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ABRIDGED REPORT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
NEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Wildwood, N.J. Thursday September 17, 2009
President Heflich called the meeting to order at the Convention Center meeting room, at 9:30 a.m.
Roll call was held. All members were present.
The following guests were also in attendance, Past Executive Committeemen Milton Cole, Ken Wigglesworth, Al Bailey and Kenneth Reagan. Newly elected Essex County Executive Committeeman Thomas Pelaia and Ocean County Executive Committeeman Joseph T. Hankins. Also Retired Counsel Barry Parker, Chairman Memorial Comm. Jim Duffy, Rev. Jago, Rev. Field and our new Field Examiner William Maushardt.
Vice President Gunson led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Chaplain Rev. Jago gave the invocation.
President Heflich pointed out the exits.
Retiring Ocean County Executive Committeeman Gary Mathews introduced newly elected Joseph (Joe) T. Hankins from Ocean County and retiring Essex County Executive Committeeman Arthur Drury, introduced newly elected Executive Committeeman from Essex County Thomas (Tom) Pelaia. (Applause)
Field Examiner Horsch introduced, William (Bill) S. Maushardt, from the Freehold Fire Dept. as the new Field Examiner. (Applause)
Reverend Field gave a few introductory words to the members assembled. (Applause)
APPEALS: None (0)
Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting held on July 25, 2009. In as much as the minutes have been distributed to all members, Mr. McNulty moved and Mr. Mathews seconded it, that the verbatim minutes be accepted as distributed with corrections.
LIFE MEMBERS: None (0)
OFFICERS REPORTS:
PRESIDENT HEFLICH PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
Thanked all the Officers and Executive Committeemen for a job well done at their Caucuses, as we had no major problems.
We have been notified that the Governor will be here to address the Convention on Friday at 1:15 p.m. and we ask all the Executive Committeemen, if you see anyone in your county starting to act up, please ask those involved to cool it. It is in the best interest of our Association.
Also at 2:00 p.m. candidate for Governor Christie will attend and address the Convention. We did not invite him; he sent a request to speak at our convention.
Myself and Vice President Gunson attended the FMBA Convention. There was not one problem addressed off the floor. It seems that we are both on the same page and working well together.
VICE PRESIDENT GUNSON PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
I also want to thank all of you for your work at the Caucuses; we had very few problems this year. For next year’s caucuses we ask all Committeemen to forward updated location, date, and an exact address along with a map page. The present copies are rather old and hard to read.
Computers are set up to register out and hopefully we will not need them. Secretaries will report later on the assistance that will be needed.
Electronic Authorization forms have been mailed to all the remaining associations. Many forms are coming back without the voided check and then we have to call the Treasurers to mail it in. We have one Association, that will be reported under new business, that did not get their forms in on time and they want to appeal the non seating decision for the 2010 convention, at the November meeting. They came in and met with both the President and myself.
In reference to the web-site, when you submit your Notice of Death or Maintenance Forms at the bottom there is a place to put your email address. You will get an immediate response stating that your form was received.
We will have a new employee starting September 21, 2009. Her name is Ivette Rosa and she will take Mary Malone’s position, as her retirement is effective October 1st.
SECRETARY WEINBERG PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
Written report has been distributed.
TREASURER OSBORN PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
The Financial report from the CPA firm has been distributed. When referring to the cash receipts and the disbursements, you will notice that we had a deficit of $ 564,000.00. We had to give back 1.8 million dollars of tax monies we received, that should not have been sent to us. Also we paid 784 death burial claims last year and paid 874 claims this year. They have also restated our balance sheet, they have taken out the land and building of the East Orange office.
FIELD EXAMINER HORSCH PRESENTED HIS REPORT:
Written annual report has been distributed, along with the quarterly report that was omitted from the July meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
SPECIAL RELIEFCOMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
Chairman Mellert reported that last year as of this date, we paid 45 Members a total of $50,000.00. This year as of September 17, 2009 we paid 70 members a total of $ 77,750.00. As increase of $ 27,750.00.
LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
PENSION COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
The Committee met prior to this meeting and normal business was discussed. Please note that we have five retiree’s this year, 2 Executive Committeemen, Field Examiner and two employees.
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT SUBMITTED:
RESOLUTION COMMITTEE: No report
COMPENDIUM COMMITTEE:
Chairman Thom reported that the committee has been working on the Constitution and By-Laws of the State Association. We have a rough drafted copy and will be reviewing it at our next meeting.
JUNIOR FIRE FIGHTERS STUDY: Progress
DISTRIBUTION of FUNDS COMMITTEE:
Vice President Gunson reported that any errors found with the reporting of the Insurance Companies have been called and it was corrected. Most insurance companies contacted stated that they are reporting the correct ISO numbers with their submission.
Mr. Finnegan stated that this committee has been going on for over ten years and would like to see it completed this year. The State had audited an insurance Company and found a discrepancy and that we should audit selected companies. We should select certain towns and ask them for a detail of it and verify it. Morris Twsp. is more than willing to assist and we would like to see this committee completed this year. President Heflich noted we are not allowed to audit any insurance company only New Jersey Banking & Insurance has that authority. There are over 21 thousand insurance companies that report to us. We are doing the best we can to resolve some of the problems. We will start with Morris County. Mr. Finnegan noted that more has been done to resolve this problem with this administration than any other.
N.J. FIREMEN’S HOME COMMITTEE:
Chairman Dreby reported that he is still waiting for a breakdown of each county of the survey’s that were sent in, so we know which counties responded and the numbers. I will try to have a meeting prior to our November Executive Meeting to meet with their committee and our Officers.
Mr. Ordway stated that he was very concerned that this questionnaire went out and the way things were worded. They are stating in their brochure that 60% support a new home, which only reflects 20% of the State associations, when their questionnaire does not ask would you still like a second home if it means instead of getting 48% of the assessment monies you will only get 20% of the 2% monies. I find it offensive and I think if we don’t start responding there will be a ground swell of people that will say “Maybe a second home is not that bad an idea”, without understanding the ramifications of the second home. It is not our organization, but I feel we need to address what the ramifications are. We need to do something.
DELEGATE & LIFE MEMBER EXPENSE COMMITTEE:
President Heflich thanked Mr. Reeves and his committee for the good job that was done explaining the new procedure at all the Caucuses.
Mr. Reeves reported that we did have very spirited discussions at Salem, Ocean and Cape May Counties. I believe we answered all questions very well and we feel that all was received rather well. We had a number of comments and recommendations that were made after the caucuses and will review and consider possible changes for next year’s convention.
Mr. Harvey stated that they did the job they were assigned to do, but that they have a lot more work to do, to make it a fair, equitable and reasonable solution as far as convention expenses are concerned. I just don’t agree with the final decision.
APPLICATIONS: None (0)
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS:
President Heflich requested permission for both the President and Vice President to attend the League of Municipalities and the Annual CFI Dinner in Washington. A motion was made by Mr. Ordway and seconded by Mr. McNulty to approve attendance and expenses as requested.
Roll call vote. Yes – 21 No - 0 Motion approved.
Vice President Gunson Reported on the Direct Deposit Bank authorization submittal forms with a voided check. Bridgewater FRA did not respond on time and according to the rules they should not be seated at the 2010 convention. All associations had six weeks to return the form with a voided check. They have asked us to bring it up at this meeting and if they were not seated they would like to appeal the decision at the November meeting. Mr. Gallo also noted that he had contacted them a number of times.
Counsel Cavallo reported that he received a telephone call from State Senator Bateman who represents the 16th district. We had a detailed conversation about the Bridgewater situation and that the vote to deny seating would take place today and based on that vote they have a right to appeal. I will call Senator Bateman today and give him the results of the Executive Committee’s Vote.
Mr. Christensen reported that at the conclusion of a State Chief’s Association meeting where Mr. Rue was present, he presented to me a copy of a letter that he sent to all Executive Committeemen. I read and reviewed the letter with him and I asked him one question, did you read the entire notice that was sent out on the request for the form and voided check and his answer was, no. If he had read the letter, it clearly states the consequences if not returned by the deadline.
A motion was made by Mr. Kelly and seconded by Mr. Mathews to deny seating of the Bridgewater FRA at the 2010 convention.
Roll call vote: Yes – 21 No – 0 Motion approved.
Jackson Twsp. Letter: President Heflich reported, at our last Officers meeting, we approved the suggested changes in the local by-laws. We need approval from the Executive Committee.
Motion made by Mr. Dreby and seconded by many to approve their request.
Motion approved.
Received a letter from the Millburn FRA. Counsel Cavallo spoke about the letter and State Statutes that gives the Executive Committee the right to make and enforce certain rules and regulations. You are very deliberate in the way you exercise your powers. President Heflich will address a letter to the Millburn FRA in response to their letter.
Received a letter from Mr. Joe Pawlak requesting that a sub committee be formed to investigate and formulate qualifications needed for each of the elected Officers positions. President Heflich indicated that he would like to see, is that all Executive Committeemen put your thoughts together, send them into the office in the next 3 or 4 weeks and we will appoint a committee to go over them. I think a good starting point would be that a member must have at least seven (7) years of qualified service to run for office.
President Emeritus Greenwald stated that he doesn’t think we have that authority. There is nowhere in these United States that restricts anyone form running for any office, except an age requirement and to be a citizen, born in the U.S., to run for President of the United States. Counsel Cavallo also spoke on the subject and that we should do some research as there may be some Constitutional issues. Mr. Harvey, Mr. Kelly and Mr. Reeves also made some comments on the subject.
Received an email from Al DelVecchio, Totowa Fire Marshal stating that the picking of one county to sign out at the convention is a violation of civil rights of all firemen. He also states that resolutions year after year cannot be voted on because the board says they are illegal resolutions, but the Executive Board wants to violate the rights of certain firefighters. Counsel Cavallo stated that he did not see were this violated anyone’s’ civil rights. I feel that this complies with the meeting that we had with the State Attorney General in verifying that expenses issued to Delegates and Life Members, actually attended the Convention. Asst. Council agrees with my statement and that we are not profiling anyone or picking on just one association.
A motion was made by Mr. Reeves and seconded by Mr. Schoenstein to approve the invoice submitted by the Five Mile Beach Assoc. for $ 5,000.00 to cover security and wheelchairs for the Convention
Roll call vote: Yes – 21 No – 0 Motion approved.
Secretary Weinberg read the requirements for all Officers and Executive Committeemen should the President elect to have one (1) county picked to register out.
GOOD OF THE ORDER:
President Heflich appointed the following escorts when the Governor arrives on Friday. Mr. Schoenstein, Mr. Reeves, Mr. McNulty and Mr. Harvey.
President Heflich noted that after five (5) years our Receptionist Mary Ann is leaving. She will continue to do our minutes and I ask that we give her a standing round of applause. (Applause).
President Heflich also thanked Art Drury for his twenty-five (25) years of service and to Gary Mathews for his five (5) years of service. They will be further recognized at the Convention.
President Heflich also thanked retiring Field Examiner Phil Horsch for all his years of dedicated service and that he brought the job of Field Examiner to its highest level. (Applause)
Mr. Harvey spoke about the following items:
1 - The tramcars on the boardwalk will be running early on both Friday and Saturday mornings at a reduced rate, which I believe is $ 1.00.
2 – There will be extra trolley’s running to accommodate the members.
3 – Friday night fireworks will take place at 10 p.m. at Pine Ave. and the Boardwalk and will be set off on the beach.
4 – The parade will be lead off by the Trenton Fire Dept. as a results of the Line of Duty Death they had within their ranks this year.
5 – Firefighters Mass will be held at 5:30 as usual and there will be a fire apparatus in front of the church.
6 – Mr. Harvey thanked everyone for their cards and phone calls during his recent knee surgery.
President Heflich noted that meter parking would not be enforced on either Friday or Saturday, only in all three (3) of the Wildwoods.
Gary Mathews thanked the President for his friendship and all the Officers and Executive Committeemen for their help over the last five (5) years. Wished the New Executive Committeeman the best of luck. (Applause)
Arthur Drury also thanked everyone for their friendship and cooperation during his 25 years of service. (Applause)
Being no further business, a motion was made by Mr. McNulty and seconded by
Mr. Harvey to adjourn the meeting. All approved.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sanford (Sandy) Weinberg
Secretary
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