MINUTES
LONGBOAT KEY TURTLE WATCH, INC.

April 5, 2009

The Spring Meeting of the Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Inc. was held on April 5, 2009 at the Shore,
5757 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key, Florida. President Tim Thurman called the meeting to order
at 6:30 PM. Present were Vice President Seamon, Treasurer Perrotta, Secretary Williams, Co-Recording Secretary Albee and Treonis, other executive committee members, members and guests.

President Thurman opened the meeting with remarks concerning the new procedures which will be used for the 2009 turtle watch in the Manatee County section of Longboat Key. He asked all those present to introduce themselves and where they would be walking. Following the introductions, he reviewed the schedule for the season, which runs from May through October and reminded everyone to review the schedule, verify phone, cell phone and email addresses. It will be up to each individual scheduled to walk a particular section of beach, to perform the walk or to find a substitute person to do the walk. That substitute person must have the necessary authority (permitted person) to replace a permitted walker.

Other changes in the 2009 procedures include the elimination of team captains and the placement of a Field Box at the 6400 Building, to be used for supplies, equipment and forms and a mail box which is the drop off point for the data sheets covering any nesting activity observed. Completed forms will be collected daily and delivered to Mote Marine Laboratory. A substitution list will be kept in the field box.

There was discussion among the members regarding walking alone and in certain weather conditions. We walk when it is raining, not when it is lightning. Safety is very important. A permitted person may walk alone if he or she is comfortable in doing so. A non-permitted person can walk alone, but is allowed to flag a crawl only. No verification of a nest, false crawl or other activity at a nest is allowed unless a permitted person is present. Non-permitted persons must call a permitted person for assistance, someone who may already be on the beach or a permitted substitute from the schedule at the Field Box at the 6400 Building. The schedules have been prepared to provide training opportunities for new persons and non-permitted persons to gain experience and training with a permitted person.

A review of activities allowed by permitted, non-permitted and volunteers during the patrols was held. Information on the location of the four beach sections, and their starting/ending points and parking permission followed. Section A begins at the Broadway Park crossover and goes north. Section B begins at the Broadway Park crossover and goes south to the 6400 beach access. Section C begins at the 6400 beach access and runs south to Covert II. Parking for section B and C may be had at the 6400 Building. Section D begins at Covert II and runs south to the Sarasota-Manatee County line. Parking for D is at Covert II or at Mark II.

It was suggested that each person maintain a “field log” containing details from the observed activity that may not be a part of the data sheets filed with Mote. This may help memory of an event if called by Mote to review or explain details of observed nesting activity. Legibility is a very important issue for the ability to read the data on the data forms. Walkers should be on the beach by 6:30 AM to do the walk, complete data forms and place in the box before leaving. The nest number is the key and it is critical to all reporting regarding nesting activity.

Minutes April 5, 2009, page 2

Since there are no captains this year, we should let Freda Perrotta know when there is a drop or a hatch. She will let people know who have expressed interest in an excavation or who have purchased a Stake. She will also communicate to others through the usual means of posting and on the web site.

President Thurman asked for reports the committee chairpersons present. Rolla Schuh, chair of the Beach Furniture Ordinance Committee, reported that their work with the Town is completed and a draft ordinance is prepared. Because of the sensitive nature of the requirements, all LBKTW members are requested to not discuss the ordinance or its provisions. If asked about it, the appropriate reply should be awareness of study but no familiarity with the final provisions of the ordinance. She also thanked committee members for their work on the ordinance and with the Town.

Cyndi Seamon showed the new lighting poster for 2009. There is a new format, a different photo and different color than last year's poster. She also reminded everyone of the Great American Clean-Up on April 18th. Meet at Broadway. Thank you to all who participated in the off season cleanups. She reported that the lighting ordinance had been enforced and there will be fines for repeat violators this year. She asked that when walking, if there are lighting issues, that she be notified. Rolla asked when a disorientation occurs due to street lighting, what can be done? The response is to get the lighting pole number, each pole has a unique number, and include that number in the report. The pole number will be given to FP&L for their action. She thanked Rosemary and Judy for their work in preparing new photos and address sheets for the 2009 season. There is new text and photo sheets for permitted persons to pick up today.

Allison Albee said business cards are available for hand out on the beach. They contain the LBK web address and P. O. Box number. The Mote phone number to report a stranding is also in the card.

Treasurer Perrota, presented the financial report as of March 31, 2009. Cash on hand was $3700. Expenditures include $750 for supplies, 100 foot tapes, flagging tape, cable ties, mailbox, 200 extra stakes and paint. GPS units were $1500. Other anticipated expenses are $200 for poster printing, forms and educational materials, P.O.Box rent, Fees, Scholarships Supplies, and Sunshine for a total of $1550. Shirts purchased, 46 dozen, $3200, Sales to date, $2300. Income: Name the stake, $140, Dues $500, Poster Sponsors, $200. She stated that the expenses for supplies and equipment exceeded the budget because of changes in the way we will operate this year. But sales of shirts and Name the Stake program will likely provide considerably more revenue than had been expected. The name the stake program has been very popular.

Freda stated that we are in excellent financial shape and the executive committee will determine how much and what projects to spend those funds on.

Cyndi mentioned a wine tasting party from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on May 14th. She requested help to set up and take down. It is a benefit for us. It will be at Harry’s Continental Kitchen/Deli, 525 St. Judes Drive, LBK. Cost is $10.00 per person. Mary Lou Johnson will do a flyer for the event.

Minutes April 5, 2009, page 3

The Secretary reported that there were 28 members present, which number is more than a quorum.

President Thurman reminded all permitted walkers to be sure to get supplies for the new season and check out equipment, tapes, GPS, marking pens, quivers and stakes.

There being no further business to come before the membership, it was moved by Connie Schindewolf and seconded by Rolla Schuh to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM. The motion carried unanimously.

Respectively submitted, Dick Williams, Secretary. ( revised as of May 7, 2009 )

Approved, Tim Thurman, President _________________________________ Date _________________2009