Wisconsin EMS Association
Board of Directors Meeting
July 13, 2003 - Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Present: Allen, Bennett, Covelli, Hunjadi, Meeker, Merrill, Schilder, Schultz, TeStroete, Werner,

Notified Absent: Teale

Absent Without Notice: McCarrier

Guests: Mike Krueger

Called to order by President Meeker at 12:05 PM.

Motion by Schilder second by TeStroete to approve the April 2003 minutes as written. All in favor. None opposed. Motion carried.

President:  Nothing

Vice President: Nothing

Secretary/Treasurer: Schilder would like to complete a review of the financial records. The last review was completed two years ago. Discussion was held regarding completing a professional audit. Past research has shown that most accounting firms require several years of affiliation before they will perform and certify an audit. Projected costs were well over $10,000 with far fewer transactions taking place than today. Identifying a member of the association who may also be a CPA or involved in accounting was also discussed. Motion by Schilder second by Schultz to complete an internal review with the assistance of a professional accountant if available. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried. A committee of Schilder, TeStroete, Werner and Merrill were appointed by President Meeker.

Executive Director: 1) Hunjadi provided current financial and membership information and noted we are ahead of budget when compared with the first six months of last year. 2) The software upgrades discussed at the April meeting have been completed. Publishing will slowly transition to Adobe In Design, the new layout software program, with the conference brochure being the first major project completed on the platform. 3) Two unrelated computer breakdowns have occurred in the past weeks. A new computer is ordered and due to arrive in the next few days. A lightning strike caused about $300 damage to networking and telephone equipment. The final equipment upgrade will be a new laptop computer. 4) Office remodeling has been completed at the expense of HG Studio. Hunjadi provided photos and a brief report.

Sales and Public Relations Director:  1) Covelli handed out a summary report on membership for 2003. He noted a downturn in new memberships during the past three months. Much of his time has been spent on conference-related items. He hopes to return to more membership sales shortly. 2) Magazine advertising is anticipated to exceed the $40,000 budgeted amount. The increase in advertising revenue along with a decrease in printing costs has resulted in a greatly reduced bottom line for the magazine over previous years.

Conference:  Meeker reported on the latest conference developments. Most sessions and speakers have now been secured. Additional hotels have been contracted as well. He noted that the final contract with the Midwest Airlines Center is still not signed due to changes and more specific language that WEMSA has requested but then requires attorney approval from the Center. Meeker hopes to have the situation resolved shortly. Significant marketing is being prepared for Wisconsin and Northern Illinois with additional marketing to EMS and Fire agencies in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota. Hunjadi provided a copy of the marketing plan along with a copy of the task list being used by the conference committee. The marketing plan will include having all board members make presentations to EMS and Fire organizations in their area as well as new EMT and First Responder classes and county and regional groups or associations. Hunjadi will provide board members with training on how to complete a five to ten minute presentation at the October board meeting.

Legislative:  Hunjadi reported that the FAP budget bill amendment that was to be introduced failed to materialize. Rep. Kitty Rhodes had agreed to introduce the amendment in the Joint Finance Committee of which she is a member. At the last minute she changed her mind, quite possibly on the recommendations of her aid. She later apologized and worked to have the amendment introduced using a different method. Unfortunately, that was not able to be completed. She is now drafting a stand alone bill to accomplish the FAP changes. Because of her backing out on introducing the original amendment, she has agreed to do much of the leg work on getting the stand alone bill passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Association Cruise: Hunjadi reported that the final profit from the second cruise came in at just under $10,000. He pointed out that this amount is about half as much as the first cruise produced. The two main reasons for the decline were about 25% less people traveling on the cruise and the removal of air fare from the 12:1 commission rebates.  Discussion was held regarding offering a third cruise as well as partnering with JEMS. Board members had concern of a partnership unless it would remain the Wisconsin EMS Cruise with additional support from JEMS versus the event becoming the JEMS cruise in which WEMSA simply would provide passengers. Several board members expressed reservations on continuing the event at all. Others showed support and believe it should continue. Motion by Schilder second by Schultz that Hunjadi continue to investigate a future cruise with no commitments to host one at this time. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

Meetings with DHFS and EMS Board: Meetings have continued with both the EMS office and EMS Advisory Board. The latest meeting included discussion on all three groups partnering to conduct a survey of Wisconsin’s EMS providers. WEMSA would print and mail the surveys. DHFS would provide return postage. WEMSA would use our survey software to collect the data. It is believed the return on a survey completed by all three groups may be higher than if any one of the groups conducted their own survey. Motion by Bennett second by Werner that WEMSA partner with DHFS and the EMS Advisory Board to complete a survey to all EMS providers including First Responder organizations.  All in favor none opposed. Motion by Schilder, second by Werner that a customer service/satisfaction component be included for all three organizations. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

Service of the Year Awards: Discussion was held regarding the continuation of the EMS Service of the Year awards. The issue of conducting the awards program has been debated for many years. Concern continues regarding the validity of the awards process with concerns that winners are not necessarily the best EMS services in the state but rather than best of the services who took the time to complete the nomination process. Motion by TeStroete second by Schultz that the EMS Service of the Year Award be discontinued. Four in favor, five opposed. Motion defeated. Discussion continued with a consensus for Allen to lead a work group to further refine the parameters for award nominations and for Covelli to help in identifying and encouraging participation from Wisconsin EMS services.

Group Buying Program Additions: Covelli provided information on several Group Buying Program additions. An RFP was provided to leading AED manufacturers for a BLS or Public Access-type defibrillator. Covelli recommends the board approve two companies. Motion by Hunjadi second by Bennett, to approve both Zoll and Access Cardio Systems for the group buying program through 2004 and that the board have the ability to add additional companies as needed. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.  The next product addition is for Minitor IV pagers and radios. Restrictions by some radio brands on territory sales for 2-way radios has made it difficult to obtain pricing for mobile and portable two-way radios. However, pager prices were obtained from several companies. Motion by Schultz second by Werner to approve General Communications for Minitor IV pagers in the Group Buying Program. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.  Cell phone service currently includes two companies covering most of the state with the exception of southwestern Wisconsin and the center part of the state. Motion by Schultz second by TeStroete to add Alltell to the group buying program for the duration of the existing cell phone contracts.  All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Complimentary Copies of EMS Professionals:  For the past 20 years, the Association has provided a free copy of EMS Professionals to every ambulance service, hospital ED and state legislator. Hunjadi brings the issue to the board because over half of the ambulance providers are now members. Covelli reports that some providers mention that they do not join the association because they already get the free magazine. Several options were discussed. Motion by Merrill, second by TeStroete that staring in 2004 we send no less than one but no more than three issues, at the discretion of the executive director, of EMS Professionals per year to ambulance providers. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried. Werner would like to add First Responder organizations to the complimentary list. Hunjadi will add any known First Responder organizations to the list for the issues that are provided. Hospital and legislator copies will continue for every issue.

2004 Premium Item: Board members were asked for input on a premium item for 2004. A Microshied or other brand CPR mask, key ring, letter opener, car freshener were among items suggested. The most popular item appeared to be the pocket mask. Hunjadi and Covelli will research items and obtain final approval from the executive board.

Covelli Contract Concerns:  Covelli had expressed concern over the terms of his contract with regard to the commission portion. He and the executive board met prior to the full board meeting to discuss the issue. At this time, he believes that his concerns have been adequately addressed. The current contract will not be altered but will likely be changed after it ends at the end of 2003.

Association Medical Director: A letter of resignation has been received from Dr. Wesley. His reason for stepping down stems from the fact that he will apply for the state medical director’s job being vacated by Dr. Barney and believes it may be a conflict of interest to hold both positions. Motion by Schultz second by Allen to accept Wesley’s resignation. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried. A letter from President Meeker will be sent. Hunjadi will distribute information to solicit a replacement for possible action at the October meeting.

EMS Advisory Board Funding Report: The EMS Advisory Board has released a comprehensive report regarding the funding and financial operations of Wisconsin EMS. It was discussed at our last meeting with the EMS Board that this report should be distributed to state legislators to inform and educate them on the financial needs of EMS. Motion by Allen second by Schilder to commit lobbyist time to move the report through the legislature. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

Service/Corporate Member Recognition: Covelli brought forth the idea to begin recognizing organizations that remain as Service or Corporate members of the Association for a set amount of time. He suggests either five or ten year recognition with a plaque they can display in their station. The possibility exists to present these awards during the annual banquet in January. Board members support the concept and directed Covelli to bring a plan for action at the October meeting.

Election of Officers: Hunjadi informed board members that the election of officers was overlooked at the April board meeting. Officers elected will now complete a nine month term that will expire April 2004. Nominations were opened for the office of President. Richard Meeker was the only person to receive a nomination. Motion by Schultz second by Merrill to cast a unanimous ballot for Meeker. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried. Nominations were opened for the office of Vice President. Larry TeStroete was the only person to receive a nomination. Motion by Werner second by Bennett to cast a unanimous ballot for TeStroete. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried. Nominations were opened for the office of Secretary/Treasurer. Mary Schilder was the only person to receive a nomination. Motion by Werner, second by Schultz to cast a unanimous ballot for Schilder. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

Board Member Attendance: Mary Schilder raised the issue of board member attendance. She sites the current policy in place that requires all board members to attend 75% of board meetings. She notes that Steve Teale has missed three out of the last four board meetings, attending only the January meeting and being absent October 2002, April 2003 and July 2003. Motion by Schilder, second by TeStroete to request a review of Teale based on current board policy. Eight in favor, one abstain. Motion carried. Meeker will contact Teale to inform him of the pending action.

Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Issues: Several board members have received comments regarding potential actions being contemplated for the PFFW to name the Wisconsin EMS Association as a rival organization. Meeker reports several actions and correspondence with the Kenosha PFFW local. Hunjadi reports that several union members have commented regarding being able to attend the WEMSA annual conference. Discussion was held regarding the issue. Due to a lack of definitive information, it is difficult to determine direction or actions WEMSA should undertake. Motion by Werner second by Allen for the executive board to set up a meeting with the PFFW executive board to discuss common goals for the betterment of EMS in Wisconsin. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

Motion by TeStroete second by Allen to adjourn. Motion adjourned at 4:27 PM.

Action Items: