Wisconsin EMS Association
Board of Directors Meeting
November 9, 2008
Present: Allen, Hunjadi, Klis, McCarrier, Meeker, Schindler
Notified Absent: Barker, VanBuren
Absent without 48-hour notice: Carey, Erickson
Guests: Jean Jacobson, Chris Cook
Meeting called to order by President Meeker at 12:00
Tour of New Office Construction: Everyone in attendance relocated to the new office construction approximately two miles north of the meeting location. A tour of the exterior and interior of the building was completed. Questions from the members of the board were addressed. Everyone then returned to the Norway Town Hall for the remainder of the meeting.
Review/Approval of September 2008 Minutes: Deferred until next meeting
President: Meeker asked to move the presentation from the first order of new business to this position in the agenda. Chris Cook delivered a 30 minute presentation on the 3CCC program. The program deals with SWAT medics as well as other medical support services for law enforcement. Their focus on care centers around being able to stop bleeding, addressing airway obstruction and treating tension pnuemothorax. Board members had the opportunity to have their questions answered.
Vice President: Nothing
Secretary/Treasurer: Nothing
Executive Director: Hunjadi reported on an ongoing problem with the Post Office. Approximately one month ago the postal service decided that our bulk mail permit had been suspended in 1994 for non-use. Being that they never informed us of this and allowed us to continue mailing throughout the past 14 years, they still decided to uphold the suspension. Hunjadi was able to prove through actual mailing records that WEMSA indeed did use bulk mail during this time frame – proving the postal service was wrong. While they temporarily reinstated the permit, they only did so after holding up the conference brochures for nearly two weeks and only after multiple calls from WEMSA, Times Printing, and the local postal official who handles our account. The New York office then decided to make us re-apply for our bulk permit. It appears to Hunjadi that they are doing anything and everything to disallow non-profit bulk rates in order to generate more revenue. Several postal officials substantiated that thought. The application was completed along with multiple mailing samples, the WEMSA Articles of Incorporation, and Federal Tax information. As of this date we have not heard back from anyone. They continue to allow us to mail at non-profit bulk rates during the interim.
Sales and Customer Service Director: Nothing
Conference: Nothing
2009 Cruise: Hunjadi provided a brief update with the cruise.
OLD BUSINESS
NAEMT Affiliation: Following the vote to affiliate with the National Association of EMTs, they provided their affiliation agreement to Meeker. Meeker reports that it is filled with requirements and conditions that we were in no way aware of and that if they are to remain will likely prevent WEMSA from executing the agreement. Meeker spoke with their executive director who asked him to rewrite the contact as he sees fit and provide it for their approval. Meeker is currently working on this item.
WEMSA Certified Training Center: Karen Barker was not in attendance to provide updated information.
Recognition for retiring board members: Meeker previously provided some suggestions on this topic to board members through e-mail. Because copies were not available for this meeting, the item was tabled until the next meeting.
Interoperability Committee Potent ional Representative: Meeker reports that he is still waiting to hear from Rick Jarvis whether he will accept this position representing WEMSA. He will set a deadline for Jarvis to respond after which time he will attempt to identify someone else for this position.
Appointment procedures for open board positions: Allen provided her second draft that included changes made at the September board meeting. Board members present discussed several additional changes to be made by Allen prior to the January meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Presentation on SWAT Medic: Moved to the start of the meeting.
Wisconsin MABAS request to join Fire & EMS Coalition: Wisconsin MABAS has made a second request to become a voting member of the Fire & EMS Legislative Leadership Coalition. Their first request was turned down approximately one year ago. There has been no substantial change in the organization since that time. Board members discussed the request and believe that the same concerns that were in place one year ago remain today. Motion by Allen second by Schindler to vote no to the request. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
2009 Meeting Schedule: Board members discussed and set the meeting schedule for 2009. January 11, 2009 at Norway Town Hall; April 12, 2009; July 12, 2009, October 11, 2009, all held at the new WEMSA office. There is a potential for the annual meeting to be held October 10. Board members will schedule the next strategic planning meeting at the April 2009 board of directors meeting..
Election Nomination Problems: Hunjadi reported that one of the candidates for the board of directors was late in turning in one page of his nomination. Paul Blount provided the bulk of his nomination papers prior to the November 1, 2008 deadline. Hunjadi noticed that he was missing the official application page and contacted him. Blount provided this page by fax but not until after the deadline has passed. Hunjadi asked board members to decide if Blount is still eligible for the election ballot. A lengthy discussion was held including concerns for setting precedence. Motion by Klis to accept the late application page of Paul Bount for the election. Two in favor, one opposed, two abstain. Motion failed due to lack of majority.
Following the failure of the motion the board decided to take the issue to the Wisconsin EMS Association attorney whose directive will be followed.
Service/Corporate Awards: Hunjadi reported that several services are now reaching the 20 year and 15 year membership points. Board members discussed what to do with the various levels. Consensus was to award the 20 year services this year at the annual conference. The 15 year should be announced and sent an updated plate for their current plaque.
Motion to adjourn by Klis second by McCarrier. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 3:55 PM