North Carolina
Search & Rescue Advisory Council
May 6, 2001
Burke County
Emergency Operations Center, Morganton, North Carolina
Randy McKinney called the meeting to order at 1500 hours. Roll was called with the following members present:
Albemarle SAR Black
Mountain SAR
Burke County SAR Charlotte
Fire Dept.
Down East SAR Durham
SAR
Cooks Volunteer Fire Department Linville Central Rescue
Randy began the meeting with updating everyone that he had received a letter from Mac Morgan stating that due to health matters with his father, he felt he would not have the time to give the council the time needed to hold the position of President. For this reason, he was resigning from President effective this date. Mac stated that he was not leaving the SAR community and would be there for the council in the future.
The minutes from the previous meeting was handed out and the floor was open for discussion. Motion was made by Alex Auten that the minutes be accepted as written. Second by David Inman and approved by membership.
Larry could not be present for this meeting due to a death in his family. Randy asks everyone to remember Larry in his or her thoughts and prayers. Larry had submitted the report to Randy and Ken with the following to report; Current checking account balance is $9127.65. Paid out for textbook reimbursement $140.00, which brings the total for this budget year to $600.00. Larry had stated that he had received dues for the year 2001 from Randolph County, Burke County SAR, Brunswick County SAR, Robeson County SAR, Charlotte Fire, Black Mtn. Fire, Wake County EM, Sandhills Overland Search, Rutherford County SAR, NC Strike Force One, Wake Canine, NCEM, Albemarle County SAR, and Southern Pride SAR Dogs. All others need to submit their dues as soon as possible. Ken reported he had received a check for dues from Cooks VFD and Linville Central Rescue in the amount of $50.00 each. Ken also reported that Hickory Rescue, Lincoln County EM, Wake Underwater Search and Rescue, and Rutherford County K-9 SAR have submitted application and payment is pending invoice. This will bring the membership to 27 teams and 1 individual membership.
Randy reported he had his county attorney look at the MOA and provide some feedback. The attorney had advised that overall, the MOA looked good. The floor was open for discussion. Mike Guzo stated in reference to the airlifting of SAR k-9 resources, that this was subject to approval from NCEM as any other resource request. Each resource would be checked and prioritized before commitment to airlift. Randy reported that if the MOA were signed, the change in by-laws would need to be made, reflecting the requirement of workers compensation coverage by each team. Motion was made by Patrick Voigt that the council sign the MOA contingent on the amendment to the by-laws be made. Motion was second by Alex Auten. There was no other discussion and motion was approved by the membership.
Randy stated that the council has appointed a by-laws committee to review the current by-laws and make recommendations. Randy stated that the recommendations had been brought to the council before the last meeting and council members had been given notice of the change that would take place at this meeting. The proposed changes were posted on the website and the floor was open for discussion. (click here to view the proposed change). Several members thought that it would be in the best interest of the council to require workers compensation for teams, but felt that the liability should be recommended and not required. Motion was made by Patrick Voigt that the proposed change be made with the proof of liability be recommended not required. Motion was second James Stamey. Randy advised everyone that current teams would have sufficient time to obtain workers comp after completion of by-law changes. There was no other discussion and motion was approved by members present. Randy appointed a committee to evaluate remainder of the by-laws and report suggestions back to the council. That committee was Patrick Voigt, David Inman, and Bryan Smith.
Larry could not be present as stated earlier, but reported to Ken and Randy with the following; The LAST Brochures will be complete from the printers in the next week or so. Ken had some sample brochures to hand out to everyone. Ken reminded everyone that the LAST Brochure was on the website now and on-line registration was available. Ken advised everyone that vendors will be accepted this year with a $25.00 fee charged and each vendor must donate an item to be given away as a door prize. We need to come up with a tee shirt design and vendors need to be obtained and Larry needs to be contacted as soon as possible. The cost of the conference is $85.00 and this includes lodging/camping, meals, and conference registration. Randy reminded everyone that the LAST is important to the council and ask everyone to pass the word. Craig Bannerman advised that there might be a K-9 certification course given at the conference. It is still undecided at this time.
Alex Auten reported that a vendor had been ask to attend the meeting but had made previous commitments. A rep would be asked to attend a future meeting.
Ken reported that since the web first went on-line in the fall of 1999, we have received almost 14,000 hits. A new page had been sent up last week, which should make viewing easier for all brands. Reminded everyone about the LAST Conference being on the website. Everyone was reminded to check the web site frequently to check for updates and any changes. Ken stated everyone also needed to empty his or her cache frequently in order for the most recent page to be viewed. Also if team members change their e-mail address or mailing address, please notify the council. This will make dissemination of information easier. David Inman suggested placing the by-laws on the website. It was also recommended that directions to all council meetings be placed on the web, so new members can find the meeting locations easier. Ken agreed and will update in the future.
Randy McKinney advised everyone that in reference to the by-laws, the vice president was to move to the presidents position and the office of vice president be elected by the membership. The floor was open for nominations. Alex Auten, David Carter, and Craig Bannerman were nominated for the position. Written ballots were passed out with everyone instructed to submit vote for only one of the nominated members. After a count of the vote, Alex Auten was announced as the vice president of the council, and was to finish out this term.
Budget Approval For 2001/2002
Randy handed out of the proposed budget for the year 2001/2002 and opened the
floor for discussion ( a
copy of the proposed budget can be seen here). Motion was made by Ray Lewis
that the budget be accepted as written. Second by Bruce Keever. There was no
further discussion and the motion was approved by members present.
Ken reminded everyone that the textbook reimbursement had been reinstated. He suggested that team representatives reserve their money as soon as possible. Proof of passing the class and receipt must be submitted. If reimbursement is for SAR TECH Exams, copy of certification must be submitted.
Craig Bannerman reported that the WNC SAR Exercise 2002 would be held in Buncombe County. The proposed dates are March 20-24, 2002. The cost of the exercise will be per day, which will include camping, meals, and registration. If you are staying in a motel, the price will be the same. Anyone with input for the exercise needs to contact Craig.
Several members were asking about the committee to develop Standards for K-9. Randy advised he was not sure of the status of that committee, but would get hold of Benny Davis and find out and would report back to the members
There was no further business with a motion to close the meeting was made by Alex Auten. Second by Ken Anthony. All approved. The next meeting will be September 15th at 1900 hours at the LAST Conference in Asheboro. Randy advised everyone that a meal had been catered and everyone was welcome to eat.
Meeting was adjourned at 1600 hours.
Minutes submitted by
Ken Anthony
Secretary
North Carolina SAR Council