West Virginia Aquaculture Association

Board of Directors Meeting

June 8, 2007

Waffle Hut Flatwoods, WV

President John Browning called the meeting to order at 11:00 am.  Treasurer Ken Semmens gave the treasurer’s report, with a current $4,424.58 balance and an uncashed $25 membership check.

Secretary Rob Nichols read the minutes from the 2007 Annual WVAA meeting.  Ken Semmens corrected the spelling of Mike Nardello’s last name to Nardella.  Fred Hays brought up the status of Mike Godby and Dianne Ludwig’s board status as it related to board nominations at the 2007 meeting.  He stated they were removed previously by the board.  Board members at the meeting could not recall any actions being taken.  Jody Ours moved minutes to be approved, but that Fred Hays question be researched.  Ken Semmens seconded and the floor approved the minutes.  Upon further research, it was noted that the nominations were made at the 2007 Annual WVAA meeting, where nominations and voting is open to active members present, not just WVAA board members.

The newly elected board members were introduced, Jody Ours, Mike Nardella, and John Cottle.  Fred Hays moved to strike down the installation of John Cottle, and Mike Nardella due to their absence from this board meeting.   No one seconded the motion, and it was not enacted.

After the annual meeting several constitution amendments were voted on via mail.  Rob Nichols introduced the language of the newly passed by-law amendments to the board members for suggestions and approval.  Ken Semmens introduced language change for Article I, Section 2 to all high school students or a college student-the 18 years of age was removed.  All ex officio director language was removed.  Jody Ours move that all revisions as stated be implemented, Paul Richards seconded, and the floor passed the motion.

Ken Semmens discussed the 2008 Aquaculture Forum.  Areas of interest were legal issues, fish health, supplier presentations, grass/ weed control, stocking, nutrition, and water management.  The Charleston area was reviewed, and Fred Hayes mentioned for it to coincide with the WV Trophy Hunters Conference in January.  Ken Semmens will research possibilities.

Another issue discussed was the forming of a nomination committee to seek contestants for future board elections.  Ken Semmens suggested handing ballots to members as the pay annual dues at the annual meeting.  It was suggested each election sheet be numbered and stamped.  Jody Ours moved Ken Semmens, Rodney Keyser, and Dan Miller be the nominating committee, the floor passed the motion.

Annual financial audits are required in our by-laws.  Jody Ours moved for a purchase of the Quicken program to assist Ken Semmens with recordkeeping.  John Browning seconded the motion the floor approved.  Quicken record will be reviewed annually at our fall board meeting.

John Browning introduced the need for a web site, Ken Semmens suggested cost research, and Rob Nichols and John Browning will research different designers and managers.

The need for an official association logo was discussed; members are encouraged to send in drafts of a logo rough draft, prior to the fall board meeting to:

WVAA

5149 Ohio St.

South Charleston, WV 25309

The board members will select three finalists ate fall board meeting, and allow the members to vote from the final three at the 2008 annual meeting.  Again these are drafts and suggestions and they can be subject to change.

Ken Semmens asked if he should check off charitable status on non-profit renewal application.  Board informed him not to.  No official motions were made concerning this suggestion.

Waste management issue was briefly discussed.  Ken wrote letter to Mr. Kessler of WV State Legislature, and received a reply.

Ken Semmens introduced issue of transferring WVAA funds from First Community Bank to Huntington Bank.  Jody Ours moved that John Browning be added to the signature card and the fund transfer be enacted.  Paul Richard Seconded, the floor passed.  The possibility of having our meeting at the Flatwoods DMV was discussed, and the board will readjourn at a day to be picked in September 2007. 

Jody Ours moved for adjournment, motion passed.