Board Meeting:
The Board met prior to the quarterly
meeting. Members present: Novak, DeMars, Schadegg, O’Brien, Piper, Urbanski, Tremain,
and Streich
Charlie O’Brien presented the
quarterly transaction report. Motion to approve was made by Piper, Seconded by Streich.
Motion passed.
Awards Committee Chair Jerry Streich
presented the committee’s recommendation for awards to be given out at the conference
banquet. Motion by DeMars, Seconded by O’Brien to approve the following awards:
Fire Investigator of the Year
- Ronald Rahman, MN Deputy State Fire Marshal
Prosecutor of the Year - Michelle Davis, Asst. Anoka County Attorney
Distinguished Service Award - Kerry Svare, Special agent
Minneapolis ATF
Photography award: Arson ~ John Daniels, Fire Inspector Sioux
Falls, SD
Photography award: 1st Place Accidental - Tony
Liddell, Fire Inspector, Eden Prairie MN
Photography award: 2nd Place Accidental - Jan Trom, Fire
Inspector, Burnsville MN
Photography award: Honorary Mention: Edward Coppersmith, Fire
Inspector, Chanhassen Fire Department
Motion passed.
Jeff Schadegg presented the Executive Directors report. Motion by Howell, seconded
by O’Brien to accept the report of the Executive Director. Motion passed.
Jeff Schadegg presented information from the Minnesota State
Fire Departments Association inviting the Chapter to participate as a vendor at the
upcoming Conference in June. Motion by Urbanski, Seconded by O’Brien to pay vendor
fee, hotel, meals and travel expenses for two people to take the new display board to
promote Chapter membership.
Annual Meeting
Minutes:
Secretary’s Report
Motion by
Garfin, Seconded by Nesler to approve the Minutes of
December 13, 2007
as published in the newsletter. Motion passed.
Treasurer’s
Report
Motion by Stark, Seconded by Grotberg
to approve the Treasurers Report as published in the newsletter. Motion passed.
Arson Reward Committee
Committee Chair
Charlie O’Brien reported that one award for $1250 was given out this quarter. Door
hangers, small and large signs are available. Contact Charlie if you need them: charlie.obrien.bjt0@statefarm.com
There have been no problems reported this last quarter with the
1-800 number. Let Charlie know if you have any difficulties in the future.
Arson Awareness Committee
Committee Chair Jerry Streich reported that it is
time to find out what people think about the crime of Arson. As reported previously the
Chapter has approved $10,000 to begin funding the study and a grant has been applied for
to complete the work. We will start with what
we can do for free. If you have ideas or would like to join the committee, contact Jerry jstreich@ci.ramsey.mn.us
Awards Committee
Committee Chair Jerry Streich
reported that awards recommendations of the committee have been approved by the Board and
will be given out at the banquet. We had a good response from the membership this year
when asked to submit nominations. We will be adding an award next year for the best team
effort. The committee will strive to keep the integrity of the Chapter Awards program
while making changes they feel are needed. All changes will require Board approval.
Legislative Committee
Committee Chair Denise DeMars
reported that the fire resistant cigarette bill has been held over and referred to committee. Negligent fire needs a
meeting with the AG’s Office but nothing has been scheduled yet. There is a bad faith
insurance bill that has
surfaced which we are concerned about. It could result in insurance company paying off
fire claims before our investigations are completed. The author is willing to meet with
us. The insurance industry wants the bill killed.
Certification Committee
President Novak reported that two
test were held this past year. He thanked Roger Jemming for his continued support of the
program in his retirement years. Contact Roger if you need to schedule a test: rmjemming@usfamily.net Packets are available from the International
through their web site: www.firearson.com
Training and Education
Committee
Chair Don Howell
reported that the conference is going well. We will begin to plan for next year shortly.
If you have ideas for speaker send them to Don at Don.Howell@AIG.com
Ethics
Committee
No report
HazMat / OSHA
President Novak reported that we recently
held a class in New Brighten. We are looking at how we can change the class to better meet
the needs of the Fire Investigator. The committee will also be working on an article to
show the need for investigators to attend this class in addition to other training they
may receive from their employers.
Rick Kleis asked if the Chapter would be
offering the class in conjunction with the conference next year. It will be discussed but
is not likely as it adds another day to the conference and interferers with conference
preparation.
Merchandise Committee
Committee Chair Mike Urbanski
reported that we are trying to clear out all existing merchandise. Once it is all gone
orders will be produce and shipped from Streich design as needed.
Membership Committee
Committee Chair Denise DeMars presented 19
new members for consideration. Motion by Berkeland, seconded by Knapper to approve
applications. Passed
Private Investigator Committee
President Novak reported that Committee
Chair Crawford Weistling had to leave the conference due to a medical emergency. Crawford
will be submitting the application for conference approval by the P.I. Board as usual.
Newsletter
Schadegg commented there was nothing new to
report.
Juvenile Fire Setter Committee
Committee
Chair Marnie Grondahl commented there was nothing new to report at this time.
Governor’s
Council
Representative
Mike Tremain reported that the white paper of the Council on the Statewide Building Code
is still out there and proponents are looking for an author. If you wish to get involved
contact him for more information.
State Fire Marshal’s Report
No report
Executive
Director’s Report
Executive Director Jeff Schadegg Reported the following:
Membership numbers:
Active
209
Associate 235
Life 17
Sustaining 3
Total
464
We received the
annual request from the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association for our contribution to
the MNFAC in the amount of $2000.00. An E-motion sent out 1/25/07 requesting authorization
to pay the contribution. Motion was passed and check was sent out 2/11/07. We also received a letter from Nyle Zikmond,
Legislative Chair of the Chiefs Association requesting we consider increasing our
contribution for the year 2007. The contribution sent was at the same level as the
previous year therefore the Board need to act if they wish to provide additional funding..
We received the annual dues notice from
the MN 100 Club in the amount of $100.00 An e-motion was sent out 1/25/07 requesting
authorization to renew. Motion passed and check was sent out 2/11/07.
The 2007 MSFDA Conference will be held June 7 – 9, 2007 in
Brainerd MN. They sent the attached vendor information inviting us to attend. A $100 price
reduction is offered to all fire related non-profits.
2007 Membership renewal notices were sent out 2/11/2007. To
date we have received 45 back.
2007 Conference: We have 180 conference registrations and 4
Exhibitor Applications at this time.
We held the 2007 Hazmat/OSHA Refresher Class March 6, 2007. The
instructor was Ted Beyer of the Knutson Beyer Group, Inc. Nineteen students attended the
class. The class is expected to have a net profit of $25.00
The annual report to the IAAI has been filed.
Old Business
President
Novak asked for help in finding a house or large concrete slab to do test burns. If you
have either contact him at james.novak@ci.stpaul.mn.us
New Business
We continue to
work on issues with the hotel regarding the conference. Please let Don Howell know if you
had any problems this year.
President Novak challenged all Associate members to join the
International so that they could vote in the upcoming IAAI elections. Electronic balloting
will available so you do not have to attend the annual meeting to vote.
If you plan to attend the International conference remember
that you will need a passport to enter Canada.
Election of Chapter
Officers
President - Nominating Committee Chair Merle Berkeland
presented John Piper and Don Howell as candidates for the Office of President. Both
accepted the nomination. There were no nominations from the floor. The first vote was a
tie with one erroneous ballot. John Piper won the second ballot. Motion by Nelson,
seconded by Knapper to destroy the ballots.
2nd Vice President – Nominating Committee Chair
Merle Berkeland presented incumbent Michael Urbanski as the only candidate running for the
office of 2nd Vice President. Urbanski accepted the nomination. There were no
nominations from the floor. Woodford made a motion to cast a white ballot for Michael
Urbanski, seconded by Freeman. Motion passed.
Secretary - Nominating Committee Chair Merle Berkeland
presented incumbent Jeff Schadegg as the only candidate for the office of Secretary.
Schadegg accepted the nomination. There were no nominations from the floor. Stark made a
motion to cast a white ballot for Schadegg, seconded by Surratt. Motion passed.
Director (Presidential Appointment) – Chapter President
John Piper appointed Tony Miranda to fill his vacant Board seat.
Adjournment
Motion by Stark, Seconded by DeMars to adjourn. Motion passed.
