The Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists

Minutes

February 22, 2007

Doubletree Hotel - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Members Present:

PaulMauger – PresidentR.C.Powell

RickEdinger – Vice PresidentWillieHowlett

ToddDyer – SecretaryMichaelGlass

ArthurMiller – TreasurerWoodyHenderson

Butch Jones – TrusteeLarryLogan

SteveGrainer – TrusteeWayneGreen

Ron HargravePaulLogan

BradOwensEddie Hite

TomZirkle

  • President PaulW.Mauger called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
  • An attendance roster was distributed for signatures.
  • Read & approved minutes of September, 2006 meeting.
Treasurer’s Report:
  • Treasurer ArthurMiller advised the membership that the Association has sufficient funds on hand and that these funds need to be used to work “for” the Association. A transition is underway to move most of the funds to a “state wide” institution and Wachovia has been selected. A sizeable amount of interest can be accrued in ’07 by letting some of those funds work in our favor.
  • ArthurMiller indicated that the Salem Firm we have used in the past will do the Audit for 2006 – Scheduled for May of ’07 and should be back in September.
  • Arthur recognized WoodyHenderson for his assistance during the transition.
  • Arthur announced that the Association has been granted 501C-3 status as a “not for profit” organization.

Moved to accept and approved by SteveGrainer, second, BradOwens.

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March 27, 2007

The Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists

Minutes –February 22, 2007

Old Business:
  • Conference Update (RickEdinger – Conference Chair and Vice President.)

2006 – Attendance numbers were back up from 2005. The Conference once again finished in “The Black”.

2007- A change in the conference planner will be made in the near future. The ’07 Conference will be held at the HamptonConvention Center. This venue will give us many opportunities to expand. The host Hotel is the Embassy Suites – Rick noted that all rooms are “suites” and that by staying there; you are entitled to a free “Hot Buffet” breakfast each morning, and an invitation to the Managers reception each evening with free beverages of choice and snacks.

  • WebSite Update (ToddDyer – Secretary)

Todd advised the Membership that our Web Master informed us that, as of January 1st 2007 she would no longer maintain our site. A replacement has been located – Captain PaulHelmuth with the Rockingham County Department of Fire/Rescue. Paul (with his Departments blessing) has already accomplished quite a bit. Improvements to the site are forthcoming and if anyone has any questions/concerns or ideas, please contact ToddDyer.

  • Mailing Address (ToddDyer – Secretary)

Todd advised the membership that during our January Board of Directors meeting it was decided to have all correspondence to and from the Association go through one address. A Richmond address was selected due to it being centrally located and the Capitol of the Commonwealth. This should help eliminate any confusion on the membership’s part.

  • Howlett Proposal (PaulMauger – President)

President Mauger read the letter sent to WillieHowlett in response to his proposal of an Executive Director. The Executive Board decided at its January meeting not to pursue this matter.

New Business:

  • Team Leaders Meeting - March 27-28. Being held at the Embassy Suites in Hampton. The Association will be supporting this meeting.
  • Congressional Fire Service Dinner – March 29th. If interested in attending, contact President Mauger. Again we have partnered with State Chiefs and others for a lunch at the RayburnBuilding. The group will visit legislators on Capitol Hill before dinner at the Hilton that evening.

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March 27, 2007

The Virginia Association of Hazardous Materials Response Specialists

Minutes –February 22, 2007

  • 2007 Initiatives were discussed. They include expanding the WebSite, making the 2007 Conference a Success, Providing greater Support for the HazMat community and establish more “depth” within the Conference committee and the Associations Administrative positions.
  • Stakeholders Meeting – January 29-30, 2007 – discussion only.
Grants and Scholarships
  • Butch Jones covered the Revisions for the Scholarships and Grants that the Association offers. These changes do affect the bylaws, as it relates to Committees, so an amendment to the bylaws will be posted on the website for a comment period and will be voted on at the October meeting of the Association.
SHMERAC
  • WillieHowlett/Chair and Ray Haring/Co-Chair – Working on updating the Awareness and Operations Programs. Next meeting will be held at the HazMat Conference.
Membership
  • It was suggested to “update” the Associations Banners with more current information and pictures. After a brief discussion a motion was made by LarryLogan and 2nd by WoodyHenderson to update the existing set and purchase 2 additional sets. Passed by a voice vote.
  • Membership list will likely be transferred to a MicroSoft Access Database. ToddDyer working with BradOwens on the database.
  • Discussion held regarding the membership dues being increased to $20.00 in 2008.
2007 Elections
  • President Mauger has requested that SteveGrainer coordinate the elections for 2007 to be held at the Association Meeting in October. Steve advised that nominations have been accepted for all Executive Offices but no Trustee positions. Contact him with nominations.
  • NEXT Meeting – October 17th, 2007 at 7pm at the Embassy Suites in Hampton, Va.

Adjournment:

  • A motion to adjourn was made and approved. Adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

Respectively submitted:

ToddDyer

Secretary

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