LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, December 10, 2012
1812 Restaurant (Island House)
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Eric Gahn
Board members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Eric Gahn, Jeff Goehring, Chris Moore, Rick Unger, Barry Witt, Bob Witt, Dan Welsh, Dave Whitt
Guests present: Sandee Abele, Ron Lamont
No Treasurers Report
Correction to the November minutes: Change Captain of the Year to Organization of the Year for the displaying of the plaque at the Visitors Center on Route 53 in Port Clinton.
Motion to approve the minutes and changes by Bob Witt. Seconded by Dan Welsh. Passed by the Board.
Ron Eickholt recently attended two meetings:
A Coastal Restoration meeting concerning windmills on Lake Erie and minimal algae run-off this past season, and a Lake Erie Improvement Association meeting (new group forming) that discussed fisheries. Good informational meeting.
Election Results:
The following were elected and will serve a three year term as an LECBA Board member beginning January 2013:
Ron Eickholt
Mel Fenger
Dave Spangler
John Tucholski
Dan Welsh
Dave Whitt
Presidents Report:
Congratulations to Ron Eickholt for receiving the Captain of the Year Award. He will receive his award at the Captains Conference in March.
President Unger attended a meeting in Washington with members of the House and Senate. Meeting was with a smaller group and very informative.
New Sportsman Coalition group forming. President Unger and Paul Pacholski will serve on this Board of Ohio Sportsman (hunting, fishing, etc)
Motion to adjourn by Dan Welsh. Seconded by Chris Moore. Passed by the Board.
Next meeting: Monday, January 14, 2013 at Porkys Restaurant.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, November 12, 2012
Porkys Restaurant
Presentation by Jared Straberg from the University of Toledo. Discussion about the Asian carp issue and working on a petition to spur legislation and get something going to stop it.
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM by Eric Gahn
Board members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Eric Gahn, Jeff Goehring, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Paul Pacholski, JT, Barry Witt, Bob Witt, Dan Welsh, Dave Whitt
Guests present: Jared Straberg, Ron Lamont, Barry Martin, Sandee Abele
Motion to approve October board minutes by Mel Fenger. Seconded by Chris Moore. Passed by the Board.
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther.
Motion to approve the report by JT. Seconded by Paul Pacholski. Passed by the Board.
Paul and Rick attended a meeting for the Ohio Conservation Federation. This organizations deals strictly with Ohio issues. There are 14 seats on the Board and we have received two of them.
Captain of the Year nominations must be received by November 14, 2012
Board voted to remove the Mayor from the voting and replace with Larry Fletcher from
the Visitors Center if he will accept.
The Captain of the Year plaque will be displayed at the Visitors Center on Route 53 in Port Clinton.
Members will be receiving statements from Ohio Outdoor News. If you are current with your membership this will be renewed for you.
President Unger will attend a meeting Dec. 4/5 for the OEC.
The MS Society will be sending out letters to past captains that have participated in their yearly tournament. They will be speaking once again at the February meeting.
Working on a grant with Ohio State to sponsor water quality assessment. This would compensate captains efforts.
Next meeting Monday, Dec. 10, 2012 at the 1812 Restaurant (Island House, Port Clinton)
Motion to adjourn by Ron Eickholt. Seconded by Dave Whitt. Passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, October 8, 2012
Porkys Restaurant
Bruce Theobald from Frederick Insurance gave a brief presentation on a flexible/competitive insurance program for fishing charters. He can be reached at 1-866-887-2917 if interested.
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 PM by President Rick Unger.
Board members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Eric Gahn, Jeff Goehring, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Paul Pacholski, John Tucholski, Rick Unger, Dan Welsh, Barry Witt, Bob Witt
Guests present: Sandee Abele, Ron Lamont, Becky Unger, Bruce Theobald
Elections: Nominations for upcoming election are due by October 31. Any requests after this date will not be accepted. Please mail or email your nominations to: Rick Unger.
2425 Royal Ridge Dr.
Miamisburg, OH 45342
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther:
Motion made by Paul Pacholski to begin a pre-employment fee for the Drug Consortium of $70 and an annual fee of $60. The $70 would be collected upfront prior to receiving paperwork. Motion seconded by Mel Fenger. Passed by the Board.
Motion to approve report by Paul Pacholski. Seconded by JT. Passed by the Board.
ODNR proposed rule change for bag limits for next year:
Modify the fillet portion of the rule: this will not apply to anglers with a receipt from a fish cleaning house or charter captain which states the date, number, and type of fish.
President Unger will be attending a meeting in Buffalo October 15-16 for the Lake Erie Park Management Advisory Group (LEPMAG). This meeting will includes discussion concerning catch rates, pounds, yields, etc.
President Unger will attend a meeting in Chicago on Thurs. October 30 for the Chicago Area Waterways System. This meeting will discuss the total separation of Chicago to Lake Erie. Rick has committed to an additional 18 months with this group.
A meeting sponsored by the Lake Erie Marine Trade Association will take place at the Visitors Center in Port Clinton on Thursday, October 18 at 10 AM. Topic will be 2012 Enforcement
President Unger will attend a LEPMAG meeting in Windsor on November 19-20.
Ron Eickholt presented a question concerning the annual hatch. Response from Board members was that the hatch rate is below normal.
Rick attended a Sportsman Alliance meeting in Columbus on September 29. It was requested during this meeting that licenses not be re-issued in the Cook case if convicted and not to reallocate fish to the commercial industry.
Paul Pacholski thanked Board members for their participation in collecting water samples for the EPA. Receiving lots of positive feedback.
President Unger spoke with Dr. Reuter from the Stone Lab. He thanked the LECBA for the $500 donation.
Next meeting: Monday, November 12, 2012 at Porkys Restaurant 6:00 PM
Motion to adjourn by Paul Pacholski. Seconded by Jeff Goehring. Passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, September 10, 2012
Board members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Eric Gahn, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Rick Unger, Barry Witt, Dan Welsh, Dave Whitt
Guests present: Ron Lamont, Dave Durst, Sandee Abele, Becky Unger
The meeting was called to order by President Rick Unger at 6:45 PM at The Pond.
Motion to approve August minutes made by Ron Eickholt. Seconded by Eric Gahn. Passed by the Board.
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther:
Drug program costs have increased. May have to look in to raising our fees. Don will continue to research the issue. Motion to approve report by Ron Eickholt. Seconded by Chris Moore. Passed by the Board.
Presidents Report:
Sportsman Alliance Table has been purchased for the meeting in Columbus the end of September. This is an opportunity for lots of one on one interaction. We have ten tickets on a first come first serve basis.
The PTC (Production Tax Credit) has asked the LECBA to sign on to a letter to ask Congress to keep funding solar power. The Board voted to NOT sign on.
President Unger will accept the Lake Erie Organization Award on Wed. Sept. 19 at the Aviation Museum in Port Clinton.
The Ohio Conservation Federation is trying to form a group of people to come together to gather money to help Lake Erie. The LECBA would be offered a seat on the Board of Directors if we agree to join. More details in October.
The water sampling program for the EPA is going extremely well. Trying to get a grant for next year as captains are currently donating their time.
Dave Durst discussed his experience at the Sea Grant presentation on Gibraltor Island. Very educational, interesting, hands on. Highly recommended.
Elections: Board members seeking reelection: Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Mike Matta, Dave Whitt and JT. President Unger will not be seeking another term as President. Please submit any other possible candidates as soon as possible.
Captain of the Year nominations should be submitted by the end of October.
The LECBA will not be donating to the annual Walleye Drop this year. Instead, a motion was made by Dan Welsh to make a $500 donation to the Stone Lab to assist in the water sampling project. Passed by the Board.
Next meeting: Monday, October 8, 2012 at Porkys Restaurant at 6 PM.
Motion to adjourn by Mel Fenger at 7:30 PM. Seconded by Dan Welsh. Passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
August 13, 2012
The Pond
The meeting was called to order by Paul Pacholski at 6:40 PM
Board members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Paul Pacholski, Pete Scheid, JT, Barry Witt, Bob Witt, Dave Whitt
Guests present: Al Kurnat, Mel Erb, Sandee Abele, Kim Salinas, Kevin Mabe, Bob Collins, Tim Timbs
Motion by Dave Whitt to waive the reading of the minutes. Seconded by Don Lowther. Passed by the Board
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther:
Organization seems to be on a downward trend. Don will check into outgoing expenses i.e. drug program costs and will report findings next month.
Thursday, August 23: Sea Grant presentation at Gibraltar Island
Anyone interested in attending please contact Don Lowther. There are five docks available.
Paul Pacholski thanked those for the collection of water samples for the EPA. This is a pilot project and the results will be posted on the web shortly. Web address to come when available.
Sportsman Alliance Table:
Motion made by Jerry Abele to pay $500 for the LECBA spot. Seconded by Ron Eickholt. Passed by the Board. This is a good opportunity to talk face to face with many people.
Paul Pacholski is checking into the possibility of a new group forming on the Health of Lake Erie. He will report more on the situation in September.
Thank you to Bob Collins for all he has done to make the LECBA what it is today.
Discussion on upcoming Board member elections and who was to be on the ballot. More information to come next month.
Next meeting: Monday, September 10, 2012 at The Pond
Motion to adjourn made by Dave Whitt. Seconded by Mel Fenger . Passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, May, 14, 2012
The Pond
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by President Rick Unger.
Board Members present: Jerry Abele, Mel Fenger, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Pete Scheid, John Tucholski, Rick Unger, Barry Witt, Bob Witt, Dan Welsh
Guests present: Don Mitchell, Marcy Mitchell, Jim Collins, Peggy Van Vleet, Bernie Wise, Steve Arndt, Sandee Abele, Larry Fletcher, Pat Winke, Greg Wozniak, Ted Bayer, John Hageman, Al Kurnat, Gino Barna
Motion made by Mel Fenger to approve April minutes. Seconded by John Tucholski. Passed by the Board.
Presentation by Gino Barna covering the following topics:
* the new fillet rules
* Canadian fishing nets
* recent head boat issue
Presentation by John Hageman concerning the issue of bag limits/boat limits
He would like to change/add to the law. The LECBA will follow up on this issue.
John is looking for volunteers to charter during the Ohio Outdoors Writers Conference May 2 and May 5, 2013.
Governors Day: Wed. July 11, 2012.
In need of 18 captains for the event.
If interested please contact Peggy at 937-414-6742.
There will be a meeting Tues. July 10 at The Pond to discuss issues on the Lake.
Motion made by Pete Scheid to pay a $110 stipend and free LECBA membership to
participating captains. Motion seconded by JT, passed by the Board.
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther. Motion to approve report by Bob Witt. Seconded by Mel Fenger. Passed by the Board.
A mailing has been received by many captains from a maritime drug program saying it is from the Coast Guard. As long as you are enrolled in a program it can be discarded.
The OEC is currently working on trying to put together a grant to take people out to see the Lake in the fall. Average is looking at $600 a boat.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, June 11, 2012 at The Pond.
Motion to adjourn made by JT. Seconded by Dan Welsh. Passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, April, 9, 2012
Porkys Restaurant
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM by Paul Pacholski.
Boards members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Eric Gahn, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Paul Pacholski, Pete Scheid, John Tucholski, Barry Witt, Bob Witt, Dave Whitt
Guests present: Dan Glomski, Amy Jo Kiel, Jerry Tucholski, Al Kurnat, Pat Winke, Dave Farmer, Dave Spangler, Dan Schade, Sam Levis, Cody Levis, Tyler McCann, Ron Lamont, Sandee Abele
Presentation by Ohio EPA members Dan Glomski and Amy Jo Kiel.
Presentation included topics concerning near shore monitoring and making sure what is being done is of use and value. The possibility of captains collecting samples was also addressed.
Correction to the March minutes concerning the skin on fish: minutes stated that a one inch patch was to be attached ..correction .all skin must be attached.
Motion to approve March minutes by Dave Whitt, seconded by JT, passed by the Board.
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther.
Motion to approve the report by Bob Witt, seconded by Pete Scheid, passed by the Board.
Dave Whitt is continuing to work on the LECBA web site.
Any ideas or suggestions please let him know.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 14 at The Pond at 6 PM.
Gino Barna to be present for a Q & A.
Motion to adjourn at 8:05 PM made by John Tucholski, seconded by Dave Whitt, passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, March 12, 2012
Porkys Restaurant
The meeting was called to order at 6:45 by President Rick Unger.
Board Members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Eric Gahn, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Paul Pacholski, Pete Scheid, Rick Unger, Barry Witt, Bob Witt, Dan Welsh
Guests present, Sandee Abele, Dave Spangler, Becky Unger
Motion made by Bob Witt to approve February minutes. Seconded by Barry Witt. Passed by the Board.
Treasurers Report by Don Lowther. Motion to approve report by Pete Scheid. Seconded by Ron Eickholt. Passed by the Board.
The Captains Conference held on March 3 went well. Over 200 captains in attendance. Don Lowther received his award for Captain of the Year.
President Unger attended a meeting in Washington with the Division of Agriculture in regards to finding a solution to the algae problem.
On Tues. March 13 Paul Pacholski will be at Marcy Kapturs office for a conference call with the EPA.
Jerry Abele and Rick Unger attended a breakfast with the Amish. The LECBA is well received amongst them.
President Unger will be attending a meeting on Tues. March 13 in Montpelier to talk about how Lake Erie affects Ohio economically.
MS Society Fishing Tournament will be held on Wed. June 6. $300 stipend to captains. In need of 30 boats. Registration forms are available.
Governors Day is Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Motion to fund this event for about $4500 made by Ron Eickholt, seconded by Pete Scheid. Passed by the Board.
In need of about 20 boats for the event. Included in the trip: $110 gas, LECBA yearly membership, bait, ice, lunch. The Governor will fish with the Captain of the Year. The fish will now be available for the crews to take with them instead of all being donated. There will be a gathering on Monday, July 9 at 5:30 at The Pond. All captains are asked to be present. If interested in participating please contact Pete Scheid.
Pete Scheid addressed the issue of looking for and applying for grants. Rick and Paul are both looking into this.
Bob Witt addressed the issue of skin being left on fish. A letter will be going out to fish cleaning houses to leave a one inch square of skin on fillet in order to identify.
Committees:
President Unger would like to form some new committees.
Potential ideas include:
Fundraising: to bring in monies to cover travel expenses
Promotion: promote the LECBA and boost membership.
Education: get information out to better educate the people
Web page: provide links to the I 68 form, you tube, nexus form
Membership and drug consortium application
Next meeting will be Monday, April 9, 2012 at Porkys Restaurant.
Motion to adjourn made by Chris Moore. Seconded by Paul Pacholski. Passed by the Board.
LECBA Board Meeting
Monday, February 13, 2012
Porkys Restaurant
The meeting was called to order at 6:15 Pm by Paul Pacholski.
Board members present: Jerry Abele, Ron Eickholt, Mel Fenger, Eric Gahn, Jeff Goehring, Don Lowther, Chris Moore, Paul Pacholski, Pete Scheid, Barry Witt, Bob Witt
Guests present: Tony Bernard, Bob Tempero, Dave Durst, Ted Rothermel, Dave Spangler, Shelley OConnor, Dan Welsh, Dan Chade, Scott Heart
Bob Tempero of the MS Society spoke briefly about the upcoming walleye event. The tournament will be held Wed. June 6, 2012. They are hoping to book 30 boats. A $300 stipend is provided. Registration forms are available if interested.
Governors Day will be held on Tues. July 10, 2012. Board members are encouraged to participate. There will be a meeting the night before the event at The Pond.
Paul Pacholski met with Randy Gardner regarding the protection of Lake Erie. They are looking for ideas on what to do to help. He will be meeting with him again.
President Unger has been invited to attend a meeting in Washington to help maintain Lake Erie.
Sat. March 3, 2012 Ohio Sea Grant Captains Conference
Mel Fenger attended a meeting on Feb. 6 concerning the Asian Carp issue. This is a long term project and he will continue to monitor it.
Dave Spangler - President of the Lake Erie Water Keepers discussed evasive species.
Pete Scheid suggested a meeting in late August with Marcy Kaptur and a group of farmers to discuss and show the issues surrounding Lake Erie.
Ron Eickholt attended a meeting with the ODNR advisory board on Feb. 9, 2012. Topics included water issues, project from the Great Lakes Restoration Fund, farm issues and the goals of Lake Erie. He will try to continue to make the quarterly meetings.
Motion to adjourn by Mel Fenger. Seconded by Chris Moore.
Next meeting: Monday, March 12, 2012 at Porkys Restaurant 6 PM