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Minutes of the BISC General Membership Meeting of April 5, 2008

The meeting was held at the Vance County Rescue Squad building in Henderson.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Pres. Addesso.

After a fine meal of fish, hush puppies, french fries and slaw and desserts, the guest speakers were introduced.

Vic Decenzo gave a general update on the fisheries activities as they pertain to the lake. An interesting statistic that came out of the interview study they conducted last year was: Hours of fishing per year on Buggs Island/Kerr is one million.

Money spent for this one million hours of fishing was eleven million of which half was for gas. The stocking plan and gill net surveys for 2008 will be the same as last year.

Vic was very appreciative of the help provided by the BISC.

Lt. John Reams of the NCWRC spoke about enforcement and was appreciative of the club's efforts to make everybody aware of the rule changes. During a short question and answer session, the NC-VA rule differences were highlighted. There are two. NC has no creel limits on catfish. VA has a catfish creel limit of 20/day and only 1 blue catfish greater than 32 inches is allowed. The other difference is the county licenses that are valid in the county of residence is NC. Both of these differences require you to be aware of the the state or county boundry line when you are on the water.

Business Meeting

Treasurer reported a balance of $2467.09

BOD nominations and election.

The 6 incumbent directors agreed to nominated. Since we are expanding the BOD to 15 members, 2 more nominees were needed and since one director had resigned, we needed 1 more. Nine nominees were needed. After some discussion(begging and pleading), Randy Green, Keith Fogleman and Lanny Parrott agreed to be nominated.

Having 9 nominees for 9 positions, the elections were over. Welcome to the new directors.

The meal expenses were $311.48

The raffle/door prizes cost $414.00 and the sale of tickets netted $445.00(thanks Lanny).

Norm Cowder
Sec/Trea.

Minutes of the BISC General Membership Meeting of September 22, 2007

The BISC held a general membership meeting on September 22, 2007 at the Vance County Rescue Squad building in Henderson.

Norm reported the treasury balance is $1874.61.

The 2008 calendar, adopted by the BOD, is as follows:

The tournaments will continue to be an honor system start, that is start fishing from anywhere on the lake at the designated time. Weigh-ins will be held at an off lake site to be determined. Several local businesses are being contacted to see if they are interested in hosting the weigh-in.

Gene Addesso gave the members an update on the drought situation and the forecast for the upcoming months.

A motion was made, seconded, and approved to amend the by-laws to increase the Board of Directors from the current 13 members to 15 members. A future newsletter will contain a formal proposal and the vote will be held at the Spring of 2008 meeting.

Approximately 70 people attended the meeting. The barbeque was excellent. Our thanks go out to the cooks and all those folks that populated the dessert table.

Meeting expenses were $382.23.

The raffle and door prizes cost $376.46.

The sale of raffle tickets netted $357.00.

Norm Cowder Sec'y/Treas

Minutes of the BISC General Membership Meeting of June 16, 2007

A fish fry was enjoyed by approximately 60 members prior to the business meeting. Thanks to Tommy Handy and his helpers for organizing and preparing the food. Thanks also go to the many folks who populated the dessert table with all the goodies.

Chris Powell, the COE Conservation Biologist, explained the Fishing Tackle Loaner program that he is trying to get started. As requested in the last newsletter, some equipment was donated. A motion was made, seconded and carried to donate $300.00 toward this effort. Since Chris as a COE employee can't accept money, Norm will take him shopping and we will purchase $300.00 worth of equipment that he selects.

Gene Addesso reported on the confusion that occurred at the last tournament weigh-in. The issue will be discussed at the next BOD meeting aiming for a better plan for next year. The current tournament schedule for the remainder of 2007 will not be changed. The November 3 tournament will weigh-in at Island Creek and the December 8 tounament will weigh-in at Occoneechee. A questionair will be included in the next membership mailing to help the BOD with input.

Meeting expenses were $448.00.

Norm Cowder Sec/Trea.

Minutes of the BISC General Membership Meeting of March 24, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Gene Addesso.

Norm reported a treasury balance of $2424.57. A quick count indicated 67 members in attendance.

The Angler of the Year Award for 2006 was presented to Jason and Tommy Allen. They received jackets and the traveling angler of the year plaque.

Elections were held for 5 directors. The new directors elected to a 2 year term were Scott Huddle, Jim Myers, Hank Lougee, Johnny Boswell, and Mike Dampier.

In the absence of a planned speaker, Gene reported on several activities he has pursued on behalf on the BISC.

Meeting expenses for the dinner and donation to the Vance County Rescue Squad were $333.12. These expenses will be further offset by a $193.00 pledged donation by Tim Richardson, RE-MAX Realty Office to cover the actual cost of the meal.

The raffle and door prizes cost $367.75. The sale of raffle tickets netted $380.00. Additional door prizes were donated by Sea Tow and Water World.

The Massey's and Perry's prepared a delicious spaghetti dinner for the membership. Dessert contributions were made by the Ladies of the club.

BISC BOD Meeting of January 26, 2008

Lamplighter Restaurant, Clarksville, VA

In Attendance:

Mark Kwiatkowski, Scott Huddle, Gene Addesso, Rick Ellington, Ronnie Clark, Vic DiCenzo, Jon Hart, Danny Guin, Mike Dampier

1. The group discussed the purpose of the summer rule and everyone agreed that enforcing the "idea" of the rule (catch 4 and switch species) is not enforceable. Vic DiCenzo felt that there was data to support small fish under 20 inches being able to survive being released in hot water temps. Vic DiCenzo suggested that perhaps we should propose to the legislature a change in the current rule of "4 summer fish of any size", to "4 fish at least 20 inches" because everyone knows people are not going to keep 16 inch fish in an effort to catch something larger.

2. In an effort to increase membership and participation, Mike Dampier suggested that we ask folks who have left the club why they left. Additionally, the group agreed that we needed interesting and informative speakers at our three general membership meetings per year. The group would love to have Vic DiCenzo attend more meetings. Due to retiring commitments elsewhere, Vic DiCenzo will try to attend at least one general membership meeting per year, beginning with the April 5th meeting. Additionally, Jon Hart committed to attend the April 5th meeting to answer any questions (and possibly a Warden assigned to Southside VA).

3. The group agreed that the NC Warden (John Reams) should be invited to the April 5th meeting to help answer members questions too. If anyone on the BOD knows how to contact him, please send him an invitation.

4. Jon Hart indicated that he has 7 Warden positions under him, however only 3 spots are currently filled. One person is in the academy slated to join the Southside district, however they are working with a skeleton crew now. Jon Hart appreciates any wildlife crime reports, but admits that any immediate action / response is almost impossible with limited staff. Therefore the group agreed that it would be beneficial to have one contact person in the club that would receive the wildlife violation notification. This one contact person would notify a local Southside Warden directly (bypassing the toll free crime line phone number). Jon Hart indicated that 95% of convictions come from after-the-fact investigations, therefore detailed information is usually needed (boat numbers, license plate, description etc…).

5. Gene Addesso indicated that he has hit numerous road-blocks when trying to get answers as to why our area does not receive a proportional amount of law enforcement. Vic DiCenzo indicated that the public (including Gene Addesso) is invited to the Enforcement's Board of Directors meetings in which opinions / concerns can be raised. Jon Hart added that his goal is to put more hours towards boating enforcement due to federal matching dollars when enforcing on the water, however with his skeleton crew, weekend enforcement was the best he could do.

6. Danny Guin and Mike Dampier volunteered to coordinate speakers and / or DVD's to watch during upcoming meetings. The next meeting (April 5) will be Vic DiCenzo and Jon Hart. Future meetings could be a return of the Hatchery guy from Brookneal. Scott Huddle volunteered to talk about live bait fishing at a future meeting. Ideas for future speaker topics included trolling, tying buck-tails, and respecting fish at weigh-ins (especially being more in the public eye at off-lake weigh in locations). Mike Dampier suggested the DVD titled, "Monster Stripers".

7. Gene Addesso distributed a suggestion / discussion list that summarized recent concerns from members and BOD. Due to the numerous items, we agreed that we could not solve them all at the meeting. Therefore Scott Huddle volunteered to transform them into a simple method for voting. The group felt that getting general membership participation is very important, therefore the next general membership meeting will include a vote (perhaps by raising hands) of the numerous issues.

8. The group believed one way to improve tournament weigh-in attendance would be to pay out and present plaques to the top 5 places instead of top 3. One voting item at the next meeting will be to decide how much to charge for entry fees - Gene Addesso suggested $30 (increase of $5 to help towards paying out 4th and 5th places.

9. The group liked the idea of having one large big fish pot that would extend the entire calendar year (all 4 tournaments). Participants would be required to buy into the pot (Scott Huddle suggested $50) before the first tournament. The winner would be decided after the last tournament of the year by the one heaviest fish caught throughout all 4 tournaments.

10. Mark Kwiatkowski recommended another method to increase weigh-in attendance would be to have a raffle similar to meeting raffles at the weigh-in.

11. Mike Dampier stressed the importance of showing respect for the striped bass at weigh-ins. The group agreed that new tournament rules should be to keep fish in the cooler at all times, except for the actual weigh-in and for any pictures. Additionally, no fish shall be laid on the ground in an effort to show respect and minimize the public exposure of dead animals. Mike Dampier suggested that the BISC adopts the NSBA Code of Conduct to help get the word out to club members and to have something in writing.

12. We discussed the desire of creating a banner for the off lake weigh-ins that had the capability of displaying "BISC, Official Tournament Weigh-In site, etc...", with blank areas on the banner which the time / dates could be interchanged. This way we could put the banner at the Hibernia Shell or Clarksville Bait shop a week or so in advance of the tournament to help drum up more interest from the general public. Scott Huddle volunteered to contact Jim Myers since Jim had the last banner made.

13. Danny Guin indicated that he would discuss the possibility of having a reporter from the Henderson Daily Dispatch attend the Youth Day Tournament since Danny knows the Editor.

14. The group also felt it was important to have an article summarizing the BISC accomplishments that could be published / sold to VA Game and Fish, VA Wildlife, etc... Rick Ellington noted that he had a contact at NC Outdoor Magazine that he would contact. Scott Huddle volunteered to write a 1500 word article stressing the BISC conservation ideals. Vic DiCenzo agreed to send Scott Huddle survey numbers that shows a statistically significant increase in the number of yearling stripers since the stocking program re-started compared to the 12 years with no stocking.

15. The group believed it was important to get the BISC newsletter posted on the website. Scott Huddle volunteered to contact Wanda about posting the Adobe file.

16. The group agreed that quarterly frequency of newsletters is fine.

17. Gene Addesso volunteered to chair the Billy Nolan Youth Day Tournaments.

2008 Calendar:

BISC BOD Meeting of Sept. 22, 2007

The meeting was held at 5:00pm at the Vance County Rescue Squad Building in Henderson.

Norm reported a treasury balance of $1874.61.

After some discussion and review of the tournament questionnaire, the event plan for next year is as follows:

The General Membership meetings are scheduled for April 5, June 14 and November 15.

The annual fish fry is planned for the April 5 meeting.

Tournaments are scheduled for March 29, June 21, November 1 and December 6.

The tournament start will remain on the honor system, start from anywhere on the lake at the designated time. The weigh-in will be held at an off lake location. Several local stores are being contacted to see if we can use their parking lot.

The next BOD meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2008.

BISC BOD Meeting of April 20, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Gene Addesso. All board members were present except Jim Myers who was called away on a family emergency.

Norm reported a treasury balance of $ 2850.45.

Chris Powell, Conservation Biologist for the COE, explained the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program he had started at Philpott Lake and is trying to start at Buggs Island/Kerr. Various sites (parks) are equipped with simple rods/reels, like the Zebco 33, and small tackle boxes containing hooks, sinkers, and plastic worms. Other lures if available. This equipment is available to be checked out and is targeted for children, but available for anyone who may have forgot to bring their own equipment. The BISC BOD encouraged Chris to proceed and volunteered to help locate equipment. The next newsletter will ask for donated equipment (both new and used) to be brought to the next BISC Meeting on June 9.

The BISC Youth Day is set for July 28 at Ivey Hill. The Tournament Committee will procure the trophies and handle the weigh in. Johnny Boswell will procure the shirts. Harold and Shelia Williamson will take care of food procurement and preparation.

The next newsletter will ask for volunteers to serve as Recording Secretary and Program Chairman.

Scott Huddle volunteered to take over tracking the Angler of the Year points and will post the status on the web site. Also starting immediately points will be awarded for attending the general membership meetings. 5 points for each meeting attended.

The club decals will be red for 07-08.

The next newsletter will ask for feedback on a proposal to have a tournament every month. As an example, an event could be held on the first Saturday of every month from daylight to noon. No trophies, just bragging rights and points toward the Angler of the Year. A portion of the entry fees could be held back and given as a cash prize to the Angler of the Year. Feedback is requested.

Since more people are weighing live fish, it was decided to purchase several of the live fish transport bags for use at the weigh in.

Norm will purchase a COE parking permit to be used by whoever is pulling the BISC trailer to the weigh in location.

The next BOD meeting will be held on July 13, 2007.

Norm Cowder, Sec/Trea.

Minutes of the March 2, 2007 Board of Directors Meeting

The BISC Board of Directors met on March 2, 2007 at the office/meeting room of Rep. Jimmy Crawford on Andrews Avenue in Henderson, NC.

In attendance were : Gene Addesso, John Ryan, Ramrod, Shane Massey, Mike Perry, Danny Guin, Scott Huddle, Tim Richardson, Termite, Rick Ellington, and Norm Cowder.

Absent with regrets were Jim Myers and Jim Roland.

1. In order to be more timely with the posting of meeting minutes, it was decided to ask for a volunteer to serve as recording secretary. Norm is to contact Marsha Lougee regarding the position.

2. Director elections will be held at the 3-24 General Membership meeting. The current directors whose term expires are Tim Richardson, Jim Myers, Scott Huddle, John Ryan, and Jim Roland. John Ryan and Jim Roland have stated they will not run for re-election. Nominations will be accepted at the General Meeting.

3. Do to some recent problems with check approval, it was agreed that the Treasurer should get a debit card for the checking account. This can be used in lieu of checks in cases where it is required to show a drivers license name that matches the name of our checking account, which is the BISC.

4. Youth Day is set for July 28. Prizes, medallions, trophies and hat or shirt choice, will be available. Trophies will be given for the largest fish and the most fish for each species. The species are Stripers, Cat Fish, Bass, Crappie and White Perch. A committee chairman is needed for this years tournament. A Volunteer will be requested at the 3-24 meeting.

5. Subject of a password protected message board was brought up. Norm will follow up with webmaster as to possibilities.

6. Food Committee for 3-24 meeting is Shane Massey and Mike Perry and their families. The plan is for a spaghetti supper with a variety of desserts supplied by members.

7. A discussion was held about the possibility of having films/movies as future programs. It was decided to pursue buying a projector for the club.

8. The subject of a visitation/sick list committee was brought up. The concern is how to let people know a member is sick/hospitalized. After some discussion, it was decided to try and redefine the club Chaplain role.

Norm Cowder, Secretary BISC