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OTS Board/Manager Meeting
Ocean View Family Restaurant – Ocean View, DE
Wednesday February 16, 2005 – 1:00 p.m.
In Attendance: Tom Harvey (Pres.), Bill Neyen (Treas.), Ron Weber (Sec.)
Archie Alexander, John Bokop, Don Clements, Neil Fleming, Rev. Gene Mion, Bob Shaeffer,
Ed Sternberg, John Walker
MEETING MINUTES
1. Minutes of the January 12th mtg. were approved
2. Treasurer’s Report was approved. There is currently a balance of $6,429 in the league account.
3. Progress update on COG ball field project: Tom Harvey
a) Members of the Field Improvement Committee (Harvey, Clements, Walker, Bokop, Corrallo, Neyen, Weber, Wood) laid out the first of 2 fields on January 28.
b) John Walker and “Buck”, who is responsible for grounds maintenance at the COG, laid out the 2nd field the week of Feb. 6. This layout is a bit different from the original plan but provides 2 added benefits. 1)a deeper left and left./center field and 2)more convenient parking for players.
c) Tom plans to get work started on the improvements as soon as there are a few nice days forecasted. The work will involve digging and setting posts, stringing fencing and assembling benches. Some work may be done on the infield as well.
4. Progress update on Spaghetti Dinner: Sal Corrallo/Pete Rendina
a) Sal sent an update from his Florida vacation home and said all is on schedule for the dinner.
b) Additional volunteers are needed. Players are asked to contact Sal Corrallo 302) 344-1627, if they are able to help out.
5. Balls and Bats for 2005 Season: Ron Weber
a) Balls approved for the 2005 season are Worth .44 cor and 525 compression. These balls are higher quality and much crisper than the ones used last season. Bill Neyen has ordered 12 dozen balls.
b) It was motioned and approved that for the 2005 season only ASA tournament approved bats could be used in the OTS league. A list of bats that have been banned from ASA tournament play is available on the ASA website. None of these bats can be used for practice or league play.
6. Tidewater PT & ISORBIC Life Improvement Center Presentations: Tom Harvey/Ron Weber
a) Tidewater Physical Therapy has offered to conduct a sports seminar for OTS players at no charge. Everyone at the meeting felt this was a worthwhile use of time. We will get in touch with Tidewater to set a date, time and place. It likely will be at the ball field on a practice day in early April. All players will be notified.
b) ISORBIC Life Improvement Center has also offered to do a 1 hour presentation titled What is Health & Fitness? How to obtain it and maintain it! We may consider having them later in the season. Players will be contacted to determine the level of interest.
7. Progress update on General Meeting: Tom Harvey
a) Tom is currently preparing the meeting agenda.
b) Gary Meredith has obtained the permit from Bethany to use the Town Hall.
8. Player Evaluations – outliers: Ron Weber
a) Ron presented a document which grouped players according to their 2004 ratings. Understand that player ratings are very subjective which makes them less than perfect.
b) Officers and managers were asked to review the document to ensure that all players within a group were of relatively equal skill. Players who are significantly better or worse than the group they are currently in will be placed in a more appropriate group. This will be done prior to the player draft in an effort to help managers with their selections.
9. Progress update on Registrations: Bill Neyen
a) As of 2/16 there were 37 players registered for 2005.
10. Progress update on New Managers: Sal Corrallo
a) Ed Sternberg has decided to become Neil Fleming’s assistant manager rather than manage a team. This opens up one more manager slot. We now need 2 managers for the 2005 season.
11. Progress update on Sponsorship and Publicity: Archie Alexander
a) OTS Poster – Archie has been displaying the poster in numerous businesses in Rehoboth and surrounding area. He has been in touch with the managers of a few of the large mobile home parks and told them about the league. They are very interest in helping us get the word out in their communities.
Archie also plans to distribute a poster and letter to the 27 volunteer fire companies in lower Sussex County. Archie says; “ if the volunteers are too young for our league, hopefully they’ll tell their dads”.
Posters have also been displayed in many businesses in the Bethany area, including the Sea Colony Fitness Center and local grocery stores.
ALL PLAYERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO HELP THE LEAGUE BY DISPLAYING THE OTS POSTER IN THEIR LOCAL BUSINESSES. THE POSTER WAS SENT TO ALL PLAYERS VIA EMAIL AND POSTAL SERVICE, OVER 3 WEEKS AGO.
b) Other Publicity - Archie has meetings scheduled with the Cape Gazette and Wave newspapers to discuss OTS publicity. It was also suggested that he contact Mediacom, Comcast and the Weather Channel to utilize their public service bulletin service.
c) Sponsors - Archie shared a Sponsor/Patron request packet he put together, with everyone at the meeting. He recently attended the Rehoboth Chamber of Commerce meeting and told the members about OTS and our need for sponsors and patrons. 18 business owners took the packet with them following the meeting. Archie is hopeful to get a sponsor for each of our teams this year. Ocean View Family Restaurant, Dynamic PT and VFW Post 7234 have already committed. Anne Marie’s Restaurant and Colonial East Ltd. have verbally agreed to a sponsorship and are expected to commit soon.
d) Other Funding - Through contact with a local businessman, Archie has learned about a general fund in the Sussex County budget that might be a potential source of funds for our ball field[s] project this year. The individual has offered to connect Archie with the appropriate parties to see if funding could be secured for our ball fields development project. If available, the funds could enable us to complete all phases of the project this year.
12. Progress update on changes to league By-Laws & Playing Rules: Sal Corrallo
a) The By-Laws have been updated, as of January 12, 2005, and are available in the Handouts section of the web page www.eteamz.com/Delmarvaots/. Download to My Documents and then print it for best results.
13. Player Draft Rules – changes/revisions: Tom Harvey
a) Will be discussed at the next meeting.
b) Sal will document the various options with pros and cons. The final decision will be made in early April after all registrations are received.
14. Progress update on uniforms & equipment: John Walker
a) John showed an example of the type of shirt we have this season. The quality is better than last year’s shirt.
b) It was decided to use the logo that is currently on the OTS Tournament shirts. It is a small graphic that will be printed on the front [left side]. The sponsors name along with the player number will be on the back of the shirt.
c) John can order the shirts after we have all of our sponsors. He estimates it will take about 3 weeks to get them following the order.
15. Playoff s – format & rules of play: Ron Weber
a) It was agreed, by the officers and managers in attendance, that the players will select the playoff format for the 2005 season. Alternatives will be presented and vote taken at the April General Meeting.
b) Rules of play had previously been reviewed and approved.
Meeting adjourned at 3:30. If needed, the next meeting will be scheduled for the afternoon of April 4.
OTS Board/Manager Meeting
Ocean View Family Restaurant – Ocean View, DE
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 – 1:00
In Attendance: Tom Harvey (Pres.), Sal Corrallo (VP), Bill Neyen (Treas.), Ron Weber (Sec.)
Bo Wood, John Bokop, Don Clements, Pete Rendina, Bob Shaeffer, Gary Meredith, Ed Sternberg, Archie Alexander, Mike Hopkins, John Mancuso, Neil Fleming, John Walker, Mike Carta
Meeting Minutes
1. Minutes of the December 12, 2004 mtg. were approved
2. Treasurer’s Report: Bill Neyen
ASA Insurance policy has been paid for 2005.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to be covered by their Insurance, ASA requires the policy holder (OTS), to use equipment approved by ASA. This is especially important when choosing balls and bats. Since OTS buys the balls, the league can ensure we use ASA approved balls. However, most players own their bats. So it’s very important that player’s check their bats to ensure they are ASA approved. This can be done at a sporting goods store or on the ASA website http://www.asasoftball.com/
If you are planning to purchase a new bat in 2005 make absolutely sure it is ASA approved. Bats that are not ASA approved will be banned from play in all OTS games.
Current account balance is $5,454
3. Report on the New Ball fields: Don Clements & Sal Corrallo
After presentations by Sal on reasons to consider the fields at the Little League complex in Rehoboth, and Don on the benefits of using the Church of God fields, Tom Harvey offered an alternative plan whereby OTS could improve two fields at the Church of God complex for somewhat less than the initial estimated cost for one field. Following some discussion, a motion was approved to develop and use the Church of God fields in Dagsboro beginning with the 2005 season. Tom Harvey will head the field improvement project. He expects to complete the design, secure bids for materials and begin construction in February [weather permitting]. Players interested in working on the construction phase of the project should contact Tom, Don Clements, or John Walker to volunteer. All those at the meeting volunteered to work on the project.
The pastor of the Church of God has fully accepted our contract changes and improvement plans.
4. 2005 General Meeting - Bring a friend!
Gary Meredith was able to reserve the Bethany Town Hall for this year’s meeting. It will be held Monday April 4th at 7:00p.m.. The hall is located at the intersection of routes 1 and 26 in Bethany Beach.
5. Spaghetti Dinner – we need your help!
Pete Rendina was able to reserve the VFW Post 7234 for this year’s dinner. The dinner will be held Friday April 8th at the VFW Post 7234 from 4:30 till 7:00
Vicki York has once again offered to produce the flyer and tickets. All OTS Players will be asked to sell 4 tickets to support this event. Tickets will be sent in early February.
Players are asked to contact Sal Corrallo (302) 945-2457, if they are able to help out.
6. Shirts and Hats
John Walker has volunteered to coordinate the selection and purchase for this year’s team hats and jerseys.
7. By Laws
Sal led the group through a discussion of all current league by-laws, pointing out changes that have been suggested. A number of changes had been submitted in response to Tom Harvey’s Opinion Survey conducted last month. Other changes had been submitted in writing by players and managers at the end of the 2004 season.
The review resulted in the approval of numerous changes to our current by-laws. In fact, too many to mention in the meeting minutes.
All members of the OTS League are encouraged to read the updated by-laws prior to beginning play for the 2005 season. The By-Laws can be viewed on-line at the OTS website www.eteamz.com/Delmarvaots/ or by requesting a printed copy from any of the OTS Officers.
As a reference, the following sections in the OTS By-Laws were modified:
* 1-7-3
* 1-8
* 2-1-3
* 2-2-3
* 2-2-4
* 3-2-A
* 3-2-C-4
* 3-2-F-2
* 3-2-G
* 3-2-L
* 3-2-N
8. New Managers for the 2005 season – thanks guys for your interest and support of our league
Ed Sternberg
Gary Meredith, Glenn Chisholm (asst.)
Mike Hopkins, John Mancuso (asst.)
Neil Fleming
9. 2005 Days of Play – after some discussion, a motion was made and approved to change this years days of play to Tuesday and Thursday mornings. We will not be playing games on Friday mornings for the 2005 season.
10. Sponsorship and Publicity: Archie Alexander
Blockbuster Video and Anne Marie’s restaurant in Rehoboth continue to be potential new sponsors for 2005. Ocean View Family Restaurant, VFW Post 7234 and Dynamic PT are expected to re-up for 2005, leaving a need for 3 more sponsors. Archie will continue to search for additional sponsors.
11. Meeting was adjourned at 3:30p.m.
Next meeting is scheduled for February 16, 2005 at 1:00p.m., at the Ocean View Family Restaurant in Ocean View.
Minutes of OTS Board/Managers Meeting
Eagle Diner, Hillsboro, DE
December 3, 2004
11:00am
Attending: Tom Harvey (Pres), Sal Corrallo (VP), Bill Neyen (Treas.), Don Clements, Bo Wood, Pete Rendina, Ray Meyers, Rich Berry, Wayne Smith, Ed Sternberg, Gary Meredith, Archie Alexander, Mike Hopkins, John Bokop.
Minutes of the November 12 Meeting was approved as presented.
Treasures Report. Bill Neyen reported that OTS has $6294.00 in the bank. Coming due are ASA membership and Liability Insurance for 2005. The cost per team for liability insurance is $103.00. This does not include the ASA Membership fee. He also presented a summary of expenses in 2004. They totaled $6300.00 to date.
New Ball Fields. Don Clements led the discussion on the proposed contract submitted by the Church of God, with the following conditions:
1. The contract period will be from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005
2. Practices will be conducted Tuesday and Friday Mornings in April.
3. Summer Games will be played on Tuesdays and Fridays from May to Labor Day and September a through November 15 for the Fall League.
4. No alcohol. tobacco,, drugs, or swearing are allowed
5. The league will provide toilet facilities.
6. Fields are to be policed after the final game.
7. Parking is to be in designated areas.
8. Conflicts with church activities will require rescheduling of games. One week’s notice will be given.
9. Liability insurance of $2 Million is required. Copy of the policy is to be given to the church prior to use of the field
10. The church will not be liable for the safety of athletes or guests.
11. A copy of the ASA Rules is to be provided to the church.
After much discussion the Board countered with the following provisions:
1 .The time period must be extended to from three to five years.
2. Only one field will be developed although two may b used for spring practice.
3. The League will expend no more that $5000 for the initial improvements, which will include widening of the base paths and enlargement of non-grassy areas around home plate and each base. The rest of the infield will be grass cut very short.
4. Permanent improvements will include bases and a pitches mound, a back stop, 100 feet of 31/2 foot fencing along the outside of the base paths, and players benches. They become the property of the church
Discussion on the source of funds followed. It was suggested that perhaps some church members might be willing to help with the construction. Also the 2005 Spaghetti Dinner will cover some of the costs. Don was asked to find out if the Church would be willing to set up a tax deductible field improvement fund. If yes then donations will be solicited.
(It should be noted that the Indian River High School Fields would be available to OTS as in the past, however they will be used only if other facilities are not available.)
Don will report on his meetings with Church of God at the next meeting.
Gary Meredith made a motion, which was approved, to increase the 2005 players fee to $50.00 if paid by March 1, 2006 to help pay for the improvements and to offset increases in other expenses. The fee will increase to $60.00 after March 1, 2005.
Don made a motion to purchase a pad for the batter’s box on the M&T Field in Millsboro. The cost $300, was approved.
A brief discussion was held on the forming of teams for 2005. No decision will be made until April 2005. (Suggestions are welcome. Send them to Sal Corrallo).
Archie Alexander gave a report on the status of the work to obtain sponsors. Seven are needed. Two have already been identified. The fees for 2005 are $350.00 (Motion passed to raise fee from $300) for team sponsorship and $100 for patrons. Both will be listed under sponsors on the web page. He also showed the Ocean View Family Restaurant sponsor’s frame box presented to each team sponsor at the end of the season. The Board praised his work and dedication to the league.
Discussion was held on the 2005 call for players and 2004 registration form. It was suggested that a call for volunteer umpires are added to the registration form. It was suggested that a call for donations for field improvements be added to the materials
Finally discussion was begun on updating the OTS By Laws and Playing Rules for 2005. The group approved Section I, Items 1-1 to 1-5 as written. Item 1-6 Parts 1-3 and Parts 5-6 were approved. Part 4 was amended as follows: For a game to be counted in the standings, a team must have 9 roster players present and will play only with those players. A team has less than 9 players will forfeit the game. If forfeited, the two teams may share players or use a substitute and play a scrimmage game that will not count in the standings.
The next meeting has been scheduled for January 12, 2005 at 1:00PM in the Ocean View Family Diner, Route 326, in Ocean View.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:00pm
OTS Board/Manager Meeting
Eagle Diner, Millsboro, DE
Friday, November 12, 2004 – 12:00 Noon
In Attendance: Tom Harvey (Pres.), Sal Corrallo (VP), Bill Neyen (Treas.), Ron Weber (Sec.)
Rich Barry (WF), John Bokop (DPT), Don Clements (OVFR), Ray Meyers (OC), Pete Rendina (VFW), Bob Shaefer (RR), Wayne Smith (TT), Gary Meredith, Ed Sternberg, Archie Alexander
Meeting Minutes
1. Minutes of the October 22, 2004 mtg. were approved
2. Treasurer’s Report: Bill Neyen
a. No change from last month
3. Report on the New Ball fields at Church of God in Dagsboro: Don Clements
a. Bill Neyen and Gary Meredith met with Indian River High School representatives. IR will allow us to use the same 2 ball fields that we’ve used in previous years. They will not allow us to improve those fields or use the hardball field in 2005. These fields are not available for our use until the close of the 2005 school year, June 15.
b. John Walker contacted the Dagsboro Church of God. Due to possible expansion of the church facilities, they can only commit to letting us use the fields for the next 3 years. This would not be a sufficient amount of time for OTS to recoup the costs of improving the 2 fields. The church has approved the remove all of the infield sod, should we decide to use the fields. This will minimize injury caused by the ball taking a bad hop on wet grass.
c. After much discussion on which fields to use for 2005, there was a motion to make improvements to the M&T Bank field and the one Church field that will not be impacted by future development at the Church. This will reduce our improvement costs while providing 2 excellent facilities for play. The Indian River fields would be kept as backup for the 2005 season. If the M&T and Church fields work out, we will likely drop the IR fields in 2006. This motion was approved. The field committee will present estimates on the cost of improving the fields, at the Dec. 3rd meeting.
4. Sponsorship and Publicity: Archie Alexander
a. Blockbuster Video and Anne Maries restaurant in Rehoboth are two new sponsors for 2005. Ocean View Family Restaurant and Dynamic PT are expected to re-up for 2005, leaving a need for 4 more sponsors. Archie will solicit additional sponsorship by introducing the OTS league at the Rehoboth Chamber of Commerce meeting in January. Sponsors will be listed on the sponsors section of the OTS web page.
b. Archie showed an example of the shadow box that each sponsor will receive from OTS. The box incorporates the team jersey, an OTS Sponsorship Certificate and a Delaware Senior Olympic medal. Everyone agreed that this was a great way to show our appreciation for the support of our sponsors.
c. The concept of a patron program for individual contributors was also presented. This decision will be added to the January meeting agenda.
d. During the January meeting, Archie will provide a progress report on his publicity efforts. These include contacting local churches, displaying posters in local business and media contact, about the OTS league.
5. Player Opinion Survey: Tom Harvey
a. Tom has drafted a player survey which encourages players to provide suggestions on improving the league. The survey will be distributed via email, shortly.
6. New Managers: Sal Corrallo
a. Ed Sternberg and Gary Meredith will both be managing teams for the 2005 season.
b. All managers participate in league meetings and have a vote in each league decision.
c. The league still needs 3 additional new managers for 2005. OTS has many players qualified to do this job and contribute to the welfare of the league. You are encouraged to contact Sal by the end of November.
7. 2005 Registration
a. A motion was made and approved to change the registration fees for 2005. The cost will be $40 for anyone registered by Feb. 15, 2005, and $50 after Feb. 15, 2005
8. Meeting was adjourned at 1:30p.m.
Next meeting is scheduled for December 3, 2004, 11:00a.m., at the Eagle Diner in Millsboro.
OTS Board/Manager Meeting
Eagle Diner, Millsboro, DE
Friday, October 22, 2004 ¡V 12:00 Noon
In Attendance: Tom Harvey (Pres.), Sal Corrallo (VP), Bill Neyen (Treas.), Ron Weber (Sec.)
Bo Wood (DPT), Neil Flemming (VFW), Ray Meyers (OC), Rich Barry (WF), Bob Shaefer (RR), Jim Steinmacher (GH), Wayne Smith (TT)
Meeting Minutes
1. Minutes of the September 2004 mtg. were approved
2. Treasurer¡¦s Report: Bill Neyen
a. Report was reviewed and approved
b. Bill noted that the Porta Jon at the M&T field was paid through the end of Oct.
c. Sal noted that the $75 Web page subscription for the upcoming year had recently been paid.
d. Current balance in the OTS account is $7,020
3. Report on the New Ball fields at Church of God in Dagsboro: Ron Weber & Bo Wood
a. Due to the high expense, the committee is recommending that OTS look into continued use of the fields at Indian River. The estimated cost to improve the COG fields in Dagsboro would be in excess of $5,000. This includes backstops, benches, bleachers, and equipment rental to remove sod from the infield.
b. This item be tabled until:
„Ï Don Clements and Gary Meredith contact IR to obtain approval on the use of the fields, as well as our ability to improve them as needed.
„Ï Ron Weber and John Walker contact the Church of God to see if they will commit to letting us use the fields for the next 4-5 years. This would help us recoup some of the improvement costs, should we decide to use them. They will also ask for approval to remove all of the infield sod, to minimize injury caused by the ball taking a bad hop on wet grass.
4. New Managers for 2005: Tom Harvey
a. 5 new managers are need for the 2005 season. Gary Meridith and Ed Sternberg have indicated an interest, which needs to be confirmed.
b. Tom stated that current managers and board members are to submit nominations for new managers to Sal Corrallo by December 1, 2004.
5. Manager Player Ratings: Sal Corrallo
a. Ratings for each players fielding, throwing, hitting and running skills, were presented by their respective team manager or assistant manager. Ratings were then discussed by all present, and modified where appropriate.
b. Ratings will be incorporated into the 2004 roster and distributed to managers and board members.
6. Meeting was adjourned at 2:00
7. Officer Planning Session: Tom Harvey
a. The 4 board members identified and briefly discussed key activities and critical issues that need to be addressed between now and the start of the 2005 season.
b. Items were prioritized with a timeline established for each.
c. Meetings will be scheduled to address each of the items.
Seasons
Sponsors