IFB Meeting Minutes, May 2007

President Rodger Birchfield called the meeting of the Indianapolis Fire Buffs to order at 1931 on May 16, 2007. Thirteen 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 April 2007 meeting was made by David Chambers. The motion was approved.

The Treasurer presented his report for April 2007. A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report was made by Mark Burke. The motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

TURNOUT: Jerry Traub reported that the spring 2007 issue of Turnout was published on 5/5/2007 and is now available on-line at www.ifba.org. Jerry read IFB’s article and described the photos used.

MUSEUM: no report

APPARATUS: The engine at Station 12 was moved out for voting, then returned, Dennis Chambers reported. It moved under its own power.

MEMBERSHIP: Rodger Birchfield reported that Francis Shoppenhorst is currently in a rehab center following an illness. Matt Woods is also on the “get well” list following surgery.

CANTEEN: Canteen runs:

April 11 – 44^th & Caroline, box alarm for Working double residence. Ed McMichael responded at 2238 and served 25 firefighters with Gatorade and water. Secured at 0038.

April 12 – 916 Ardsley (Wayne Township), second alarm for working apartment fire. Responded to by Rodger Birchfield, Mary Morgan, and Ed McMichael at 2246. 50 firefighters were served with Gatorade, water, coffee, hot chocolate and snacks. Secured at 0300.

April 22 – 9523 Carlyle (IFD and Carmel), box alarm plus extra companies on a working apartment fire. About 35 firefighters were served Gatorade and water by Tod Parker and Ed McMichael. Dispatched at 0414; secured at 0635.

April 29 – 3700 N. White River Pkwy East, car submerged in the water, serving Gatorade and water to members of the dive team on an 80 degree + day. Responded to by Ed McMichael at 1223; secured at 1415, serving 20.

May 3 – 3507 N. Illinois Street, box alarm for apartment fire. Responded to by Ed McMichael at 1805, serving Gatorade, water, and snacks to about 25 firefighters. Secured at 1845.

May 4 – 1940 E. 46^th Street, box alarm plus extra companies for business fire. Response by Ed McMichael at 0237, serving Gatorade, water, and snacks to 30-35 firefighters. Secured at 0356.

May 5 – 2754 Embassy Row, Speedway (Speedway FD and IFD), box alarm plus extra companies for working apartment fire. Ed McMichael responded and disregarded Mary Morgan who was en route. Approximately 35 firefighters were served with Gatorade, water, and snacks. Run secured at 0441.

May 7 – 1043 S. State Avenue, box alarm plus extra companies for working residence. This was “drop-off” run due to other commitments. Gatorade and water were served to about 30 firefighters. Response at 1714 by Ed McMichael.

May 8 – 1701 Gent Avenue, structural collapse of rear of factory building. Responded to at 2144 by Mary Morgan and Ed McMichael. About 20 firefighters were served Gatorade, water and snacks until 1755.

May 10 – Central and Fall Creek Parkway, dive team called out for person in the water, which resulted in a body recovery. Ed McMichael did a “drop off” response of Gatorade and water at 1310.

May 10 – Praxair, Main Street, Speedway, box alarm plus extra companies for working fire at a factory building under construction. By the time a response was able to be made at 1730, most fireground operations were completed, but on-scene units had just called for “liquid rehab.” About 20 firefighters were served with Gatorade and water. Secured at 1815.

May 11 – 3530 Maura, structural collapse at a residence, dispatch at 1043. Dave Babcock and Ed McMichael responded, serving Gatorade and water to about 20 firefighters and other responders. Secured at 1150.

May 14 – 4701 E. Washington Street, box alarm for working apartment fire. Responded to by Dave Babcock and Ed McMichael at 1700 (Mary Morgan disregarded en route again). Gatorade and water were served to 30 firefighters. Secured at 1740.

May 15 – 7950 Georgetown Road, Hazmat response for chemical reaction at a factory. Dispatched at 1422; secured at 1645. Gatorade, water, and snacks were served by Rick Gregory to about 30-35 responders.

Mark Burke and Ed McMichael have assumed co-chairpersonship of the Canteen Committee after Jim Williamson requested to be relieved, citing his recent move that placed him well outside of the city. (Thanks Jim for your leadership and service!) A program was proposed to outfit three other “Fast Unit” response vehicles – members who would carry supplies and respond directly from home. This will allow faster responses, and if the incident is beyond the capabilities of the Fast Unit, calls will be made to run the large Canteen to the incident. A motion was made by Dave Babcock to fund this endeavor to $350. The motion passed. Both Mary Morgan and Ron Cunningham will be equipped as quickly as possible, and Mark Burke will follow once his van is repaired. There was discussion among members regarding liability and fireground actions. A “Code of Conduct” will be established for all canteen operators.

Mark Burke reported that he and Bert Williams attended the nuclear explosion exercise at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Jennings County. They spent the night and had one of the new canteen units with them that they used to cook several meals for the exercise participants.

COMMUNICATIONS: Dennis Chambers reported he is still investigating pagers and alternate communications. Several members suggested text or email notifications, but Dennis was not sure this was MECA compatible. He will investigate further.

He also reported there have been many suggestions for the content of the new IFB website. Brett Jackson provided hosting information for GoDaddy.com. Dennis and the web committee will evaluate all of the information and present their report to the club soon. Some of the web pages proposed: history, pictures, Station 12 history, club application, communications, canteen runs, mission statement, memorial page, major fire, and firehouse cooking.

STATION 12: Mary Morgan reported she is still waiting for the interior work to be started. Steve Hanson will start work on the back door soon. She also said we may need some pest control services. She will get some quotes and report back. Station 12 was used for voting on May 1.

FDIC – Jim Williamson reported the Salvation Army received a nice check from FDIC for our efforts at the various venues.

Jerry Traub showed a copy of the “Visiting Fireman,” a publication by Steve Hanson in Racine, WI. He said any Fire Buff could get listing for around $17.50 for a year, which would also get you a copy of the publication.

Jerry Traub discussed the insurance policy renewals for vehicles, general liability, and umbrella coverage. He made a motion to pay the renewal premium for vehicle coverage for $114. The motion passed. He then made a motion for authorization to pay the general liability and umbrella premiums of $355 and $635 when the bills are received. The motion carried.

Mark Burke is still looking for pictures showing Fire Buffs “in action” to be included in an album he is making.

Mark Burke also invited all Fire Buffs to the Salvation Army Volunteer Thank You Banquet, being held on Thursday, May 31 at 7:30. The location is the Eagle Creek Corps building. Please RSVP to Mark as soon as possible if you are planning to attend.

Rodger Birchfield reported the IFD Yearbook Committee met, and the Fire Buffs have been asked to be a part of the upcoming publication. Pictures of all active members will be taken at the Breakfast at Station 4 on June 2. Members are to wear a dark colored shirt or blouse. Jack Finney is going to be asked to produce a Club history for the yearbook. Any active member who cannot attend breakfast on June 2 should contact Rodger Birchfield.

Indianapolis, Indiana 46220