Floyd Neigh made a motion to research and get a corrected deed for HHSC property.  Jim Fennell seconded; motion carried.

Jim Fennell made a motion to donate $100, same as last year, for the Butler County Youth Field Day.  Terry Morrow seconded; motion carried.

Jim Fennell presented information from the Hunter Safety instructor training session recently held at the club.  The PGC requested the HHSC club sponsored Hunter Safety Course in July be changed to incorporate various skill stations.  This change will allow for hands on training by the attending youth, but will also limit the number of registrations to the first fifty people to register, and registrations must be done online via the PGC website.  An ad will be placed in the Butler Eagle and listed on the website and on the bulletin board.

By written second ballot, member’s sons Tyler Walters, Matt Bauldoff, and Tim Dennis were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Rodney Rhodaberger, second by Frank Rodgers.  Motion carried.

Activities – Ken Geibel reported Fred and Linda Clark has offered to do the games again this year for the family picnic, and that the Rt 8 Dairy Queen will once again donate ice cream for the picnic.

New members Richard Rottman and Troy Bruner were recognized and welcomed.

Greg Putney noted the PA system has been purchased, installed, and is operational.  After much discussion about the purpose and function of the PA system, Lou Bauldoff made a motion to offer the PA system for use to club renters for a $20 fee in addition to the rental fee.  Steve Blatt second; motion carried with two no votes.

Jim Fennell presented highlights of the spring PFSC convention he attended, and made information available downstairs.

By written first ballot, member’s sons Tyler Walters, Matt Bauldoff, and Tim Dennis were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Terry Morrow, second by Ron Gold.  Motion carried.

For personal reasons, Earl Osche resigned as chairman of the Rental committee.  Robert Rhodaberger, current committee member, volunteered to take the chairmanship.

Activities – Ken Geibel reported he has someone willing to replace Earl Osche in buying the gifts for the club family day picnic but needs someone to take care of running the games.

Wildlife – Clayton Geibel reported about 300 bushels of corn were taken without sign out.

Grounds – Ben Morrow requested help for Wednesday night to spread and rake new loads of dirt hauled in.

Greg Putney presented options for the PA system.  Options presented were under $500 and did not need a vote approval.

Terry Morrow made a motion to pay Jim Fennell’s expenses to attend the PFSC spring convention.  Larry Hilderbrand second; motion carried.

Rodney Rhodaberger asked to consider changing the format for the children’s Christmas party.  The members present agreed and the date was set for the Christmas party for December 19, 2008, a Friday night.

By written second ballot, member’s sons Josh Mennor and Russell Bauer, replacement members Richard Rottman, Bernard Rumbaugh, Doug Fennell, Bryan Michel, and Troy Brunner were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Don Sutton Sr., second by Gene Wise.  Motion carried.

Activities – Ken Geibel reported the buckwheat breakfast made $202.00.

Grounds – It was reported that the total for the new building is just under $33,000.

Greg Putney made a motion to donate $100 to the Butler High School Rifle Club, Earl Osche second.  Motion carried.

Ken Geibel reported the audit committee completed the 2007 audit of the club books and found everything in order, including the pop and snack food fund.

It was noted that the club purchased a flag and holder assembly for the new club sponsored Boy Scout troop at a cost of $345.43, and that it will be kept on display at the club.

The club sponsored Cub Scouts will have their 2008 Pinewood Derby at the club on Sunday March 30^th.

Chris Morrow asked the club to consider purchasing four bow and arrow sets for youth.  They will be used for the scouts and to aid in the annual Hunter/Trapper Safety Course.  Jim Fennell made a motion to spend up to $400 for the equipment; Greg Putney seconded.  Motion carried.

Jim Fennell presented four resolutions for approval that will then presented to the PFSC Spring Convention.

By written first ballot, member’s sons Josh Mennor and Russell Bauer, replacement members Richard Rottman, Bernard Rumbaugh, Doug Fennell, Bryan Michel, and Troy Brunner were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by earl Osche, second by Greg Putney.  Motion carried.

Jim Fennell made a motion for the Fenelton church use the club for Easter sunrise service; second by Dave Miller.  Motion carried.

Ted Walker requested and made motion for a fundraiser dinner for McKee Chapel on Saturday march 29^th.  Jim Fennell second; motion carried. 

Archery – Ken Geibel reported the new archery targets are in the garage and will be installed at a later date this spring.

Grounds – It was reported that the total for the new building is just under $33,000.

Jim Fennell made a motion to pay the annual Federation Dues when the billing is received.  Harley Swigart second the motion; motion carried.

Clayton Geibel presented information and notice of a meeting with a representative from a prospective gas drilling company.  The meeting is set for Wednesday, January 9^th.

By written ballot, a majority vote of the members present approved for membership on second vote, members Ken Dunmyre, Justin O’Donnell, Ron Stewart, Trent Callihan, and Robert Anderson.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Terry Morrow; second by Dave Zaludek.  Motion carried.

With no nomination received for Secretary, Harley Swigart made the motion to close the nominations.  Gene Wise seconded.  Motion carried.

By written ballot, the majority vote of the members present elected the following to the club leadership positions for 2008:

Jim Fennell reported he is working with the PGC to set up the hunter safety course for the open weekend in July for 2008.

Ken Geibel reported extensive damage to the archery range targets caused by a bear.  The estimated $3,000 loss will be submitted to the insurance carrier.

Rifle range – Chris Morrow reported the 200 yards target will need completely rebuilt.

Rentals – Zeke advised that 2008 will be the last year he and Don Sutton will be in charge of the rentals.

Activities – The buckwheat pancake breakfasts netted over $1000 income.  A round of applause recognized the efforts of all volunteering to help with the buck season breakfasts. 

After discussion about increasing rental rates for 2008, Ted Walker made a motion to raise the rental rate for 2008 from $100 to $125 plus the $25 refundable clean-up deposit remaining the same.  Greg Putney seconded; motion carried.

The by-laws committee will review and recommend a change to the by-laws to remove the dollar amounts from the membership and dues section.  In accordance with the by-laws, the proposed changes will be presented for vote early in 2008.

By written ballot, a majority vote of the members present approved for membership on second vote, members’ sons Joshua Saeler and Joshua Smith.  On first vote, Ken Dunmyre, Justin O’Donnell, Ron Stewart, Trent Callihan, and Robert Anderson were approved for membership.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Terry Morrow; second by Gene Wise.  Motion carried.

Nominations were taken for the club leadership for 2008.  Those accepting nomination for:

Don Neff reported the money raffle netted $1,808.80 with the turkey shoot hotdogs breaking about even.

Building - Clayton Geibel reported the siding is partially installed on the old portion of the clubhouse and will be complete in the Spring.

Wildlife – Clayton Geibel reported the corn crib is full and corn will be available after the last day of muzzleloader as in the past.

New member Bob Weichey was recognized and welcomed to the club.

By written ballot, a majority vote of the members present approved for membership on second vote Lauren McGregor, Robert D Miller, and Bruce Campbell, and on first vote, members sons Joshua Saeler and Joshua Smith were approved for membership.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Harley Swigart; second by Earl Osche.  Motion carried.

Jim Fennell presented notes and handouts from the Fall PFSC convention he attended in September.  Information is available from Jim and on the bulletin board.

Nominations were taken for the club leadership for 2008.  Those accepting nomination for:

Jim Fennell noted the dues for Unified Sportsmen needs to be paid if the club wishes to remain active.  Gary Young made a motion to pay the dues in the amount of $100; second by Don Oesterling.  Motion carried.

By written ballot, on second vote, members’ son Tyler Beale was approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Terry Morrow; second by Gary Young.  Motion carried.

Jim Fennell read a list of three resolutions to be presented at the fall convention of the PFSC.  Resolution #1 paraphrased is to permit hunting male and female pheasants statewide.  Majority show of hands voted NO.  Resolution #2 paraphrased is to ban spotlighting a week before buck season.  Majority show of hands voted NO.  Resolution #3 paraphrased was to ask that the PFSC disassociate itself from the National Wildlife Federation due to their stated position and affiliation supporting the United Nations position statement on global warming, etc.  Majority show of hands voted YES.

Jim Fennell stated his willingness to represent the club at the Fall PFSC convention in Harrisburg.  Terry Morrow made a motion to Pay Jim Fennell’s expenses to attend the convention; Harley Swigart second.  Motion carried.

Building and grounds – Clayton Geibel suggested that the club purchase both the needed vinyl siding and flooring to complete the new addition.  Ken Geibel made a motion to spend approximately $4,000 to purchase the needed materials; Terry Morrow seconded.  Motion carried.

Dinners – Gary Young reported 473 dinners were served at the august chicken dinner.  Jim Fennell reported that chuck a luck made $133.

By written ballot, members’ sons Cody Smith and Tyler Beale were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by grant Morrow; second by Gary Young.  Motion carried.

Chris Morrow noted that 44 youth completed the Hunter Safety training at the club, and a round of applause recognized the club members that conducted the training.

Chris Morrow presented information gathered from a meeting with McIntyre Coal, Oil & Gas on July 16^th at 6 PM at the club.  The main points presented was that McIntyre would offer a three year lease, paying an annual payment of $30 per acre per year with a guarantee that drilling will have begun by the end of the third year, or the lease would end with no liability to the club.  The projected revenue from a viable producing well could be at $5,200 per month.  McIntyre said five local properties have signed leases, and one of them, John McCrea, offered to share the lease he signed as drawn by his lawyer.  After much discussion for and against drilling gas wells on the club’s 86 acres, it was decided to table the issue until the September meeting, with a vote being taken at that time as to whether or not to proceed.

Rifle and shotgun: Chris Morrow noted the new targets are up, and that the backboards and weed eating the range would be completed soon.

Activities: Ken Geibel noted the club picnic was well attended, and thanked all who helped.  He also noted that Fred & Linda Clark said that this is the last year they would be helping with the picnic.  Fred & Linda have taken charge of running the games for many years.  A round of applause was given in appreciation for Ken Geibel and everyone that worked to make the family day enjoyable.

Treasurer Don Neff explained the need to move money from a maturing CD to checking for upcoming expenses including the black top project.  Jim Fennell made a motion to move $5,000 from a CD account to checking; second by Harley Swigart.  Motion carried.

Ken Geibel asked the club to consider recognizing member’s younger sons and daughters who are successful triple trophy hunters.  Scott Geibel made a motion to recognize member’s sons and daughters under the age of 16 with a sweatshirt and plaque, the same as given club members.  Floyd Neigh seconded; motion carried.  

By written second ballot members’ sons Aaron Freeman and Troy Lehnerd were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Dave Zaludek; second by Don Sutton.  Motion carried.

Building and grounds: Ben Morrow would like to level and seed the filled area behind the pavilion.  After much discussion, it was decided to do the prep work of leveling, removing rocks, debris, and weeds.  New member Mike Shoop, who has years of experience in lawn and turf management offered his help. members present.

Activities: Ken Geibel noted the upcoming club picnic and that any help offered would be appreciated.

Chris Morrow read a request by the PA Sportsmen for the annual donation.  Don Neff indicated that $100 has been the normal donation in the past.  Dave Zaludek made the motion to donate $200; second by Kevin Anthony; motion carried.

By written second ballot, members’ son Mark Boyle, and by first ballot, members’ sons Arron Freeman and Troy Lehnerd were approved for membership by a majority vote of the members present.  Motion to destroy the ballots by Joe Bowser; second by Larry Hilderbrand.  Motion carried.

Jim Fennell reported that only six of the signed up persons attended the CPR course on April 26^th.  Jim suggested that a recognition donation be made to the trainers in appreciation of their efforts.  Don Oesterling made a motion to donate $50 in gift certificates in appreciation; second by Jim Fennell; motion carried.

Chris Morrow read the minutes from the meeting on May 8^th about the youth fish derby.  The club agreed to sponsor the event for next year.  After much discussion, Chris Morrow and Don Sutton agreed to co-sponsor the event with Ken Geibel, Dave Zaludek, Keith Comer, Grant Morrow, and Terry Morrow serving on the organizing committee.  Joe Bowser made a motion to allow the committee to spend up to $2,000 to get the 1^st annual event planned; Harley Swigart seconded.  Motion carried.

The gas well drilling was again discussed.  Jim Fennell said that at the last PFSC meeting, concerns were raised and that clubs should be cautious about contracting for drilling since the DEP/EPA will have reason to be on club property if drilling is approved.  Again, no resolve to the issue was reached, and was referred to the club leadership to investigate.