cutter and I'm looking forward to receiving more.  The deadline for the September Cutter is Thursday, August 30.   FSO-PE (Public Education) Mr. Burck.  No report. FSO-PS (Personnel Services): Mr. Truesdell.  New members AP Status Program in now changing.  There are now opportunities for new members awaiting approval to obtain certain qualifications, such as boat crew and others. FSO-PV (Program Visitor): Mr. McMillin. No report. FSO-SR (Secretary/Records): Mr. Peterson. It has been very helpful for the Bridge and especially the Secretary to receive written reports from the Staff Officers.  The written reports allow me to insert them directly into the minutes as written without possibility of misinterpreting your report.  It also allows the Bridge adequate time to review your reports prior to the meeting discussions so that important items can be brought up for further discussion.  To those who have not been submitting written reports, the Bridge continues to request that you submit your reports in writing no later than the Friday before the monthly Flotilla meeting. Thank you for your continued efforts and support. FSO-VE (Vessel Examiner): Mr. Campbell.  Auxdata has only reported 127 VSC’s for our Flotilla.  We have actually conducted 262.  Mr. Campbell and Ms Nelson will check to see if Auxdata can get us caught up.  There may be some awards that we would qualify for at FALCON. FC Receives Committee Reports: Awards and Recognition: Mr. Woodward. No report. Financial Audit Committee: Mr. Woodward.  No report EMS Committee: Mr. Campbell. Planning will be for member training this fall. Grants Committee:  Mr. McMillin.  There is a web site now for grants on the district web site.                                                                                      Honor Guard Committee: Mr. Truesdell.  We will be retiring the colors at FALCON.  Need 4 members.  We will be practicing starting next week. Fellowship Committee: Ms Pahlow.  Steak fry was budgeted at $300, came in at $376. Christmas party plans.  She has been investigating a number of possible venues for the party if the membership wants to have a party.  Try to plan for Thursday, Dec. 6. FC Call for Old Business: DIRAUX has forwarded the FC a list of members who have not filled out an emergency contact list.  FC will be contacting members for new information.   FC Call for New Business:   2008 Dues Statements:  Mr. Camitsch.  Letter from the FC regarding dues payments of $43, due today.  The dues remained the same as last year. Delinquent members will not be allowed to vote at the October Flotilla meeting. Today is the last day to submit your name for FC and VFC for the Flotilla. Discussion by Mr. McMillin of the 35W Bridge collapse. AED: Mr. Forby reported that there is fund available through Shakopee Mdewakanton Emergency Services to procure AED’s. AUXWEA course was discussed and volunteers to instruct were noted.  Class to be held after FALCON around October 1. FALCON.  Mr. Woodward reported on last year’s program.  He reported on this years needs for volunteers.  Division 2 only has 26 members.  Terry Riessen is the coordinator for the conference and has requested our help in staffing in 3-hour shifts.  So far only a few persons have volunteered.  There is a great need for additional volunteers. Mr. Woodward made a MOTION to move the September 20 Flotilla meeting to the following Thursday, September 27. MOTION died for lack of a second. Presentation of Awards: Mr. Burck to Mr. McMillin Sustained Service Award, 3rd Award for 2250 hours of service. Mr. McMillin to Mr. Grigsby – 5 year Membership service award. Mr. McMillin to Mr. Brochman and Mr. Whitten – A framed picture of the Division 11 DSAR Team was presented to the team by OTO Doug Leavell. Comments by Guests:  None. Closing Notes:  Next Meeting – 1900, 20 September, 2007. Meeting Adjourned. Refreshments and Fellowship.                                                                       REMARKS (Include special events, future plans, awards presented, etc.)  After adjournment, Member training was held on Military Protocol and Practices lead by Mr. Truesdell. NEXT BUSINESS MEETING (Give Time, Date and Location)   1900, 20 Sept., 2007, American Legion Post 435, Richfield, Mn.         DATE SUBMITTED  16 August, 2007 SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING REPORT                            John C. Peterson, SR

September 2007

Twin Cities Metro South Record of Unit Meeting DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION U.S. COAST GUARD  CG-3615 (Rev. 3-02)  AUXILIARY - RECORD OF UNIT MEETING   UNIT NO.     UNIT NAME (As recorded in AUXDATA) Members Present BQ + AX 8WR1102 f f f   Twin Cities Metro –South  8     1 DATE MEETING TIME MEETING LOCATION TYPE OF MEETING    (      )    20 September, 2007              1900   American Legion Post 435  X   REGULAR  BUS.     SPECIAL BUS. UNIT OFFICERS PRESENT (List office abbr. and last name only) FC Neil McMillin (PV),  IPFC Ted Whitten, AN/SR John Peterson, CM/OP Clif Brochman, FN Paul Camitsch,  VE Craig Campbell GUESTS PRESENT: Alice and Homer Taillefer FLOTILLA 2 MINUTES CAN BE FOUND AT WEBSITE ADDRESS: http://www.uscgaux.org/~0851102// Meeting Called to Order: 1915 FC McMillin Pledge of Allegiance:  All Introduction of Guests:  Alice and Homer Taillefer. Determination of Quorum: No., 8 BQ and 1 AX.                       Approval of Agenda:  Yes.                                     Adoption of August 16, 2007 Minutes: Suspended until October meeting                                                     Call for Additions or Corrections: Suspended until October meeting FC Division 11 Report 12 September Division Meeting VCO Ron Allen represented Como Jack Gumb at the division meeting.  Elections for DCP and VCP were held for the 2008 watch year.  VCP Rick Hollenbach was elected Division Captain and Cathryn Allison 11-01 FC was elected Vice Captain. DCP Bill Harris reported the Prescott Station trailer would be sold to the high bidder for $1500.  Joe Furman, 11-07 FC requested the trailer be donated to his flotilla. The board did not accept the offer. Reports were heard from staff officers present. SO-PA Beck reported on recent activities. Funding for “Coastie” for next year will be limited at best and she and Clif will not be able to continue with the program for personal reasons.  Bob Eddy gave an Operation Patriot Readiness update.  Flotillas were reminded to have their PE schedules in to SO-PE Shirley Nelson at the end of October. Woody Fesset gave a brief report on the Pig Roast.  Attendance was down as were profits. Brief discussion followed about the fellowship events continuation. Many of the attendees were former Auxiliarists or friends of the Fesset’s. VCO Allen urged everyone’s attendance at FALCON next week and reviewed important calendar dates for the remainder of the year. He commented on COMO Gumb and his misfortunate accident that prevented his attendance at tonight’s meeting but will be at FALCON. Ron Graves, FC of 11-04 announced his transfer to Division 2. Dan Forby was presented his AUXOP certificate from DIRAUX. In honor of VCO Allen’s birthday, attendees enjoyed birthday cake and fellowship. Respectfully, Neil McMillin, FC FC Report:  Mr. McMillin To:                   William Harris, DCP and Richard Hollenbach, VCP Subject: Flotilla 11-02 Report for August – September 2007 Flotilla members will be assisting Division 2 at the September FALCON by staffing the CAC, Hospitality, Registration and instructing at the Friday Night Fun Night. Craig Campbell has completed all boat crew tasks and passed the QE oral and check ride. Chuck Woodward re-qualified for Coxswain and Wright Truesdell re-qualified for boat crew. Two new members are currently going through the membership process – This will bring our new member count for the year to five. The Auxiliary Weather Specialty Course (AUXWEA) will begin on Monday October 1 at Lehman’s Garage in Bloomington at 1900.  Contact Dan Forby for details. John Peterson has completed over 100 VSC’s – A first for our flotilla.  Our flotilla total is nearing 300! The District 8 ISAR team practiced in Minnetonka on August 17, 18 and will be in Mobile. AL in September 14, 15 in preparation for the ISAR competition in Toronto on September 27-30. Annual dues statements were passed out at the August 16 flotilla meeting and mailed to non-attending members. It was my pleasure to attend the Auxiliary Mid Level Officer Course (AMLOC) in Colorado Springs, CO on 24 – 26 August.   Respectfully, Neil McMillin, FC                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            FC Receives Staff Officer Reports: AN, CM, CS, FN, IS, MA, MS, MT, OP, PA, PB, PE, PS, PV, SR, VE: FSO-AN (Aids to Navigation): Mr. Peterson.  No Report FSO-CM (Communications): Mr. Brochman:  Mr. Brochman reported on the Division Repeater project. FSO-CS (Communication Services): Mr. Jones. No report. FSO-FN (Finance): Mr. Camitsch:  Flotilla has 22 paid members so far for 2008 dues.  Checking balance is $2005.88, Savings balance is $1035.69. The interest was raised on the CD with a 5-month maturity, locked in at 4.9% until 2/3/08.  We must make a decision with 10 days of that as to what to do next.  The CD is at approximately $5,100. FSO-IS (Information Services): Ms Nelson. Information Systems Report (IS) For those of you who are studying or testing the ICS courses your time doing these should be reported on the Form 7030 under Cat 70U. Crew persons need to complete the ICS 100 & 700 before 31 Dec. 2007 In addition to the above, Coxswain need to complete ICS 200 & 800 before 31 Dec. 2007. Instructions from the SO-IS indicate there is no such thing as team teaching when it comes to reports in AUXDATA.  Each Instructor must fill out a Form 7030 with the time they actually instructed and of course include the other individuals that proctored during that same time. If you have questions please contact me and I will try to get you an answer. FSO-MA (Materials): Mr. Woodward. The Flotilla 2 materials officer will not be available for most of the month of October, so if anyone needs and supplies or materials from ANSC or the District Materials Store, please submit those requests to the Flotilla Commander who can process the order and as an alternate to that in the event the FC is not available, submit your requests to the Vice Flotilla Commander who may place he orders through the SO-MA. For those members wish to obtain course manuals and materials for training purposes.  Please route your requests for these materials through the Flotilla Member Training Officer (FSO-MT) - who will then request the materials through channels.  Please do not send these requests directly to the FSO-MA FSO-MS (Marine Safety & Environment Protection): Mr. Stokes. Marina training sessions have been put off until next spring. I am hopeful that we would introduce other facilities into this new venture. Work is still underway on America’s Waterway Watch (AWW) in the upper portions of our AOR and with Army Corps of Engineers. The new boating laws will include up-to-date information on security including AWW. FSO-MT (Member Training): Mr. Forby.  No report. FSO-OP (Operations): Mr. Brochman. There is 1 OPFAC (Operational Facility) still in the water. There may be a possibility of conducting 1 additional PWC (personal watercraft) patrol this season. FSO-PA (Public Affairs): Ms Beck.  Mr. Brochman report that the Safe-A-Roonie event at the Minnesota Zoo had miserable weather, but that the Safety Team still helped to make the event a success. FSO-PB Publication: Ms Nelson. The deadline for articles for the next CUTTER is on or before 0900-Thursday 27 September 2007. FSO-PE (Public Education) Mr. Burck.  No report. FSO-PS (Personnel Services): Mr. Truesdell.  Cliff Hommes has received a favorable suitability check determination from SECCEN and is now a full member of the auxiliary. Barry Berg has applied for membership and his name has been entered into AUXDATA.  His status is AP until SECCEN returns a favorable suitability check. The Coast Guard has issued new guidelines concerning ODU wear.  The guidelines include this statement: 2. THIS ALCOAST CLARIFIES THE PROPER WEAR OF THE ODU. THE ODU IS A GENERAL PURPOSE EVERYDAY UNIFORM INTENDED FOR WEAR IN ANY SITUATION THAT DOES NOT REQUIRE A DRESS UNIFORM. IN ADDITION, SINCE THIS UNIFORM MAY BE WORN IN MANY OPERATIONAL SITUATIONS, AND IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN SAFETY AND CONSISTENCY IN APPEARANCE, METAL DEVICES OR ATTACHMENTS WILL NO LONGER BE AUTHORIZED. Read the whole thing at the Chief Director's new website: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg3/cg3pcx/   FSO-PV (Program Visitor): Mr. McMillin. I submitted a report to SO-PV Vern Bauer for his FALCON report to the District.  Our flotilla continues to lead the pack in program visits with over 400 being conducted by Darrell Gagnon this year! Darrell is well on his way to receiving the new RBS Device for his superior efforts. Bravo Zulu! Two members have completed on-line testing as PV's but need to make the on-site visits to receive certification.  The PV program is a great way to participate with retail and marine-related partners to distribute recreational boating safety information and reach out with information about Auxiliary membership.  Interested?  Contact me or any current PV. FSO-SR (Secretary/Records): Mr. Peterson.  No report. FSO-VE (Vessel Examiner): Mr. Campbell.  Flotilla 2 VE’s are pushing a total of 300 Vessel Safety Checks so far this year. We have the fall fishing season as well as the Water Foul hunting season ahead of us. These are the people that could use our encouragement to wear personal floatation devices. FC Receives Committee Reports: Awards and Recognition: Mr. Woodward. No report. Financial Audit Committee: Mr. Woodward.  No report EMS Committee: Mr. Campbell. The committee is still planning some fall safety training, to be announced. Discussion held on the disadvantages and challenges of obtaining and using AED’s (Automatic Electronic Defibrillator) on our OPFAC’s (Operational Facilities), such as weather proofing, possibility of electrical shock on wet decks, stringent requirements for the equipment, time of rescue severely limiting the effectiveness of the AED Grants Committee:  Mr. McMillin.  AED Grant from Mdewakatan EMS should not be explored further due to safety concerns and effectiveness of the equipment in a water situation. Honor Guard Committee: Mr. Truesdell.  We have had approximately 6 hours of Honor Guard practice. We will be retiring the colors at FALCON this coming Friday.   Fellowship Committee: Mr. McMillin reported that Ms Pahlow has resigned and we need a chairperson for the rest of the year to complete the planning for the Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 6 at the 934th Airlift Wing Club. Election Committee:  Mr. Whitten. 2 names were submitted for Flotilla Offices:  Mr. Burck submitted his intention to run for VFC (Vice Flotilla Commander) and Mr. Stearns submitted his intention to run for FC (Flotilla Commander).  Mr. Stearns sent a subsequent letter withdrawing his name.  The letter was read to the Flotilla. Elections will be held at the October 18, 2007 Flotilla meeting.  Mr. Brochman, Past Flotilla Chair, will be the acting Chair for the elections. Only members current on their 2008 dues will be allowed to vote at the meeting. FC Call for Old Business: FC Call for New Business:   2008 Dues payment status:  See FN (Finance) report.   Presentation of Awards: Mr. McMillin administered the Auxiliary Oath of Office to Mr. Hommes. Mr. Campbell, Mr. Whitten, Mr. Peterson and Mr. Hommes received Certificates of completion of the AUXSEA (Auxiliary Seamanship) Course.  Mr. Peterson and Mr. Hommes also received their Auxiliary Specialty Course Ribbon. Comments by Guests:  Homer Taillefer reported that he and his wife, Alice live in Richfield, Mn. and have both worked for many years at Lockheed, Martin.  They are looking forward to possibly joining our Flotilla. Closing Notes:  Next Meeting – 1900, 18 October, 2007. Meeting Adjourned. Refreshments and Fellowship.                                                                       REMARKS (Include special events, future plans, awards presented, etc.)   NEXT BUSINESS MEETING (Give Time, Date and Location) 1900, 18 October, 2007, American Legion Post 435, Richfield, Mn.         DATE SUBMITTED  20 Sept., 2007 SIGNATURE OF PERSON SUBMITTING REPORT                            John C. Peterson, SR