Board Meeting
The board met prior to the quarterly meeting. The following
persons were present; Jamie Novak, Denise DeMars, Mike Urbanski, Charlie O'Brien, Jeff
Schadegg, John Piper, Don Howell, Jerry
Streich, Jerry Rosendahl.
Charlie O'Brien presented quarterly transaction reports. Motion
by Howell, Seconded by Piper to approve the quarterly transaction reports as presented.
Motion passed.
Jeff Schadegg presented the Executive Directors report. Motion
by O’Brien seconded by Streich to accept the report of the Executive Director. Motion passed.
Don Howell reported that the 2007 Fire Investigation Conference
will be March 28, 29, 30, 2007 at the St. Cloud Holiday Inn and Suites. Committee
assignments have been handed out and we are in the process of confirming speakers.
Secretary’s
Report
Motion by Howell, seconded by Jones to approve Minutes of June 14, 2006 as published in the
newsletter. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s
Report
Motion by DeMars, seconded by
Rosendahl, to approve the Treasurers report as published in the newsletter.
Arson Reward Committee Report
Arson Reward Committee Chair Charlie
O’Brien reported that there were no rewards paid out last quarter.
We have signs available. Contact
Charlie charlie.obrien.bjt0@statefarm.com
Arson Awareness Committee Report
Committee Chair Jerry Streich
reported the committee has been meeting regularly and many things are happening. They are
working with Nancy Frank Wilson, the creator of the “Click It or Ticket” program
to develop a similar program to target the crime of arson. The first step is to conduct
research and identify the problem. Then we will move on to create a DVD and media
campaign. The goal is to begin the research phase within the next three months. Grants and
donations will be solicited for the project. If you have ideas for funding sources let
Jerry know. jstreich@ci.ramsey.mn.us
Jerry thanked those who worked
during Governor’s Fire Service day at the Fair. Your help and dedication is greatly
appreciated by the Chapter.
Awards Committee Report
Committee Chair Jerry Streich reported
that we have received no nominations yet this year. Last year we did not give out a fire
investigator of the year award.
The nicest thing you can do for one
of your peers is to recognize them for their work. Please take the time to nominate those
you feel are deserving. Fill in the nomination form completely. There must be supporting
reasons, not just they are a nice person and they work hard. More information and
nomination forms can be forms at http://www.mniaai.org/awards.htm
Awards are presented at the annual
conference banquet.
Training and Education Committee Report
Committee Chair Don Howell reported
that the 2007 Fire Investigation Conference will be held March 28, 29, 30 at the Holiday
Inn and Suites in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Holiday Inn will be holding the entire hotel
until 30 days prior to the event. Be sure to make your reservations early. The program and
registration information will be posted to www.mniaai.org/2007Conference.htm when
finalized.
Legislative Committee Report
Committee Chair Denise DeMars reported
the MNFAC group is beginning the process for the 2007 legislative session. We are looking
at making changes to the negligent fire statute and possibly pursuing Attorney General
Office assistance for County Attorney’s in arson prosecution. If you have ideas for
our legislative agenda contact Denise. denise.r.demars@state.mn.us
Certification
Committee Report
Mike
Tremain reported that the Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board continues to pursue
the idea of a basic fire investigator certification in Minnesota. This is not intended to
replace the IAAI CFI program but would be an entry level certification that could be a
stepping stone to the CFI program. He advised that we back this program and be a player in
its development. Mike is the Chapter representative to the Minnesota Fire Service
Certification Board.
Ethics Committee Report
No report
HazMat / OSHA Committee Report
Chapter President Jamie Novak
reported that the committee is working on a schedule for the 2007 refresher. It will be
held separate from the conference most likely in March or April.
Merchandising Committee Report
Committee Chair Mike Urbanski
reported that we are working on getting our merchandise on the web. Any of our merchandise
can be ordered now through Streich Designs directly from their web site: www.companycasuals.com/streichdesigns
Membership Committee Report
Committee Chair Denise DeMars
presented 14 applications for membership. Motion by LaMotte, seconded by O’Brien to
accept. Motion passed.
Private Investigators Committee Report
No report
Governor’s Council on Fire Prevention and
Control
Council Member Mike Tremain reported
that the Governor’s Fire Service Day at the Fair was well attended. He thanked those
that assisted. The Council is working on their annual report and is discussing the concept
of a Fire Zone project at the Mall of America. This would be a store front space that
would focus on fire and arson prevention. This is a huge undertaking and will most likely
take involvement from each of the fire service organizations in Minnesota as well as a
private funding source.
Newsletter Editor’s Report
Editor Jeff Schadegg reported that
we continue to publish our newsletter to the Chapter web site (www.mniaai.org) and distribute it to the membership by
e-mail. Your help in keeping our e-mail list up-to-date would be appreciated. Thanks to those who have sent in their new e-mail
addresses. There is no postal mailing so it is important for members to have an e-mail
address on file.
By-Laws Committee Report
No report.
State Fire Marshal Report
State Fire Marshal Jerry Rosendahl
reported that there have been 25 fire deaths to date this year. This is up one death from
this time in 2005. If we stay below 40 this year this will the fourth year in a row that
we have set a record low.
Rosendahl applauded the Chapter for
their Arson Awareness initiative.
State Statue has been amended
reducing the number of fire drills required in schools to five and adding five lock down
drills and one tornado drill. Fire Inspector’s will monitor fire drills only; others
are the responsibility of the Department of Education.
The first
meeting of the fire safety account advisory committee has been held. St. Paul Fire Marshal
Steve Zaccard is representing MNIAAI and FMAM. Roberta Floyd is the alternate.
Governor’s Day at the Fair –
This is the first time in the eight year history that the Governor was actually there. We
should all thank the Governor for his support.
John Swanson has left the State Fire
Marshal Division to assume duties of the Woodbury Fire Marshal. Best of luck to John in
his new position.
The draft of Fire in Minnesota 2005
is out and available on the SFM Web site. The final document will be presented at the
Chief’s Conference in October.
Arson has moved down to number four
in the list of fire causes in Minnesota. Keep up the good work.
Fire service day at the Capitol will
be March 8th, 2007.
Executive Director’s Report
Jeff Schadegg reviewed the Executive
Director’s Report approved at the September Board meeting:
Administrative Time log was
presented to the Board.
Membership numbers:
Active
207
Associate 225
Life
17
Sustaining 4
Total
453
2006 Conference
Registrations Outstanding: 7 for a total of $1545
2006 Membership dues outstanding: 65
On July 31, 2006 an e-mail motion was
sent out to the Board requesting final approval of the attached ad. Approval was received
and a half column ad has been placed in the Minnesota Fire Chief Magazine as directed by
the Board. The ad is black and white and will run in 6 issues including the directory at a
cost of $135/ issue.
On July 30, 2006 an e-mail motion was
sent out to Board Members requesting authorization to renewal our General Liability
Insurance Policy with Western National Mutual for 7/17/06 to 7/17/07. Approval was granted
and the policy was renewed at a cost of: $557.00.
Our PC-cillian, internet security and
virus protection software service with Trend Micro was renewed for 12 months at a cost of
$31.89.
Juvenile Firesetter Commmittee Report
No report
Old Business
President Novak commented that there
have been no developments in the gas explosion project. We are still looking for
buildings.
President Novak asked members to
submit their pictures to be inserted in the member roster.
President Novak reported on the
status of the fire safety fund. As State Fire Marshal Rosendahl previously reported, the
first meeting of the fire safety account advisory committee has been held. St. Paul Fire
Marshal Steve Zaccard is representing MNIAAI and FMAM. Roberta Floyd is the alternate.
Both are members of MNIAAI and FMAM. We must all remember that it will take time for the
money to enter this fund. In the mean time the advisory committee will be working on how
this money will be spent. If you have ideas applicable to fire investigations let Jamie or
the committee members know. Possible ideas: SFM funding for an accelerant detection
canine, lab services, training, an attorney from the AG’s office assigned to the SFM
Division, a BCA Officer assigned to the SFM Division, expert fees.
New Business
President Novak reported that it has
been suggested that we change the time of the Chapter meeting to 9 A.M. Meetings are
starting later and later because it is taking everyone longer to arrive due to traffic.
Motion by DeMars, seconded by Olsen, to change the meeting time to 9 A.M. Motion passed.
Denise DeMars asked the membership
for help in finding a house for the SFM /BCA Fire Investigation class. She needs it within
the next 4 – 6 weeks.
President Novak asked for help in
finding a large commercial building or slab to do spalling experiments.
Adjournment
Motion by Tremain, seconded by
Bruder to adjourn. Motion passed.
