The Board met prior to the quarterly meeting. The following were present: James Novak, David Glendenning, Michael Urbanski, Jeffrey Schadegg, Charlie O’Brien, , Donald Howell , Nathan Kreye, Bruce Lilleold

Schadegg asked the board to formalize the emergency e-mail approval for the purchase of a new printer. Motion by Glendenning, seconded by Lillevold Passed.

O’Brien reviewed the findings and recommendation of the recent audit. The report is available for review on request. Motion by Glendenning, seconded by Urbanski to accept the report and rescind the previously adopted financial policy which has some conflicts with the auditor’s recommendations.

Discussion was held regarding the need for the Executive Director to submit detail time logs as recommended by the audit. The Board felt it was not necessary because they know when the work is not getting done and the fees are only a token amount.

Quarterly Meeting:

Secretary’s Report

Motion by Skoglund, seconded by Grotberg to approve the minutes of December 13, 2000 as published in the news letter. Motion Passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Motion by Knapper, seconded by Washinger to approve the Treasurer’s report as published in the newsletter. Motion Passed.

Arson Awareness Committee

Glendenning reported that the committee is working on ideas for 2001 Arson Awareness Week. Contact him or President Novak if you have ideas.

Arson Reward Committee-

O’Brien reported that we have given out 5 awards totaling $2700 dollars.

Each District Director has been given an Arson Banner that can be borrowed as needed. See the newsletter or web page for contact numbers.

The committee is working on getting the Arson Reward Phone Number printed on the front of the phone book. Call Al Nelson with the contact person for your local phone book if you would like them approached.

Budget and Finance Committee

O’Brien reported the we got the audit back and we passed with flying colors. We will be making some internal changes based on his recommendations

Training and Education Committee

Committee Chair Don Howell reported that this years seminar is the most successful yet. He reviewed that training schedule which is posted on the web. Be sure to watch the calendar area for updates.

Awards Committee

Kreye reported that they have finished the ongoing effort to get all charter member awards out. He thanked everyone for the nominations that were presented to the committee for consideration and reminded us that there are many deserving members out there. When someone comes to mind, don’t hesitate, make the nomination.

Legislation Committee

Nathan reported on the status of several bills and thanked Denise DeMars for all her hard work which was followed by a round of applause.

Al Nelson raised discussion regarding the status of the arson strike force. He asked for it and was told it didn’t exist. State Fire Marshal Brace responded that it does exist. The BCA person in charge of the project retired and there was some lack of continuity but a new person has been assigned.

Certification Committee

Certification continues to be handled through the International. Roger Jemming proctors the test when it is administered locally.

Ethics Committee

Nothing to report.

HazMat / OSHA Committee

Novak reported that we will be holding a class in late May. We are looking at partnering with the State Fire Marshal Division as they have someone on staff that is qualified to do the training.

Urbanski reported that the "Scene wear" is available ( hats and jackets with the words Fire Investigator on the back) Buy soon and buy often. If you have suggestion on items you would like to see let him know.

We will make a group purchase of 912s. A sign up was provided at the meeting. After that there will be a link on the web site to NFPA for purchases. Another source may be the FIAM Store. A copy will also be placed in the Chapter Library and the Fire Center Library.

Membership Committee

Membership Committee Chair David Glendenning presented 27 new applications for membership. Motion by Knapper, seconded by Berkeland to accept the applications. Passed.

Schadegg reported that membership renewal notices have gone out. If you didn’t get one your dues were not paid for 2000 and you have been dropped from the roster. In order to be reinstated past and current dues must be paid.

Nothing to report.

Newsletter Editor Report

Schadegg reported that little has been coming in. Most of the content is Chapter news. This is not a bad thing but it would be nice to have more educational content. Consider writing an article, share the wealth of knowledge that you have gained with those less traveled.

Just a reminder, the newsletter will be distributed by e-mail starting in June 2001. Those with no e-mail address will still receive a hard copy. It is important to remember the Chapter when changing addresses. Drop us a note, e-mail or phone message so we can keep our records current. For those with no e-mail consider a free account with hotmail or juno.

District Meetings

Talk it up and bring a new person to the meeting.

State Fire Marshal’s Report

State Fire Marshal Tom Brace reported that a great many hours have been spent with Health to refurbish the Burn Reporting Program. We are moving forward.

The question of what to do with ash after controlled burns, training fires, has become an issue. There is legislation in the hopper to require material to go into a lined landfill however many areas of the State do not have access to such facilities on a local level.

Arson Strike Force clearly needs a shot in the arm. There has been some continuity problems that have been solved and funding needs to be renewed. He is researching.

Rick Kleis has been certified to the permanent position of Chief Fire Investigator in the SFM Division. Rick answers directly to the SFM. Congratulations Rick!

Old Business

Novak reported that we have a house in Glencoe for the gas explosion program. We are continuing to move forward.

Novak commented that he would like to see two courtroom testimony classes per year. The first will be in April. Let Schadegg, DeMars or bishop know if you wish to attend. As always, preference will be given to those who need the class to qualify for the CFI exam.

Extensive discussion was held regarding the need for an accelerant detection canine. The membership felt we need one , want one and should continue to push the issue. President Novak to use his discretion on how to proceed.

President Novak reported that we are still working on insurance for the Chapter.

New Business

President Novak reported that we will try to host another prosecutor’s seminar in may of 2002. hopefully in conjunction with Arson Awareness Week.

President Novak asked that members contact him if they have ideas for upcoming programs, events and education. What can the Chapter do to make your job easier? Let him know.

The International Conference will be held in Atlantic City. Mail-in ballots are now available. Exercise your right to vote or it may be lost. Ballots must be requested by mail at least 15 days in advance.

The International has a new web presence. They have partnered with firehouse.com to host their site. The link from our site will be updated for your convenience.

By-Laws

Al Nelson presented the By-laws changes presented to the committee. He noted that the proposal has been amended on the recommendation of legal counsel and with the approval of the Board. All items are the same as those published except that several items have been dropped.

Motion by Christenson, seconded by Skoglund to approve the following bylaws changes:

Article I, Section 2: change bulleted item from letters to numbers to be consistent with the rest of the document.

Amend Article 3, Section 5. to read:

Section 5. ELECTION. The annual election of officers and other members of the Board shall be held during the first quarterly meeting of each year, and the officers and members of the Board shall take office at that time. All nominations for offices may be made either by mail or from the floor. All nominees for a designated office shall be voted upon by the membership. The individual receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the office.

Amending Article IV adding the following sections:

Section 9. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. The Board of Directors may, by two-thirds majority vote, appoint an individual or firm to act as Administrator of the Chapter. The administrator shall have the title of Executive Director. The rate of compensation for the Administrator of the Chapter shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 10. LEGAL COUNSEL. The Board of Directors may, by two-thirds majority vote, appoint an individual or firm to serve as legal counsel to the Chapter. The rate of compensation for the appointed legal counsel of the Chapter shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The duties and responsibilities of the legal counsel shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Section 11. COMPENSATION. Members of the Board of Directors, as such, shall not receive any salary for their services.

Amending Article V, Section 1 to read:

Section 1. MEETINGS. The Chapter shall meet quarterly. The first quarterly meeting of the year shall be designated as the annual meeting. The date, time and location of the annual meeting shall be determined during the December quarterly meeting or as otherwise designated in writing at least fifteen (15) days prior to such meeting. The quarterly meetings of June, September and December shall be held on the second Wednesday of those months at a time and location as determined by the Board.

Motion passed.

Election of Officers

The offices of President, Second Vice President, and Secretary are up for election.

Nominating Committee Chair Merle Berkeland presented James Novak for re-election to the office of President. Glendenning nominated Merle from the floor, he declined. Motion by Stark to cast white ballot, seconded by Hanson. Motion passed

Nominating Committee Chair Merle Berkeland presented David Glendenning for re-election to the office of 2^nd Vice President. Glendenning nominated Merle from the floor, he again declined. Motion by DeMars to cast a white ballot, seconded by O’Brien. Motion Passed.

Nominating Committee Chair Merle Berkeland presented Jeff Schadegg for re-election to the office of Secretary. Glendenning nominated Merle from the floor, he declined. Motion by Knapper to cast a white ballot, seconded by Scott. Motion passed.

Nominating Committee Chair Merle Berkeland explained that after review it was found that the Treasurers term needs to be adjusted to be in compliance with By-laws. Motion by Brace to make the current term of the Treasurer 1 year, seconded by Braatz. Motion passed.

Adjournment