The meeting, held at Shriners, was called to order by President Ken Shepard at 1:20pm. 

Attending:  VP Frank Lyons, Secretary Ron Giovannucci, George Wacaser, Chuck Cason, Bob D'Angelo, Luis Negrete and Gary Goldberg.  Absent:  Treasurer Mike Mahan.  Member Mike Cox attended as a guest.

 

Treasurer's Report:  The field usage fee was paid for the first half of the season.  Pending expenditures include championship shirts, picture frames, manager's dinner, and pizza day.  Marc Jacobs in lieu of advertising is going to pay for the pizzas.  The manager's dinner may be held at Shriners (600 North Beneva Road).  The Board voted unanimously to require members to pay their registration fee before they can be placed in the draft.  

 

The Board approved the past meeting minutes.

 

Ken will respond to the County in regard to better communication and coordination of field closures.    

 

Registration fee increase was tabled.

 

The pitching screen rule (Rule 6) was misapplied in a Tuesday "C" league game.  The pitcher for the visiting team was removed from pitching by the umpire for failing to get behind the screen after releasing the ball.  The Board conducted an investigation and awarded a forfeit to the visiting team.  Ken pointed out that only the Board can suspend pitching privileges.

 

George discussed the need to recruit new managers.

 

Member Carl Horsley donated two first aid kits to the Association.  They will be located in the storage shed. 

 

George reported the old shed at the 17th Street Park was removed due to being destroyed by the storm.  George removed from the rule that required the winning manager to call in the scores.  The home team manager should call in the scores as indicated on the schedules.

 

George discussed the possibility of a 5 team Gold "B" league for Wednesday.  He will also request input for a new Friday league.

League Coordinators will be collecting used game balls to replace worn out batting practice balls. 

 

Ken replaced batteries and pads for two defibrillators.

 

The Amish/SSSA softball games are scheduled for February 22. 

 

The Venice/Sarasota tournament will be held on March 4.  There will be two Sarasota teams and one from Venice and Englewood.  Players participating must be 70+ years old.  Member Jack Zimmerman is the coordinator and Bob D'Angelo is the Board's point of contact.

 

The County has approved the placement of a storage container for Fruitville Park. 

For informational purposes only, Ump App is a way for members to improve their umpiring skills.  Information will be provided on the website.

Ken passed around an ad for SSSA that was placed in a Knights of Columbus publication by Mike Mahan.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 3:20pm.  The next meeting will be held at Shriners on January 11, 2023, at 1pm.