March 4, 2009

Called to Order: 1901

In Attendance:
Barnes Proebstle Hatfield Lane Roman, M.
Hester, K. Patterson Sarata Roberts Teigeler
Martin Beckwith Hutchinson Maier Morrissey
Frazee Hutter Oates Boomer Nordlund
Feldpausch Roman, A. (1908) Gorden (1908)

Treasurer’s Report:

Secretary/Treasurer Barnes reported funds of $9168.83. Secretary/Treasurer Barnes informed Union body of IRS info. Found out that we have to inform IRS of us via IRS website. There is a form 990T that has to filed every year. Our tax-exempt status will be in effect in about 8 weeks. Teigeler made motion to accept treasurer’s report. Patterson seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Safety Committee:

Boomer advised Union body of new NFPA 1851 code. This code is for all structural firefighting gear and with respect to how old it is and when it has to be replaced. Boomer to get more info and pass it along to safety committee. Oates made suggestion that Union draft letter regarding issue with NFPA 1851. President Roman informed body that if they have a safety concern to fill out the form and write down all information and possible solutions to problem.

Secretary/Treasurer Barnes reported update on safety concern for mold found at Station 3. Barnes getting more information from State of Michigan on this mold and concerns of it. There was discussion on this matter. President Roman stated that he is talking with Manager Watkins regarding this situation.

Old Business:

President Roman said that negotiations are at a standstill. Still in discussions with Manager Watkins and waiting for info from Manager Watkins.

President Roman discussed upcoming agility test. There is no date set and they usually give us 60 days notice prior to test. President Roman stated that the paperwork for the people that took it last year is no where to be found. Union has list of people who took the test and when and front office to try to find paperwork. There was discussion on this and Union members would like to have it in our contract. President Roman to look into drawing up a letter of understanding for this issue. Teigeler suggested that we draft a letter that is signed by the proctor of the test, participant and Union representative after the test so that we may never run into this problem again. Files to be stored by Union and Fire Department.

Teigeler made a motion to have Union draft letter that the Township would sign after we pass test. Gorden seconded the motion. 21 for 2 opp. Motion passed.

New Business:

President Roman discussed the sick time memo sent out to all Union members. President Roman discussed this issue and how it came about. There was some discussion on this matter.

Martin discussed Fishing for Kids and that Lane is now President of this. The money is going to the Great Lakes Burn Camp. The event is scheduled for May 28, 2009. Lane is looking for donation from the Union for this event. Union has been a sponsor for the past few years. Nordlund made a motion to donate $250 to the Firefighters Fishing for Kids. Morrissey seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion passed.

Open Discussion:

Beckwith discussed St. Baldricks. Event with take place at Claddaugh Pub on March 15, 2009 at 1100. People shave there heads and raise money to do this for cancer research for kids. Some members from shift 2 are participating in this. Beckwith would like to have a donation given to this cause. Maier made a motion to donate $150 to St. Baldricks. Proebstle seconded the motion. 22 for 1 opp. Motion passed.

Patterson brought up fatal fire that they had on Stoll Rd. and safety concerns that took place. Much discussion on this matter. President Roman stated that if there are any concerns that they should be written up as a safety concern and turned into the safety committee.

Meeting adjourned at: 2035

Next Meeting: May 6, 2009 at Station 1 at 1900.