The Board met prior to the quarterly meeting. The following were present: James Novak, Denise Demars, Michael Urbanski, Jeff Schadegg, Charlie O’Brien, John Piper and Mike Tremian.

President Novak presented a request from the Gas Explosion Committee to let Russ Melton use the equipment to conduct a training explosion this fall. The Chapter would have benefit of the information for our program. Motion by Schadegg, scenoded by Piper to approve such use. Motion Passed.

Meeting location was discussed and President Novak reported that the FMAM has approached us to see if we are interested in moving the location to New Brighton Fire. It was the consensus that we want to keep the two meeting together at the same location if they desire to move. Motion by Piper, seconded by DeMars to move to new Brighton in the FMAM moves but to keep the same day and time. Motion passed.

Executive Schadegg reported that we have received a notice from Western National Insurance Group offering to provide coverage for acts of terrorism. If we desire this coverage there will be an additional premium of $7.00 added to or General Liability Coverage. If we elect not to carry this coverage we must return the rejection form. Request the Board discuss and provide direction. Motion by Tremain, Seconded by DeMars to sign and return the waiver. Motion passed.

Executive Director Schadegg report that he has put together a package to update our computer as directed by the Board. A copy of the quote was reviewed. We have had good service from Gateway and their product has performed exceptionally. He recommended we purchase their product again. The base price is $1549.98 plus Microsoft Office Professional and a monitor upgrade the total is $2000. There may also be some software upgrades that may be needed depending on compatibility with the MS XP operating system. Motion by Piper, seconded by DeMars to approve up to $2500 to upgrade our computer equipment, dispose of the existing hard drive and sell the remaining equipment to as used computer outlet or donate it.

Treasurer O’Brien presented the quarterly transaction report to the Board for their approval. Motion by Piper, seconded by Tremain to approve as presented. Motion passed,

Secretary’s Report

Motion by Michel, seconded by Washinger, to approve the minutes of June 11, 2003 as published in the news letter. Motion Passed.

Treasurer’s Report

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

Arson Reward Committee-

Committee Chair Charlie O’Brien reported that a reward of $2,500 was given. The committee is looking into a brochure for marketing the Arson Reward Program as well as a door hanger with slots for the investigator to add a business card when canvassing an area.

Arson Awareness Committee and Governor’s Council Report

Committee Chair Mike Tremain report that the Governors Fire Service Day at the Fair went very well this year. They had more help than past years but we still need more members to get involved. We handed out 3000 book marks and 5000 pencils with the Arson Reward information on them. The Pioneer Press did an article on Accelerant Detection Canines the week before the fair which resulted in a lot of interest in our display.

Awards Committee

Committee Chair Mike Tremain reported that they are working on a scholarship program to begin in the year 2004. If anyone wants to help they should contact him.

No awards nominations have been submitted. Never too early to submit a name, please don’t wait until the last minute.

Committee Chair Denise DeMars reported that the Association would like to work on legislation giving the Attorney General’s Office the ability to take difficult Arson Cases when County resources hinder prosecution. Arson cases can take up a great deal of a County’s prosecution budget and can take considerable resources away for more routine cases.

If anyone has any thoughts on changes to the Arson Statues that may be needed contact Denise.

Membership Committee

Membership Committee Chair Denise Demars presented 6 new applications for membership. Motion by Neudahl, seconded by Washinger to accept new members presented. Passed

Training and Education Committee

President Novak reported on the upcoming conference. Planning is going well and we should have information out in mid December so you can register in this year’s budget if you like. The Conference will be in St. Cloud again and the dates are March 24 – 26, 2004.

We are also looking into having the OSHA / HazMat refresher course in St. Cloud the day before the conference.

Newsletter Editor Report

Editor Jeff Schadegg reported that delivery by e-mail continues to increase. If the Chapter doesn’t have your e-mail address please get it us. Articles can be submitted at any time. We’re always looking for information of interest to our members.

Certification Committee

President Novak report that there is nothing new regarding the certification process. The application process is administered by the International and Certification Committee Chair Roger Jemming proctors the test.

Ethics Committee

Nothing to report.

District Meetings

Districts seem to be waning. Some areas are very active while others are not. There are several Districts with open Director positions. If you are interested in serving in this capacity contact President Novak.

Merchandising Committee

President Novak reported that we have inventory available in most items. If you wish to purchase anything or have any ideas for new items in 2004 contact Mike Urbanski.

Private Investigator’s Committee

Committee Chair Crawford Wiestling reported that the Conference packet was submitted to the P.I. Board and asked that the 2004 information be given to him as soon as it is available.

Executive Director’s Report

Executive Director Schadegg reviewed the report given to the Board of Directors at their recent meeting .

Membership numbers:

Active             249
Associate        202
Life                 16
Sustaining        4

Total                 471

Twenty-nine persons were dropped from the roster because they did not pay their 2002 dues and have not responded to the 2003 renewal notice. Copy of list is attached for your information.

133 members have not paid their 2003 Dues yet. Reminder notice sent 8/31/2003.

We received a thank you letter from the Suburban Law Enforcement Association for sponsoring a hole at their August 18, 2003 golf Tournament. Copy Attached.

As requested, Duluth Fire Department has provided the Board with a copy of their PSA script. Copy is attached.

We have received a notice from Western National Insurance Group offering to provide coverage for acts of terrorism. If we desire this coverage there will be an additional premium of $7.00 added to or General Liability Coverage. If we elect not to carry this coverage we must return the rejection form. Request the Board discuss and provide direction. Copies attached.

Newsletter - 371 members out of 472 (78%) have given us their e-mail addresses.

I have finally put together a package to update our computer. A copy of the quote is attached. We have had good service from Gateway and their product has performed exceptionally. I recommend we purchase their product again. The base price is $1549.98 plus Microsoft Office Professional and a monitor upgrade the total is $2000.

There are two outstanding invoices for 921's sold June of 2001 totaling $71.44.

There are two outstanding invoices for Kirks purchases 5/30/2002 totaling $124.00.

We hosted the Governor's Council meeting at the SFM office in July. I reimbursed SFM Rosendahl $84.50 for coffee and rolls.

There are 4 outstanding invoices for the 2003 conference totaling $710.00.

 State Fire Marshal’s Report

State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl commented that they have a vacancy for an investigator in the North West District and went on to review the budget deficit status. It looks like the position might not be filled at this point.

The state has had 25 fire deaths so far this year. There were 64 total last year.

He is working on a briefing for the Commissioner on Accelerant Detection Canines.

Old Business

President Novak asked Dr. Schroeder the status of the P.I. Class – nothing new to report.

Testimony class may be held in November or December if we have enough interest. Contact Jeff Schadegg if you are interested/

Arson Strike Force was discussed. Memo of understanding has not been signed. The Strike Force is available with or without the memo. Your State Fire Investigator will call out the resources need to assist in the event of a qualifying fire.

Gas Explosion Project recently blew up two more houses. The explosions were much more catastrophic then past tests. Video clips can be seen at KSTP.com We should have the final report and video by mid December. The plan is to give it to Chapter members free and sell it to others for $25.00.

New Business

Past International board member and IAAI benefactor Dick Johnson passed away recently. Although Dick was from Steven’s Point Wisconsin, he took an active interest in the Minnesota Chapter and was a regular at the annual conference. He was an ardent supported of the IAAI and will be missed.

President Novak reported that the FMAM board is discussion changing their meeting location to the New Brighton Fire Station. The board wants to keep the two meetings together at the same location if possible. Dr. Schroeder suggested that we move the meeting time up to 7 AM. It was pointed out that that would take a By-law Change. Motion by Washinger, seconded by DeMars to move the meeting if the FMAM moved. Motion passed.

President Novak addressed the issue of Arson Dogs (Accelerant Detection Canines). He wanted to state for the record that the Minnesota Chapter is and has always been in favor of the use of these animals in our State. We have fought for more resources and assisted in funding such programs and will continue to do so. He described a canine he recently encountered in California that was used not only to detect accelerants, but also to identify suspects from the items they had handled or left at the scene. A machine was used to extract the scent, it was provided to the canine, and then the canine went through the audience and identified the suspect. This even after the item was burned n the fire. President Novak expressed an interest in purchasing the equipment to extract the scent and is talking to animal handlers to see if there are animals currently available that could provide such a service.

President Novak reported that Chapter Member and 921 Committee Chair Hal Lyon received an Award of Recognition from the International. Congratulation Hal!

Chapter member Jim Popp, President of the Minnesota Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Association, addressed the membership and thanked us for our past support. He presented a request for financial assistance to acquire additional dress uniforms in the amount of $1,000. Motion by Post, seconded by Urbanski to donate $1000 to the Minnesota Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Association. Motion passed.

Marnie Grondahl of Duluth Fire Department addressed the members and thanked them for supporting the P.S.A. their Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention group put together with Darby Hendrickson of the Minnesota Wild. She described the P.S.A. and explained that it should air in October. A copy suitable for use in other areas of the State is included and a copy of the tape will be provided to the Chapter.

Adjournment

Motion by Christensen, seconded by DeMars, to Adjourn. Motion passed.