Iowa APCO Executive Meeting

Bonanza Restaurant, Ft. Dodge

 

September 14th, 2007 10:00 A.M.

 

In attendance: Judy Flores, Randy Thompson, Bob Seivert, Cindy Forgy, Cara Sorrells, Eric Nevins, Chris Moore, and Wendi Hess.

 

President Judy Flores opened the meeting at 10:26 A.M.

 

The first topic of conversation was the appointments to the Interoperability Committee. Judy Flores advised that she had sent a letter recommending Iowa APCO representation from a large and small agency. Sandy Morris from Des Moines Police Department and Randy Thompson from Mills County Communications were named. Randy Thompson was present and advised that he did receive a 5 page application and has to have an extensive background check.

 

Cara Sorrells passed out a tentative business meeting agenda for the Fall Conference October 2nd, 2007.

 

The Corporate Advisory Committee Chair was vacated when Kirk Litynski left Motorola. A couple names of individuals who may be interested are Stacey Gross of Geo-Comm and Jeff Yates of Wahltek. It was suggested by Bob Seivert that it could be a cooperative position. It was also suggested that a review of things from last year take place. The process for vendors needs to be defined, the contact info needs to be displayed on the forms, the Chair(s) would need an explanation of tasks, what to do for trouble shooting, etc…No motion was needed as they would be appointed by the President. Wendi Hess advised she could help with the review and documentation of duties. She could also help with getting the new people on board with the forms, lists, etc… needed.

 

The Constitution and By-laws committee still needs a Chair as well. Chris Moore from Pottawattamie County advised he would be interested in helping on the committee. He was asked to take the Chair appointment and Judy will send him the required information.

 

Gloria Isham is no longer the Legislative Chair and was very active with the IPERS issue. She will be missed and another Chair is needed. Bob Seivert gave some information about the current status of the situation. This is an IPERS year and jailers are being discussed. The Emergency Management Association also tried this. They had to go in front of the Benefits Advisory Committee who has to review and change then make recommendation to the legislators. EMA had troubles proving the physically demanding and safety issues part of the job description. Seivert believed EMS is in and that the jailers will be a part of the bill. The best place for telecommunicators to start would be will the unions – Teamsters and AFSCME. They could help promote the effort. Seivert also stated that you should know the names of the BAC members (which should be posted on the IPERS website) and get in front of them. Prepare a power point and educate them as far as who we are and what we do. We are already behind the power curve. November 1st is another key meeting of the legislative committee. The BAC meets at the end of October. Telecommunicators will have to also prove the physically demanding and safety aspect of their jobs. It would help to promote how they are certified. It will create an inequity between dispatchers who are also jailers and those who are not. Prepare the information about how many people this will affect and the information obtained by the earlier survey. Looking at a lobbyist and garnering letters of support was discussed. A strong IPERS committee is needed. Wendi Hess will send out an email with details out to the Telecommunicators encouraging them to contact their union representative.

 

Judy Flores turned the meeting over the Randy Thompson to talk about FRAC and the PSIC grant. Thompson advised that the 700 mhz restriction has been lifted and you don’t have to build out to connect to that anymore. There is a 20% match and now the grant will be run by the Interoperability Governance Board. Homeland Security is out of the picture. It is a 15 member board along the lines of LEATAC standards. It will contain 6 state representatives, 8 local representatives, and 1 at large representative appointed by the Governor. (local 2- SO, 2- PD, 2- FD, and 2-Comm) The deadline is now December and 80% must come down to the local level with a stipulation that can bring back part of it to the state level for a statewide system. The Governance Board will decide who can make application for the funds, review, and award. It is currently in a holding pattern waiting for the Board to be named in its entirety.

 

Judy Flores received a letter from Dave Murray and Lora Phillips concerning a lifetime membership for Jan Visser. (See attached)

We have looked at the by-laws and she would meet the criteria.  In order to be nominated, a member must have made a major contribution to the advancement of the chapter and/or association, as well as qualify for at least three of the following:

 

            - Member of the Iowa chapter for at least five years

            - Served as chapter president for two years, secretary or treasurer for four years, or frequency advisor for four years

            - Member of chapter executive board for at least two years

            - Member of chapter executive committee for at least four years

 

Eric Nevins explained that the chapter would pay the dues and that there are two currently – himself and Kenny Mead. Wendi

Hess made a motion to support the suggestion and submit it to the quorum at the Fall Conference. This was seconded by Cindy Forgy. Motion carried and it will need to be added to the agenda for the Fall Conference business meeting. Bob Seivert will get the plaque locally and get with Eric Nevins on the wording and format.

 

Chris Moore applauded Mark Van Hooser on the website. He does a great job and it looks great.

 

Eric Nevins submitted his executive council report. (See attached) The JoAnne Perkins Scholarship had a starting balance $10,063.29 with a fund income of $259.12 resulting in and ending balance of $10,322.41. The operating fund had a beginning balance of $11,766.12 and had fund income of $19,238.64. It had expenses totaling $19,981.77 for an ending fund balance of $11,022.99.

 

 

Nevins also submitted his travel expenses to Baltimore for the National Conference which were $543.39. A motion was made by Cara Sorrells to pay the travel expenses with a second by Wendi Hess. Motion carried with no opposition.

 

Nevins explained that often times he needs to seek professional advice concerning IRS issues and the companies he is asking questions of want some sort of relationship. The last issue with the IRA was resolved but it would be nice to have someone designated to help with the required paperwork. Bob Seivert made a motion to authorize hiring a CPA to assist with the required forms. The motion was seconded by Cindy Forgy. Motion carried with no opposition. Eric also stated that we are a 501(C) 6 designation.

 

It was also mentioned that the JoAnne Perkins scholarship forms need to be updated and sent to Mark Van Hooser for the website.

Jeanie Carroll from Allamakee County is the Chair of this committee. Wendi Hess will update the form and send to Mark.

 

Motion to adjourn at 12:23 P.M. by Wendi Hess, seconded by Eric Nevins.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

Cara L. Sorrells, Iowa APCO Secretary