Withlacoochee Training Center, Brooksville, Florida

1. President Larry Connor (Pres. L.C.) called the meeting to order.
2. Sec. Doug Haymans (SEC. D.H.) determined a quorum
3. Pres. L.C. recognized Past-Presidents in attendance: Wes Porak; Marty Hale; Mike Murphy; Rich Cailteux.
• Also recognized were Mike Vanden Ayvle and Marty Hale as representatives of the Southern Division.
4. Pres. L. C. commented on FLAFS in 1997-1998 and on related Southern Division and National News:
• Artificial Reef white paper
• OWAA in Haines City, Hospitality Suite sponsored by the chapter, chapter members Roy Crabtree and Tom Capo presented their work.
• Felt that committees needed to do more work, particularly in the area of a Marine Conservation Reserve position paper. Disappointed that this effort fell through.
• Nominating committee needed help.
• Student Colloquium was no longer taking place.
• Certified Scientists will need to show Continuing Education Course work in order to remain certified.
• Southern Division Website is up and running.
• Discussed Chapter rebates from National. Marty Hale addressed audience.
• Encouraged everyone to attend and present a paper at SEAFWA in Orlando.
5. Rottman Scholarship - 1997 and 1998 winners recognized.
• 1997 - Robert Humston
• 1998 - Daniel J. Willis
6. 1997 Annual Meeting Minutes presented by then Sec. Bob Wattendorf. Wattendorf - motion to accept, Pres. Elect Grant Gilmore 2^nd, and approved by membership.
7. Sec. D.H. present Treasures Report. Tom Maher - motion to accept, Rich Cailteux - 2^nd, and approved by membership.
8. Committee Reports
• WEB -
• Wattendorf - Chapter could have free access through Southern Division but the chapter wouldn't have much control over the site. The alternative would be to hire a Management Service company where immediate access would be available. Discussion followed.
• Motion made by Bob Wattendorf - Set-up a Web-Site with NE Regional Data Center with spending not to exceed $200.00, but with an attempt to begin at the $50.00 level.
• Mike Murphy 2^nd.
• Discussion followed. Would the web-site be interactive? Perhaps the Website would reduce the mailings of the Shellcracker.
• Awards
• Student Travel Awards - 10 students awarded grants were present.
• Newsletter
• Peter Hood stated that he was "Burned Out"
• John Benton will be taking over as editor/publisher/writer.
• Raffle
• Doug Haymans thanked all the members who brought in prizes and encouraged everyone to continue buying tickets.
9. Caribbean Chapter Initiative
• Pres. L.C. suggested sending Southern Division Newsletters to the Islands. The Southern Division was to donate $600 to the initiative. Don't know the state of that.
• Pres.-Elect Gilmore addressed the initiative. The Caribbean Basin meeting is to be held in the Virgin Islands. Wants FLAFS to participate. He also wants FLAFS to expand membership to the Caribbean. He presented a letter from Leroy Preswell, Ex. Sec. of GCFI about the Florida / Caribbean initiative.
• Considerable discussion followed. The membership showed concern over the money already spent on this project. There was resistance to spending more on travel. A popular idea was to send newsletters to institutions in the islands. Perhaps old magazines.
• No motion was made.
10. Elections
• Sec. / Tres.
• Nominating Committee - Doug Haymans
• None from the Floor
• Pres. L.C. made motion, Cailteux 2^nd. Motion Carried.
• Pres.
• Nominating Committee - Anne Marie Eklund, Bob Wattendorf
• Both spoke for themselves
• None from the floor
• Bob Wattendorf elected
11. New Officers Installed
• President Grant Gilmore (Pres. G.G.) presented Larry Connor with past presidents plaque
12. New Business
1. Committee Reorganization
• Pres. G. G. presented his thoughts for new committees. Suggested new working committees be in charge of the program for each years meeting. The committees would work two years in advance with the Excom on the meeting.
2. Missouri Chapter Resolution
• L.C. read a motion from the MO. Chapter complementing the National Office on a job well done.
• L.C. made a motion to support this Resolution.
• Mike Allen 2^nd.
• Motion Carried.
3. Joint / Tri State Meeting
• L.C. presented idea of a Joint meeting with GA. Chapter. Lot of discussion. Difficult for many to travel out of state. No motion made.
1. Southern Division Mid-Year in 2001
• L.C. mentioned this idea. A few (less than 12) interested. Several against. Many abstentions. No motion made.
2. Chapter Membership List
• L.C. Made a Motion to restrict the Chapter Membership list to other Professional Societies. Ken Leber - 2^nd.
• Discussion - Pres. G.G. suggested that someone research a set of guidelines. Jerry Ault requested a modification that companies be allowed to use the list. L.C. withdrew his motion and Leber his 2^nd.
• Sec. D.H. made a Motion to let EXCOM decide on a case by case basis with the possibility of having a policy in place by 1999 Annual Meeting.
• A 2nd was heard.
• Motion Carried.
3. Business Meeting
• Doug Scheidt made a motion to hold the Business Meeting on the 1^st night of the Annual Meeting each year.
• John Tucker 2^nd.
• Motion rejected. Only 4 votes in favor.
4. Advertising in Newsletter
• Wes Porak raised the question of selling space in newsletter. Discussion occurred.
• Pres. G.G. made a motion to allow Excom to make decisions on a case by case basis.
• A 2^nd was heard.
• Motion Carried
4. Rich Cailteux made a motion to close the Business Meeting.
• Everyone 2^nd
• Motion Carried.
• Meeting Adjourned.

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