|
NEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION
Wildwood Crest, N. J. Saturday May 15, 2010
President Heflich called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
All members joined in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.
Mr. Mellert delivered the invocation with a moment of silence for deceased members.
President Heflich pointed out the exits.
Roll call was held. All members were present. Asst. Counsel Stacy Moore was excused.
Past Executive Committeeman Milt Cole, Bergen County, Kenneth Wigglesworth, Gloucester County and Past Counsel Barry Parker were also in attendance.
APPEALS: Two (2)
Brooklawn F.R.A. Secretary John McKinney was the spokesperson representing the Brooklawn FRA # 051. Also in attendance were President Ralph Marquis and Vice President Thaddeus Multanski Jr. Secretary McKinney presented an appeal based on the non-seating of their Association at the 2010 Convention, for late filing. Secretary McKinney explained in detail the scenario of events that took place for their reasons for late filings of their 2009 Financial Standing Report. They are respectfully requesting that the decision for non-seating at the 2010 convention be reversed. A discussion took place on the matter. President Heflich thanked the delegation for their presentation and stated that it would be discussed and voted on and they would then be asked to re-enter the room for the Executive Committee's decision.
A motion was made by Mr. Christensen and seconded by Mr. Gallo to deny seating. A discussion took place on the motion and then a roll call vote was taken and the decision was to deny seating. The delegation returned to the meeting room where President Heflich reported on the decision and that we would also forward a letter to them with the decision of the Executive Committee.
Roll call vote: Yes - 13 No - 8 Motion approved.
Deerfield Twsp. F.R.A. President Larry April and Secretary Leah April Broomall and Treasurer John O'Brian will be the spokespersons representing the Deerfield Twsp. FRA # 523. Also in attendance were Trustees Joseph DiPasquale Jr. and Morris Gould. The Officers presented an appeal based on the non-seating of their Association at the 2010 Convention, for late filing of their 2009 Active Firemen's Membership Reports (Green Sheets.) President April explained in detail the scenario of events that took place for their reasons for late filings of their 2009 Membership Report. 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 voted on and they would then be asked to re-enter the room for the Executive Committee's decision.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Christensen to deny seating. A discussion took place on the motion and then a roll call vote was taken and the decision was to deny seating. The delegation returned to the meeting room where President Heflich reported on the decision and that we would also forward a letter to them with the decision of the Executive Committee.
Roll call vote: Yes - 19 No - 1 Abstain - 1 Motion approved.
Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting held on February 20, 2010. Mr. Finnegan noted the following corrections. Page 14, line 23 (Please see attached correspondence) was printed in error. In as much as the minutes have been distributed to all members, Mr. McNulty moved and it was seconded by Mr. Reeves, that they be accepted as corrected and distributed. The motion was carried.
LIFE MEMBERS: One (1)
Carolyn A. Hamilton - Florence Twsp.
Motion By Mr. Dreby and seconded by Mr. Christensen to accept Carolyn Hamilton as a Life Member. All approved.
OFFICERS REPORTS:
PRESIDENT HEFLICH PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
We met with Senator Kean along with Executive Committeeman Kelly on the sixty (60) year old bill. We explained to the Senator the problems we would be faced with this bill. He accepted our remarks and hopefully that's the end of the bill. Thanks to Mr. Kelly for his input at the meeting.
The Firemen's Home check was mailed out in the amount of $ 7,164,600.00.
I would like to thank the Committee who worked on the Compendium changes.
The 538 Associations will receive a total of $ 11,819,000.00 this year. All the checks were electronically deposited to the Local Association accounts.
Like to thank our Field Examiner Bill Maushardt for the job he did for his first year, he did an excellent job along with help from the Vice President.
The Bedminster FRA has decided not to pursue the resolution submitted last year. However two other individuals, one from Burlington County and one from Passaic County are taking over the reins of this resolution.
All associations that are on subsidy will be reminded in writing by the Field Examiner.
VICE PRESIDENT GUNSON PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
All the subsidy checks were electronically deposited to all Local Association accounts yesterday Friday May 14, 2010. We had a problem with one account and it will be followed up on Monday.
The 2010 Caucus calendar schedule is in your folders, please make sure the dates are correct and proper arrangements have been made. On some we still need accurate directions and an actual address.
We are in the process of finalizing the printer's copy of the Compendium By-Laws.
Workshops in both Gloucester and Morris County were well attended.
Reminder: The July Executive Committee meeting will start at 9:00 a.m.
SECRETARY WEINBERG PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
TREASURER OSBORN PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
FIELD EXAMINER MAUSHARDT PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
In your packet is a copy of the Financial Standing Report for the year 2009 showing all associations that had a Net Loss in Assets ending December 31, 2009. Cape May County was the only County that showed no losses.
Also enclosed are,
(1) The new 2010 Relief Assistance Scale in County order.
(2) Print-out showing local associations in your county that have received subsidy for May 2010. Also enclosed is a letter that was mailed to all Local Treasurers and Secretaries explaining the rules that govern the associations when receiving subsidy.
COUNSEL CAVALLO REPORTED:No Report
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
SPECIAL RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Chairman Mellert reported that so far this year we are down about 30% compared to last year.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
PENSION COMMITTEE REPORT:
Treasurer Osborn reported that a meeting was held prior to the Executive meeting with all necessary business transacted.
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
SALARY COMMITTEE REPORT:
Chairman Dreby reported that they will be meeting in the next couple of weeks to come up with a recommendation for the July meeting. We will submit a copy of the recommendation to the Executive Committee prior to the July meeting for their review.
RESOLUTION COMMITTEE REPORT:
Chairman Cavallo reported that we had one resolution submitted from the Somerdale FRA. The Resolution Committee along with the Officers will meet via a telephone conference call at 10 a.m. on Tuesday May 18th to review and discuss the resolution.
COMPENDIUM COMMITTEE REPORT:
Chairman Thom reported that from the meeting held on March 27th there were some questions and as a result another committee was formed headed by Mr. Mellert. I received from his committee for the General Relief Fund Rules, Article IV Section 8, (See attachment # XXIV), which will be added to the Compendium changes with your approval. Chairman Thom read the resolution at the meeting.
Counsel Cavallo spoke about his concerns that he had originally with a statement that the age limit did not apply. This new language is acceptable from a legal standpoint as long as it is approved by the Executive Committee. Mr. Christensen made a motion and it was seconded by Mr. Reeves to accept the recommended changes. A discussion took place on the changing from 18 months to 90 days to the physical acceptance of a Membership application.
Roll call vote: Yes - 19 No - 2 Motion approved.
JR. FIREFIGHTER REVIEW COMMITTEE: No Report
NEW JERSEY FIREMEN'S HOME REPORT:
Chairman Dreby reported that the committee has had a number of meetings in the last four or five months and we are making good progress. I met with the Home Committee again last week. Our next step is to meet with the Attorney's from both committees and review our progress at this point. We are making good headway and hopefully by the fall we will have a report.
President Heflich noted that we have received the list of those running for Manager this year and that the Manager from Salem County has since passed away. I will appoint a Manager to fill his unexpired term, when they are elected at the caucus.
Also we have a statement that will be read, that will be signed by myself and Oscar Dutch.
DELEGATE & LIFE MEMBER EXPENSE COMMITTEE: No report
APPLICATIONS: None
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
TREASURER OSBORN, BUDGET AND BURIAL FUND REPORT:
Budget for 2010-2011 was presented. The budget was reviewed and all questions answered. Treasurer Osborn then recommended an additional $200.00 be added to the Death Benefit for the seventh (7) year only (Qualified). This would increase the maximum amount to $9,700.00, effective July 1, 2010 and the Line of Duty Death to $ 29,100.00. Motion made by Mr. Harvey and seconded by Mr. Finnegan to approve the request as submitted.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
RESOLUTION & REQUISITION OF THE STATE TREASURER:
Secretary Weinberg read the Resolution and Requisition. A motion was made by Mr. McNulty and seconded by Mr. Kelly to submit the Resolution and Requisition to the State Treasurer.
Roll call vote: Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
APPOINTMENTS:
Mr. McNulty made a motion and it was seconded by Mr. Kelly to re-appoint Mr. William (Bill) Maushardt to the position of Field Examiner for the term June 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011. Motion carried.
Mr. Dreby made a motion and it was seconded by Mr. Simmons to re-appoint Mr. Frank Cavallo as Counsel and Mr. Stacy Moore as Asst. Counsel for the term June 1, 2010 through May 31, 2011. Motion carried.
President noted that the 2010 Caucus Calendar is in your folders. Please check it to make sure all is correct. Mr. Kelly made a motion and it was seconded by Mr. McNulty to accept the 2010 Caucus Calendar. All approved.
RELIEF ASSISTANCE SCALE:
As reported by Field Examiner Maushardt all Executives have received the listing of their Associations and their changes. The new scale became effective January 1, 2010. A motion was made by Mr. McNulty and seconded by Mr. Christensen to accept the recommendations.
Roll call vote Yes - 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
DELINQUENT ASSOCIATIONS:
Estell Manor - Atlantic County (Delegates)
Pleasantville - Atlantic County (Exempt only)
Woodbine - Cape May (Exempt only)
Hawthorne - Passaic (Exempt only)
Motion by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Finnegan to not seat the above four noted associations.
Roll call vote: Yes - 20 No - 0 Abstain - 1 Motion approved.
Vice President Gunson reported that he has been in contact with the Division of Banking and Insurance and that we will be delivering all the Financial Reports in the next week or two.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
Mr. Finnegan thanked all the Officers that worked the Morris County Workshop.
Mr. Christensen thanked the Association for becoming a member of the New Jersey Fire and Emergency Medical Services Institute, Inc. and I would like to announce that, several years ago we started a program for a “Lifetime Achievement Awards” that are presented to well deserving members of the Fire Service. This award is called the “C. Kenneth Anderson Award” and the recipient of this year's award is Jake Genovay. He will receive the award at our annual dinner on Monday June 14, 2010. Applause. Mr. Genovay thanked everyone.
Mr. McNulty thanked the officers for attending the Gloucester County Workshop. All 23 associations were represented.
Mr. McNulty made a motion and was seconded by Mr. Harvey to adjourn. Motion approved.
ADJOURNMENT: 11:30 a.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sanford (Sandy) Weinberg
Secretary
|