October 21, 2003

Meeting was called to order at 8:25pm by Joe C

1. Peter F Drucker Award

a) Notification as recipient

Joe C reported that he was notified the morning of Monday, October 18, which our organization was chosen for the award. Joe C was informed that there were a total of 260 applications for the award. The people from Drucker cut down to 30 applicants and then an additional cut was made to get the field down to 11. The remaining 11 applicants were then debated amongst Drucker’s panel and River Falls First Responders was chosen after the first vote was taken.

b) Financial handling of award

Joe C reported the award totals $25,000. It was agreed upon by the board to place the money into a savings account at first and eventually place the money into a trust fund and collect only on the interest. The thinking of this was to preserve this award instead of spending it, that it would not take an organization all that long to spend that kind of money.

c) Travel plans

Joe C reported that the school would be providing airfare, hotel, and vehicle for two delegates from the organization to accept the award on November 8, ’03 in Ontario, CA.

d) Naming delegates to accept award on November 8 in California

Joe C wanted help from the board in selecting an additional delegate to accompany himself to the ceremony. Dan G thought that we should set some sort of guidelines to be able to pick the other delegate. It was also discussed to set up a lottery and pick a name for the other delegate. The board felt that there was a select few that were the “workhorses” for the whole organization and this group should be rewarded for their commitment and hard work. The board set the guidelines to include responding to calls, attends meetings/training, promotes the organization, and Joe C felt that it should also include the individuals that helped write the grant. After additional discussion the field was narrowed to the list of members that helped write the grant. Joe C made the suggestion that of that group of individuals there was two that attended both grant meetings and that was Cindy Clement and Joe Raehsler. Tim H made a motion that Cindy C and Joe R would be the delegate to accompany Joe C to California, Dan G second the motion. Vote taken, motion passed unanimously. It was decided that the organization would cover the cost of the additional airline ticket and hotel room

2. Application/Hiring process of new responders

Joe C reported that there have been around 20 individuals that contacted the organization about joining RFFR. Joe C reported that of those 20, 6 showed up to the informational meeting, held prior to the board meeting. Of those 6, 5 resided in the areas where the organization needed the additional help. Jeff R reported that he gave the 6 a tour of the station and also the house. Jeff R stated that once inside the house the group had a ton of questions about this organization, so he felt that this group was sincerely interested. Joe C reported that all interested parties would receive an application to fill out and return to the organization by November 1, ’03. RFFR would conduct interviews before December 1, ’03 which will be the date that notification will be given to the individuals that are being hired.

3. Letter from Matt Milder

Joe C passed around a letter from Matt M pertaining to Matt’s intention with the RFFR. Jeff R suggested offering a leave of absence to Matt until he finishes paramedic school. The board did not wish to suspend Matt M due to his ability and skills. Joe R made a motion to collect the oxygen kit, vest and pager from Matt M and offer a leave of absence to Matt M until he has finished school, Jeff R second the motion. Vote taken, motion passed unanimously. Matt will need to write a letter to the Board once he has completed school and has permanently moved back to the River Falls area. The Board will need to approve his re-activation with First Responders.

4. Open discussion

Joe R asked about the status of John Parsons. Discussion followed as to John P’s involvement. It was checked and he had not attended a meeting since April. The board felt that Cindy C would contact John P concerning his intentions for the organization. The board felt that an active responder could use John P’s equipment. Joe C reported that he would direct Steve N to contact the Wards as well. First responders cannot afford to buy new equipment when existing equipment issued to responders is not being used.

5. Adjournment

Joe R made a motion to adjourn, Tim H second the motion. Vote taken, motion passes unanimously.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:55pm by Joe C.