President Robert Small called the MFCA Board meeting to order at 1900 hours, at the Best Western Conference Room on February 23, 2006. Chaplain John Hoglund gave invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was spoken. MFCA Officers present were as follows: President Robert Small, 1^st VP Jack Gouty, 2^nd VP David Smarte, Secretary Jackie Olson, Membership Secretary Kara Small, Chaplain John Hoglund, Asst. Chaplain Margaret Gouty, and Regional Directors Rick Blair, Calvin Stack and MFCA Past President Roger Steger. Treasurer Leonard King, Asst. Secretary Ron Watkins and Regional Director Charles Austin and Tracy Schultz were excused. Guest in attendance: William Barnard, State Fire Marshal, Terry Thompson, MEMA, and Doug Alexander, MSFA Residential Sprinkler Chairperson. Ron Graf made a motion to accept the minutes as distributed, seconded by Hugh Owens. Motion passed.

President Small reported that a letter has been sent to AFLEC in regards to several problems with their company representative. In the letter, the MFCA advise AFLEC that we would no longer be doing business with them due to the conduct of their representative. Several phone conversations and emails have transpired since that later and a the supervisor has specified that he would still like to do business with our organization and is willing to come to the Spring Meeting to discuss several options to get things back on track.

President Small reported on the CFSI dinner, which will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2006. MFCA would like to purchase tickets for one table. Discussion was held on back payment for this event and the cost for this year. Roger Steger made a motion to purchase one table and pay for half of the joint reception, Chaplain John Hoglund seconded. Motion passed. Hugh Owens is still working on the donation of a second table and will let us know if that happens.

President Small reported that he received a gas bill of $1000 from Criswell. Criswell provides cars for NFFM weekend and in the past years when we did not have enough vehicles we agreed to pay them for gas. Discussion was held to possible look for donations for October 2006. After a lengthy discussion, it was suggested that the NFFM Committee for MFCA get a plan together, compose a budget of what expenses occur during this weekend and set up a meeting with Ron Siarnicki, NFFM Director. Terry Thompson made a motion that we pay the gas bill from Criswell’s, Ron Graf seconded. Motion passed.

President Small discussed phone solicitation issues in Southern Maryland, and it was suggested that he meet with Bill Cooke to discuss support and representation from their county.

First Vice President Gouty received a request from Tom Collins for a MFCA Citation of Appreciation for Chief Richard Goring, who is a Charter member of MFCA and has dedicated over fifty years of fire service. Rick Hemphill made a motion to provide a Certification of Appreciation to Chief Goring, Hugh Owens seconded. Motion passed.

Vice President Gouty also discussed a request that he received in regards to financial support of the Eastern Division IAFC annual Conference. Terry Thompson made a motion that we donate $500 to the Eastern Division IAFC to help with their annual conference, Calvin Stack seconded. Motion passed.

First Vice President Gouty asked that the MFCA write a letter of endorsement for him as he is running for the Eastern Division IAFC 2^nd Vice President. Chaplain John Hoglund made a motion that we write a letter of endorsement for Vice President Gouty, seconded by Calvin Stack. Motion passed. Discussion was held about who would replace Vice President Gouty in his current position as Eastern Division IAFC Director for Maryland.

Second Vice President David Smarte talked about the Scholarship Fund that has been established in memory of Fallen Firefighter/Soldier Michael McMullen of the Salisbury Fire Department. It is for Paramedic certification at the WorWic Community College and he asked if we would make a donation to this fund. Calvin made a motion to give $100.00 from our scholarship fund to the McMullen foundation, Ron Graf seconded. Motion passed.

Membership – Kara Small reported that she is putting together a list of all members email addresses and hopes to have it online soon. Discussion was held about membership and we need to let members know that once dues are paid in full, they will receive their membership card at that time. You can mail in your dues to Kara Small at 6105 manor Road, Clinton, MD 20735.

Chaplain’s Report – Chaplain John Hoglund reported that he has been to many more funerals then he would like and if you know of any members that are ill, please contact him or Assistant Chaplain Margaret Gouty.

By-Laws – Chairman Bob Seibel reported that he needs help on his committee. He thanked Jackie Olson, Lou Espey and John Hoglund for putting together the most recent edition of the By-Laws. He asked that every Officers, Regional Representative and Committee Chair look over the By-Laws and if you have any suggestions or changes to make, contact him. These changes would go into effect in January 2007.

Fire Prevention – Chairman Evelyn Graf suggested that we streamline the MFCA Fire Prevention Queen Contest and have one standing committee for Fire Prevention. It was suggested that we ask Theresa Thompson if she is still interested in serving on the sub committee or if Patty Thompson was interested in taking over as Chairperson. Discussion will be held at March’s meeting.

Maryland Fire & Rescue Memorial - Chaplain John Hoglund reported that June 11, 2006 is the Dedication Ceremony for the Memorial at 2:00pm, please mark your calendars. Discussion was held in regards to activities for this event and more information is to come. Also, the 2^nd Annual Gala will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2006, from 7pm – midnight at the Radisson Hotel in Annapolis, tickets are $100.00 per couple. For more information, visit their website at www.mdfirerescuehero.org.

Meeting Schedule – the Next MFCA Board meeting will be held on March 30^th at 1900 hours at Fisherman’s Inn. The April meeting will be held at Sharptown VFC on Rt 313 on April 22, 2006 at 9:00am. We are looking at the August meeting to be held in Western Maryland on August 13, 2006 and the December meeting to be held at the Waldorf VFD on December 3, 2006, dates and locations to be confirmed at the March Executive Board meeting.

Training - Chairman Michael Cross reported that at this time there are 179 signed up for the Chief’s Conference being held on March 4^th and 5^th. He also reported that he has been in touch with Billy Goldfleter and the only time he is available next year in March is March 17 & 18, 2007. A discussion was held to keep the same date of the conference to the first or second weekend of March. He will talk to Andy Levy about getting brochure done earlier and the schedule set ahead of time. He is also looking into a one-day chief’s seminar possibly in Fall of 05 and/or Spring of 06 and at different locations like one on the Eastern Shore and one possibly in Western Maryland.

Safety – Chairman High Owens reported that the Staff and Command Seminar will be in Maryland in two years and he will work with MFRI in planning and organizing this event.

Statewide Alert Network – Chairman Skip Menzies reported that there have been many alerts and if any members would like to receive the alert network contact him. The committee did a GEMAC presentation to the Montgomery County Fire Department and it was well received with about 120 students. They received much praise from Homeland Security Director Dennis Schrader, and the presentation is helping to get the word out about our organization to the County, State and Federal levels. They held a CBRN Terrorism Overview Class on February 18^th and will be doing this class at the MSFA Convention and Conference on June 18 at 2:00pm; it is a joint venture with the Delaware Fire Chiefs. Rick discussed that Maritable Murphy from the Anti Terrorism Task Force has been promoted and is leaving the force. The committee would like to present a plaque of recognition to this individual as well as the two Field Presenters from the Task Force.

MFCA Tags – Chairman David Smarte reported that any members needing MFCA tags contact him or send a check in the amount of $25.00 with a copy of your driver’s license and registration to him at 12007 Turtle Mill Rd, Bishopville, MD 21803. The DMV is only accepting organizational checks to help with the control of issuing the tags to only MFCA members.

Ways & Means – Margaret is gearing up for the Chief’s Seminar next weekend and will have plenty of MFCA items for sale.

Legislation – Chairman Ed Woods discussed the Senate and House bills that are attached to these minutes. A Lengthy discussion was held in regards to support the bill or oppose the bills that involved the fire service.

State Fire Marshal - Bill Barnard talked about the Maryland Cigarette Safety & Firefighter Protection Act Bill and how standards have been set in New York, Vermont and California. Terry Thompson made a motion to write a letter in support of HB1300 - Maryland Cigarette Fire Safety & Firefighter Protection Act, seconded by Hugh Owens. Motion passed. The State Fire Marshal’s Office is also monitoring HB770 – Evacuation plans for assisted living, nursing homes and special needs facilities and taking no position on SB45.

MSFA Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee - Chairman Doug Alexander thanked MFCA for their support of this initiative and discussed the activities of this committee. There have been a lot of requests for the Residential Sprinkler presentation and the committee has been busy with these presentations all over the state. There will be a 30 minute seminar on the Conference Floor at the MSFA Convention and Conference in June as well as a 90 minute seminar on how to write an ordinance for your community or county. He also expressed Oscar’s thanks for all the kind thoughts, prayers and cards in the recent death of his wife, Edith Baker.

MEMA - Terry Thompson reported on FY06 Budget funding. Homeland Security Director Dennis Schrader was asking trying to put together a regional meeting with a representative from each state to discuss how much volunteers participate in funding and how much funding does the volunteer fire service need. Discussion was also held on Katrina and the volunteers who went to help and trying to form a committee to get compensation for those who went to disaster.

Convention Book Chair Hugh Owens reported that the deadline for ads and Officers reports was the April meeting. A copy of the ad information form will be put on the webpage. Evelyn Graf asked that if any member has any ideas for the cover, please let her know. Discussion was held to ad an index page in the back to list ads with page numbers and vendors information.

Discussion was held in regards to the Red Lights Bill, Roger Steger has been appointed as Chairman of this committee by MSFA President Sachs. The committee was put together to look over the issues regarding this bill such as abuse, over used, etc. Roger informed the group that Red Light Only for Fire Chiefs.

With no further business, Asst. Chaplain Margaret Gouty gave the benediction and First Vice President Jack Gouty made a motion to adjourn, Bob Seibel seconded, motion passed. President Small adjourned the meeting at 2115 hours.

The next meeting of the MFCA Executive Board will be Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 1900 hours at Fisherman’s Inn.

SB 562 –Limited access to private water sources, Passed Senate now in House as of 3/23

SB440 – SB440 – Bill passed Senate renamed Education – Tuition  Assistance Program For Firemen’s and Rescue Squad Members as of 3/23

SB552 – Passed second reading with amendment to exclude Firemen and Rescue Squadmen Tuition Reimbursement. Now in House as of 3/23

SB108 – Removes the old requirement for an EMT-A, adds EMT-B

SB110/HB150 (Budget) – MSFA budget increase request is in the budget. SB110 passed Senate. Passed second reader in House as of 3/23

SB388 – Increases Line of Duty Death benefits ($125,000). Passed Senate as of 3/23

SB574 - Increases Line of Duty Death benefits ($100,000)

SB763/HB1312 – will provide monies for the Amoss and VCAF.

HB1300 – Maryland Cigarette Fire Safety & Firefighter Protection Act, Passed house and is now in Senate as of 3/23.

HB581 – Amendment to renamed Education – Tuition  Assistance Program For Firemen’s and Rescue Squad Members

HB33 – Provides additional benefits to our family members as a result of a line of duty death.

HB575 – 5% of slots income to the Amoss fund

HB1622 – cross file of SB574

HB1668 – Adds money to the VCAF and Helicopter replacement fund

  HB1539/SB929 – Fiscal Impact on the Fire Marshal’s Office. Fire Marshal’s Office and Fire has been amended out of bill. We are now supporting as of 3/23

HB988 – Passed second reading with amendment to exclude Firemen and Rescue Squad Tuition Reimbursement. Passed House as of 3/23

  HB581 – Amendment to renamed Education – Tuition  Assistance Program For Firemen’s and Rescue Squad Members

President Roger Steger called the MFCA Board meeting to order at 1900 hours, at Fisherman’s Inn on July 14, 2005. Chaplain John Hoglund gave invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance was spoken. MFCA Officers present were as follows: President Roger Steger, 1^st VP Robert Small, 2^nd VP Jack Gouty, Asst. Secretary Jackie Olson, Treasurer Leonard King, Asst. Treasurer David Smarte, Membership Secretary Jon Black, Asst. Membership Secretary Kara Small, Asst. Chaplain Margaret Gouty, and Regional Directors Tracy Schultz, Rick Blair and Calvin Stack. Secretary Ron Watkins and Regional Director Chuck Austin were excused. Guest in attendance: William Barnard, State Fire Marshal and Terry Thompson, MEMA. A motion was made by Ron Graf, seconded by Hugh Owens to accept the minutes as distributed. Motion passed.

President Steger reported on the By-law changes and a discussion was held. The By-Laws will be voted on at the August meeting, held on August 6^th at Goodwill VFD.

President Steger asked that we keep Bob Seibel, Charlie Black, Sharon Worthington, Donna Frettard and Joe Evans in your prayers. Jenks is in good spirits and would love to hear from everyone.

Terry Thompson talked about the MSFA Residential Sprinkler Initiative Committee and how this committee is moving around the state to promote this program. Lt. Governor Steele stopped by and saw the demonstration at the Maryland Municipal League Convention; he was very interested in supporting this initiative. A motion was made by Bill Barnard, seconded by Leonard King to send a letter to Chair Doug Alexander in support of this initiative and to offer him any assistance that the committee needs. The next meeting of this committee is Tuesday, July 19 at the Mt. Airy VFC at 1900 hours.

Bill Barnard talked about the upcoming events of the Maryland Fire & Rescue Foundation Memorial Committee, groundbreaking is September 11, 2005 at 1600 hours, the Gala will be on September 30, 2005 and a golf tournament will be held on September 16 at Mt. View Golf Club, for more information check the memorial website. The Life and Safety Conference will be held on September 27, 2005.

Margaret Gouty discussed the NFFM Weekend, which is held October 7 – 9, 2005, help is also needed on Thursday, October 6^th. MFCA is there to provide services for the families and Volunteers are needed for this weekend. We need car seats, strollers, diapers, wheelchairs as well as drivers and transportation. The next meeting of the NFFM will be Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 10:00am at the NFA in Emmittsburg. If you need any hotel rooms and are able to provide transportation please contact Margaret Gouty at 410-551-5962.

Motion was made by Rick Blair to provide the kids of the families with t-shirts, David Smarte seconded, motion carried with one no vote.

Convention Book Chair Hugh Owens reported that we made about $12,000 and about another $1000 to come, Rick Blair commented on the great job that was done by the Convention Book committee, the Officers for editing and proofreading (especially Kara). This year’s book was one of our best program books. Discussion was held to ad an index page in the back to list ads with page numbers and vendors information.

Treasurer Leonard King reported that all the bills were paid and checks are in the mail.

Margaret Gouty reported on some new products to include a MFCA blanket and a die cast metal miniature chief helmets to sell.

With no Old or New Business the meeting moved to Good of the Association:

President Steger discussed updated the web page with new events and linking our web page with NFFM to purchased the NFFM bracelets.

With no further business, Asst. Chaplain Margaret Gouty gave the benediction and David Smarte made a motion to adjourn, Jon Black seconded, motion passed. President Steger adjourned the meeting at 2045 hours.

The next meeting of the MFCA will be Saturday, August 6, 2005 at 12:00pm at the Goodwill VFC, in Centreville, Maryland. (lunch will be served at 11:00am)

Respectfully submitted,

Jacqueline Olson, Assistant Secretary