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Board Meeting The Board met prior to the quarterly meeting. The following members were present: James Novak, Denise Demars, Michael Urbanski, Jeffrey Schadegg, Charlie O’Brien, Nathan Kreye, Bruce Lilleold, John Piper, Tom Brace. Motion by Piper, Seconded by DeMars to go on record in support of the Fire Safe Cigarette Legislation. Motion Passed Discussion was held regarding the Chapter's position on the upcoming fireworks legislation and it was decided this issue would be brought to the membership Motion by O'Brien, seconded Piper to accept the Report of the Executive Director including the following motions:
Motion passed. Merchandise Committee /Chair Mike Urbanski request approval to spend up to $1500 for new Chapter wearing apparel to sell at the annual conference. Motion by DeMars, seconded by O'Brien to approve. Motion Passed Chapter Treasurer Charlie O'Brien presented the quarterly transaction report for review and approval by the Board. Motion by Lillevold, seconded by Piper to approve. Motion passed. Secretary’s Approved Per Newsletter Motion by Johnston, seconded by Popp to approve the minutes of September 12, 2001 as published in the news letter. Motion Passed. Treasurer’s Report Motion by DeMars, seconded by Howe to approve the Treasurer’s report as published in the newsletter. Motion Passed. Arson Reward Committee- Committee Chair Charlie O’Brien reported that three awards have been given out. We continue to receive the $5000 donation from the Fair Plan and are attempting to increase that. Also keep in mind payments to the fund when considering restitution in court proceedings. We have a good supply of Arson Reward Sign in now as well as a few banners. Signs are free, banners are $85 each. We have not made any progress on the "Hotline Business Card" [If anyone knows where the rubber stamp for the back of cards is will you please let Jamie or Jeff know] Budget and Finance Committee Charlie O'Brien expressed thanks to State Farm Insurance for donating a computer for the Treasurer's use and reported that it is up and running. Quicken has been installed and the Chapter's accounts have been transferred from the Executive Director's computer. He will be beginning to draft a budget for the year 2002 and requested input from the membership. Contact him with ideas that further the Chapter's Mission. Arson Awareness Committee Arson Awareness Week in 2002 will be May 5 - 11. We are looking for a house to burn for a press conference. Contact President Novak if you can help. Training and Education Committee Committee Chair Don Howell reported that conference plans a well under way. The conference will be held March 27 - 29, 2002 in St. Cloud, MN. The main speaker will be Dr. James Milke of the University of Maryland. Keynote will be present by Dr. Humor. Awards Committee Novak reported that we have not received any awards nominations. Don't wait until the last minute. We all know someone that is deserving. Get your pens out and star writing. Applications can be found on the web at www.mniaai.org and in your membership handbooks. Newsletter Editor Report The State Fire Marshal Division has agreed to provide a quarterly message for the newsletter. Back issues are available on the web in the library area. We are always looking for article of interest. Did you know that you get points toward certification for be published? Be a contributing author - we are always looking for quality material. State Fire Marshal’s Report No report. Legislation Committee Committee Chair Denise DeMars reported that there was nothing to bring forward this year. Watching a bill that sets up a board to watch insurance fraud as many arsons are committed to perpetrate fraud. Tried to get more teeth put into the Burn Reporting Law but ran out of time before we could get a hearing. It's time to switch tactics. We will be starting an educational program with the Department of Health to let nurses know to report The fire resistive cigarette debate goes on. Discussion was held regarding the position of the Chapter regarding the legalization of fireworks in Minnesota. Motion by Piper, seconded by DeMars to go on record against any legalization of fireworks in Minnesota. Motion passed. President Novak reported that he and State Fire Marshal Brace plan to meet with the POST Board to discuss Police Powers for State Fire Investigators. President Novak bought up the need for an Accelerant Detection Canine within the State Fire Marshal Division. Discussion followed and it was decided that Novak should approach Nyle Zikmund to get legislation requiring a dedicated position for a dog handler within the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division. A motion was made by Larson, seconded by Howell to officially support the fraud unit bill. Motion passed. Hazwopper/OSHA Compliance We are planning to hold a refresher class early in 2002. We will post the dates and send a post card when a date is set. If you need the 40 hour class let us know. We will hold a class when we get enough interested parties to break even. Merchandising Committee Looking for new ideas. Call Mike Urbanski if you have suggestions. Membership Committee Membership Committee Chair Denise Demars presented two new applications and they were approved for membership. Motion by Johnston, seconded by Howell. Motion passed. Executive Director Schadegg reported that we currently have 480 members. We will be dropping unpaid members next mailing. President Novak challenged the membership to invite coworkers and other interested persons to become Chapter members. We have reached a plateau and it's time to climb higher. We know there are many others in the State that share our mission. Let's bring them in. Private Fire Investigator Committee Committee Chair Crawford Wiestling reported that there is nothing new to discuss. Certification Committee No report Ethics Committee Committee Chair Howell said there was to report. Old Business Dr. Schroeder reported that there has been no progress in providing a fire investigation class for private investigators to parallel the BCA series. Work will continue - maybe 2002. President Novak reported that we still have a lot of equipment left from the gas explosion test that has not been damaged. This will afford us to continue. We would like to do some cold weather tests. Contact him if you have houses that could be used. President Novak reported a Testimony Class is being planned for spring of 2002. Contact Schadegg to be put on the list. Schadegg reported that we have received a thank you letter from the Suburban Law Enforcement Association for our hole sponsorship this past season. New Business President Novak appointed James Michel to serve as Nominating Committee Chair for the upcoming elections. Contact Jim if you are interested in serving. Lyle Felsche brought up the idea of working out a mutual aid agreement through the Chiefs Association for a State wide task force for major fires. Discussion followed. To be discussed again in the future. J David Tebow of the BCA reported that Jim Cook is now certified to handle arson evidence and the new instrument is now online. Adjournment Motion by Howell, seconded O'Brien, to Adjourn. Motion passed. |
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