The meeting was called to order by President Mason at 1902 hours.

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

Welcoming everyone was Director Richard Mason, who thanked everyone for coming. He introduced Attorney Doug Patch who is our lobbyist. He also introduced Chief Tim Wall, President of the NEDIAFC from Wallingford, Ct. In addition, he introduced Chief Sparky Stoddard who hired him 32 years ago today for Lebanon, and Commissioner of the NH Department of Safety John Barthelmes.

NH State Police Trooper Chris Colletti was introduced and spoke briefly on RSA 237 A (Move Over Law) and requested assistance in gathering stats on the number of fire and/or EMS vehicles hit on highways while operating at the scene of incidents. 

Several Advocate Members were introduced and thanked with a standing ovation for their participation in today's exposition.

Director Mason noted that the minutes of the previous meetings were printed and distributed. A MOTION (Lamb/Burr) to accept the minutes as printed carried unanimously.

Deputy Chief Martin Carrier reported that the financial report would be presented at the May meeting.

Chief Lemire read three applications in first reading and two in second reading. A MOTION (Thibeault/Carrier) to accept those in second reading carried unanimously. The association welcomes Fire Chief Roswell Galvin of Epping, and Fire Chief Kevin MacCaffrie as its newest members.

Director Mason announced that Chief Buddy Thibeault was granted Life Membership by the Board of Directors at its April 8 meeting.

Director Mason presented his report, which included thanks to Commissioner Barthelmes for the support give to him throughout the year, and also to the members of the Executive Board for their support especially the Treasurer and Secretary for their service during the year. He also described the activities during the past year and lauded the successes that the organization enjoyed. He thanked the Vice Presidents for their work and support also.  In addition, he thanked Chief Scott Clarenbach for his work on the newsletter and the rest of the Board for their attendance He noted the work of the leadership of the organization by listing the accomplishments during the past year. He also introduced a new “Presidents Award” for outstanding service to the organization and that Chief Shawn Murray will be receiving it at the next meeting.

Attorney Doug Patch, for the Legislative Committee reported on the status on the Retirement bill and the HazMat bill. He urged members to follow those issues.

Chief Carrier reported on the seminars coming up in May and June. He also spoke of cosponsoring a seminar with the FIOANH on leadership.

Director Mason reported for Fire Standards, Training and EMS, that Company Officer graduation will be tomorrow, and that there is 5 weeks left to Recruit School. The Peter J. Carver and John Ayer awards will be awarded May 1. He also stated that Chief Frank Fraitzl is the new representative on the FST for volunteer fire departments.

State Fire Marshal William Degnan reported briefly on the activities of the Fire Marshal’s Office and the large numbers of fires and fatalities experienced so far. He described the causes and emphasized the importance of clearing snow from secondary means of egress. He also spoke on the self-inspection program and Intra-State Mutual Aid plan and stated that Chief Thibeault would be working on that issue.

Director of Homeland Security Chris Pope reported on:

• Flood preparedness and potential for this year
• Upcoming exercises and funds available for local planning.
• Governor has ordered all Commissioners to undergo NIMS Training.
• Participation of NH agencies in the Vermont Yankee exercise.

Brad Simpkins, Forest Protection Chief, reported on:

• Brush fire season started today.  Five fires reported
• Towers (5 of them) going up April 19.
• Issuing daily fire weather reports.
• Training programs in progress and upcoming.  321 students so far

Chief Lambert, for the Building Code Review Board, stated that it is meeting tomorrow. There was no report for the Board of Fire Control and for the NEAFC, he reminded all of the conference in Springfield in June and described the speakers and activities, and also that room blocks will open Monday morning.

Chief Stephen Carrier for the NEDIAFC reported on the February 20 seminar and that they were currently updating the Strategic Plan. He spoke of the revitalized Division web site and urged all to visit. He mentioned FRI in Denver (August 14-16) and urged members to reserve rooms quickly. 

Under Unfinished Business, President Mason declared the motion made at the March meeting for the donation of $7500 be invalid due to a technicality. A new MOTION (LeClaire/Christopoulos) to appropriate $5,000 for legal fees and $2500 for public relations for the coalition working on the Retirement Bill, carried with Deputy Carrier dissenting.

Under New Business, the 2009 budget was presented by Deputy Carrier. He indicated that it had been approved by the Board on Tuesday, April 8 and listed the highlights of the proposal. A MOTION (Preece/Burr) to approve it carried unanimously.

Director Mason asked for the report of the Nominating Committee and Chief Lambert presented it for the Committee.

The report of the Nominating Committee was as follows:

President:	Chief Chris Christopoulos, Jr.
1st Vice:	Chief Scott Wiggin
2nd Vice:	Chief Shawn Murray
Sgt./Arms:	Chief Perry Plummer
Secretary:	Chief Brent Lemire, ret.
Treasurer:	Deputy Chief Martin Carrier
Directors:	Chief Jeff Burr	Chief Phil Morrill
	Chief Patrick Preece	Chief John DeSilva
	Chief George Klauber

A MOTION (Thibeault/Bradley) to close nominations; to accept the report of the committee and to authorize the Secretary to cast one ballot for the slate of officers carried unanimously.

Incoming President Chris Christopoulos was introduced. He presented Director Mason with a plaque of appreciation for his efforts as President throughout the year. He presented his comments, listing his career accomplishments and included his thanks for the honor to serve, mentioning his pride in belonging to the NHAFC and wished all NH Chiefs would be members. He thanked his good friend Chief Tim Wall from Wallingford, CT, for the comraderie and support he has given him, and praised the job that the NH fire service does on a day to day basis, stating that our organization needs to be in the forefront of the fire service in New Hampshire. 

Capt. Mark Klose gave a progress report on the Granite State Response Team.

Chief Tim Wall, President of the NEDIAFC, congratulated Director Mason and Chief Christopoulos on the transfer of the Presidency. He spoke on the benefits of belonging to the IAFC and encouraged all those who are not members, to seek membership. 

Chief Lemire reported on the Professional Enhancement Weekend, November 14-16, 2008 back at the Valley Inn in Waterville Valley.

Chief Plummer reported on a couple of fund-raising events and also a public relations tool that they use and invited all to witness it.

Following the raffle, a MOTION (Thibeault/S. Carrier) to adjourn, carried unanimously.

The time was 2029 hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Chief Brent T. Lemire, ret.
Secretary, NHAFC