Meeting called to order by Michael Catton, President.

Attendance: 33

Reminder: $50 annual membership dues are due by January 31, 2012. In order to have a vote, dues must be paid and current.

Agenda:

• Derek Phillips, Bryant Parks Director opened floor for any questions with regard to the proposed 2012 Parks Use Agreement.
• Stated the city would like to generate additional revenue this year from the fields such as from concession revenue and additional tournaments. A discussion was had on financial statement reporting and city work crews for tournaments.
• Action: Board will discuss and try to look at opportunities for additional tournaments through season.
• A discussion was had on the removal of fence on B1 and replacement with a portable fence due to repeated flood damage. The city is researching, also, prevention of dirt loss due to the floods. Reported that the city council approved $27,000 for the coverage of flood damages that might manifest in 2012 to cover dirt, fences and bases if lost or permanently damaged.
• Action: No official action taken; however, general consensus was that portable fence would be welcomed.
• A discussion was had on the moving of the scoreboard behind B2 from out behind the foul pole and original placement of 7 & 8 inning scoreboards between softball and baseball in general.
• Actions: Derek will look into the matter and provide report at next meeting.
• President sought motion for approval of appointed Player Agents for 2012.
• Appointees:
• Babe Ruth Division: Jason Thompson
• Cal Ripken Division: Rick Brown
• Instructional Division: Jason Greiner
• Rookie Division: Still Open
• T-ball Division: Still Open
• Action: Motion was made to accept President’s appointed Player Agents: First by Steve Glenn, Second by Bill Kyzer. Passed Unanimously
• President sought motion for approval of appointed Board Members for 2012.
• Appointees:
• Treasurer: Craig Harrison
• Secretary: Stephen Kincaid
• Park Director: Terry Speer
• Equipment Manager: Madison McEntire
• Action: Motion was made to accept President’s appointed Player Agents: First by Steve Glenn, Second by Bill Kyzer. Passed Unanimously
• Darren Hurt presented possible changes to the structure of the Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth divisions for playing ages 10-15.
• AAA would be selected through extensive 2 day tryout. They would play league 1 night each week and then participate in a predetermined set of tournaments on weekends. However, the goal would be to stay as local as possible. This division would require increased fee currently estimated at $300, but it would include the uniform, which would mean no additional expense at the time of all-star play. Board would select impartial tryout committee for players and current manager committee would handle manager selection. Coach Bock has also offered to hold coach clinics as well. Those making the team would be required to tryout to remain on team each year.
• AA would be development league. This league would play during week and on weekends.
• Effort is to restructure in a way that provides more opportunity for players at all levels. With a reduction in the level of competitive play offered with the farm system due to annual expansion of league resulting in an increase in players leaving program to seek more competitive play and more games with USSSA, the BAA recognizes a need to provide advanced instruction for this level and have sought the assistance of Coach Bock in helping to structure the program. In addition to providing a better product for the elite players, this would increase the number of All-star teams; thereby allowing more kids within the development division to participate in post-season play as well. Competition at regional level the past couple of seasons showed that the most successful programs are already providing a similar structure for their local programs.
• Discussion was had around 15s. A tryout at the end of January is scheduled for 15s to tryout to play Legion. Those not making legion and those not wishing to play legion will be allowed to play in league.
• Action: League Structure Committee will continue to meet and provide additional report at next meeting. President will send a letter announcing a special rules meeting 1 week prior per bylaws. Tentative date for the special rules meeting to make any changes will be on January 17, 2012.
• Physical registration dates set for January 26th and 28th and February 2nd and 4th.
• Park Improvements Committee Update: Bill Kyzer was requested to continue to serve as chair this year. Bill accepted and had nothing specific to report at this time.
• Legion Update: Nothing to report at this time per Craig Harrison and Darren Hurt aside from the tryout discussed previously.
• Scheduling Committee Update: Season Schedule is to be provided to city by 12/31/2011. Michael Catton will present high-level schedule on behalf of BAA. Darren Hurt will head up and work with Terry Speer on detail schedule.
• Scholarship Committee: Rob Roedel, Jonathan Hope and Madison McEntire volunteered to serve on this committee.
• By-Laws Committee: Steve Glenn asked to continue as chair. Steve accepted. Craig Harrison, Matt Orender and Darren Hurt volunteered to serve on committee as well.
• Fundraiser Committee: Sandy Orender asked to chair. Sandy accepted.
• Sponsorship Committee: Stephen Kincaid asked to chair. Stephen accepted but will ask Todd Endl to assist.
• Tournament Committee: Chris Walker accepted chair. Discussion was had on Wally Hall. Net $3,302. Current proposal is that the city would like to rent the fields from the BAA for the Wally Hall Tournament, Benton would get gate revenue and handle payment of umpires. BAA would get concession revenue.
• Action: Tabled until next meeting
• Michael Catton requested participation at the City Council meeting on December 29, 2011 as the Use Agreement will be presented to Council.
• Football Update: Terry Speer reported season went well.
• Fall Baseball Update: Jonathan Hope reported  season went well.
• Financial Update: Discussion was had on whether or not to charge $1 admission for league games similar to football. Led to discussion of concession stand revenue followed by official report from Craig Harrison. (See Financial Report).
• Action: Motion to accept financial report as is by Hunter Davis, Second by Steve Glenn. Passed Unanimously.
• Action: No motion was made to charge admission.
• Motion to adjourn by Bill Kyzer, second by Rob Roedel. Passed Unanimously.