Michigan Fire Service Instructor’s Association
Executive Board Meeting
March 9, 2004
Minutes

Executive Board Meeting
Mt. Pleasant Fire Department, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
March 9, 2004

Roll Call: called to order at 10:00am by President Austin
Present: Austin, Cousins, Lawfield, Wilson, Underwood, Mata and Bigger
Absent: Blomstrom, Greis, Sytsma and Schwarz were excused
Guests: One
Minutes from Last Meeting: February meeting were approved as written with one correction (Bigger was excused absence).
Communications: E-mail from Austin requested resignation from Trustee Tracy. Thank you to Oakland Community College for hosting Feb. meeting. Letter from 3 Michigan Burn Centers explaining new Kids Burn Camp. Check from MI Chief's Assoc. for our cut from joint conference.
Treasurer Report: No report (fax report was received showing current balance of $12,600.58)

Standing Committees:
Constitution and By-Laws: 3 proposed changes were presented. Changes were proposed to clean up areas of bylaws. Changes will be voted on at the regional meeting to be held in Grand Rapids (June). Proposed changes are posted on the website. Public Relations: Discussion regarding Association's display board. Current board is unavailable and was in need of updating and repair. Cousins provided an example of a new display. Price will be researched and reported at April meeting. Underwood proposed that the association look into providing a scholarship program for membership. He will put together a proposal. Membership: Wilson discussed that he is working on streamlining the membership process. Ray reported that every month he has numerous mailing returned. The membership renewals will be in the mail (attached with this mailing). Education/Research: No report. This committee will need a new rep. Instructor of the Year: It was decided that because the last award was given posthumously, it would not be forwarded to the international assoc. this year. Conference/Program: Annual fall conference has been set. It will be held in Traverse City, October 29 - 31, 2004. (See attachment) We are looking for workshop suggestions and/or presenters. May regional meeting date was discussed (mothers day weekend). It was decided to get feedback regarding attendance and then decide.

Special Committees:
Joint Council: Austin reported that it was discussed whether joint council should continue. All members at meeting supported the continuation of organization. Main bill to be watching is still the Training Funding Bill. It has been introduced into committee (Senate Finance / Banking). Contact you state senator supporting the bill.
FFTC: no report
Fire Service Expo: Lawfield reported that things are on track and flyers will be going out soon. He stated that our assoc. meeting is set for Thursday, June at 9:00 am. Our assoc. is also providing two speakers and will set up a display. Terry Massingale has also been appointed to serve on this committee and will replace Cousins.

Application for Membership: none presented.


Old Business:
-Computer purchase was discussed. Motion made (with support) to purchase one laptop, printer and applicable software for membership committee chair. Motion passed. (this will be to track membership issues)
-Two year trustee position which is vacated by Tracy was discussed. The board will accept letter of interest from the membership with the intent to appoint a trustee to fill the vacancy until the next election which will be in October.

New Business:
None

Good of the Order:
Joe Boldys reported that the Regional Training Centers will be meeting to discuss setting up a program to fill the void in officer training. The instructors association will be invited to participate in the meeting. More information will follow.

Adjournment: adjourned at 11:45 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Brian K. Blomstrom
Secretary