Minutes of the

St. Clair County Fire Chiefs Association

MABAS Divison 32

March 29, 2004

The Meeting was called to order by President Feher at 7:00 pm.

The minutes of the January 2004 meeting were approved as presented.

Treasurers Report - We have 25,221.24 in the Chiefs account and 806.78 in the MABAS 32 account for a total balance of 26,025.02.  One bill was submitted for payment for $689.00 for insurance coverage on the trailers.  Payment of the bill was approved.  Treasurers report was approved.

President Feher introduced Master Sergeant Larry Eason with the Illinois State Police.  Sgt. Eason spoke about the responsiblities of the Illinois State Police at hazmat scenes and who has authority.  The primary responsibility of the State Police is safety enforcement.  Response and cleanup is left to those who are certified to do so.  The state police respond to the scene to assist and take care of traffic problems.

President Feher then introduced Dan Bauer.  Dan is the new inspector with the State Fire Marshal's Office for the St. Clair County Area.  Dan advised the Office is in the process of catching up on inspections.  Fire Marshal Vina has not yet been reappointed.  A lot of people have left the Fire Marshals Office with early retirement.

ESDA - Darryl Elbe advised the grant for the communications vehicle was turned down, since we have an existing vehicle.  The grant also asked for equipment for a vehicle and an upgraded paging system.  The Illinois Department of Homeland Security has asked if St. Clair County would house a communications vehicle and Madison County a command post.  Both would be on trailers.  Several questions have been sent back to the state regarding housing and usage.

MMRS - Dave Nulsen advised there was no new information.  The next meeting will be in April.

SWIC - Don Feher will be attending a meeting with the Illinois Fire Chiefs to discuss issues with tuition, specifically reimbursement at the University of Illinois vs. going to another institution in the state.

Larry Wesselman with Mascoutah Fire Department advised that in the next few months, Mascoutah will be planning a training exercise for Farm Machinery Extrication.  The drill will be held on August 22nd.  Mascoutah will send information out to all departments.

Special Emergency Services - Hazmat trailer is in service.  Work has begun on the Tech Rescue trailer.  The association is working to get a fire department status in the state.  Jim Sinclair will be looking into this.

Greg Render advised that Dr. Byrne with Memorial Hospital has been appointed to the STARS board, which oversees MMRS.  Greg also advised that Stookey Township will be working on putting a park in the area where Arlington Drive now sits off South 74th Street.  Training opportunites may come about to use the existing buildings for training.  SWIC has expressed an interest in taking the lead for this training.

Greg Render offered thanks on behalf of the chiefs association to Chief Don Feher, Chief John Betten with the O'Fallon Fire Department, and Darryl Elbe with St. Clair County ESDA for the hard work they gave to the 911 referendum that was on the March 16th ballot. 

Discussion was held regarding the 2004 dues structure.  Motion was made and seconded to make the chiefs dues $50 and MABAS 32 dues $50 for the year.  Motion passed.

Discussion was held regarding having an audit done of the chiefs associations finances since a change of Secretary/Treasurers has occured.  Tom Elliff indicated he spoke with Rich Graulien, the auditor Signal Hill uses, who would charge $40 per hour.  Motion was made and seconded to have the audit done.  Motion Passed.

Chief Feher advised that Rich Rutherford has retired for the chiefs association after a number of years of service.  Rich served as Secretary/Treasurer for a good amount of those years.  Chief Feher requested that the association show their appreciation to Rich by purchasing a gift from Liberty Artworks of St. Louis for approximately $195.00.  Motion was made to purchase a gift.  Motion was seconded and passed.

The chiefs association meeting was adjourned at 8:25pm.

The March MABAS Division 32 meeting was called to order at 8:25pm.

The Division 32 taskforce will need to do a drill in the immediate future.  The taskforce may be needed October 6, 7, 8, and 9 of this year.  More information will be forthcoming.

Work is still continuing on the Missouri Agreement to have Missouri join MABAS 32.  This work should be completed in 6-8 months.

Discussion was held concerning purchasing a refrigerator to house drugs being kept in the county for area stockpiles.  A  motion was made and seconded to but a refrigerator for up to $200.00.  Motion passed.

Mil spec masks are being delivered to the police departments at this time.  Division 32 should be getting theirs in approximately 6 months.

The next MABAS executive board meeting will be April 22nd.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm

 

New Baden Fire Department to host the May meeting

Northwest Fire Department to hose the July meeting.