Meeting Minutes 04/15/08

Meeting Minutes

Capital District Senior Softball League
April 15, 2008

Mike Rager called the meeting to order at the American Legion Post No. 1450 of Clifton Park/Halfmoon at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were: Barry Plunkett, Lenny LoFrisco, Wally Lozano, Bill Kloc, Jack Postulka, Gary Hunter, Brad Buchan, Jerry Smith, Lloyd DeMaranville, Jay Campbell, Ron VanDenburgh, Al Schmidt, Clarence Vivlamore, Jon Olson, Eric Bohnet, Earl Herchenroder, Ray Vallee, George Laya, Tom Ricci.

Mike Rager requested that the voting principals identify themselves and the teams they represent for meeting agenda voting purposes: Spagnola: Clickner - Jack Postulka, Anaconda – Wally Lozano, Ravenswood – Gary Hunter, Sportsmans Club – Brad Buchan, RV Amer. Ins. – Bill Kloc. Falzo: Lloyd DeMaranville, rep. Rich Pavone, Jay Campbell, Acting/Temp. Div. Rep. Craig: Best Paving – Ray Vallee, American Legion - Eric Bohnet, Seton Health – Len LoFrisco, Personal Cov. Ins. – Tom Ricci.

Mike confirmed the sad news reported in the 3/25 minutes concerning Bob McCarroll’s passing.

Secretary’s Report

Barry Plunkett reviewed the minutes of the March 25, 2008 meeting as published on the website. The minutes as reviewed were accepted without revision, correction, or amendment. Len Lofrisco moved the minutes be approved (Lloyd DeMaranville seconded); the motion was approved 11 – 0 without dissent.

Treasurer’s Report

Clarence Vivlamore presented and distributed copies of his self-explanatory report for the period of 3/26/08 – 4/15/08. The league balance as of 3/26/08 was $17,691.39. Income for the period of 3/26/08 – 4/15/08 was $1,911.39. Total expenses for the period 3/26/08 – 4/15/08 were $2,759.87. The league balance as of 4/15/08 is $16,351.52. A copy of Clarence’s report is incorporated and made a part of these minutes. Clarence further reported that two additional future expenses would have to be incurred to have accountant, Ron Sumulku complete and file the NYS Sales Tax Exemption Certificate application and the Form 990 in connection with the league not for profit Federal Income Tax exemption. Mike Rager stated the additional expense fees were necessary and authorized same. Jerry Smith confirmed that he expected these charges to be reasonable as Ron Sumulku had handled all of our incorporation papers, had done a fine job, and that we are familiar with his work and his charges are reasonable for us.

Barry Plunkett moved the report and additional future expenses as authorized by Mike Rager be approved (Jay Campbell seconded); the motion was approved 11-0 without dissent. Copies of Clarence’s report will be provided to anyone upon request.

Committee Reports:

Banquet

Wally Lozano and Clarence Vivlamore reported that there are three candidates: American Legion Post #1450, Crossgates Restaurant and Michaels Restaurant. Wally stated that with the MVP Gold sponsorship imminent, quality was necessary in considering price and securing good accommodations for value. Wally advised MVP Gold executives would attend and we would provide 6 guest tickets and speaking opportunities. Bill Kloc stated MVP Gold would be involved in the League Hall of Fame project and would power point present on this, with plaques and HOF commerative biography booklets being presented to the inductees and some sort of honoree brochures for attendees and guests.

Wally and Mike renewed the concern that the earlier the booking the better for an October date and Wally stated he and Clarence would secure price lists and report back to Mike for review before presenting at the next league meeting

Sponsors

MVP Gold – Wally Lozano repeated all of the points he detailed in the 3/25 minutes and stated the sponsorship agreement was being worked on and completed for signature as he spoke. He stated the MVP Gold check presentation ceremony was scheduled for Opening Day on 4/26 with full media coverage at 10:45 a.m. before the start of the second game. Wally stated that this was the present plan subject to last minute changes by MVP Gold.

Wally outlined details on work for an MVP Gold – CDSSL logo and the uniform jerseys and hats for the All-Star Div. and Traveling Teams.

Tom Ricci advised Mike Rager that Paul Wade was sending in his sponsor’s fee and Gary Hunter advised that Ravenswood Restaurant was a committed sponsor and would tender their fee in the near future. Jerry Smith advised that Dennis Walpole was sponsoring the fifth team in the Spagnola Div. – RV America Ins. and had paid the fee. Jerry Smith moved that Wally’s Report on MVP Gold be accepted (Len LoFrisco seconded); the motion was approved 11-0 without dissent.

Grounds and Equipment and Grant

Jerry Smith repeated the details he outlined at the 3/25/08 meeting concerning field prep and maintenance. Jerry pulled no punches in stating that the Town of Clifton Park would strictly enforce its no alcohol on the grounds rule. If violated, the field use permit would be permanently revoked without exception.

Jerry stated the fields should be ready for the tryouts Sat. 4/19 and Opening Day. He stated that due to employment constraints his schedule would not permit him to prep all the fields but he would train two persons from each Div. to do it. It involves quite a bit of work and attention to detail to do it and do it right in handling the tractor accessory equipment and drags. Jerry stated when he was around he would pitch in and help whenever asked to do so.

Jerry outlined the schedule for uniform jerseys and hats and stated the new ones for RV Amer. Ins. and Normark will be ready for Opening Day. Further, Jerry stated the grant was in the final stage, the NYS budget having been passed and we await to see what if anything we shall receive for 2008.

Player Personnel – Safety Course

Bill Kloc reported the Spagnola Div. had completed their draft and formed teams to open the season. The rosters would be posted on the website.

Bill reported the Falzo Div. had completed a preliminary draft and would complete same after the tryouts 4/19 in order to finalize team rosters. Completed rosters would be transmitted to Len LoFrisco and published on the website. Bill stated there was no reserve list this year.

Bill then outlined the AED and equipment available for player safety. He said the certification needed to be renewed and he would try to secure the services of Brent of the Ballston Lake Fire Dept. to teach the re-certification program. Bill said the course cost would be up from the $20.00 previously set in view of new instructions and the need to purchase new course books. Bill said that at least two or more members from each team should be trained and available for all games. Jack Postulka asked that the league consider absorbing the fees and Mike Rager agreed.

Rules and Umpires

Len LoFrisco stated that as outlined in the 3/25/08 meeting minutes he had met with the three Division Reps. and that Craig and Falzo did not want any changes from last season. He met with Jerry Smith and worked out that Len would retain umpire assignments for 2008 but Len would keep the people in the Spagnola Div. there to avoid game delays. Len stated he would make sure that the skill and experience levels were kept equal and shared fairly for all three Divisions.

Len then made a motion to give outside umpires $30.00 per game if they worked the plate for 2 games in the modified format. Jerry Smith seconded. Discussion was had on experience levels and whether a list was prepared. Len said not yet. The vote was taken and the motion was not approved 5-2 (2 abstentions).

Len stated the umpire rating system would remain the same and be followed as was done last year.

Len stated an Umpire Clinic would be conducted on 4/26 – Opening Day at 1:00 p.m. after the second games were completed. Umpires at the clinic will receive rule books.

Division Reports

Falzo Div. – Jay Campbell announced he was now the Temp/Acting Div. Rep. as Kurt Daigel was retiring and not playing in 2008.

Spagnola Div. – Jerry Smith announced the Div. would play a 16 game schedule – playing each team 4 times. They would not play June 7th in view of the Empire Game participation and our sponsorship with MVP Gold. They would not play July 4th or Labor Day Weekend. Memorial Day is temporarily o.k. to play.

Craig Div. – Barry Plunkett reported everything was on schedule for tryouts 4/19; the Div. Draft 4/22/08 at 12:00 noon at the American Legion Post No. 1450, Clifton Park/Halfmoon and Opening Day 4/26/08.

Rainouts

Mike Rager announced the 2008 policy was that if a game was rained out Sat; games will be re-scheduled on Sunday in the event teams can make it. Games must be re-scheduled and completed by the following Sun. unless weather prevents it. Re-scheduled games at 9:00 a.m. Sat. will be at 1:00 p.m. on Sun. and 11:00 a.m. Sat. will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sun.

Jerry Smith will be at the fields at 6:00 a.m. to determine weather constraints on game day (per last year) and will call all Div. Reps., League Pres. and umpires re game status no later than 6:45 a.m.

Wally Lozano stated the league policy has always been to avoid forfeitures and a team must be ready to get a substitute, however, if people can’t make it teams should be flexible this year and exercise good sportsmanship re substitutes in order to play and complete games.

Old Business:

None

New Business:

Gary Hunter made a motion that $25.00 be refunded for Tues. and Thurs. players (out of the $50.00 fee) and that new players coming to the Tues. and Thurs. practices be given one free day and if they like it then be charged $25.00. Gary moved that registrations and waivers be kept in the equipment sheds to sign up new players before they engage in any practice sessions. Brad Buchan seconded. The vote was taken and the motion approved 11 – 0 without dissent.

Mike Rager stated he was advising Treasurer Clarence Vivlamore to commence appropriate refunds to the designated players accordingly.

Gary Hunter then made another motion that players who had paid the $100.00 league Regis. Fee and wished to practice Tues. and Thurs. and be a replacement, reserve or substitute player only for the season that they should be charged $25.000 and a $5.00 per game pro-rated fee and the balance of the $100.00, if any, refunded. Brad Buchan seconded. A vote was taken and the motion was approved 11 – 0 without dissent.

Mike Rager authorized Treasurer Clarence Vivlamore to make refunds at the appropriate time for these designated players.

Pres. Mike Rager then called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Gary Hunter moved to adjourn and Jon Olsen seconded. The meeting was adjourned on unanimous consent of all assembled at 8:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Barry C. Plunkett
Sec./Mgr. of Documents