Minutes of a Meeting of the
New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs

February 15 , 2005 - Three Chimneys Inn, Durham, NH

Following a salute to the flag and a moment of silence, a quorum call was taken. Welcoming everyone was the Host, Chief Ron O'Keefe, who thanked all for coming.

Advocate Members in attendance: William "Skip" Sullivan of AMFIRE.

Chief Hurley noted that the minutes of the previous meetings were printed and available at the entrance. A MOTION (O'Keefe/Berkenbush) to accept them as printed carried unanimously.

Deputy Chief Martin Carrier read the monthly financial report. A MOTION (Farley/O'Keefe) to accept the report carried unanimously.

Applications for Membership: Chief Lemire read two applications for second reading. A MOTION (M. Carrier/Farley) to accept the applications of Deputy Chief George Boggis of Hollis and Lt. William Rutherford of Derry, carried unanimously. The association welcomes its newest members!

Chief Hurley reported on the following:

• The upcoming workshop on fire-safe cigarettes.
• Action of the Executive Board to nominate Deputy Chief Richard Driscoll to the Fire Alarm Installers board and Deputy Chief Steve Achilles to the EMS Coordinating Committee.
• By-laws being updated (terms of officers).
• Naming of Audit and Budget Committees (M. Carrier; Lipe and Hurley).
• Strategic Plan - website almost completed.
• Line of duty death response team being formed.

Chief Pope for the Legislative Committee, reported on the status of several bills being tracked.

Chief LeClaire reported on a meeting he had with the PFFNH and indicated that communication was much better between the two organizations.

Fire Marshal William Degnan reported on the following:

• Help was needed in testifying for the safe cigarette bill.
• Hearing on HB674 (Plans Review Board).
• SB 93 - Electrician's Board to FMO.
• HB 605 - Modular Building Program.
• HB 677 - Haz Mat reporting and fee structure.
• HB 443 - Statute of Limitations on fire code violations.
• Recent fire fatalities.

Chief Stephen Carrier reported on the following for the Professional Development Committee:

• "Chief 101" seminar scheduled for March 12.
• April 14 meeting (Annual) will be at NHFA with day-long seminar conducted by Gordon Graham, sponsored by PRIMEX.
• The seacoast Chief's seminar on May 19 with Bill Goldfetter.
• A highway fatality seminar scheduled for April 9.
• A strategic planning seminar for the fall of 2005.
• November meeting - possibly a tour of the private fire station in Campton.

Peter DeNutte, for the Emergency Management Bureau, reported on the status of the interoperability radio installation.

Deputy Martin Carrier, for the National Volunteer Fire Council, reported that their conference will be April 27-30 in Nevada. He serves on a committee to change tax laws for LOSAP programs.

Bob Duvall, for the NFPA reported that they continue to work with the FMO and the code committee.

Chief Lipe reported that the Congressional Fire Services Caucus dinner will be April 7 and that he has four tickets. A MOTION (M. Carrier/LeClaire) to support four 4 people in attending with a cap of $1000, carried unanimously.

Under Good and Welfare, Skip Sullivan spoke of the NH 100 Club and urged membership.

A reminder of the March 10 meeting in Manchester was given, with a meeting being held prior at the Central Fire Station. A motion to adjourn carried unanimously at 2025 hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Chief Brent T. Lemire, Retired
Secretary, NHAFC