Following a salute to the flag and a moment of silence, a quorum call was taken.

Chief LeClaire thanked Director Pope for his presentation on NH Homeland Security issues.

Welcoming everyone was the Host, Chief Shawn Murray, who thanked all for coming. He also thanked Director Pope for his presentation.

Advocate Members in attendance: William "Skip" Sullivan of AMFIRE and Jonathan Kipp of Primex

Several guests were introduced.

The minutes of the January meeting will be made available at the next meeting. A MOTION (Mason/Landry) to dispense with reading until the next regular meeting, carried unanimously.

Deputy Carrier read the financial report. A MOTION (Kimball/Burr) to accept it carried unanimously.

Applications for Membership: Chief Lemire read one application for first reading.

Chief LeClaire reported on the following:

Chief Murray for the Legislative Committee, reported on the status of the several bills. He highlighted the major areas of concern and indicated that a list will hopefully be printed in the Trumpet. He also indicated that we are supporting the Seatbelt Coalition in their efforts.

Chief LeClaire described the efforts in updating the membership of the Code Review Board. Association has suggested that the Volunteer Fire Chief position be changed to a Fire Prevention Officer, appointed by the NHAFC. Senator Clegg put a bill in to accomplish that. He also mentioned the bill being filed to address the "Two In/Two Out" issues. He asked for input from all Chiefs.

Director Mason, for Fire Training and EMS reported on:

• Recruit School starting March 5.
• Fire Act Grant workshops ongoing. Listed dates and locations.
• TEMSIS administrator leaving for Dartmouth Hitchcock. Position being advertised.
• Bill allowing lifetime EMS licenses of concern.

Fire Marshal William Degnan reported on the following:

• Three major arson investigations ongoing.
• Arrest in New Ipswich and convictions in Hillsborough.
• 2006 best year in many for loss of life (eight total).
• 2007 so far has had seven - bad start.
• Moving to Emergency Management building at the end of February.
• Distributed 900 of new books for children written by wife of ME State Fire Marshal. He has extras for distribution.
• Burn Injury Reporting Bill - met with subcommittee this week. Even chance of passing. Will continue to meet to resolve issues.
• Spoke on HB 388 to establish Fire Protection Engineer in office with appropriate fees being collected from plans reviews. Would appreciate support.
• Spoke on concerns with licensing of plumbers that may derail Amelia's law.

Chief Pope, Director of Homeland Security explained the methodology of disbursement of the grants that have been approved.

Chief Coordinator Doug Aiken of E-911 reported on:

• New facility being opened for coordinated communications. 9-1-1 plans on moving in in April.
• Verizon contract has been renewed for three years.
• Database formerly handled by Verizon has been moved in house. May save NH $70,000 per month.
• Direct ring down communications should be completed in all dispatch centers this year.

Forest Protection Chief Brad Simpkins reported on:

• Dates and locations of Spring training sessions will be sent out soon. He described the content of the sessions.
• Out of state crew testing will be upcoming.
• HB 427 and 428 on demolition and burning of construction debris. Submitted testimony of how it would affect their agency and concerns on live burning restrictions.

Chief Pratte spoke briefly on the activites of the Home Energy Board.

Robert Duval, for the NFPA, on information available to municipalities. Annual meeting this year will be held in Boston in June. He will provide information.

Chief Thibeault, for the NEDIAFC, reported on the Springfield Conference June 20 to 24, 2007, and the changes in the format. FRI this year is in Atlanta, August 23 thru the 25, 2007. New England Division will be at the Hyatt Regency. He also reported on the $20 per year dues increase which takes effect in 2007.

Chief Bradley, New England Director to the IAFC, will seek one more term in June.

Chief LeClaire reported on the members going to the CFSI dinner in Washington in March.

Chief LeClaire reported that the March meeting in Manchester, there would be a business meeting at the dinner location. More information will follow.

He also reported on the various retirement parties for chiefs being held.

Chief O'Leary donated tickets for the UNH hockey game for tomorrow night to serve as a fundraiser for the family of the fishermen who went down with the boat. Chief Bradley out-bid everyone for the tickets offering $60.

Following the raffle, a motion to adjourn carried unanimously at 1948 hours.

Respectfully submitted,