Called to order at 1302 by President Mason.

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

Welcome by proxy host chief Stephen Allen who provided a plethora of pertinent welcome comments. 

There were no Advocate Members present.

Minutes of previous meeting. MOTION (Christopoulos/Vinal) to accept as printed. 

Chief Lemire presented the financial report. A MOTION (Christopoulos/Vinal) to accept it as printed, carried unanimously.

Applications:  There were seven applications in second reading. A MOTION (Vinal/Nelson) to accept those in second reading carried unanimously. The Association welcomes Deputy Chief Daniel Cronin of Nashua; Fire Chief Robert A. Symonds, Jr. of Swanzey; Asst. Fire Chief Jeffrey S. Libbey of Lebanon; Fire Chief Henry Thomas, Jr. of South Newbury; Deputy Fire Chief Sean McCarty of Belmont; Deputy Fire Chief Nicholas Campasano of Manchester; Fire Chief Gary Johnson of Pittsfield and Deputy Chief Brian Disco of Amherst, as its newest members.

Director Mason reported on:

• Strategic Planning meeting held last Tuesday and efforts at updating them.
• Meeting with Governor Lynch held two weeks ago. Very positive meeting.  Emphasized interoperability and discussed issues related to it. He also indicated the need to maintain benefits in the retirement system for current members.
• Several members recently completed session in Leadership in Risk Management for Fire Chiefs.
• Contact Chief Fraitzl with any proposals for by-law changes.
• Director Mason represented organization at Leadership Summit in Washington.

Chief Murray, for the Legislative Committee, reported that not much activity has been on-going but reported a favorable committee report on the hazmat legislation. Also Public Safety Death Benefit legislation has been filed, and another bill has been filed to cover EMT’s a public safety officers. We’re watching 15 or 20 bills at this time. They will be posted on the web site. Details on bills will become available in December.

Chief Carrier, for the Professional Development Committee, spoke of the potential of a seminar in the Spring of 2008 along the lines of an EFO (Fire Officer) symposium.  Spoke on upcoming meetings at Wentworth by the Sea in Newcastle

Director Richard Mason, for Fire Standards, Training and EMS spoke on:

• Fire station addition has been completed.
• C2F2 issues surfaced and have been working to address program suggestions made by concerned Fire Chiefs.
• New classification for EMS in beta testing.
• Two more CFO’s certified in NH bringing to 17 total.

Fire Marshal William Degnan reported on:

• Steady activity in the office.  Increase in fires both accidental and arson. 
• Licensed 846 gas fitters so far under new law.
• Voluntary licensing of heating installers only has produced 8.
• Fireworks inspector bill came out as “ought to pass.”  Fees paid will fund position.
• Hazmat language being reviewed relative to funding the teams.
• ADA certification of public buildings bill opposed for funding reasons.
• New email addresses on line.
• Work of the Board of Fire Control subcommittee on vent free heaters.
• Problem with a certain brand of wood pellets that contain an additive that burns fiercely in stoves.
• Went over copy of letter sent to Senator Mark Pryor on reauthorization and strengthening of the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• St. Anselm’s Arson Seminar coming up in May, 2008.
• Safer cigarettes are out on the shelves.

He also fielded several questions from members on various safety issues.

Forest Protection Chief Brad Simpkins reported:

• Towers down……..and reported on the number of brush and forest fires.
• Out of state crews dispatched to the southeast states.
• Ranger vacancies – received 100 applications. Work proceeding on filling positions.
• Volunteer fire assistance grant applications need to be returned shortly.
• Several LSRs out that impact forest fire service. He described the intent of them.

No reports from the SERC nor Fireworks Committee.

Chief Klauber, for the Seatbelt Commission stated that they had met each month to hear testimony from medical personnel and insurance representatives. They will be hearing from the legislative and Libertarian side of the issue. He asked for an opinion as to the preference of increasing seat belt use through education or legislation. The poll indicated our membership prefers legislation.

Chief Carrier, for the NEDIAFC reported on the Division meeting in Springfield, and the prime issues discussed. Recommendations from the IAFC include a Safety Stand-Down Week instead of one or two days and refining membership development. Also a possible insurance pool for members; website development in next generation; diversity and their ability to provide management/director services to local agencies. They also discussed the issue of the federal agency that took over the investigation of the Danvers explosion against the wishes of the local and state agencies. The problem is that the local agency head went to the IAFC without notifying the division. They will work on outreach. He spoke on FRI in Denver this year and the new Hyatt that will be the headquarters for New England. 

Under Good and Welfare, Marshal Degnan reported on the Assistance to Firefighter Grant to develop a proposal tool to gauge the effectiveness of fire prevention programs.  Chiefs Plummer and Lemire will be working with them on this program. Chief Plummer clarified the intent of the work and intended results.

December 13 is the Crotched Mountain Christmas Party.

Board of Directors will be meeting at the NHFA on Tuesday, December 4 at 1400.

A reminder was given of the class on “Responding to Utility Emergencies” to be held on December 11 at the NHFA.

A motion to adjourn as made and seconded at 1425 hours.

Respectfully submitted,

Chief Brent T. Lemire, ret.
Secretary, NHAFC