Gwinnett Senior Softball, Inc.
General Membership Meeting
December 5, 2015 - Meeting Minutes

 

Date, Time, Location

December 5, 2015 - 9:30 a.m.  - Gwinnett Senior Center at Bethesda Park

 

Call to Order - Presiding President Bob Morrison called the meeting to order and welcomed members.

 

Opening Prayer - Bert McDade led the membership in an opening prayer.

 

Attendance

The following 2015 Board members were in attendance:
•    Bob Morrison, President
•    Doris Warpole, Secretary
•    Mike Grobman, Treasurer
•    Ron Petre, American League Commissioner
•    Bill Grimes, National League Commissioner
•    Gary Mastrodonato, Past President / Team Sponsorship / League/Championship Shirts
•    Ed Davis, Past President
•    Harvey Schulman, American League Member at Large / Legal Liaison
•    Ron King, National League Members at Large

 

Association By-Laws state that all members in good standing in the current calendar year are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting; and 20% of the eligible membership in attendance shall be considered a quorum. Eighty-nine (89) members attended representing 42% of the current active eligible membership of 214.

 

Recognition

Bob recognized the following individuals for their help with the Annual Meeting:
o    Kerri O'Kelly and Joan Salman, Bethesda Senior Center - Meeting room, microphone, screen, podium and coffee.
o    Jim Nisewonger – Projector
o    Board Members - Breakfast snacks
o    Jim Hannah - Pictures and Video
o    Eurskine Lyons - Miken Senior Bat
o    Wayne Griffin - Combat Senior Bat
o    Tom Koenig - (4) Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Certificate
o    Ron King - (3) Frozen Turkey
o    Dallas Howard - League Mailing
o    Gwinnett Braves – 4 Tickets to GBraves game, hat, Evan Gattis bobble head
o    All the individuals who came early and helped in setting up.

Bob stated the door prizes will be given out during the meeting.  At the end of the meeting, all names will be put back in for the drawing of the top prize of $100 gift certificate from Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Special Guests – Gwinnett Braves

• Bob introduced Jason Wright and Todd Pund from the Gwinnett Braves organization.  Bert McDade has worked with Jason to set up a GSS League Night Out to the GBraves on Friday, May 6.  Tickets will be $11 each and everyone would get a GBraves hat.  
• The League needs a minimum of 20 tickets sold.  Bob asked for a show of hands of how many members would like to attend.  There were at least 40 members who were interested.  Bert stated members could bring their children and grandchildren for a great night of baseball and fireworks after the game.
• Jason said the league would be recognized on the OF screen and depending on the number of tickets sold, we might walk out on the field, throw out the first pitch, or participate in activities between the innings.
• Doris will send out a flyer about the night out in early April.  Any questions about the night out should be directed to Bert who will purchase the tickets.  

Old/Unfinished Business

 

2014 Annual Meeting Minutes

• Bob pointed out that copies of the 2014 minutes have been available on the league web site since January and copies were also available in the back of the room for members to review. Bob asked if members present would approve the minutes as written.  (Motion to approve minutes; motion seconded)  Unanimous Vote by Members Present – Minutes approved as written.
• Bob asked if there was any other unfinished business to discuss.  No old/unfinished business was brought up.  

New Business - 2015

 

Bylaws Addition

• Bob stated the Board reviewed the Bylaws and found that we were missing a section regarding what would happen to the league’s assets/monies in the event the league folded.  He read the proposed Dissolution of Organization section approved by our attorney.  He asked if members would approve the addition. (Motion to approve Bylaw addition; motion seconded)  Unanimous Vote by Members Present – Dissolution of Organization section approved to be added to Bylaws.
• Financial Report
• Bob recognized Mike Grobman, Treasurer, for the time it took him to get the approval from the IRS for the league’s 501c(7) tax exemption status.  It took 2 years of responding to the IRS requests for information, working with an attorney and preparing back tax statements before we were approved.  Mike said the league can accept contributions, and they will be tax deductible for the individuals.
• Mike presented the 2015 Financial Report.  He stated the league is in good shape financially.  The overall numbers were close to last year with the exception of umpire and light fees which were less due to fewer games.  Field maintenance included the purchase of a new pitching machine.  
• Miles Bowler asked if there was going to be a refund or a credit on second half fees due to fewer games.  Bob stated the Board discussed this issue in the November meeting and looked at the options (refund to players based on number of games not played by their teams, a credit in next year’s fee for second half players, or across the board credit for all players). The Board also took in consideration the time it would take for Doris and Mike to determine the amount per player when we are trying to get ready for the 2016 season.
• Don Johnson asked how much would it be per player.  Mike said depending on the number of games each team missed it could be $3-7 per player.  Bob stated a couple of managers made the point that some players routinely miss 6-8 games a season and they did not feel those players should receive any money back.  Bob asked how many members were looking for a refund.  Only 4 members raised their hands.
• Rather than give a refund or credit, several players proposed the following alternatives:
  • •    Tim Laney proposed making a donation to a charitable organization.
  • •    Wesley Medford and Jim Arey proposed leaving the money with the league.
• Bob asked for a straw vote on each option.  Majority of members were in favor of no refund or credit and leaving the money with the league to use toward field expenses (i.e., new wind screen on baseball field).  The Board will make a final decision in the January meeting.
• There was no further discussion or questions regarding the financial report.  Bob asked the members to approve the financial report as presented.   (Motion to approve financial report; motion seconded)  Unanimous Vote by Members Present – Financial Report approved as presented.

2015 League Overview

Bob mentioned the membership demographics and the results for each league (including Run Difference analysis and league records) were available in the back of the room for members. Tournament team results have been available on the web site during the year and copies were also available at the back of the room.  

 

Membership Overview
o    Membership Increased 1.9% in 2015:  214 vs. 210 in 2014. Overall membership is up 46% since 2005 (143 members).
o    Age Breakdown:  45-59 age group increased by 11.5%; 60-69 increased 10.5%; and 70+ age group decreased 29%.
o    County Breakdown - Gwinnett County 106 (49.5); Other Counties 108 (50.5%)
•    Out of County Fee is paid based on First Half Members. League does not pay an OOC fee for any new Second Half Members.

Marketing materials (including flyers, business cards, magnets, pens, etc.) were available at the back of the room.  

 

2015 Team Sponsors

• Bob recognized the 2015 Team Sponsors and asked members to use the services or frequent their establishments, whenever possible.  
• Mike Levin asked which members recruited the sponsors.  Bob asked members present who brought in a sponsor to stand and be recognized.  Mike suggested the pictures of the players who were responsible for the sponsors also be included on the web site and handouts at the Annual Meeting. Doris will add member pictures for 2016.
• If a member is interested in becoming a sponsor, he/she should contact Gary who is coordinating 2016 Sponsorship.

 

Special Recognition – Team Managers / League Commissioners

Bob stated that the League could not run efficiently without the Team Managers and League Commissioners.  He thanked everyone for their hard work.  

Commissioners - Bill Grimes and Ron Petre -Bob presented them with a $25 gas gift card.

15 Team Managers – Bob presented each with a $20 gas gift card.
o    American League – Clif Parker, Marty Simmons, Rene Baum, Ed McVeigh, Chris Bolden, Floyd Dembo, John Gordon, Miles Bowler
o    National League  – Rick Rhodes, Ron King, Ben Wiechman, Ed Brown, John Adams, Wayne Bolden, Eurskine Lyons
o    Note:  Gas cards will be sent to Wayne Bolden, Rene Baum, and Ben Wiechman who did not attend the meeting.

 

Special Thanks

Bob recognized 8 members with a $15 gift gas card for the work they do for the League during the year and Annual Meeting: Jim Hannah (Pictures); Ken Packman, Jim Bennett and Dean Eklund (Practices); Kathy Walker (Resident NL Nurse); Tena Stanfield and Harry Harrison (Annual Memorial Tournament); and Dallas Howard (League Mailings).

 

In Memoriam - League had 6 members pass away this year (Wayne Henck, Pablo Isern, Norm Lebedin, Bobby Hines, Bobby Swilley and Jim Patterson).

 

Jim Smith Sportsmanship Award

• All players were eligible for the Jim Smith Sportsmanship Award with the exception of Board members. Nomination forms were sent to all players. Nominations were sent to Board to vote on a winner. Bob nominated this year’s winner and read his nomination statement.  
• Bob stated this year’s winner epitomizes the very essence of the award and what stands out is the respect and appreciation he attracts with his good nature.  A true Southern gentleman who never has a harsh word for anyone. He is a class act in every sense and has competed in the State and National Senior Olympics for the past 20+ years in multiple events and a natural athlete who was inducted into the Senior Softball Hall of Fame in 1998.
• The winner is Emmett Vollenweider.  Emmett’s picture will be posted on the web site and $25 will be donated to the American Cancer Society in Jim Smith’s memory. Bob presented Emmett with the Jim Smith Sportsmanship Trophy and his individual Sportsmanship Award with his name, date.
• Bob recognized Marty Simmons for his proposal to the Board to change the nomination process in 2016.  He suggested having a committee made up of 1 Board Member and past Jim Smith Award winners to decide on who to nominate and present to the Board for a final decision.  The Board approved the change to the process and it will implemented next year.    

 

New Business - 2016

 

Nominations and Election of Officers

• Bob Morrison, Ben Wiechman, Mike Grobman and Doris Warpole have agreed to be re-nominated for President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.  Bob asked if there were other nominations from the floor.  No other candidates were nominated.  The officers ran unopposed.
• The election of officers for the 2016 operating year was held as required by the association Bylaws.  There was no further discussion.   Bob asked if members present wanted to accept the officers as nominated. (Motion to approve nominations – Warren Hoffman; motion seconded – Harry Harrison)   Unanimous Vote of Members Present – Nominated Officers approved.   

    President        Bob Morrison
    Vice-President   Ben Wiechman
    Treasurer        Mike Grobman
    Secretary        Doris Warpole

 

League Commissioners 

• Bob recognized Ron Petre for doing a great job as American League Commissioner.  Ron stepped in earlier this year amidst some controversy and has made some changes that has helped run the AL efficiently.
• Bob recognized Bill Grimes for doing a great job as National League Commissioner for the past 6 years.  He announced that Bill will step down after 2016 and a new NL Commissioner will be selected by the Board for 2017.

Board Members  

• Bob thanked the Board members for their hard work over the past year and in keeping the best interest of the league in their decisions.  Bob stated that Board Members do not get paid and they volunteer their time and attend several meetings as well as responding to calls and emails from members with suggestions and comments.
• Bob recognized Bert McDade and Doris Warpole for their years of service as Vice President and Secretary, respectively, by presenting them with a league jacket.  
• Bob welcomed any suggestions from members and stated that he will respond to all complaints, concerns, issues, etc.

2016 Season

 

League Play

• Gary stated that Gwinnett County has given us permits for the softball field: Monday through Thursday from 6:00-11:00 p.m. for the First and Second Half seasons and Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Gwinnett County also gave us permits for the baseball field: Tuesday through Thursday from 6:00-11:00 p.m.
• Each league will play 2 nights during the week.  American League will play on Monday and Wednesday; National League will play on Tuesday and Thursday.

Break Ins  

• Ron Petre mentioned we had 3 car break ins this year. 
• He said it was important that managers make sure their players do not leave valuables in their car where they can be seen.
• They need to put them in the trunk or inside their bat bags. 
• If a player has a break in and items stolen, they need to call 911 to report it and let Doris know so she can file a Loss Notice with Gwinnett County Parks.

 

2016 Registration

Bob stated the following changes will be made for 2016 registration:
•    Members must send in the minimum $30 member fee by the deadline date in order to be placed in the draft.  If it is not, member will be placed on a “waiting list”.
•    A line item will be added to the registration form asking members if they are tournament player and what level (Major, AAA, etc.)

 

Practices

• Practices will be Monday and Saturday mornings.  Starting time of practices will depend on the weather – the colder the weather (i.e., December thru March 11:00 a.m.); the warmer the weather (i.e., April thru November 9:00 or 10:00 a.m.). When the practice time changes, the web site is updated and a blast email is sent to members with email addresses and a notice is posted on our Facebook page.  Depending on number of players who show up, practices generally last 2-3 hours.
• Doris stated the league only requests a permit for the baseball field on Saturday from mid-February through April due to the number of players who want to practice before the season starts.  Gwinnett County reserves the right to rent out the baseball field on other Saturdays (i.e., umpire training and other teams wanting to practice). However, if the baseball field is open, the league can practice on it.
• There will be NO practices on a Saturday in May when we host the Annual Players Memorial Tournament.  Date will be determined by Ron Petre and Bill Grimes and members will be notified.

 Out of County Resident Fee

The OOC fee will remain at $90 per OOC resident in 2016.  Bob reminded members there was unanimous decision among members when the OOC fee was introduced for spreading the OOC resident fee among the membership.  

 

Light Fees

• The light fee will remain at $9.00 per hour per night per field in 2016. Games will start promptly at 7:00 p.m.  There will not be a Sun rule or starting at a later time.  Batting practice will stop at 6:55 p.m.  Umpires are responsible for moving the games along to minimize light usage.
• NOTE:  Lights are on a timer, but they do not come on until the league turns them on (lights automatically go off at 11:00 p.m.).  Generally, the timer is set for 7:30 p.m. and the league can turn on the lights any time after 7:30 p.m.  Later in the season, the timer is set at 6:30 p.m.

Rain Outs and Field Conditions

• Peter Mariolis and Ed Brown mentioned that games were called early when the fields may have still been playable.  Ed stated that even if the maintenance staff could not drag the field, they still could have lined them as long as you could walk on the fields without a footprint.  
• Gary stated we have to abide by what the county tells us and if they say we cannot get on the field, we have to go by their decision.  If we make the field worse by playing on it, the league will be liable for the cost to repair it.  
• Jim Arey stated that he appreciated the earlier calls on rain outs.  He asked if there was a rain out on the softball field could the games be moved to the baseball field.  Doris stated as long as there were no teams played on the baseball field the teams could move over.  But generally if there is a rain out situation on the softball field it will also apply to the baseball field.  

Meeting with Gwinnett County

• Ron K, Ron P, Gary, and Doris met with Gwinnett County on November 18 and went over the Athletic Association manual with Gwinnett Parks and Recreation officials.
• Gary stated the following items were presented to the Gwinnett County Maintenance team to review and decide on how to correct before the season starts.  
  • •    Drainage problem on both fields – standing water; look at IF mixture and use of drying agent
  • o    Gwinnett County does not use drying agent or brick dust on their fields.
  • o    Eric Horne stated the issue is probably caused by the angle of the fields for drainage and compaction of the dirt below the top 2 or 3 feet.  He said they will look at the clay/dirt mixture to see if it can be adjusted and maybe use some brick dust with it.  He will look into the pricing and get back with Doris on what he finds out.
  • •    Notification of rain outs too early – fields may still be playable; no need to drag them but just line them as long as you can walk on the field without a footprint.
  • •    Weeds and holes in OF need to be addressed
  • •    Jox box on both fields needs dirt added and compacted before season starts
  • •    Batter’s box too small – Need correct template of 3 ½ by 7 – Ron Petre provided the specs for a new template.
  • o    Dave Ernst asked what the issue was with the batter’s box.  Gary explained the template currently being used is too small and batters were being called out for stepping out of the box.
• Gwinnett County will continue to add foul lines and commitment lines to the fields.  They will also drag the fields and cut the grass daily during the season.  Even though they are not supposed to line the fields, they will continue to do this as a courtesy to the league.  
• Tom Pressley asked if the scoreboards will be replaced.  Gary stated they will not but we will ask the County to look at the radio frequency problem.  It could just be that we need new antennas.
• John Gordon asked if we could have the County look at the electrical outlets inside and outside the Concession building to address why the connections do not working properly all the time.  Also, ask if they could relabel the lights/scoreboard buttons in the light room since some are reversed.  Gary stated we will add this to the list to address with them.
• Note:  The above issues will be addressed in the follow up meeting with Best Friend Maintenance personnel, Ron Petre, Bill Grimes and Ed Brown to go over field maintenance issues before the season starts.

Gwinnett County Items – Stacy Fowler

•    Tobacco Free Fields – No smoking or tobacco products will be allowed on the fields or dugouts.  If members want to smoke or chew, they need to go out in the parking lot.  
•    Alcohol Free Park – If caught drinking in the park, members could receive a fine up to $150.
•    Dogs - All dogs have to be on leash in the park.  Only service dogs are allowed on the field and they must have on a service vest.
•    Safety - We mentioned the break ins we have had in the parking lot and Gwinnett Parks said they will follow up with the West District Precinct about more drive thrus on the nights of play.
•    Stacy said players need to call 911 with the break in information and then Doris should send in a Loss Notice report so they have a record to discuss with Gwinnett Police.
•    As part of the Best Friend gym renovation, a new fiber optic security system will be installed and should be operational by March. Cameras will capture license plates upon entry to the park. The camera feeds go directly to the Security Center at the Gwinnett Justice Center.  

 

Breakout Sessions by League

Bob stated we always have suggestions for league play or rule changes from members to be discussed each year.  Copies of the suggestions for both leagues are available on each table.   Before breaking out into individual sessions, Bob said the Board would like to get a feel for what members thinks about the following two items.

 

Online Registration

For online registration, the league would have to partner with another web site at a cost to host the registration form and process the payments via charge card or PayPal.  Members would have an additional cost of $5-7 per registration they would pay.  Before making the commitment to go further, Bob asked for a straw vote of the members present to see if they would use it.  Only 15-20 members stated they had an interest.  Board will make final decision in January to pursue or not.

 

Pitcher Screen

• Bob stated he talked to all of the pitchers in both leagues and some players and the consensus seems to be that they want the screen optional. Bob asked for a straw vote of the members of having the screen optional.  Only 20-25 members raised their hands to keep the screen mandatory – majority of those members were in the American League.  Per the attorney, both leagues need to be the same when it comes to the pitcher screen.
• Ed Brown stated regardless if the screen is mandatory or optional, pitchers must get behind the screen if it is used.  They cannot use it as an extra fielder.  Screen needs to be positioned by the umpires and pitchers cannot move it.  If it is optional and pitcher does not get behind it, there needs to be a penalty (batter given first base, pitch is counted as a ball, etc.). If it is optional and one team uses it and the other team does not, is it an advantage for the team using it.
• Each league was asked to discuss the issue further in their breakout session.  The Board will make the final decision in January if the screen stays mandatory or is optional.  

Breakout Sessions

Members were asked to break out into league groups to discuss what was brought up to the Board this year – 30 minutes was allowed for discussion.  Ron Petre led the American League; Bill Grimes led the National League. Members were asked to review and discuss each item and come to a consensus of opinion for their league and provide the Board with their decisions for their league. Final decision on all items will be made by the Board in the January meeting.

National League Decisions (Bill Grimes / Kathy Walker)

• Pitch Count – No change - leave at full 4-3 count, no extra foul.  If batter hits a foul ball after two strikes, an out is declared.
• Shorter Season(s) - Straw poll result was to shorten each season to 12 weeks with no change in the fees ($98 per season and $30 member fee).
• IF/OF Commitment Lines – No change - both IF and OF lines will remain.
• Mercy Rule – No change - leave at 12 runs after 5 innings.  
• Flip/Flop Rule – If in a flip/flop situation it becomes a tie game, continue as a regular game. No switching back.
• Time Limit – Straw vote result was to do away with 1 hour time limit and go full 7 innings. Keep 5 runs per inning maximum with last inning the open inning.  Pitcher warm ups only at the beginning of the game and not between innings.  For small ball change, allow pitcher 2 warm up throws.
• Females at Draft – Females should be drafted first and have at least 1 on each team.
• Pitcher Screen - Straw poll result of the pitchers was unanimous that screen should be optional.  Other members felt strongly that hitters should also have a say in the use of the screen.  Hitters do not want the pressure and be afraid they would hurt someone without a screen. If the screen is optional, the foul ball rule needs to be addressed because it would be a disadvantage for the other team not using it.  One member felt that the Board does not support what the NL session votes on about the face mask and screen.  Other members felt that hitters should have more bat control.

 American League Decisions (Ron Petre / Harvey Schulman)

• Batting Order of Second Game - Team managers will decide batting order of second game.  They can start at the top and duplicate the batting order from the first game or they can begin the second game in the middle of the order, picking up where the first game ended.   It will be the manager’s choice.
• Bats - Bats will remain in the dugout.  No bats leaning on the fence.  Managers are responsible for getting their players to cooperate with this new procedure.
• Line Up Cards to Umpires - Suggestion of giving lineup cards to umpires - to be discussed at January Board meeting.
• On Deck Hitter - Umpire to make sure there is a batter in the on deck circle.  If the team in the field wants to verify who the on deck hitter is, they can ask the umpire and he will inquire.
• Limit HRs - There will not be a limit on the number of home runs in each game.
• Time Limit - Games will go a full 7 innings, removing the one-hour time limit.
• Pitch Count - Batters will enter the box with a 0-0 count as the AL will transition to a full 4-3 count.  There will be no extra foul allowed.  If the batter hits a foul ball after two strikes, an out is declared.
• Mercy Rule - Mercy run rule will remain at 15 runs after 5 innings.
• Substitutes - Subs can play any position, may pinch run and will bat at the end of the batting order.  If a team that asked the LC for a sub ends up having 11 players and the opposing team is short a player, the sub will switch teams.
• Courtesy Runner - A pinch runner may run only once an inning, even if the player that was pinch-run for bats a second time in an inning.
• Pitcher Screen - Straw poll result was that the screen will remain mandatory, although the vote was not a runaway.
• Shorter Season(s) - Straw poll result was to shorten each half-season to 10 or 12 weeks (number to be determined at January board meeting) with an end-of-season tournament and longer break between halves was well received.

General Information/Discussion

 

Players Memorial Tournament

The 2016 Memorial Tournament will be on Saturday, May xx, at Bethesda Park (Final date will be determined by Ron Petre and Bill Grimes).  Members can contact Ron Petre (50-55-60 teams) and Bill Grimes Davis (65 teams) with any questions about the tournament.

 

Gwinnett Senior Golden Games - Gwinnett Senior Golden Games Olympics that will be held at different venues from March 30 through May 11.  Flyers were available at the meeting.

 

Door Prizes

Gary Mastrodonato, Harvey Schulman, Ron King and Ed Davis gave out door prizes during the meeting to the members that were present.  
o    Clayton Webster won the top prize of a $100 gift certificate from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
o    Bert McDade won a Senior Bat from Miken donated by Eurskine Lyons.
o    Mike Grobman won a Senior Bat from Combat donated by Wayne Griffin.
o    Greg West won the Easton 14 inch RH fielder’s glove.
o    Jim Breen, Ron King, Don Johnson and Eurskine Lyons won a $25 gift certificate from Dick’s Sporting Goods donated by Tom Koenig.
o    Dick Rosser won the 4 Gwinnett Braves infield box seat tickets.

 

Meeting Closed - President Bob Morrison declared the meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon.