Wisconsin EMS Association
Board of Directors Meeting
July 13, 2008
Present: Allen, Barker, Carey, Hunjadi, Klis, Meeker, Schindler, VanBuren
Notified Absent: Averbeck, McCarrier, Schilder
Absent Without Notice: Erickson
Guests: Dan Murphy
Meeting called to order by President Meeker at 12:04 PM
Motion by Barker second by Klis to approve the meeting minutes from April 2008. Add Klis to the list of those present. Eight in favor none opposed, one abstain. Motion carried.
President: Meeker moved to raise the first item from old business to the head of the schedule to accommodate a presentation from NAEMT. Meeker provided a brief synopsis of previous interaction and contact with NAEMT. Pamela Cohen, Executive Director for NAEMT since October, 2007, provided her presentation. The executive director is a position they have not had in the past. She provided information on the re-design of the organization including the removal of the board of governors among other items. Board members were able to have questions answered.
The meeting was suspended at 1:00 PM for lunch, following the presentation from NAEMT. The meeting reconvened at 1:25 PM.
John Schindler reported on the Fire/EMS Coalition meeting that took place this past week in Madison. He attended in Hunjadi and Meeker’s absence. Because the legislative session is all but over, there were no new actions taken. The group did discuss several potential legislative initiatives for the 2009-2010 session.
Vice President: Nothing
Secretary/Treasurer: Absent
Executive Director: Hunjadi spoke briefly about the new jingle package that the association obtained along with the reasons for getting the package. Under a special offer from JAM Productions in Dallas, non-profit organizations can have existing jingles that have previously aired on radio stations to be re-sung for them at the cost of only $250. One of the ten cuts are currently on the web page and will rotate. Other planned uses are at the conference, in video presentations and for the new POD casts that are planned for 2009. Hunjadi and Meeker spoke about their consulting trip with the North Dakota EMS Association. Both were hired to spend a day and one half with their board of directors sharing ideas and providing them with direction. A portion of the consulting fee is provided to the Wisconsin EMS Association. Hunjadi briefly mentioned about the recent articles in JEMS from our authors from EMS Professionals.
Sales and Customer Service Director: Michael Hood was not in attendance but did provide current information on the ambulance rebate program. Currently there are over one dozen WEMSA members who will receive between $1,000 and $2,000 each as a rebate on their ambulance purchase. Rebates are paid after delivery of the vehicle.
Meeker again asked that the first two items from old business be moved to this point in the meeting. Mary Schilder, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Wisconsin EMS Association has submitted a letter of resignation from the board. The letter was provided to all board members and details her personal reasons for this decision. The decision was not based at all or in part due to concerns or problems with WEMSA. Motion by Klis second by Van Buren to move to closed session to discuss personnel items. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Motion to return to open session by Allen, second by Schindler. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. The meeting was returned to open session.
Motion by Carey, second by Van Buren to accept the resignation from Mary Schilder from the board of directors. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
In regards to the potential appointment to fill Schilder’s remaining nine month term, in fairness to all candidates who expressed an interest in the open board of director’s position, and due to other extenuating circumstances, a motion was made by Barker to defer all pending applications for appointment to the WEMSA board over to the next general election, and to include the applications of those who have already fulfilled the nomination requirements on the ballot. Second by VanBuren. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
Conference: Meeker reported that contracts have been signed with the Hilton Hotel, Hyatt Hotel and Midwest Airlines Center for conferences through 2012. Out-clauses do exist for a 30 day period following each conference for termination due to performance. Additionally, 10 years have been secured with the convention center through 2019 without penalty for cancellation. Several manager positions within the conference have been vacated. Candidates to fill the positions have been identified. A brief listing of the pre-conference sessions, speakers and events was provided. Both Hunjadi and Hood will staff a booth at the EMS Expo conference this October in Las Vegas to promote both the conference and the EMS Cruise.
2009 Cruise: Iowa is now fully on-board with the next EMS Cruise. As of this date, a total of 36 cabins have been booked under the Iowa section and 95 have been booked through WEMSA. These two organizations are sharing the cruise rebate berthings. There is no other cost to the Iowa EMS Association to participate in the cruise, although they have agreed to provide free booth space and hotel rooms for staffing an EMS Cruise booth at their conference. Following last week’s meeting with North Dakota, it also appears that they may be interested in coming aboard as well. We currently have 200 cabins blocked so there is no concern of running out. Addition cabins can be blocked if we reach the 200 mark.
OLD BUSINESS
Training Center Update: Barker reported that she will be meeting with Aurora for potential affiliation with WEMSA for a training center. Some discussion related to both positives and negatives of such a move was held. She has much of the training center plan completed and still hopes to have it submitted prior to the end of the year.
Updates on Building Plans and Current Status. Hunjadi reported that he took the board’s offer to sell approximately 1/5 acre of land to ACE Hardware. The owner, while still interested, was clearly hoping for a low ball attractive price. He declined our offer of $65,000 for the parcel. Hunjadi displayed the final building plans which have now been sent into the State of Wisconsin for approval. All of the local and county approvals, zoning, building permits, etc. have all been obtained. Construction will be able to start as soon as the state approved documents are provided.
Annual Meeting Updates Hunjadi reported the status of the annual meeting to be held at Chula Vista on September 27. As directed by the board, the management seminar that will accompany the annual meeting is being provided free of charge to WEMSA members from the memorial fund of Mark Fisher. Room bookings are available until September 1, 2008. Hunjadi asked if there was interest in scheduling a boat cruise Saturday evening after the seminar and meeting. The boat company is able to pick everyone up right at the resort. Moderate interest was provided.
State EMS Office Strategic Plan Both Hunjadi and Meeker have been very involved in the strategic plan project that Brian Litza and DHFS is completing. In addition to the formal meetings and conference calls, they have also met with a group of current and prior officials to obtain their input and suggestions. There is concern with the document in its current form. Meeker will be creating a written response on the plan for the EMS office.
National Scope of Practice Effects The members of the board held discussion on the potential ramification of the proposed scope of practice changes slated for several years from now. Other than the current EMT-Intermediate Technician, none of the practice levels fit very well with Wisconsin’s current scope of practice. Questions about the current EMT-Intermediate level and rumors that it would be discontinued were addressed. According to Brian Litza, the potential to obtain training at this level could go away. However, those current services operating at the EMT-Intermediate level would be able to continue at that level for as long as they have enough people. Board members agreed that very few EMS providers around the state know much of anything about the new scope of practice. Significant education will have to be provided by WEMSA to get this information disseminated. It was the consensus of the board that WEMSA should speak with and obtain a report from the state EMS office regarding the process that will be undertaken to evaluate, accept, and transition to the new national scope of practice. Board members also want to create a position statement to offer a level of awareness to our members along with the direction the association will drive the EMS office to.
EMS Advisory Board Appointments The Wisconsin EMS Association lobbyist, Forbes McIntosh, has been in repeated contact with the governor’s appointments secretary. Unfortunately this position is now occupied by a brand new person who steps into the job already behind with many other board appointments. This office is very aware of the suggestions of the Wisconsin EMS Association with regard to these appointments and McIntosh will continue efforts to achieve the goals of WEMSA.
NEW BUSINESS
Recognition for Retiring Board Members Discussion was held related to the procedures that should be followed as board members depart from the organization after years of service. Following discussion it was decided that for board members that complete a full three year term a plaque should be provided to them. All members should receive a thank you letter. For completion of three, three-year terms, recognition should be provided at the WEMSA annual conference and a press release sent to all trade publications. For completion of four, three-year terms a memento to commemorate their efforts not to exceed $250 shall be provided. At the level of five terms or more, a recognition gathering shall be provided to honor the retiring board member. No motion was made. This item will be sent to old business on the next meeting agenda.
Focus Group Planning President Meeker had asked Averbeck to consider a focus group or needs assessment meeting of Wisconsin first responders. Because Averbeck was absent, the item was referred to the September agenda.
Legislative Initiatives Board members discussed potential legislative initiatives that WEMSA should undertake for the next legislative session. Among the potential items are the volunteer job protection act that we already have drafted; A potential gasoline state tax rebate for emergency vehicles; Legislation to allow more ambulance services the authority to collect payment through state taxes; Direct the DOT to return the EMS and Fire license plates back to their former design. These items will be carried forward to the Fire & EMS Legislative Coalition. Board members also asked that a web site poll be used to determine the items that are most important to our members.
2009 Conference Budget The proposed conference budget for the 2009 conference was presented and discussed. Total expenses are proposed at $311,850. Motion by Carey, second by Klis to approve the conference budget as presented. Seven in favor, one opposed. Motion carried.
National Meeting of State EMS Associations Meeker reported that he has been in contact with over 20 other state EMS association throughout the United States to determine what if any interest they may have of convening a meeting or workshop in 2009. Very favorable responses have been received thus far. Preliminary plans are to host a three day meeting either at our new office or if the group grows too large at a location near the Milwaukee or potentially Chicago airports. Motion by Van Buren second by Carey to approve hosting a national meeting for state EMS organizations. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
Potential November Meeting Hunjadi asked if the members of the board may want to schedule an additional board meeting sometime in November. Because of the annual meeting taking place in September, a total of four months would pass in-between meetings. Hunjadi proposes holding a meeting to tour the new office construction and discuss and act on any board items be held on November 9, 2008. He will obtain a conference or meeting room in the area for the meeting. The building is anticipated to be enclosed and have electrical service by the time of this meeting. It was agreed to set the additional meeting for 12:00 noon, November 9, 2008.
NAEMT Affiliation Brief discussion was held with regards to making a decision in affiliating with NAEMT. Motion by Allen to table the issue, second by Van Buren. Six in favor, two opposed. Motion carried.
Process for Vacated Positions Given the problems that have recently arisen regarding board appointments for board members who resign mid-term, discussion was held regarding creating a policy to be followed in these instances. Allen agreed to provide a draft for action at the September board meeting.
Election for Vacated Executive Board Position Nominations were opened to fill the secretary/treasurer position following Schilder’s resignation. Barker was nominated with no other candidates being presented. Motion by Carey second by Allen to cast a unanimous ballot for Secretary/Treasurer. Motion carried. Because this vote now leaves the past president position vacated, nominations were opened for the position of past president for the executive board. Schindler was nominated and accepted with no other candidates being presented. Motion by Carey second by Allen to cast a unanimous ballot for past president. Motion carried.
Interoperability Committee Allen suggested that she be replaced as the WEMSA representative on the interoperability committee with the state. Another placement from WEMSA for their subcommittee should also be provided by WEMSA. The item was moved to the September agenda.
Motion to adjourn by Barker, second by Klis. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 5:25 PM