IFB Meeting Minutes, February 2007

President Rodger Birchfield called the meeting of the Indianapolis Fire Buffs to order at 1933 on February 21, 2007. Twelve members were present; two members were excused. There were no guests.

A moment of silence was observed to honor deceased members and firefighters. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

A motion to approve the minutes of the January 2007 meeting was made by David Chambers. The motion was approved with one neigh.

The Treasurer presented his report for January 2007. The motion to transfer the balance in the Raffle Account to the Savings Account was made by Jim Williamson. The motion passed. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report for January 2007 was made by Mark Burke. The motion was approved unanimously. The treasurer advised that the certificate of deposit was not renewed at maturity and that the funds were now on deposit in a money market account.

MAIL: Play Pipe, Silver Trumpet, Visiting Fireman registration form, Lifeline Critical Care brochure, Fire & Rescue magazine, Stutz Fire Engine book offer, Maltese Cross, 2007 Duneland School of Emergency Response.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
MUSEUM: no report

APPARATUS: Bloomington engine ready for St. Patrick’s Day parade. Parade website: www.indystpats.com.

MEMBERSHIP: no report

CANTEEN: The canteen at Station 12 is now one of the new units obtained by the Salvation Army. It is fully stocked and ready to go. Jim Williamson, our current Canteen Director, asked if someone closer to the canteen would like to take over those responsibilities since it takes him “forever” to get in from the extreme west-side. Matter tabled until next meeting.

Canteen runs: 1/27/07 – 50 S. Shelby Street, second alarm for factory building fire. Ed McMichael responded and served approximately 35 firefighters with coffee, hot chocolate, water, snacks and Gatorade. .

2/13/07 – second alarm for large residence fire at 8544 Preservation Drive, Pike Township. Most of the second alarm fire companies were disregarded in route, but the IC requested the canteen continue in. So, braving the major winter storm in progress, Mark Burke and Ed McMichael responded. Dispatched at 1333, secured at 1600, serving about 25 firefighters and 2 civilians with coffee, Gatorade, water, and snacks. It was discovered that the new canteen was not supplied with hot chocolate, and that was remedied following this run.

2/16/07 – Knauf Fiberglass in Shelbyville, IN, multiple alarm fire responded to by five departments spanning two counties. The office building caught fire around 0230 on 2/16/07, and crews battled the blaze throughout the day. Due to extremely low water pressures from using most of the city’s water on the fire, Shelbyville issued a “boil water” advisory for the city and closed all schools, government buildings, and restaurants. The local Salvation Army chapter requested assistance from Indianapolis, so a response was made by SA volunteers and Fire Buff members using the canteen and a SA box truck filled with bottled water. Club members responding were Jim Williamson, Ed McMichael, Mark Burke, and Bert Williams. Served coffee, hot chocolate, Gatorade, water, sandwiches, chili, and snacks. Dispatched at 1500 2/16/07 and secured at 1700 on 2/17/07. SA volunteers and Club members worked shifts and relieved each other during this extended run.

COMMUNICATIONS: Dennis Chambers reported he has the new contract from our pager vendor. Because of an equipment upgrade with the vendor, all pagers will have to be exchanged for one on a new frequency. Dennis will be in contact with everyone regarding this as soon as he has the new pagers.

[President Birchfield, Dave Babcock, and John Burris left the meeting to attend a working fire nearby. Vice President Mark Burke took over chairmanship of the meeting.].

STATION 12: Mary Morgan reported she is still working on the dumpster issue. She also reported city representatives were inside to assess the damage to the interior caused by the leaky roof. There is to be a purchase order issued to repair the interior damage. Mark Burke reported he had obtained and installed several smoke detectors throughout Station 12. Medic 27 is still not setting the alarm all the time when leaving for the shift.

FDIC – April 16-21 is approaching. Jim Williamson will be leading this year’s activities and he obtained a list of members wishing to work. Any Club member not present at the meeting and who would like to work FDIC should contact Jim at 317-538-9535 or e-mail jimw904@yahoo.com.

Mark Burke has been attending CERT (Citizens Emergency Response Team) training through the Office of Emergency Management. He said there is another training session due to start in June 2007, and he recommended all Club members take the training. There is no cost. Training lasts four seven-hour sessions.

Indianapolis, Indiana 46220