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ABRIDGED REPORT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
NEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
Kenilworth, N. J. Saturday July 17, 2010
President Heflich called the meeting to order at 9:00 A.M., with the emergency exits being pointed out.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag was recited.
Rev. Jago recited the invocation.
APPEALS: Two (2)
Lebanon Twsp. F.R.A. Vice President Ronald Milkowski was the spokesperson representing the Lebanon Twsp. FRA # 476. Also in attendance were President Gary Milkowski, Secretary & Chief Warren Gabriel and Treasurer Steven Bisbee. Vice President Milkowski presented their second appeal based on the non-seating of their Association at the 2010 Convention, for late filing of their Electronic Direct Deposit Bank Authorization Form. Vice President Milkowski explained the scenario of events that took place for their reasons for late filings of the form. They are respectfully requesting that the decision for non-seating at the 2010 convention be reversed. President Heflich thanked the delegation for their presentation and stated that it would be discussed and they would receive the decision in writing.
Somerdale F.R.A. President James Mohan was the spokesperson representing the Somerdale FRA # 334. Also in attendance were Vice President Michael Wharton, Secretary Jesse Sawyer and Trustee Greg Murrow. President Mohan presented an appeal based on their Resolution for the 2010 Convention. President Mohan explained that what they are looking for in their appeal is a separate sub-section for Fire Police to join with no age restriction. They are requesting that a committee be appointed to investigate its possibilities. Counsel Cavallo noted that he had spoken previously to Secretary Sawyer about the reasons why the Resolution Committee would be unable to recommend that the Convention vote on this, because of the limitation in our Statute concerning age. There is a specific limitation and carving out one sector of the fire service would open up the association to a discrimination law suite. Our Statute, which has been upheld by the Supreme Court as being non-discriminatory, is the rationale behind being unable to do it. It would require a statutory change to allow everybody overage, not just certain sections, of the fire service to join.
President Heflich thanked the delegation for their presentation.
Roll call was held. First Asst. Secretary Genovay reported that all members were present with the exception of Asst. Counsel Moore who was excused. Guests included Past Committeemen, Milt Cole from Bergen County, Gary Mathews from Ocean County and Father Jago, Chaplain.
Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting held on May 15, 2010. Since the minutes have been distributed to all members Mr. McNulty made a motion that they be accepted. The motion was carried.
LIFE MEMBERS: None (0)
OFFICER'S REPORTS:
PRESIDENT HEFLICH PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
With all the workshops and telephone calls, I don't know what the problem is with these Secretaries. We get about seven (7) applications a day for membership and six (6) go back. No Secretary signature, no physical filled out, physical incomplete and so on. The secretary should check the applications before they are mailed in.
Letters were sent to all Treasurers about submitting to us a copy of their 990 or 990 E-Z's. We have to have them back. We could lose our Tax Exempt status if we don't have those copies on file plus a fine of $50.00 per day. We don't have half of them in yet. Every Executive Committeeman will get a list of associations that are still out and we need you to follow up.
We have problems with Tuckerton again. It will be discussed under Executive Session. They were suppose to send us copies of all their meetings and they were not allowed to write any checks unless approved by us. They went and made out checks for their salaries without authorization. We will be meeting with them in the next week.
We went to an affair for Jake Genovay on June 14, 2010, the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services. All the State Officers were there and we were not recognized from the podium and I was very disturbed by that. One of our own was being honored and we weren't acknowledged. I think any place we go, a dinner and one of our own is being honored I think we should be acknowledged.
At the Caucuses coming up, once again I'm the only one with opposition. Last year he made a few bad statements what he was going to attempt to do or do. At the Caucuses, if this gentleman says he's going to do this or that, I'm not going to waste my 3 minutes explaining why he can't do it. I will call him up to the front and ask him to explain how he is going to do it. I appreciate it if all the Executives will support me for re-election, outside of Ocean County, because if they endorse that candidate, I don't want to put Joe on the spot, which is fair. Mr. Thom (Sussex County) noted that the other candidate has not even had the courtesy to call and ask if he will be able make a presentation at our County Caucus. That is very poor upon his part.
Vice President Biden has not accepted the invitation to attend our Convention. I am still waiting to hear from The Governors Office. Dr. Frank Field called me as he is involved with the fire service. He would like to have me contact people for him. I asked if he would like to talk as our guest speaker for eight (8) minutes before our Convention. He will let us know on Monday. Dr. O'Neil from the Fire Academy declined as he has a prior commitment.
VICE PRESIDENT GUNSON PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
We had two (2) assessment checks bounce and that was due to the fact that Treasurers received new checks and the bank routing number changed, but never notified us. This was resolved in three (3) days. We had thirty five (35) associations that Bill sent letters out to where Valley Bank notified us, that it is an old routing number but still valid, but that it should be updated. As of now they are all updated.
All caucus dates, work schedules, directions, allowances, insurance certificates and seating chart for the Convention are in your packets.
George Dytyniak called from the Department of Banking and Insurance. He will be setting up a meeting in the next week or so for us to meet the new Director and Asst. Director.
SECRETARY WEINBERG PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
TREASURER OSBORN PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
My report will be deferred till the September meeting.
FIELD EXAMINER MAUSHARDT PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
There is one change on the Field Exam dates. Morris County will be Tuesday October 12th. Originally it was scheduled for Thursday October 7th.
We received a letter the end of May from the IRS, stating that we make sure that every association filed some form of 990's. I sent a letter out on June 7th to every Treasurer requesting a copy for our files and as of yesterday I have received less than half. The Executives must follow up, as this is very important. Treasurer Osborn noted that this is the third IRS audit so far his year. One Association was assessed $ 1,500.00 for not submitting 1099's for individual compensation received.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
SPECIAL RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Chairman Mellert reportedthat so far this year the applications are down about ten (10) and $ 14,000.00 from last year at this time.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
PENSION COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Deferred until the September meeting.
SALARY COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Discussion at Executive Session.
RESOLUTION COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Chairman Cavallo reported that the Committee met via a conference call, since there was only one resolution. We are recommending that the Somerdale Resolution not be voted on because the wording "regardless of age" is in violation of Statute NJSFA 43:17-1.
COMPENDIUM COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Chairman Thom reported that all Executive Committeemen should have received a copy of the new updated compendium book. Vice President Gunson reported that everything has been finalized. They will be going out to all the Local Associations during the month of August. Each association will receive five (5) books. One each distributed to the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chairman of the Trustees.
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTERS STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Chairman Finnegan reported that he forwarded to Assemblymen Bucco, who had proposed legislation, our concerns that were discussed at our last meeting. I have not heard back from him.
APPLICATION: (0)
OLD BUSINESS:
We did receive some suggestions in reference to the web site reports. If there is a report that has to be mailed in, it will state that someplace on the web page of that report. Instead of an acknowledgement going back, as it may fall under junk mail and be returned as undeliverable. We will put a notation on the maintenance form with a copy being mailed out.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (From 9:34 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.)
NEW BUSINESS:
Mr. Ordway received numerous phone calls asking what protections we have for volunteers that work for municipalities. I have been directing them to the Exempt Association for that information.
Mr. Finnegan noted a correction on the last abridged minutes that a motion second was made by Mr. Christensen and not by him.
Mr. Dreby noted that in reference to a second appeal. In the future after an appeal has been denied by the Executive Committee, there will be no further appeal at this level.
Mr. Ordway questioned how we arrived at the number of drills allowed for the Membership Report. It was noted that it was changed a long time ago from 12 to 24 by order of the Executive Committee.
Mr. Finnegan spoke about 999 accounts.
A motion was made by Mr. Phillips and seconded by Mr. Pelaia that the Executive Committeemen read at the Caucuses and that Chairman Dreby read at the Convention the joint statement that the Firemen's Home refused to sign.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Christensen and seconded by Mr. Harvey that the Officers after meeting with the Tuckerton FRA, find it necessary, that they be granted permission to put Tuckerton out of accord.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Christensen and seconded by Mr. Kelly to give the Officers the authorization to put the Elizabeth FRA out of accord if necessary.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
Chairman Dreby gave an explanation and handed out the salary chart that was voted on and approved at the Executive session.
A motion was then made by Mr. Dreby and seconded by Mr. Figueroa to approve the salary committee's recommendation.
Roll call vote: Yes - 16 No - 4 Abstain - 1 Motion approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Phillips that a letter be sent to all local associations stating that no association will pay the Monthly Firemen's Home fee for any guest of the home from their association and it is not to be considered as an expense on any relief application.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
A motion was made by Mr. Reeves and seconded by Mr. Ordway to accept the quote for the Convention TV service as the price quoted remains the same as previous years.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Mr. Lenarski asked if the change in administration in Wildwood will affect the parking situation in the Wildwoods. Mr. Harvey explained that the City of Wildwood went to a new parking meter system that is done by cell phone. The President will send a letter requesting that the meters be turned off during the Convention.
Mr. Dreby commented about the possibility of appointing a small committee to look into getting New Jersey State Firemen's shirts. It has been a long time since we last had them available. Mr. Finnegan and Mr. Thom are the volunteer committee of two.
There being no further business, on a motion by Mr. McNulty and seconded by many, to adjourn the meeting. All approved.
ADJOURNMENT: 11:25 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sanford (Sandy) Weinberg
Secretary
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