Board Meetings
Feb 25, 2002 Feb 11, 2002 Feb 4, 2002
Jan 21, 2002 Jan 14, 2002 Jan 7, 2002
Review of Standard Agenda Items:
A. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - Minor C is done with their tournament Minor B has 2-4 games left Minor A games are finishing their games at the Major League Field Major League has their final game left All final tournament games will be played on June 8th.
B. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Patti discussed our finances. (See Attached) We went way over budget on the renovation project. We will be getting with Rich Builders to find out exact charges and where the discrepancies from proposal vs actual are. We will approach the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce and see if they can help us with the All Star tournament coming to Niceville. We are required to give each team a 5 rooms per night and $144 per day for meals.
C. Status Reports:
1. Closing Ceremonies - The trophies have been ordered and will be picked up this week. Both teams will get medals for winning their respective divisions. The tournament winners will get trophies. The game schedule on June 8th is: 1:00 pm - Minor B 4:00 pm - Minor A 7:00 pm - Majors After each game, the medals/trophies will be awarded for the respective group. The All Stars will be announced. Sponsor plaques will be given out. Season managers will be announced and thanked for all their hard work throughout the season. All board members are encouraged to attend the final games.
2. All Star Tournaments - Rick Early will have a prisoner work day on June 15th to prepare the major league field for the tournament. Get equipment needs to Beau Schreiber so he can ensure he has enough or can order more as necessary.
3. All Star Manager/Coach Approval - The following list was voted on and approved by the board:
American League 11-12 yo Jul 6 at RL Turner Manager: Dennis Samac Coaches: Ken Koger, Steve Rogers
National League 11-12 yo Jul 6 at Niceville Manager: Darren McDorman Coaches: Hal Olimb, Kevin Barry
American League 11 yo Jun 22 at Shalimar Manager: Jasper Bailey Coaches: David Sweeney, Randy Eubanks
National League 11 yo Jun 22 at Niceville Manager: Tim VanDam Coaches: Tom Burke, Don Oldroyd
American League 9-10 yo Jul 6 at Destin Manager: Roger Kennedy Coaches: Lonnie Baker, Mike Willingham
National League 9-10 yo Jul 6 at Baker Manager: Beau Schreiber Coaches: Jeff Curtis, Chris Krenek
American League 9 yo Jun 22 at RL Turner Manager: Ricky Early Coaches: Jay McInnis, Dennis Criddle
National League 9 yo Jun 22 at Baker Manager: Robbie Davis Coaches: Clay Elliott, Chopper Cuchens
American League 8 yo Jun 22 at Shalimar Manager: Bill Mullen Coaches: Stephen Alford, Travis Junger
National League 8 yo Jun 22 at Baker Manager: David Brown Coaches: Glenn Voigt, Scott Pollaski
4. All Star Uniforms - Due to fiscal restraints, we voted to have the parents pay for the all-star uniforms. This was the general rule until a couple of years ago when we were able to fund them. We will be going through AAU. Proposal is attached. The fee will be $45 for 8 yos and $55 for all other age groups. We need to get remaining patches back from TSP and see if we need to order more. Beau discussed other options. We will look at these for next year due to time constraints. Diane Covey will help with uniforms.
5. Concessions - Greg needs help with gathering concession volunteers for the rest of the games. Board members are encouraged to stop by fields and assist as necessary. Val-P field is closed. Supplies will be moved to the Major League field and the building will be cleaned this week. Twin Oaks has games on Monday and possibly Wednesday. After Wednesday, the remaining supplies will be moved to the Teen field and the building will be cleaned.
6. Teen league help - Brad and Diane need help with concession and Park Ranger duties for the rest of the season.
D. New Business:
1. Snow Cone Machine - Jasper Bailey would like to purchase our snow cone machine. Brad Schneider has said he will put it to use.
2. State tournament - Greg said he would take this on but needs four volunteers to help. Deede will take up the slack for concessions.
E. Next Meeting: As needed. Matters needing board approval will be discussed with the executive board.
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
1. Minutes from the Feb 25th meeting were reviewed and accepted with the following changes:
A. The two new kids were added to Teeball teams, not Minor C.
B. The proposed solution to the Eglin player situation has not yet been approved by Southern Region but is under review by Southern Region.
2. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLLA. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - The next big event is opening day on the 16th. The regular season game schedule was posted today. It was noted by Dennis Samac that he appreciated Mike and Al working around the school schedule as much as possible to minimize conflicts for players that play baseball for the schools.
B. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Updated financial report attached.
C. Status Reports:
1. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- Nothing to report at this time.
2. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - The last work day was huge success.
b. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - The area to be concreted has been designated. It may have to be put off until spring break due to time constraints. The bathroom tile will not be in till next week. All the old furniture that is not usable will be trashed. The board allotted $600 to be spent on chairs. We will also purchase 4 tables. We need to purchase a new refrigerator for the Major League Field. The one designated has been redesignated to the Valparaiso field due to the poor condition of the existing refrigerator.
3. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Nothing to report at this meeting.
4. Teen Registration/Tryouts (POC: Diane/Brad) -
a. Need 2 more Junior league managers
b. Signs - Brad would like to use the Little League signs for registrations - approved
c. Bay Beacon - They would also like to place an ad in Bay Beacon Play Ball section announcing registration and tryout dates - approved
d. Phone Numbers - Brad would like the numbers to other local leagues to arrange interleague play.
5. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - Dennis went over the agenda and safety issues. He will be preparing a script for opening day. The sales report of armbands and cookout tickets is attached. The player agents will take the teams for the first game directly to the fields immediately after introductions. As soon as the teams are ready, they are to start their games.
6. Managers (POC: Gary) - Nothing to report at this time.
7. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - We have 12-15 additional umpires that have volunteered. We still need more.
8. Equipment (POC: Beau/Les Stevens) - The L-screens are in. Beau is ordering equipment from Anaconda due to price savings. We need to fill out a credit application for long term ordering capability.
9. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Twin Oaks and Valparaiso have been cleaned. Greg has ordering supplies and will pick them up on Tuesday.
10. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - The white pants are ready for shipment. Extra miscellaneous uniform parts will be sold on opening day.
11. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - Each team will need 6 volunteers for opening day. Due to the multitude of activities, the team moms have had trouble recruiting volunteers. Volunteers need to report 10-15 minutes ahead of scheduled time. There will be a table next to the stage to disperse volunteers as they show.
12. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - Nothing new to report.
13. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
14. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Al still needs volunteers directors for the teen league tournament. You cannot volunteer if you will have a child involved in that age group.
15. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - The Sport Supply Group proposal presented by Wayne has been voted down. We cannot use the Little League name to endorse any supply company. To do so, would violate Little League rules.
C. Old Business -
1. Press Box access - Bob would like to limit access to the Major League pressbox to adults only. (info)
2. Twin Oak Dugouts - The tarps are in. The framework will be delivered on Tuesday. There will be a workday on Wednesday afternoon to put the dugouts together. (info)
3. Minor B Coaches - The list was presented by Deede Wayne and approved by the board. (info)
D. New Business:
1. Park Ranger Schedule: A sign up list was passed around for board members to choose park ranger duty. The time frame will start on a Monday and last till the following Monday.
E. Next Meeting: As needed. Matters needing board approval will be discussed with the executive board.
1. Minutes from the Feb 25th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
2. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLLA. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - The next big event is opening day on the 16th.
B. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Nothing to report at this meeting.
C. Status Reports:
1. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)-
a. Two new kids were added to existing Tee-Ball teams. One father offered to manage/sponsor a team if we allowed his kid to play. There was potential to formulate another team, but that would mean shifting kids, ordering new uniforms, the risk of angering parents, etc. The decision was made to add them to existing teams. (closed)
b. Eglin players - During the past two weeks, an issue was raised involving the eligibility of 15 Eglin players in our league. Historically, Eglin kids have been allowed to play in any league they desired: Niceville/Valparaiso, Shalimar, Ft Walton or Eglin. We have talked to Sandy Fleeman and Southern Region regarding this issue. The solution was to submit waivers for these children. This solution has been submitted to Southern Region. (closed)
2. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) - Clay asked that individuals meet up with him this Wednesday to hang the nets. He expects to be done by dark. He noted that Robbie Davis donated the cables to hang the nets.
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - This past Sunday, Clay Elliott, Rick Early, Robbie Davis and Jeff Curtis spent the day doing field improvements. They cut out the base pads and removed excess sand from the grass.
c. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - Not much to report at this meeting. We need to wait for Bob Mathers' return to determine how much of the park we are going to concrete.
3. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Nothing to report at this meeting.
4. Teen Registration/Tryouts (POC: Diane/Brad) -
a. Need 2 more Junior league managers
b. Signs - Brad would like to use the Little League signs for registrations - approved
c. Bay Beacon - They would also like to place an ad in Bay Beacon Play Ball section announcing registration and tryout dates - approved
d. Phone Numbers - Brad would like the numbers to other local leagues to arrange interleague play.
5. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - Dennis went over the agenda and safety issues. He will be preparing a script for opening day. (open)
6. Managers (POC: Gary) - Nothing to report at this time.
7. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - We have 12-15 additional umpires that have volunteered. We still need more.
8. Equipment (POC: Beau/Les Stevens) - We have only three sets of catcher's gear for T-Ball. Beau will order the rest to provide every team with gear. A tamp and rake have been supplied to Valparaiso Field and the Major League field. The temporary bases for practice are in and will be placed in the equipment room for Twin Oaks. The first aid kits have been donated by the Twin Cities hospital and will be here next week.
9. Concessions (POC: Greg) - We still need a Valparaiso concession manager. Deede is cleaning Twin Oaks and the Valparaiso concessions this week.
10. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - He will have all the white pants back by tonight. Wayne is handling a few issues here and there, but overall the player agents did a great job ordering uniforms.
11. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - Rene has the schedule for opening day volunteers. Due to the cold weather, the deadline for money collection on armbands and cookout tickets was extended.
12. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - Nothing new to report.
13. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
14. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Al needs volunteers directors for the following tournaments: 11 yo unsanctioned; 12 yo sanctioned and the teen league. You cannot volunteer if you will have a child involved in that age group.
15. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Proposal presented by Wayne: Sport Supply Group (SSG, our uniform and equipment source) is willing to pay NVLL 5% of any sales that go through our web site. Since we order over $30,000 worth of uniforms and equipment from them every year, we would be guaranteed at least $1,500 in commissions from this business alone. If other people who use our web site buy products from SSG, we would get 5% on those sales as well. All we do is put a link on our web site and promote it among our league. An attached document provides the contract Bob would sign and a PowerPoint Presentation from SSG. Gary and Mike will look over the contract and have it reviewed by our lawyers to make sure we are not in violation of Little League rules.
C. Old Business -
1. Press Box access - Bob would like to limit access to the Major League pressbox to adults only. This is made in an effort to preserve the improvements made. Due to time limitations, this will be discussed at the next board meeting. (open - POC: Bob Mathers)
2. Twin Oak Dugouts - Niceville Fence will be doing the framework. The tarps will done on Friday. The Fence representative assured Mike that they would stay under the $3,000 budget limit. (open: POC - Mike)
D. New Business:
1. Bay Beacon Letter - Gary read an article draft authored by Bob Mathers for publication in the Bay Beacon's sport section. Items covered were facility improvements, volunteer request, League progress and the procedure for handling unruly spectators. Suggestions for clarification/additions were made by board members and annotated on the letter. (info)
2. Major League Coaches: Al Vafides presented the list for board approval. The list was read and approved. See attached. All other player agents are to bring their coach list with them to the next meeting for approval. (open)
3. We had a Major League player request to sign up. He will be placed in the player pool and assigned in the event of a player moving or having a season ending injury. (info)
4. Volunteers needed - Mike needs help on several little projects. Please see him after the meeting.
E. Next Meeting: Mar 11th, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn.
A. Minutes from the Feb 11th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - The next big event is opening day on the 16th.
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Attached is our financial report
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- We made the decision last week to return all the white pants and replace them with gray. This decision was made due to the exceptional thin material and to avoid embarrassment for any child. There will be no restocking fee. (info)
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) - Clay was setting the poles for the nets. We also need to put in a canvas style backstop behind the catcher to prevent net damage. Accent signs will make rules/safety signs for usage.
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - The lights are up and the bathroom has been tiled. This Saturday has been set as a work day to put fertilizer and top dressing on the field. Ricky is trying to organize a prison work detail for Friday. If this falls through, the Minor A managers will be required to help out or send a replacement.
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - This project is now complete and will be removed from the agenda.
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - We are starting to run into a time crunch. We have decided to go with a wood frame instead of cinderblocks saving $2 - 3K. We are also going with wood stairs as opposed to aluminum which will also save $2 - 3K. We decided to keep the maroon paint. Greg said we may need to add French drains to allow for adequate drainage of the fields. The board voted to finish the project complete with the "finishing touches". Greg will bring a proposal next week on the cost to concrete under both stands.
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - The local rules were handed out to managers yesterday. They were told to review this and the rule books. Mike stated that Little League rejected our suggested changes on the 8 yo pitching rules. (info)
6. Teen Registration (POC: Diane/Brad) - The planned registration dates are 16 Mar at regular Little League opening day; 30 Mar at tryouts; and 13 Apr at make-up tryouts. (info)
7. Teen Tryouts (POC: Diane/Brad) - This will be reported at the next meeting.
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - The armband and cookout ticket sales are in progress. These are being handled by the team moms. The committee is in the process of confirming volunteers and concessionaires. (Open)
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - The managers meeting went very well. Bob spoke to the managers regarding their responsibilities. The biggest point driven home was the managers were totally responsible for their teams and the respective parents/spectators. First they had to get control of their own emotions inside the fence before they could control emotions outside the fence. (info)
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - Nothing to report at this time.
11. Equipment (POC: Beau/Les Stevens) - Every manager has their equipment. We still need to order more helmets - about 50 in each size. We also need to order more mitts. Beau would like to order now while the prices are down. We also need to order bases for the practice fields. They will be stored in the light/equipment room at Twin Oaks. The managers will be responsible for their use. The eight L- screens are on their way and will be distributed as follows: 2 at the batting cages; 1 at Major League field; 2 at Valparaiso; 2 at the practice fields and one at the teen league field. We also need to order rakes and catcher's gear for the T-ball teams.
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Greg will be having a meeting of concession managers following the board meeting.
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - TSP is doing a good job on the shirts. They are sewing the patches on and they really look sharp.
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - There was apparently a motion made by the team moms to ban sunflower seeds and peanuts in the dugouts. The board decided that sunflower seeds were not harmful to the environment or created an undo mess and would continued to be allowed.
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - We are verifying how the sponsors will be listed on the shirts. The master list is now at TSP shirts. The board voted and approved to lower the teen sponsorship from $500 to $400 to match regular Little League prices. Hopefully, this will encourage more sponsorships.
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Al needs volunteers directors for the following tournaments: 11 yo unsanctioned; 12 yo sanctioned and the teen league. You cannot volunteer if you will have a child involved in that age group. We also need to send the name and address of the tournament POC to Sandy Fleeman. During the state tournament, we need to either provide 4 hotel rooms or $240 a day to each team. We also need to provide 3 meals or $124 a day to each team for meals.
18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Support shirts will be available to parents/fans for $15. Hats will be $5. Team moms will collect the money up front and give the order to the respective uniform representative.
C. Old Business - No Old Business
D. New Business:
1. Bob proposed to sponsor a banner that will be posted during high school baseball games. The banner would cost $200 the first year and $150 every year after that. It will have the Little League logo and the saying "Where baby Eagles learn to soar". This was voted on and approved by the board.
2. Press Box access - Bob would like to limit access to the Major League pressbox to adults only. This is made in an effort to preserve the improvements made. Due to time limitations, this will be discussed at the next board meeting. (open - POC: Bob Mathers)
3. Twin Oak Dugouts - Mike presented a proposal (attached) for dugouts at Twin Oaks. These would be covered with reusable tarps to protect the children from the elements and foul balls. They would be anchored into the ground by at least 1 foot of PVC pipe. The cost would be approximately $270 per dugout. They could be assembled and ready to go in two weeks. Mike asked for funding for ten dugouts not to exceed $3,000 total cost. This was voted on and approved by the board.
E. Next Meeting: Mar 4th, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn.
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
A. Minutes from the Feb 4th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - Mike is out of town this week and needed someone to honcho the Pitcher's Clinic on Sunday, Feb 17. Steve Rogers said he would get the pre-registration forms from Patti, check in players as they arrive, and help Jon McFatter get setup. (info)
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - nothing to report
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- nothing to report
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) - nothing to report
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - no update
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - It was brought to Bob Mathers attention that the fence portion designed to protect the coaches from foul balls is illegal. It probably won't be an issue during regular play but will have to come down for tournament play. (Open)
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - The improvements are still going strong. The contractor thinks he will be done under budget and ahead of schedule. We did get Lowe's to commit to a 10% discount on all supplies.
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Not reported at this meeting.
6. Teen Registration (POC: Diane/Brad) - They would like to set up a table at open day to allow for teen league sign ups.
7. Teen Tryouts (POC: Diane/Brad) - Nothing to report at this meeting
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - The advertisement flyers should be done by Wednesday. There may be a problem with bracelet availability. We should have about 1,000 bands which the team moms will pre-sell prior to opening day (Open)
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - Managers for were voted on and approved for Tee-ball. List is attached to these minutes
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - Only twenty people showed up for the umpire clinic. Beau suggested that we discuss/highlight frequent situations and how to handle them. He also suggested that we offer incentives for volunteer umpires after they have umpired so many games. One suggestion was to buy equipment for umpires to keep as an incentive to umpire more games.
11. Equipment (POC: Beau/Les Stevens) - There is still a ton of equipment that managers have not turned in from last season. That has made it challenging to determine new requirements. He is going to request again that managers turn in there equipment. He plans to have managers pickup new equipment this Friday and Sunday between 4-8 pm. They can also turn in equipment at that time or resign for the equipment they already have. Les Stevens has agreed to help Beau with the equipment. (open)
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Nothing to report at this meeting.
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - Last year the NVLL Board voted on the color of pants for our leagues. Wayne suggested since we are starting to order uniforms, we need a quick decision on whether we order white or gray. In the catalog pictures, the kids usually have on white. White is cooler, looks better with white letters, and is easier to keep clean because you can bleach them. However, in the past we have always used gray. Wayne suggests we try white this year on one league (American) and let the other league (National) keep gray. If we get a lot of complaints from white, next year we can go back to all gray. If people like the white better, we can go all white next year. The board voted to order white pants for the American league and gray for the National. We will order colored shirts and not the gray shirts. It was decided that the player agents will order support shirts for the team. The team moms will get the orders and collect for them up front. AAU has decided not to sponsor a team this year. We have decided to feel out other sources to letter and sew patches on the shirts. Those with suggestions should contact Bob Mathers and he will contact the companies. (info)
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - not available for report
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - Patti reported Darren has been calling and they have 41 confirmed sponsors. We still need about 20 more.
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Nothing to report.
18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Not active
C. Old Business
1. Operating Manuals - Deede Wayne. These are in along with the rule books and will be handed out at the manager's meeting. (closed)
D. New Business:
1. New Board Member - Robbie Davis was voted in as the 30th Board Member. (info)
2. Pitching Machine Policy - It was voted on and approved by the board to not allow pitching machine batting practice prior to any Minor B game. Reasons were based on safety, machine wear/tear fairness to all teams. Managers will be allowed to setup the machine and adjust for accuracy but not take pregame batting practice. (info)
3. Park Ranger Duties - Bob Mathers would like to iron out the specific duties/responsibilities of the park ranger. One of the top priorities is how to handle angry/abusive parents. It was also suggested that the park ranger have a mechanism of identification that would be easily recognizable throughout the park. Board Members should send their ideas to either Bob or Deede.
E. Next Meeting: Feb 25th, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn.
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
A. Minutes from the JAN 14th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - Makeup tryouts this weekend and the draft this week. (info)
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - $68,000 left in the bank
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- nothing to report
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) - We still need to decide the surface we want. Concrete vs asphalt pad. Safety considerations are a must. One option is to leave it as dirt and check for drainage problems. (open)
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - The bathrooms are under renovation. There is going to be a wall separating the women's stalls. The bleachers and trim have been painted. Tony Piper is trying to get an all aluminum crossbeam to mount lights and replace non-working lights. After these renovations, it was suggested that we renovate the downstairs area of the pressbox. The gates to the dugouts have been done.
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - This is almost done except for the concrete and the support cables and safety nets. Mike Rarick questioned the need for a horizontal support in the bullpen. Darren will check on this. (Open)
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - The improvements are proceeding at a rapid pace. The contractor thinks he will be done under budget and ahead of schedule. Everything should be done with the exception of the stairs which take six weeks to come in. We need to recognize the improvements with some type of billboard identifying the contractors and contributors. (Open)
e. Work Day - Rick Early can have a work crew on the 18th of February. He needs a work list so he can plan accordingly. (info)
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Not reported at this meeting.
6. Registration (POC: Mike/Al) - Teens will still be able to register either at tryouts or by mailing registration to Bob Mathers. Diane needs a list of coaches to get ideas for senior league managers. Senior tryouts will be Mar 30th with makeups on Apr 13th. Opening day will be Apr 29th. Brad Schneider volunteered to help Diane with any details (Open)
7. Tryouts (POC: Mike/Al) - Makeup tryouts are this Tuesday at the Major League Field. Mike gave a breakout of players in each league. We approved 5 players for not attending tryouts. We reviewed Rule 4 regarding team expansion and approved for the expansion team to be allowed to pick three players from any team. Originally, the player agents were to facilitate this decision but a few board members disagreed with the player agents making this decision with out board input/approval. The rule was reviewed and voted on as above. (closed)
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - The committee is formulating a schedule and should have a layout of volunteer requirements by Wednesday. They are also creating information flyers. (Open)
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - Managers for were voted on and approved for Minor C.
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - Nothing to report.
11. Equipment (POC: Beau) - Not reported at this meeting. (open)
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Nothing to report.
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - Wayne again brought up the idea of managers ordering their team uniforms. Concerns were voiced about managers not ordering consistently or in a timely manner and making unauthorized changes. After much discussion, it was decided the player agents would order the uniforms for their respective leagues with delivery to each manager's address. Wayne has authority to make any necessary changes. Wayne also needs the list of sponsors as soon as possible so AAU can start cutting out the letters. (open)
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - not available for report
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - nothing to report
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Nothing to report.
18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Not active
C. Old Business
1. Operating Manuals - Deede Wayne. These have been ordered along with the patches. (closed)
D. New Business:
E. Next Meeting: Feb 11th, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn.
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
A. Minutes from the JAN 14th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - Tryouts this weekend. We still need more volunteers. (info)
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Nothing to report
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- nothing to report
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) - not reported
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - not reported.
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - Not reported at this meeting. (Open)
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - Not reported at this meeting. (Open)
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Not reported at this meeting.
6. Registration (POC: Mike/Al) - Registration is over. Diane Covey has been approached by some teen league players wanting to know if it is still too late to sign up. (Open)
7. Tryouts (POC: Mike/Al) - Tryouts are this weekend. We still need volunteers.
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - Not reported at this meeting.. (Open)
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - Managers for the following leagues were voted on and approved: Major league, Minor A, Minor B and T-ball. The Managers meeting is Jan 24th at 6:30 pm and is mandatory for all managers. Little League will pay the entire fee for managers to attend the coaches clinic. We will pay half for all coaches and everyone else is full price.
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - Nothing to report.
11. Equipment (POC: Beau) - Not reported at this meeting. (open)
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Nothing to report for regular concessions. There was an idea thrown out about having concessions at tryouts. Currently the concession stand at the Softball complex is not stocked or ready for operation. Les Stevens thought he might know of a vendor that would be willing to come out. (open)
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - Nothing to report
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - not available for report
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - nothing to report
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Nothing to report.
18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Not active
C. Old Business
1. Operating Manuals - Deede Wayne. These have been ordered along with the patches. (open)
D. New Business:
1. New Board Member: One new board member was voted in tonight - Les Stevens
2. Agenda Items - Notify Deede Wayne to place items on the agenda.
E. Next Meeting: Feb 4th, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn.
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
A. Minutes from the Dec 17th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written with the following addition: 8 year old west tournament will be held in Baker and 8 year old east tournament will be held in Shalimar.
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - Reviewed January. Players' clinic is this weekend 19-20 Feb at the Major League field. (info)
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Patti passed around our current budget. (Attached) Our current balance is $26,744.66.
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- nothing to report
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) - not reported
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - not reported.
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - The fence is still not up and may not be up in time for the players' clinic this weekend. If not, we will have to consider an alternate site. (Open)
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - Greg presented two bids for the improvements. (Attached.) Contractor #1 bid 27,400 and proposal was very detailed. Contractor #2 bid $24,500 and was not as detailed. Heavy discussion ensued weighing the pros and cons of both. Topics discussed were labor/material costs; deadlines; dedication to the project; perceived expertise/capability to complete project as envisioned and details of proposals. After all discussion was exhausted, the board voted 13-2 in favor of contractor #1. Approval was given for down payment and initiation of improvements with a completion date of 1 Mar 02. (Open)
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Mike submitted the following packages to Little League for approval. The package has come back. Bob Mathers has it and will make the minor corrections necessary. (Open)
6. Registration (POC: Mike/Al) - We have approximately 674 total players signed up. We plan to have a late registration at the parents' meeting. (Open)
7. Tryouts (POC: Mike/Al) - Nothing to report. Will present at next meeting
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - Rene McGlockton presented the status of opening day preparations. She presented a proposal by the Climbing Wall/Screaming Boney vendor. The total cost for the entire day would be $2200. This would be for a six hour period and would be included in the $10 bracelet. He would need a $550 deposit to reserve the day and he is flexible in case of a rain date. He is covered by his own insurance and provides personnel to run the attractions. For opening day, bracelets will be available for $10 per person (2 for $15/3 for $20) and they will be good for every event. There will be individual tickets on sale for those who don't want to buy the bracelet. They plan to have 10-12 activities for the opening day festivities. After a discussion period, a motion was made, seconded and Climbing Wall/Screaming Boney vendor was approved. (Open)
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - Nothing to report
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - Nothing to report except Umpire clinic 9-10 Feb
11. Equipment (POC: Beau) - Due to other pressing agenda items, this was not discussed. Lana Wood was approached by Sports Country to set up a concession during tryouts to sell baseball equipment. Beau will contact them and see what they can offer us in return. (open)
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Nothing to report
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - Nothing to report
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - not available for report
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - nothing to report
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Nothing to report except for the 8 year old tournament as reported above.
18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Not active
C. Old Business
1. Operating Manuals - Deede Wayne. These can be ordered in January along with the patches. (open)
D. New Business:
1. Rodney Dutton resigned his position on the board. We wish him the best of luck. (info)
2. New Board Members: Two new board members were voted in tonight. a. Brad Schneider b. Don Boyer (info)
E. Next Meeting: Jan 21, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn. Deede will contact absent board members to ensure notification.
DEEDE WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
A. Minutes from the Dec 17th meeting were reviewed and accepted as written.
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review (POC: Mike R.) - Reviewed January.
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - We took in about $21,000 at the Jan 5th registration.
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- The executive committee discussed the following equipment purchases prior to the meeting: L-style pitching screens for use during batting practice. It was decided we needed eight. We also looked at portable style batting cages for use at Twin Oaks. Projected cost is approximately $5,250. The board voted and approved the purchase of the equipment. Beau Schreiber has been given purchasing approval not to exceed the estimated cost. He will research the best deal and report at the next meeting. (open: POC - Beaus)
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/) -
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - Gary is going to check if the $5,000 budgeted for park maintenance is for the fiscal year or calendar year.
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - The prison detail was not available for the scheduled workday. A few board members spent the 5th sanding and rustproofing the poles. There will be another workday on the 12th to finish painting the poles. The welder is scheduled to be there on the 8th. All the materials are on site. (Open)
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - Total cost estimates for all improvements at the major league field is $28,000. This includes all materials, bathroom and pressbox renovations, concrete slab, A/C & plumbing. Gary Wood suggested approaching the school board and getting a memorandum of agreement that Little League would have priority use of the fields due to the major financial investment being made. We would also like to have in writing that there is no plans in the long term future to renovate that area for another use. We are going to get a couple more estimates and the board will vote on it. We have voted that we would like the renovations done all at once in time for the season. (Open)
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Mike submitted the following packages to Little League for approval. The package has come back. Bob Mathers has it and will make the minor corrections necessary. (Open)
6. Registration (POC: Mike/Al) - We had approximately 240 sign up on the 5th. That brings our total up to 430. We expect at least 250 on the 12th. Late registration will be available at the parents' meeting on the 15th. Mike passed around the sign up sheet so everyone knew when they were working. The signs have been moved to attract attention. (Open)
7. Tryouts (POC: Mike/Al) - Nothing to report. Will present at next meeting
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - Rene McGlockton presented the status of opening day preparations. They have started accepting gifts for the raffle donations. They will be presenting donators with a donation letter and a tax deduction letter. They are bringing the list of business to the next meeting and the names will be shared with the board to help with solicitation of donations. Cody Landsverk will be recognized on opening day. The details have not been ironed out. Suggestions have been the Angel in the outfield and having his brother through out the first pitch. If his past team would like to have Cody's initial sewn on their hats in remembrance, this has been approved by the board. (Open)
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - Player agent meeting directly following board meeting.
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - Nothing to report except Umpire clinic 9-10 Feb
11. Equipment (POC: Beau) - Due to Mike Clement's resignation, Beau Schreiber has agree to take over equipment management. Lana Wood was approache by Sports Country to set up a concession during tryouts to sell baseball equipment. Beau will contact them and see what they can offer us in return. (open)
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Not available for report
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - Not available for report
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene Hill) - Rene Hill is working on the packets. Once the managers have selected their team mom, she will be notified and have a meeting. She will be available for assistance to the new team moms.
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - Patti has sent out 60-75 sponsor letters. We have already received payment from some sponsors. Please encourage all sponsors to pay early.
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Tri County did not get any tournaments this year. The tournament break down is as follows:
8 yo East - Shalimar - 22 Jun 8 yo West - Baker - 22 Jun 9 yo East - RL Turner - 22 Jun 9 yo West - Baker - 22 Jun 10 yo East - Destin - 6 Jul (sanctioned) 10 yo West - Baker - 6 Jul (sanctioned) 11 yo East - Shalimar - 22 Jun 11 yo West - Niceville - 22 Jun 12 yo East - RL Turner - 6 Jul (sanctioned) 12 yo West - Niceville - 6 Jul (sanctioned) We also got the 13 & 14 yo district and state tournament at Niceville. More to follow as the time gets closer.18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Not active
C. Old Business
1. Donation certificates - This was covered in opening day items. (closed)
2. Operating Manuals - Deede Wayne. These can be ordered in January along with the patches. (open)
3. Batting cages/Pitching screens - This was covered under executive board business. (closed)
D. New Business:
1. Mike Clements resigned his position on the board to take a board position on the Traveling Team. We wish him the best of luck. (info)
2. Pitching mounds for Twin Oaks - A question was raised why we could not use dirt mounds at Twin Oaks instead of the portable ones. The explanation was dirt kill the sod to an extent that it can't be brought back for soccer. PAL soccer considers it a safety hazard to continually resod the fields and it makes for an uneven playing surface. If we get a different type of pitching mound, we have to make sure it is Little League approved or our insurance will not cover it.
E. Next Meeting: Jan 14, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn. Deede will contact absent board members to ensure notification.
DEEDE A. WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
A. Minutes from the Dec 3 meeting were reviewed and accepted with the following corrections:
1. The Val-p City Councilman is Joe Caudill (not Baughman).
2. The fencing project was approved in full at the 18 Nov meeting (not the exec board). The cost was not to exceed $15K.
Addition: Greg Hasty volunteered to oversee Major League improvements (bathrooms/pressbox).
B. Review of Standard Agenda Items:
1. Calendar Review - Mike R.
2. Budget Review (POC: Patti) - Nothing to Report
3. Exec Committee (POC: Bob/Deede)- The executive committee voted on and approved the following items (due to lack of quorum):
a. Elected Greg Rackley and Don Head to be co-player agents for Minor C and T-Ball.
b. $3,000 for plumbing and A/C improvements to the Major League facilities.
c. The list of volunteer umpires presented by Ron Covey. (List attached).
d. Ken Marchman as assistant head umpire.
4. Fields/Grounds/Facility maintenance (POC:Clay/Ricky/Greg) -
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/Mike Clements) - The school insurance covers injuries for injuries that were not Little League sports related.
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood) - Bumper stoppers have been placed in the parking lot and painted yellow. We are looking to put in poles with ropes to designate parking from the stands and allow for a pedestrian bypass. Bathroom renovations are supposed to start before Christmas. Aluminum cross bars for the lights would cost about $1,000. Gary is going to check if the $5,000 budgeted for park maintenance is for the fiscal year or calendar year.
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman) - The prison detail will be working 21 Dec. The will be taking down the fencing and sanding poles. We will need another work day to paint the poles. We will need to add additional poles. We will be clearing the scrub for the batting cage.
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) - Greg presented ideas and a rough sketch (attached) of what needs to be done. He would like to add storage between the existing school storage and the bathrooms. This can be done utilizing the existing walls. He would like to also pour concrete between the dugouts and the bathrooms. This would clean this area up immensely. The top floor on the concession stand needs to be totally gutted and redone to be utilized. It would cost approximately $3,000 for the plumbing and A/C. This amount was approved by the executive committee so work can begin immediately. Greg estimates approximately $15,000 to complete the rest of the renovations. He is looking for a contractor that would be responsible for overseeing the rest of the work and ensuring proper permits are issued. Greg will come back in January with a written money proposal. Bob Mathers is going to meet with James Campbell on 18 Dec to approach Niceville with an improvement plan to see what they can do to help us reach our goal.
5. Rules (POC: Mike/Al) - Mike submitted the following packages to Little League for approval: Our local rules; Common Pool draft method request; application for interleague play; application for special games and constitution amendments. He also went over all star tournament team eligibility requirements. All players must submit an original birth certificate. He recommends that managers let parents know of this requirement to allow for time to order an original. Proof of residency will require a driver's license, utility bill and be mapped within city boundaries.
6. Registration (POC: Mike/Al) - Excellent first registration! The total count was 185. Thank you to all that worked, with special thanks to those who pulled a double-shift and the spouses and non-board members who helped (Anne Samac & Bonnie Brooks). All players have been entered in the data base. We need to push hard again for the Jan 5th registration so we're not overwhelmed on the 12th. A survey of how people were notified of registration showed the mailers and signs were most significant in notification.
7. Tryouts (POC: Mike/Al) - Nothing to report
8. Opening Day (POC: Dennis) - Not available for report
9. Managers (POC: Gary) - Player agent meeting directly following board meeting.
10. Umpires (POC: Gary/Ron) - The executive board voted to approve the list of volunteer umpires presented by Ron Covey. (List attached) These umpires were added to the list of District 1 Umpires to umpire Niceville games. According the Rule book the President must appoint with the approval of the board Umpires. Little League will not cover any Umpire that is not approved. Dennis Lawson (District 1 Umpire Consultant) has talked to Bob and he understand the latest clarification from LL. It is a no- cost item for the league, but would enables them to be covered when and if they call some games for us this year.
11. Equipment (POC: Mike C) - Not available for report
12. Concessions (POC: Greg) - Nothing to report
13. Uniforms (POC: Wayne/J Hughes) - Not available for report
14. Team Moms (POC: Rene) - Nothing to report
15. Sponsors (POC: Darren/Patti/Steve Rogers) - Not available for report
16. Closing Ceremonies - Not assigned
17. Tournaments (POC: Al) - Nothing to report
18. Fund Raising (POC: Beau) - Gary Wood suggested that we have a long-term strategic plan for what we want to accomplish and tie this to future fundraising events.
C. Old Business
1. Elect positions/committees: Greg Rackley and Donald Head have agreed to be the co-Player Agents for Minor C and Tee-Ball - Approved by Executive board (closed)
2. Off-season projects: These items covered in standard agenda items under fields/grounds/facility maintenance.
a. Batting Cage (Bob Mathers/Wayne Carver/Mike Clements)
b. Valparaiso Improvements (Gary Wood)
c. Major League back stop/fencing (Darren McDorman)
d. Major League facility improvements (Greg Hasty) (closed)
3. Equipment turn-in - Mike - not available. This item will be covered in standard agenda items. (closed)
4. Donation certificates - Patti Baker (open)
5. Operating Manuals - Deede Wayne. These can be ordered in January along with the patches. (open)
6. Major league repairs - Air conditioning/Bathrooms/Pressbox . This item will be covered in the standard agenda items under fields/grounds/facility maintenance. (closed)
D. New Business:
1. Parent volunteers - We are looking at ways to get more parent volunteers. A few ways are to post on the web pager, word of mouth and constructing an e-mail group from the registration lists. (info)
2. Batting cages/Pitching screens - Gary Wood brought up the necessity of having mobile batting cages and pitching screens for the practice fields. This would be a safety initiative that should be closely looked at. Pricing will be researched (open: POC - ????)
E. Next Meeting: Jan 7, 2002 @ 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn
DEEDE A. WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
1. Minutes were not available for the Nov 18 meeting.
2. Old business
A. Off Season Projects:
1. Batting Cage - The funds for this project has been approved. Mr. Varner needs to approve the site and then concrete can be poured. We need to ensure the safety net placement prevents ricocheting balls. We still need to get written agreements to resolve usage terms, ownership and liability issues. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
2. Funding for Valparaiso improvements - The city council member assigned to this project is Joe Caudill. The following items have been identified as a priority:
a. bathroom remodeling
b. lights - Tony Hill is making the arrangements
c. landscaping - One of the board members suggested that Rick VanDyke would be a good source to let us know what needs to be done. (open: POC - Gary Wood)
3. Back stop fence at the Major League field. - The final proposal was presented and approved at the Nov 18 meeting. (open: POC - Darren McDorman)
B. Equipment: Mike Clements was not available for an update (open: POC - Mike Clements)
C. Operating Manuals - Terri Turansky sent an e-mail to Deede Wayne stating that the new manuals cannot be ordered until Jan 2002. We also order the patches for all leagues and the books that we pass out to managers and umpires. Deede will look in the files for the old paperwork and bring it to the next meeting. (open: POC - Deede Wayne)
D. Donation Certificates - We need to create a donation certificate to present to sponsors/vendors that donate time/supplies for improvements. This will enable them to deduct the items on their taxes. (open: POC - Patti Baker)
E. Registration - Mike did a complete review of the forms and signed volunteers up for all registrations. The first one is this Saturday, 8 Dec at the Ruckel Middle School. (open: POC - Mike Rarick
3. New Business:
A. Manager's Clinic - There was major discussions on if the league should pay for the manager's clinic and half for the coaches or should we make them pay their own registration fee. A vote was taken and it was decided that since we were making it mandatory for managers and highly suggested for coaches, we would pay for all manager's and half of the coaches fee. (closed)
B. Rules Committee - The local rules were approved as written with discussion on the following topics:
1. Manager Suspensions - Any manager/coach ejected from the game is automatically suspended for his/her team's next physically played game.
2. Time limits - The wording will be changed to read more clearly and better define when a new inning can be played.
3. Balls hitting the pitching machine - In the interest of player safety, the rules committee decided to maintain the dead ball rule when it hits the pitching machine.
4. Infield players - no infield player may play closer than 30 feet away from the batter for safety reasons.
5. Eligibility of all-star players - clarification of player selection after the top ten have been named to the all-star team. The manager must fill the remaining 2-4 positions from the list of eligible players in that age group.
C. Opening Day - The Opening Day committee met last Sunday and the following items were discussed:
1. Start the parade at Lewis. Use the football practice field to organize vehicles. This will help as a safety issue. Will need to discuss with Valp/NV PD's.
2. Sell bracelets for $10.00 per kid for opening day. This will allow the kid to participate in all activities. The only stipulation would be you can only win in the cake walk twice. We will sell individual tickets also for those that don't buy the bracelet.
3. We feel that we need a good PA system and a disc jockey type to keep info going all day. This should help with info, activities, and job time slots.
4. We did decide to continue with the cookout and hope to organize it so the waiting line won't be so long.
4. Next meeting: Dec 17, 2001 at 6:30 pm at the Holiday Inn Express
DEEDE A. WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
Minutes not available.
1. Minutes from the Oct 21th meeting were accepted as with the following corrections.
A. Simply the Best clinics are run by John McFatter. The players' clinics are on 19 & 20 Jan.
B. The Valparaiso fields are being overseeded with rye grass.
2. Old business
A. Candy Lady - In depth discussion was held on whether we need to have this fundraiser. Bo Schreiber is going to present a strategy and how the funds should be used. Patti Baker will have the budget for the next meeting. After Bo's presentation, we will vote on this project. (open: POC - Bo Schreiber)
B. Election of Positions and Committees:
1. Concessions - Greg Hasty
2. Umpire Committee Chairman - Gary Wood
3. Teen League Player Agent - Diane Covey
4. Major League Player Agent - Mike Rarick and Al Vafides
5. Minor A Player Agent - Randy Sims
6. Minor B Player Agent - Patrick and Deede Wayne
7. T-Ball Player Agent - Patti will ask Don Head
C. Board Member Recruitment - The following people were nominated and accepted as board members: Curtis Rackley, Billy Cooper, Ellen Schreiber, Dennis Criddle and J Hughes. This brings our membership to 30.
D. Off Season Projects:
1. Sod at Valparaiso field - We need one more workday for this project to be complete. The 3rd base coaches box, bullpens and the pinching mound needs work. Gary Wood has volunteered to take care of this. (closed)
2. Batting Cage - This item is still open due to the absence of Bob Mathers. Don Varner, Edge principle, approved placement of the batting cage at the major league field. The only he asks is to be included in the planning of the project. Wayne Carver and Mike Clements will hammer out the details. It was addressed that the cage needs to be fenced in to keep out non-players and for safety reasons (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
3. Funding for Valparaiso improvements - The city council member assigned to this project is Joe Beauman. The following items have been identified as a priority:
a. bathroom remodeling
b. lights - Tony Hill is making the arrangements
c. landscaping - One of the board members suggested that Rick VanDyke would be a good source to let us know what needs to be done. (open: POC - Gary Wood)
4. Back stop fence at the Major League field. - Darren received a quote from Niceville Fence of $14,000 to make all the improvements requested. This would include replacing the backstop, putting up new fence by the bullpen. We have an option of either moving the fence back or raising it. Moving it would be difficult due to the large tree in center field and some utility boxes just beyond the fence. Ron Covey is going to verify the fence requirements should we get a tournament. The City of Niceville would issue the permits. The final proposal will be presented at the next meeting. (open: POC - Darren McDorman)
D. Equipment: Mike Clements was not available for an update (open: POC - Mike Clements)
E. Milestone Chart: This chart is now posted on the Web page. The web site has been renewed for $191.52. All members should have a copy of the calendar with them at each meeting. Any comments should be addressed at the board meetings. (closed)
F. Executive Board: This is still open. In addition to the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer as executive board members, Bob Mathers has appointed Mike Rarick as a general member. He will have the other two names at the next meeting. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
G. Operating Manuals - Terri Turansky sent an e-mail to Deede Wayne stating that the new manuals cannot be ordered until Jan 2002. We also order the patches for all leagues and the books that we pass out to managers and umpires. Deede will look in the files for the old paperwork and bring it to the next meeting. (open: POC - Deede Wayne)
H. Combinations to locks - The combinations have been changed at all fields. The combos will be given out during the off-season on a need to know basis only (closed)
The following items were not discussed at this meeting due to time constraints and are still open.
I. Donation Certificates - We need to create a donation certificate to present to sponsors/vendors that donate time/supplies for improvements. This will enable them to deduct the items on their taxes. (open: POC - Patti Baker)
3. New Business:
A. Registration - All three dates have been reserved at Ruckel. The paperwork is in the process. The Turkey Creek sign has been reserved.
B. Parents Meeting - The parents' meeting has been moved to Jan 15, 2002. The Niceville Community Center has been reserved and the paperwork is in the process.
C. District Meeting - Diane Covey represented us at this meeting. The biggest news she brought back was each league is being charge $100 per year for the next 3 years for field improvements. This charge will be included with our assessment fees.
4. Next meeting: Nov 18, 2001 4:00 to 6:00 pm, place to be announced.
DEEDE A. WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
1. Bob Mathers opened the meeting by introducing Donald Jones with the Candy Lady fund raising organization. Mr. Jones gave the board a sales pitch and answered questions. The board had limited discussion on the merits of the fundraiser. This item was tabled to allow board members to think on it and vote at the next meeting. (open: POC - Bob Mathers.
2. Minutes from the Oct 8th meeting were accepted as written.
3. Old business
A. Election of Positions and Committees:
1. Fields/Grounds: Clay Elliott and Rick Early
2. Concessions: This item will have to be reassigned with the sudden resignation of the Turanskys
3. Uniforms - Wayne Carver
B. Board Member Recruitment - Two people were nominated and accepted as board members. Donald Head and Steve Rogers. This puts us at 25 board members.
C. Off Season Projects:
1. Sod at Valparaiso field - The work day went well. The next work day is 28 Oct. The field will be overseeded and fertilized with Rye seed. The city of Valparaiso is responsible for mowing. (open: POC - Mike Rarick)
2. Batting Cage - Don Varner, Edge principle, approved placement of the batting cage at the major league field. The only he asks is to be included in the planning of the project. Wayne Carver and Mike Clements will hammer out the details. It was addressed that the cage needs to be fenced in to keep out non-players and for safety reasons (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
3. Funding for Valparaiso improvements - The city council member (Joe) assigned to this project has not returned phone calls. Gary Wood will keep trying. Gary will compile and prioritize the list of improvements. (open: POC - Gary Wood)
4. Back stop fence at the Major League field. Darren is going to meet this week with Mark from Niceville Fence to get recommendations and cost estimates for repairs to the fence. Also included in the survey will be the options in moving the outfield fence back to make a regulation size field. We would also like to have pitching warm up spots on both sides. The Valparaiso field will also be surveyed for repairs, especially to the dugout doors. The Valparaiso repairs will be given to Gary Wood for inclusion on his list. (open: POC - Darren McDorman)
D. Equipment: Mike Clements was not available for an update (open: POC - Mike Clements)
E. Simply the best clinics by Jon McFatter: Jon McFatter has given us the dates of Feb 2, 2002 for a coach's clinic and Feb 17, 2002 for pitching clinic. He would like to have a two day players clinic on 19 & 20 Jan. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
F. Milestone Chart: Mike Rarick put together a tentative schedule of events for the 2002 season. He recommended a Sat start for the tournament to reduce the problem of limited fields. He also suggested an early registration in Dec with a $5 fee reduction as an incentive for early registration. This would give a head start on manager/coach selection. Board members are to look the schedule over and bring comments/suggestions to the next meeting. (open: POC - Mike Rarick)
G. Executive Board: In addition to the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer as executive board members, Bob Mathers has appointed Mike Rarick as a general member. He will have the other two names at the next meeting. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
4. New Business:
A. Wish list for field/grounds improvements - All recommended improvements should be sent to Clay Elliott and Rick Early. (closed)
B. Donation Certificates - We need to create a donation certificate to present to sponsors/vendors that donate time/supplies for improvements. This will enable them to deduct the items on their taxes. (open: POC - Patti Baker)
C. Operating Manuals - Gary Wood has some that he will bring to the next meeting. Deede Wayne will look for the order information from last year and determine the process for ordering new ones. (open: POC - Deede Wayne)
D. Combinations to locks - A motion was made that the lock combinations need to be changed. Some of the combinations can't be changed due to sharing facilities with PAL soccer. This will be accomplished when we take over the concession stands. The appropriate people will be notified. (closed)
E. Resignations - Dave and Terri Turansky have tendered their resignation due to Dave accepting a new position requiring a relocation to Lexington, Kentucky. (info)
5. Next meeting: Nov 4, 2001 4:00 to 5:30 pm, place to be announced.
DEEDE A. WAYNE Secretary, NVLL
1. Bob Mathers opened the meeting by stating some of his goals for this year.
a. Pressbox and bathroom renovations at the Niceville Major league park
b. Light installation, bathroom renovation and landscaping at the Valparaiso field
2. Bob asked that all board members carry a notepad or some method of keeping track of ideas to bring to meetings.
3. Lowell Devall asked to be recognized and had several issues to bring up. All of these items were addressed and discussed.
a. Machine Pitch: Mr Devall requested that umpires be the ones to place the balls in the machines for both teams instead of the coaches. This would eliminate unfair advantages and coaches trying to manipulate ball placement. It would provide an impartial person to adjust the machine and would not lend an advantage to either team.
b. All star selection: Mr Devall was concerned that a player was not selected to an all star team because his parents were not liked. He was reassured that children were not picked based on a parent's relationship with the coaches.
c. Dead balls after hitting the pitching machine: He felt the rules should be changed to allow these to be singles.
d. Kids playing up during the season and down during tournament: He felt that kids felt a player's ability was compromised when he/she had to play at the appropriate age level during tournament play. It was explained to him that league rules require children to play at their age group because they were not allowed to play up. Players that have the ability to play up can do so during regular season.
e. Volunteer umpires must know the rules of the game.
4. Little League World Series report: Mike Rarick had the opportunity to attend the Little League World Series. He had a fabulous time. The fields were in excellent condition, they had great facilities to accommodate the teams, and cameras surrounded the field just like a televised major league game. Their players were just like our kids. He would like for us to support a team (or two) to go.
5. Meeting formats - Deep discussions occurred regarding the format of the meetings and general atmosphere.
a. Al Vafides requested that the meetings be conducted in a more business like fashion. The president needs to open the meeting, start off with the action items, get a progress report and then move on. We need to stick to the agenda items. Announce the item, allow for discussion: each person gets one minute to express their views, then vote on that item. We need to designate a time keeping mechanism to limit extended discussions. Gary Wood would like to see a time limit set for meetings, 2 hours at the most. Committees tasked with projects need to be prepared with recommendations for the board at the next meeting. A constant problem with last year's board was committees not completing projects in a timely manner or not doing the required work to keep the project moving. Bob Mathers recognizes that some committees did not follow through on their taskings. He can take a hard line approach but recognizes that the board is made up of volunteers and wants to ensure that members are not run off by a harsher approach. It was decided by all board members to set a time limit on meetings and to limit discussions on topics. Each meeting will start off with a report on action items by the responsible committees.
6. Election of Positions and Committees:
a. Player Agents: Mike Rarick & Al Vafides will represent the Major League. They will recruit the other player agents. These player agents will also represent the Rules Committee.
b. Safety Officer: Greg Hasty
c. Information Officer: Mike Rarick
d. Equipment: Mike Clements
e. Fields/Grounds: No appointment yet
f. Concessions: Terri Turansky will oversee all concessions stands. She will designate individual POCs for Valparaiso field, Major League field and Twin Oaks.
g. Uniforms - Wayne Carver will consider this position
h. Team Mom Coordinator - Rene Hill
i. Opening Day - Dennis Samac
j. Umpires - Gary Wood
6. Board Member Recruitment - We are looking at advertising for volunteers/board members. Current board members are encouraged to search for motivated individuals that will have a commitment to doing the work required.
7. Off Season Projects:
a. Sod at Valparaiso field - Gary Wood, Greg Hasty, Darren McDorman and Mike Rarick laid sod at the Valparaiso field last weekend. They need to schedule another work day (2 hrs at the most) to sand and roll the sod so it will take. Mike will send out an e-mail request for the 12th & 13th. (open: POC - Mike Rarick)
b. Batting Cage - Wayne Carver said he has the netting for the new batting cage. We need to decide where we are going to put it up. The leading option is at the Major League field. We will need someone to put of the support posts. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
c. Funding for Valparaiso improvements - Gary Wood met with City Council tonight and got a commitment from Mayor Arnold to improve the Valparaiso field. It is not an option to completely tear everything down and start over. They ask that we compartmentalize the improvements. Mayor Arnold has assigned a city council member to survey the field with Gary Wood and report back to the council on recommended improvements. Our recommendations are in this order: bathrooms, put up donated lights, parking lot safety, landscaping. (open: POC - Gary Wood)
d. Back stop fence at the Major League field. This fence is in dire need of replacement. Darren McDorman is meeting with Niceville Fence company to get an estimate. (open: POC - Darren McDorman)
e. Twin Oaks - Lana Wood requested that ramps be installed at the Twin Oaks concession to facilitate restocking. Also, Deede Wayne raised a safety issue with the front step to the concession stand. Several fans took spills off that front step when departing the stand.
8. Equipment: Mike Clements said he still needs equipment from 20 managers from last year. He will send out another e-mail and contact those people. (open: POC - Mike Clements)
9. Simply the best clinics by John McFadden: John McFadden has given us the dates of Feb 2, 2002 for a player's clinic and Feb 17, 2002 for pitching clinic. There is some question if one of these is intended to be a coaches clinic. We need to make sure the coaches clinic is held after coach selection as they are required to attend. Bob will double check the clinics. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
10. Milestone Chart: Gary Wood/Mike Rarick suggested that we get a milestone chart. It will document where we are and where we are going. It will set a timeline for project completion. (open: POC - )
11. Web site renewal: Mike Rarick requested approval to renew our web site. Motion was made and approved by all board members to renew the license and make necessary improvement. (closed)
12. Executive Board: The executive board is formulated in the event that a quorum is not reached at the scheduled meetings or in emergency situations that prohibit calling a meeting. This board will consist of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and 3 general members. These member will be identified in a future meeting. (open: POC - Bob Mathers)
13. Next meeting: Oct 21, 2001 4:00 to 5:30 pm at the River of Life Church.
DEEDE A. WAYNE Secretary, NVLL