McHenry County Fire Chief s Association Assistant Chief Jim Kreher President Chief Wayne Amore Vice President Chief Rick Gallas Secretary Chief Jim Moore Treasurer MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 2009 The meeting was called to order by President, Assistant Chief Jim Kreher at 1905 hours with the Pledge of Allegiance. INTRODUCTION OF GUEST From the States Attorney s Office, Lou Bianchi, Nichole Owens, Phil Hiscock, Sharyl Eisenstein. Jim Falco, MCC. MINUTES OF October 5, 2009 MEETING The minutes had been sent out electronically to all members. A motion was made by Chief Tobiasz second by Chief R. Kreher to accept the minutes as amended (date). Motion passed unanimously. TREASURER S REPORT See attached Treasurer s Report for November 2, 2009. A motion was made by Chief Bradbury and second by Chief Webster to accept the report as presented. Motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Chief Macko and seconded by Chief Tobias to continue with the $250 scholarship donations in the names of Cletus Knockles and Robert Buhs. No further discussion, motion passed unanimously. PRESENTATION States Attorney s Office: Lou Bianchi came with members of his office to introduce them to the Chief s for the purpose of better communications. Nichole Owens was introduced as the Chief of the Criminal Section of the office, and Phil Hiscock and Sharyl Eisenstein were introduced as the individuals who prosecute the arson fires. It was brought to our attention that in Kane County, once they formed an Arson Task Force that convictions rose from 20% to 80%. There are some informal talks ongoing about a Task Force in McHenry County with the SA Office. It was agreed that it would be very beneficial for us to contact the SA Office very early in any fire investigation and that someone from the SA office would come out to the scene. A list of phone numbers from the SA Office is forthcoming. MCC Doug Goostree. See attached report. Jim brought with him as a guest Jim Falco, who is the replacement for Sue Mayfield. Jim is Doug s and Cindy s boss at MCC and he pledged to help in anyway that he could to make continued improve with the FF/EMS programs. Doug wanted everyone to fill out the survey that he handed out regarding Tactics and Strategies II. MABAS Chief Macko. The only thing was a reminder for all Chief s to make sure the CBRN mask canisters are changed out with Air One. IFCA Chief Webster: Legislative summit was last week. Waiting for more information to arrive. Ralph with get it to us via email. When legislation comes out that affects the fire service, we were
reminded that we must make phone calls and get involved. A brief update was given regarding Novelty lighter legislation. Also, the IFCA hired a new Assistant Executive Director. He is Pat Kenny who we are all familiar with. Also noted that Ralph Webster is now the 1 st V.P. of the IFCA. Wayne Amore also spoke about the success of this year s VCOC conference in Peoria This was the second year and he has received excellent feedback. Wayne and others from the Illinois group will be visiting a conference in Florida to speak about how Illinois got the VCOC started. Illinois is the only state in the nation to have a VCOC. Wayne also brought to our attention that there is a definite difference in areas of the state in fire education, ability, etc. The southern counties were noted as having a big disadvantage in comparison to opportunities that we have in our area of the state. IAFC Chief Macko. Nothing special was mentioned except that the Fire Rescue Conference will be in Chicago next year 2010, 2013 and 2016. Also see Chief Hermes for floor tickets. The Great Lakes Division will be attending the dinner in DC in April. Legislative Chief Saletta: Regarding the Cornerstone Program funding ($475,000), we need to find a permanent funding source for this so that it can be protected and not be taken away as it has in past years. This is critical for us. Jim brought to our attention Representatives D. Moffit and L. Dugan who have helped immensely in getting some of the funding back. The ICC Residential sprinkler vote to keep it off the Spring Ballot was successful. The Builders Association was trying to get it removed from the building code in the Spring. CORONER, Marlene Lantz Nothing SHERIFF, Capt. Dave Shepard Nothing. EMS Cindy Amore. See attached handout. Cindy also discussed the recent declaration made by Gov. Quinn relative to H1N1. In a week and a half, the county will be in the schools with vaccinations. The ED wants to partner with us for a food drive for the holidays. The EMS new website went live on Monday. If you have any students for Spring Enrollment, let Cindy know. Also, Cindy made us aware that a mailing will be coming out regarding a Benefit for Twin Lakes Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Al Stolp, who is recovering following serious injuries suffered in a 40 foot fall from a tree. The benefit is December 5, 2009. FFL Tammy Chatman. At the recent International Air Med Conference, FFL had three speakers who were Tammy, Stu and Sharon. Night Vision Goggles are moving up the list, according to Tammy. 911 Chief Saletta. We were made aware of a 4-day workshop with Visionair regarding the problems that have come along with the move to the new CAD. DC Caudle is very confident that they will be able to work out the rough spots. EMA Barry Valentine. Not Present PIO / Fire Prevention Chief Bradbury. Just a note to get the number of yellow driveway signs that you will need in your district to Chief Tobiasz, for the grant. Also, let Chief Bradbury know if you department will be doing Keep the Wreath Red this year.
SRT Cynthia Tomusiak: See attached report. OLD BUSINESS McHenry County Honor Guard Working on mid-november training date and getting new recruits. NEW BUSINESS Christmas Party The annual Christmas Party will be held on December 7th! As in the past, a very short meeting will precede the party. The menu is Prime Rib or Orange Roughy, the cost is $28.00 per plate. Bring your spouse or significant other. Vendors are working on door prizes. We must have the final count in to the restaurant at least 1 week prior. So we are asking that you contact Chief Gallas with your reservation and order preference no later than 3 p.m on Friday November 27 th. ANNOUCEMENTS The Union Fire Chief was relieved of his duties. A new Chief will be appointed. NEXT MEETING December 7, 2009-7 pm, Old Mill Inn, Wonder Lake. Being no further business, a motion was made at 2036 hours by Chief Tobiasz and seconded by Chief R. Kreher to adjourn. Motion approved. Respectfully submitted, Chief Rick Gallas, Secretary