The Directors Meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by the President, Mark VanPatten. Roll call was taken by Pat Smith, Acting Sr. Vice President-Secretary. Officer status and reports at the meeting:
 
 

The Secretary accepted the following proxy forms.

Proxy List (Encl. 1)
 

 Sign-in Record (Attendance check list) (Encl. 2)
 

President VanPatten opened the meeting with welcoming remarks. In his remarks he welcomed several new clubs: KC Northland, MO Deaf Fly Fishers, Stillwater Fly Fishers, Brazos Valley Fly Fishers.

AGENDA ITEMS

Fund Raising - National

Tracie Maler, National Vice President of Fund Raising, presented several fund-raising activities being currently pursued by National. First, She presented a new Visa credit card (Enc. 9) that is being offered by the FFF through M.B.N.A.. If a member signs up on the forms distributed at the meeting the FFF will receive $20.00. M.B.N.A. has their own marketing program and if you wait until their forms arrive, the FFF will not receive the $20.00. They will receive a percentage of each bill. The initial interest rate is 5.9% for the first five statements. Thereafter the interest rate is 9.4 to 9.9 percentage points plus prime, depending on which card you choose. NVP Maler pointed out that even if you never use the card the FFF will receive $20 if you get one.

Item number two on the list of fund raisers is the "All Fish, All Waters Foundation." The Foundation is set up to accept donations for conservation and education under the guidelines of the FFF. The money that is donated is to be invested and only the interest is to be used for projects. Donations were encouraged.

Federation President, Tom Jindra, in support of the "All Fish, All Waters" asked who are we, what is our mission. There are as many categories as there are constituents. Some come for various reasons: tying, casting, etc. We have to be connected through a common thread. We are an FFF conservation organization. Conservation is the key. No fisheries - no sport! We need to provide money, income equals revenue. "All Fish, All Waters" mission is to build funds profitable enough to support education and conservation projects using interest only. We need to give donors confidence money will be protected and nurtured to generate revenue for programs. The suggestion is that we target both corporations and members. He asked for our support.

The last item presented by National V.P. Maler is a pocket guide put out by Gary LaFontaine and Ron Cordes. The guides which sell for $12.00 will be sold to the FFF for $6.50 each. National will in turn sell them to member clubs for $9.75 each. At each level there will be a profit. They can be used for fund raisers or as a teaching tool. If they don't sell, they may be returned for a refund. If interested contact either Tracie Maler or Lauren Bagley at National.

Secretary's Report

Due to the resignation of George Hobson in January, there was very little activity in the Secretary's office. The only accomplishment was the completion of the Policy & Procedures Manual. At the December Executive Committee meeting each officer was given his/her copy. The copy is to be passed on to their successor as appropriate.

There was some discussion as to value to be placed on the Manual. There was considerable time and material put into the making of the Manual and it was felt that they should not be given away as one does not always appreciate something that is given; whereas, something purchased is more greatly appreciated. It was pointed out by R. Maler that on the open market an organization would pay $8 to $10,000 for such a manual. It was pointed out that with very little work the manual could be customized for a particular council or club. It was recommended that a committee be established to come up with a value on the Manual before again offering it to other councils or clubs. President Van Patten asked for volunteers for the committee. Those volunteering were Steve Jensen, Chet Smith, Hod McIntosh and Michael Ames. Secretary's report was approved.

Treasurer's Report

A written report was submitted. (Enc. 4) As of 10/4/98 we had $89,133.30. Included in this amount are two CD respectively $29,664.42 and $15,997.33.

Without going into detail, all budgeted items came in under budget for the year. However, Conservation still has $5,000 yet to be disbursed to the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission for a project on the White River at Denton Ferry. There were two items that put us in over budgeted total. They were the $3,000 for the Youth Fly Fishing Team, $2,000 for the International Fly Fishing Center

Budget was accepted and approved as submitted; however, Agnes Adams of Cornhusker Fly Fishers brought up the point that 10% over budget is too much. President Van Patten pointed out that this organization is run "by the seat of our pants." We are financial solvent and responsibilities are being brought up to standard where they should have been 15 years ago. We are doing better than every other council thanks primarily to the executive committee efforts to protected the membership and Council.

Vice President Communications

Written report submitted (Encl. 5). It has been a struggle to obtain club officers list. Not all clubs are submitting reports.

We have 10 new clubs that have appointed club correspondents. We should encourage clubs to appoint a correspondent and to send in updated officer and member lists.

Anyone in good standing can turn in a nomination for the annual awards. Nominations may be sent in by individuals as well as by clubs. More nominations are needed to keep the competition going. Not enough nominations are being made. The Vice President selects the best letter of nomination for each candidate to be included in packets sent to each Council officer and to the clubs.

Due to the problems this past year with nominations, VP McIntosh is seeking suggestions to speed up the process of nominations and to assure that nominations are received by him. Please have those suggestions to him by the December meeting.

A selection of patterns on how to write nomination letters will be sent with request for nominations. A postcard will be sent by the VP to confirm receipt of nominations.

Vice President Conservation

This year Conservation went $250 over budget. V.P. Kelly asked for Council approval of this overage and approval was given.

VP Kelly stressed that communication with clubs is needed to find out what is needed in each area of our Council. It has been an uphill fight to get things done because the majority of the members either don't know or don't care.

A motion to accept verbal report was made by Director Jensen, seconded by R. Maler and approved.

Vice President Development

V.P. Verduin spent most of his time during the Conclave with Chairman Key. He reported he was stuck in the wrong job in having to spend the better part of the year running down flies for the plate sold last year. This year 9 people were brought in to help collect flies from all of the tyers.

We are asked to consider how fly tyers are invited to tie at Conclave. VP Verduin would like to create a "Heritage" group that are always welcome to tie; i.e., Royce Dam, Judy Lehmberg, Jerry Jarosik, Billy Munn, etc. The second group would be those tyers that the fly tying chairman invites to tie. The third groups would be made up of one or two tyers from each club depending on space. That person would be selected by his/her club. Please put a lot of thought into this suggestion and put it in writing to submit to the President. The response to the split time frame for tying was good. There were many who liked being able to participate in other Conclave activities rather than tying all day.

Equipment - We need an inventory of what we own and the location of the items. Equipment does not always wind up where it should after each Conclave.

This next year we will need a setup and tear down crew for the Conclave. If the Conclave is moved we will have to handle everything ourselves.

Motions to accept verbal report was made by VP Kelly, second by R. Maler. Approved.

At 10:00 a short break was taken. Meeting resumed at 10:10 AM.

Vice President Education

Written report submitted (Encl. 6). More utilization of equipment this past year due in part to having two sets of rods and reels. We need at lease 12 to 15 more vices. Wapsi has reconditioned vices that are available for educational purposes; i.e., Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs, etc. Funds were approved for the purchase of these vises.

The questions had been brought up of whether or not the Wayne E. and Catherine More Youth Fund could be used for another program. The funds are to be used for food, awards, and other activities associated with an event publicized as a Wayne E. and Catherine More Youth Day as deemed appropriate by the VP of Education.

There were three applicants for the scholarship this year. Two were given. All offices and directors are encouraged to pass along information on the Bill Lambing Memorial Scholarship. Repeat applicants to be looked at as new applicants.

Motion to approve report was made, seconded and approved.

Vice President Membership

Vice President Stanford was unable to attend due to illness however a written report was submitted. (Encl.6)

During the discussion of the Membership report, it was brought up that fly tyers who are not FFF members in good standing should not be invited to tie at Conclave.

It was noted in VP Stanford's report that our membership has grown this past year.

Motion to accept report was made by D. Kelly and seconded by S. Jensen. Approved.

Assistant Vice President Communication

Asst. VP Bill Brant presented an oral report. The bulk of his duties involve the maintenance of our web site. Recent additions are the page on the Moore Fund, the Annual Awards and updates on registration and the Conclave.

Individual clubs can have a advertisements of their club, notification of meetings and a contact person. Our web site is also linked into the National FFF host home page. The web site address for the SOC is

Motion made to accept report made by D. Kelly. Approved.

Long Casts Editor

Editor Steve Fritz presented a written report (Encl.8)

The Long Casts now has photo capabilities. If you have photos, please send. Material is always needed.

The newsletter is now much easier to produce due to the purchase by the SOC of a computer for the Editor. This has made production much easier. Editor Fritz expressed his thanks to the Council.

Meeting deadlines was stressed. In order to produce a newsletter on time a schedule must be followed. Advertising must be submitted early enough to be processed. The advertising should be presented to P. Smith. Articles cannot be created without information. Please submit any ideas you might have for articles or, better yet, write them. Please help!
Motion to approved made by D. Kelly, seconded by S. Sodamann. Approved.

National Directors

Written report submitted by National Directors Steve Jensen and Brian Camp. (Encl. 7)

Director Jensen gave a little background to his thoughts regarding a National Director. He feels a National Director has an obligation to attend all meetings of National and Council and serve as a liaison between National and membership.

The report from National indicated that we are doing better than National on Conservation grants.

The next National Conclave will be held in Gatlingburg, TN August 4 - 7, 1999 and due to the closeness everyone is encouraged to attend.

One of the things that came out of the National Board meeting in Idaho Falls is "Opera 1998" as presented by National President Tom Jindra. The only portion that concerns us is the one that passed. It in effect limits all new clubs coming into the Council to "charter" clubs, meaning that all members must be Federation members. All charter clubs must submit an annual financial report and are covered under the umbrella of National's 501(c)(3).

Motion to accept report made, seconded and approved..

Conclave Report

An oral Conclave report was given by Co-Chairman Gary Key. The Conclave was a success. This year we had twice as many programs as well as casting instruction. The tyers were a great success. The only thing proved by this year's Conclave is that people don't read.. There was some confusion in the location of the casting classes because people didn't read the program. One thing was apparent. People don't like going off-site for activities. You can't please everyone but if you want to grow the effort must be made.

Key suggested that next year tyers be brought in from all of the clubs.

This year we had 6 to 7 more displayers than in the past. All of them reported being well accepted and pleased with the response.

In closing is report, Key stressed that what the Council needs in continuity. Someone to take load of off the chairman, to steer and guide in the right direction.

Motion to accept report made by D. Kelly, seconded by S. Jensen. Approved.

President's Report

President Van Patten presented his written report (Encl. 3). He stated he was not pleased with the outcome of the Board meetings at the National Conclave held in Idaho Falls. He said he realized there were problems but the Federation needs to look at long term strategies rather than short term fixes. A long term plan needs to be developed and with plans that have an end goal in mind before starting. Charter clubs may be best for membership recruitment and retention. He only hopes charter club plan works.

Van Patten stated that he feels the "All Fish, All Waters Foundation" is a very positive endeavor and will allow the Federation to shine. The plan for the credit card could also be an excellent endeavor.

The FFF magazine under Keokee Publishing is to continue under current guidelines.

The President extended his thanks to the Executive Committee for helping fund his trip to the National Conclave. At the Conclave he talked with representatives from other Councils and learned that other Councils also underwrite the expenses of their president to represent their Council at the Board meeting.

Conclave Site Report - Adopt a wait and see attitude. If Gatlinburg is poorly attended, probably all future national conclaves will be held in the Idaho-Montana region. If not - will probably be spread out to other areas. The last Conclave held in the east was poorly attended.  With the majority of the Conclave committee in the west logistics is a problem.

VP Verduin brought up the point that one of the reasons our Conclave are successful is that we talk up our Conclaves. This needs to be done on a national level. Got to get enthusiasm up for the National Conclaves. We need to publicize both the National and Southern Council.

President Van Patten extended his thanks to everyone and now as a civilian he gets to enjoy the upcoming Conclave as a civilian. This Board has done a lot of things to be proud of .

Motion to accept President's report made by VP McIntosh and Seconded by VP Kelly. Report was approved with one negative vote from R. Maler.

NEW BUSINESS

Capps Creek

Mike Kruse, Missouri Department of Conservation and Kurt Morgret - Mid-Missouri Chapter of Trout Unlimited made a presentation (Encl. 10) asking for assistance in purchasing a section of property on Capps Creek. The acquisition would be added to the Capps Creek Conservation Areas, administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation, which currently comprise 120 acres and approximately 1/2 mile of stream frontage The property which encompasses 647 acres is privately owned and publically accessible due to good graces of landowner. However the landowner wants to sell and the stream need to be preserved under public ownership. This purchase would yield an additional 1.5 miles of Capps Creek frontage and approximately 1/2 mile of Shoal Creek frontage.

The cost of the property is $50,000.00 and a syndicate of local organizations and individuals has been formed to raise the funds necessary to purchase the property. The funds are to be made as an annual donation to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation who will purchase the property. Mr. Morgret asked the Southern Council to match what TU has committed to the project which is a total of $15,000.00. This is to be paid out at the rate of $3,000 per year for a 5 year period.

Conservation VP Kelly recommended we support this venture.

International Director Steve Jensen said he also would support it provided the SOC receive equal recognition with TU and other organizations involved in this venture. He asked about the balance of the property and we were told that the balance of the property not needed for the project would be sold with the funds to be used to develop the Conservation area.

A motion to commit $3,000.00 a year for five years was made by S. Jensen with a second by D. Kelly. Motion approved.

S. Jensen then made a motion to raise the amount to $5,000 a year. Second was by D. Kelly. Motion failed by two votes.

Raymondville School

On behalf of the Raymondville School, President Van Patten requested the continuance of funds in the amount of $500.00 annual for a five year period (Encl. 11). This would be the second year of the funding. The Raymondville School Stream Team currently has 70 students involved. Due to the economic problems in the area the Team depends on outside funding.

Motion to approve was made by R. Maler and seconded by F. Schneider. Motion carried.

Missouri Stream Team

President Van Patten brought before the Board the request for funding on behalf of the Missouri Stream Team (Encl. 12). During discussion it was suggested that the funding period be extended from 5 years to 10 years and the amount be raised to $1,500 per year.

Motion to do so was made by Brian Camp, International Director. Second by H. McIntosh. Motion carried with one opposing vote.

Managing Director Position.

President Van Patten told the Attendees that the Executive Committee had unanimously approved the Managing Director position at the Executive Committee meeting in May. He said they expressed faith in the future leadership of the SOC . That this would free up officers to do their jobs. D. Kelly said it is a leap in faith both in the SOC and the potential position holder. He felt it was a very good idea. He made the motion to approve the position. Second by S. Sodamann. Motion unanimously approved.

VP McIntosh made a motion that the position be made retroactive to October 1st. This was also unanimously approved.

It was brought up that since this is a contract position a contract should be prepared. Contact is to be made with FFF legal counsel to draw up such a contract.

Nominating Committee

New officers for 1999/2000 are as follows: (Encl. 13)

President: Brian Camp
Secretary/Sr. Vice President: Roger Maler
Treasurer: Pat Smith
VP Communications: Hod McIntosh
VP Conservation: Paul "Sodie" Sodamann
VP Education: Chuck Easterling
VP Development: Dennis Slane
VP Membership: John Stanford
Archivist: Chet Smith
Parliamentarian: Duane Kelley

Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept slate of officers as the new officers of the Southern Council, Federation of Fly Fishers(r).

At this point in the meeting, President Van Patten retired and passed the gavel to incumbent President, Brian Camp.

The next Board Meeting was set for December 5, 1998 at the Ramada Inn. One of the topics on the agenda will be the Policy & Procedures Manual.

Due to the approval of the Managing Director position, the current Treasurer, Pat Smith, resigned her position. The new Treasurer will be Shawn Taylor. Taylor was asked at the May Executive Committee meeting if he would assume the position of Treasurer in the event the Managing Director position was approved.

There was some discussion relative to the 1999 Conclave. The primary topic is the potential move of the day time activities to the fair grounds. We have had a real space problem at the Ramada and have lost exhibition income due to this. The space at the fair grounds is 80 x 140 and 40 x 70. This move will allow long term strategic plans to be made to take us through the next 2 to 5 years. The Auction is the single largest entertainment potion and the decision is up to the VP of Development and the Conclave Chairman as to where each activity should take place. It was felt that the daytime activities should take place at the fairgrounds and the evening activities at the Ramada. The management at the Ramada is agreeable to this. The only major problem with the fairgrounds is lack of tables. This problem will have to be addressed by the VP of Development and the Conclave Chairman.

The consensus was that once a decision is made the information should be passed on to help keep moral up. This is not necessarily a stopgap solution to our space problems. The fairgrounds have a lot of possibilities.

New VP of Conservation asked for input of potential projects and said he could be found for the next day or so on the North Fork River.

Some of the major thrusts for the upcoming year are membership and the 2000 Conclave.

A question arose regarding voting privileges of the Assistant Vice President of Communications. This is to be looked into with a report at the Board meeting.

With no further business to be considered. President Camp adjourned the meeting.

This page updated December 25, 1999