Quarterly Meeting

                                                                               Utah State Firemen's Association

                                                                                  Lewiston City Fire Station

                                                                                             January 9, 2010

The regular meeting of the Utah State Firemen's Association was held at Cache County at the Fire Station, Lewiston Utah, on Saturday, January 9, 2010.

Meeting was called to order by President Robert Harrison at 5:00 p.m.

Invocation:  Offered by – Stan Snyder

Pledge of Allegiance:              Offered by – Paul Rose

Officers Present:

Minutes of the Previous Meeting:__________________________________________________________________

Steve McBride moved to accept the October 10, 2009 Meeting Minutes, seconded by Joe Bona, passed by all.

Report of the Treasurer:_________________________________________________________________________

Rowe reported that all the books and accounts for the association were up to date and posted. 

Rowe discussed the items on his report and explained the handout on the expenses of the association.

Rowe has spent many hours with Mr. Greg Rudd.  He has been watching the Stock Market and doing his best with the funds and investments.  Money was taken from other accounts and reinvested in different certificates.  This has made a good change in the directions of the investments.  The monies are doing as well as can be expected with the down turn of the economy.  Some investments will be moved to others in hopes we can make more from them.

Rowe discussed the expenditures with the body of the meeting.  There were no questions. 

Rowe talked to the group on the cost of the lapel pins and service awards that are given to members at convention.  He is going to order more Firemen’s Association lapel pins and stickers.  He had a new design for the pins and stickers.  SymbolArts will make the new pins and stickers.  The initial cost for the stickers will be $930.00.

Rowe also discussed the Flower Fund and how it works and how monies are collected for this fund.  The flower fund has been fairly inactive this year.  The balance is $354.34.

Brent Halladay was wondering if the taffy had been ordered from Sweets Candy.  Rowe talked to Sweets and instructed them to send him the bill.  Jim Judd is going to order the taffy this year.  We have a $19.60 credit with Sweets.

Randy Scott moved to accept the report of the Treasurer, seconded by Dave Hammond, passed by all.

Report of the Secretary:

Mr. President, board of directors, and members of the Utah Firemen Association:

At this time, I have received many membership renewals.  I have made an effort to get the other 36 departments to pay their dues. 

So far this year, we have received 1690 membership renewals for 2009 - 2010.  Dues have been paid for 41 or the 10 Departments for this year.  Lifetime Memberships is at 286. 

Two new charters to the association have been added.  Woodland Hills and Garden City.  Dues have been paid and the Trustees have approved these charters.

The Offices that will be filled/voted on at this year’s convention: President, 1st Vice President, Second Vice President, five-year Trustee and Secretary. 

David reminded any department who wished to host the Convention in 2012, to please write to him and request the form for Convention City Proposal.

Everyone was reminded that the next Quarterly Meeting will be held in St. George on Saturday, April 10, 2010. 

Mark Fry moved to accept the report of the Secretary, seconded by Steve Demas, passed by all.

Report of the Law & Legislative Committee:

Jay D. Westergard reported on the following activities from the Joint Council:

It is a pleasure to represent this association.  It is very rewarding.

The Joint Council is planning to meet on January 21st.

Some of the items that will be on the agenda are:

On going retirement problems for the states full-time fire fighters.  We realize that the largest groups of fire fighters in the state are volunteers, but as we work together on all fire items, we support each other and work for full-time firefighters and their needs.  Ryan Mellor stated that this could affect Volunteers in the event of a death or disability event.  The state would like to remove any benefit to the volunteer firefighter.

The novelty Cigarette lighter, House Bill 201.  Representative Menlove will be sponsoring this bill.  This is important to the State Fire Marshals office.  This Bill is not to eliminate all novelty lighters but to get rid of the ones that look like toys.  Representative Menlove is very supportive of this bill.  She is also receiving opposition from other groups.

House Bill 202 will restrict entertainers on the type of fireworks effects and how they can use at programs. It will require the people who put on these fireworks have the proper permit.

Blue light legislation for ambulance, fire, and police is sponsored by Representative Kraig Powell.  This bill would allow the use of blue lights on ambulances and other emergency response vehicles.  At the present time the use of blue lights is prohibited on any vehicle other than law enforcement vehicles.

The 2010 Utah State Fire Caucus will be held on March 1st at the same place as last year.  Please try to attend and please wear your uniform with a department patch so you can be identified what department you are from.

The First meeting was held in Sandy to discuss the revenue for our Firefighter License Plates.  The Voting members on this committee will be:

Utah Firemen’s Association – Leonard Miller & Randy Scott,

Professional Firefighters Union – Jim Judd & Jack Tidrow.

Fire Chiefs Association – Brad Wardle & Mike Mathieu

A warning was given in regards to Hydrogen Sulfide being used in suicides across the country.  The smell of rotting eggs is present.  All first responders are cautioned when responding to unconscious individuals that they proceed with caution and use the proper protection.

The Joint Fire Council also has a web page www.firecouncil.com that will update you on legislation.

Leon Hadley moved to accept the report of the Representative for the Law & Legislative Committee, seconded by Stan Snyder.

Report from State Fire Prevention Board:

Robert was excused.  Brent Halladay commented on the activities of the Fire Prevention Board:

The next meeting of the Fire Prevention Board will be on January 12, 2010.

Governor Herbert has approved the reappointments of the following four board members; Ted Black-representing the Utah State Fire Chief’s Association, Greg Allen-Licensed Architect, Robert Stoker-representing the Utah State Firemen’s Association, Scott Spencer, representing the Fire Marshal’s Association of Utah

The board was updated on the Mobile Command Training Center; it is completed and is fully operational. The Fire Academy also requested the approval to purchase and construct a new mobile firefighter Skills training prop called the Frat Tank in the amount of $84,630 after discussion from the board it was felt this was a needed item and approved the funding but felt that it was not noticed for this board meeting and did not take action on this item but will conduct a special board meeting to approve after proper notice and public input.

The board approved $200,000 that was given by the Legislature for rural fire departments in communities of populations less than 10,000 for education.  Of this $200k, Governor Herbert Walker has placed a 3% cut back so this leaves $194,000 available.  This monies will be given by contract to the Fire Academy for Winter Fire School to these small departments.

All elevators in the State of Utah by December 31, 2011, all access keys will be 6049 key.  The State Fire Marshals Office will be the custodians for that key.

At last years January meeting it was decided that by this January there will be a Hazardous Materials Technician course available online and be taught to the fire service.  This is available now.

Harold Chadwick moved to accept the report of the Representative for the State Fire Prevention Board Committee, seconded by Brent Marshall.

Report from Utah Fire & Rescue Academy (UFRA):

Robert Harrison reported on the following activities of the Fire Service Council:

In December, the Fire Marshals office contacted Bob and asked him if he would attend a meeting on the Fire Service Standards and training camp.  The meeting was held in the Murray City Fire Department.  Jolene Nutal gave a report to the group that the accreditation of the Fire Service program at Bridgerland Applied Technology in Logan be approved.   This was passed by the board.  Steve Lutz, Brent Halladay, and Scott Bringhurst met with Bridgerland and reviewed policy and interviewed some of the staff.  The team had a high degree of satisfaction for the program and recommended the accreditation. 

Brent Halladay recommended that the administrative code R1710-8 be changed so non affiliated fire science programs be re-accredited every five years.  He also recommended that any changes to the Utah Fire & Rescue training program be reported and coordinated with non-affiliated programs state-wide be provided. 

Jolene Nutal from the Utah Fire & Rescue Academy presented a non-affiliated Fire Fighter Training Program review application form.  This form was reviewed and approved by the board.  Jolene also recommended the accreditation of the RCA (Recruit Candidate Academy) program at the Fire Rescue Academy.  This was approved by the board. 

Recommendations from UVU to accredit the Fire Rescue Academy and the review of the properties, education materials, staff etc.

For more information on this matter, you can contact Bob Harrison.

Brent Halladay moved to accept the report of the Representative for the State Fire Prevention Board Committee, seconded by Joe Bona.

Report from Utah Fire Museum:

David Hammond reported on the following activities from the Museum:

On behalf of the Fire Museum it is a pleasure to report to you that we had a very strong year during 2009.

Now that the New Year has started we wish every one a happy new year, and we are looking forward to an enjoyable and strong year.

During 2009, we had a few trucks leave due to departments taking them home for displaying them in their towns and for owners who sold their trucks.  We had different trucks interested in being placed in the museum.  These trucks would join our displays, we have received new floor displays for all to enjoy.

Our visitors have come from Europe and many other areas of the United States.  Firefighters are known to be good cooks so the museum would like to start a recipe book to keep at the museum.

The museum purchased new tables for the use at the museum.  They are red and black so they can be easily recognized.

We have many pavers for sale, so let’s finish filling our memorial area floor.  We will be happy to see you at the museum for a visit.

The museum is open on Friday’s and Saturday’s from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.  The web-site for the museum is www.utahfiremuseum.com.   

Rowe Harrison reported on the health of Mr. Dave Buck.  He is not doing well.  He has spent many hours working on the equipment at the Museum.

Steve Demas moved to accept the report from the representatives to the Utah Fire Museum, seconded by Randy Scott, passed by all.

Report From National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC):

Wendell Robison reported on the activities of the NVFC:

Wendell reported that he is feeling very well.  He was very happy to see that the NVFC dues have been paid because this benefits the State of Utah greatly.  Utah has an excellent name nationally for being the front runners in the fire service.

He talked about the death of the Plymouth Fire Chief’s death this past month. 

For the first time since the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) began tracking the age of firefighters by community size in 1987, the majority of firefighters protecting communities of fewer than 2,500 are 40 years of age or older. In 1987, more than 63 percent of firefighters protecting communities of 2,500 or less were under the age of 40. There are slightly more than 400,000 firefighters (out of 1.15 million total) protecting communities with populations of 2,500 or less, including 399,000 volunteer firefighters.

“For years volunteer fire departments across the country have been reporting that it is becoming increasingly difficult to recruit and retain new members,” said National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “Given what we have been hearing from our members, this report is disheartening but not at all surprising.”

There are a variety of reasons that younger people are not joining volunteer fire departments in the same numbers as in the past. Many young people leave rural areas for better employment opportunities in more densely populated areas. Those who remain in small communities are often forced to commute long distances to and from work, reducing the free time that they have available to commit to the volunteer fire service. Perhaps most significantly, more stringent training requirements in recent decades have dramatically increased the initial time commitment for new volunteer firefighter recruits.

“Increased training standards make firefighters more effective at their job and ultimately reduce losses of life and property from fire,” said NVFC Health and Safety Committee Chairman Kenn Fontenot. “At the same time, we have to be realistic about how we structure training delivery – how it is funded, where and when it is offered, and attitudes towards training – to ensure that volunteer fire departments aren’t forced to choose between adequate staffing levels and adequate training.”

In recent years, many communities have begun incentive programs to improve recruitment and retention efforts, providing modest benefits to volunteer personnel in the form of stipends, pay-per-call and training, length of service award programs (pension-like programs), and non-monetary benefits ranging from awards banquets to gym memberships. The NVFC supports several federal bills that would make it easier for local communities to provide recruitment and retention benefits, including the following.

The Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act (H.R. 1792)

This legislation, introduced by Congressmen Peter King (R-NY) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) would simplify the requirements for length of service award programs and reduce the administrative burden on both governmental agencies and potential sponsors by using existing statutory and regulatory schemes. Under H.R. 1792, a service award program could be treated as an “eligible deferred compensation plan” if the program sponsor meets certain requirements and elects to do so. The legislation would not create any new service award programs or require changes to existing service award programs, but simply provide increased flexibility for program sponsors.

The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3666)

The Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Act (VRIPA) was signed into law on December 20, 2007, amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude tax benefits and up to $360 per year in other benefits provided to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel from employment taxes and wage withholding. VRIPA expires at the end of 2010 and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) have introduced H.R. 3666, the Volunteer Responder Incentive Protection Reauthorization Act (VRIPRA), which extends the tax exemption through 2013 and expands it to cover up to $600 per year in benefits.

The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791)

This legislation reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. SAFER funds (required by law to be at least 10 percent of the amount appropriated each year) can be used to fund recruitment and retention activities. The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3791 on November 18.

In addition to working on federal legislation, the NVFC operates several national programs designed to increase the capacity of fire departments. The Fire Corps program assists departments in the recruitment and retention of non-operational volunteers, who perform various fire department tasks and functions, allowing firefighters to focus on emergency response. The National Junior Firefighter Program helps volunteer departments engage young people who can potentially become active firefighters when they reach the required age.

“We need creative solutions to recruit and retain the next generation of volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel,” said Stittleburg. “The world that we live in is changing and if we don’t adapt to meet new challenges, fire protection in thousands of communities across the country will suffer for it. Hopefully, reaching this unfortunate milestone will serve as a wakeup call for fire service leaders and elected officials across the country about the importance of re-doubling efforts to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters.”

Brent Marshall was just appointed to the NVFC Bylaws Committee.  This committee is the group that determines the functions of the National Volunteer Fire Council.  Brent will be an asset to this committee.

Leonard Miller moved to accept the report from the representatives to the National Volunteer Fire Council, seconded by Joe Bona, passed by all.

Report of the Fire Marshals Office:

Ron Morris reported on the following:

The Fire Marshal’s office received a 3 percent cut in their budget. 

The Fire Marshal’s office has meet with the Home Builders Association on the in Home Sprinklers.  They made a proposal to the Fire Marshals office that was not acceptable.  More discussion will take place on this issue.

Leon Hadley moved to accept the report from the state Fire Marshal, Ron Morris, seconded by Dave Hammond, passed by all.

Report of the Trustee’s:

Trustee Harold Chadwick reported on the following:

• President Report: It was reported that the information concerning quarterly meetings need to be given to the Secretary so letters can get sent out as early as possible.  The President also reported on the Finances of the Museum.  The current balance of the monies was $81,903.06.

• 1st Vice-President Report:  Nothing to report.

• 2nd Vice-President Report:  Ryan reported that he has been unable to contact Cougar Fire in regards to their inquiry about joining the Firemen’s Association.  Some big donors for the annual Fire Caucus are bowing out after this year.  We will need help with costs after this year.  Donations can be sent to:  Joint Council, P.O. Box 1822, Salt Lake City, Utah     84110.

• Report of the Treasurer:   The books are in good order. 

• Report of the Secretary: Renewals are coming in and is very busy.  The name of Jeff Norton was proposed as the Assistant Secretary.  The Trustee’s approved the proposal.

• Convention Chairperson: Leonard Miller reported that everything is going well and Jeff Norton who is the Convention Chair Person reported on the progress of the department.  More information is in the Convention Chairs report. A web site is up and running for convention.  It is:  www.sgcity.org/fire

• Don Arends Scholarship:  Randy is researching the status of the scholarship funding.  He has been told that there has not been adequate interest dollars to make the fund large enough to award.  But it looks as if there will be a possibility of enough funds for Fall of 2010. Randy will continue to gather information and update at the next quarterly meeting.

• January Meeting Proposal:   A proposal was suggested that the January Meeting be scheduled permanently in St. George.  This was discussed and voted on and declined by the Trustee’s.

• Annual News Letter: It was discussed of the possibility of starting a periodic News Letter to disseminate information to the Members of the Firemen’s Association throughout the State.  Jeff Norton and Randy have volunteered to spearhead this effort.

• Training Standard Council Representative: Brady Gorge on the Training Standards Council will be replaced this year.  Names for consideration will be presented at the April Quarterly Meeting.

• Term Limits of appointed persons: A discussion of setting term limits for appointees to Boards and Committees.  Steve McBride will put together ideas and present them at the April Quarterly Meeting.

• Assistant Reimbursement: Discussion for setting of reimbursement for Assistant position when approved by the board.  It was decided that ½ of the pay of the voted position plus meetings plus mileage.

• License Plate Sticker Committee: The sticker committee will meet January 21, 2010 and will report their progress at the April Quarterly Meeting in St. George.

Steve McBride moved to accept the report of the Trustee’s, seconded by Brent Marshall, passed by all.

Report of the Convention Chairman:

Leonard Miller reported the following:

St. George is well on their way and has most everything arranged for.  A list of rooms and prices were given out.  The convention will be held at the Dixie Center, June 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. 

Jeff Norton reported on St. George’s preparation for convention.  They have 30 committees setup. Jeff was wondering when they might see information from the association.  The memorial plaques are provided by the association.  No theme yet.  All items will be set by the April meeting.  Wednesday’s activities include Golf tournament, Fun Run, and Trap Shoot.  The cost will be $85.00 per person.  They would like to have a firefighters challenge after the parade.  They would like to see the members attend the functions of the convention rather than the gambling activities in Mesquite.  They would like to give a very nice prize for the winner of the firefighters challenge.  They are planning something special for the Retired firefighters.  There will be some half price tickets for Tuacahn pre season performances on the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th.  Information will be available at www.sgcity.org/fire.  They want to include non-member departments in the convention.  This could be a great tool to increase the membership in the association.

David Hammond moved to accept the report of the Convention Chairman, seconded by Mark Fry, passed by all.

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

None.

Good of the Association:

Past president Joe Bona extended his appreciation to Lewiston City Firefighters Association for hosting our installation and quarterly meeting.  The past officers appreciate being invited and enjoyed the wonderful meal.

The Quarterly Meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

The next Quarterly Meeting will be held in St. George, on Saturday, April 10, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

David L. Howell, Secretary

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