To: MVAFC Members

From: Bob Pottberg, International Director

Subject: Directors Report

Date: May 1, 2002

The IAFC Board of Directors meeting was held on April 26th and 27th. The meeting preceded the Terrorism Conference which was April 29 - 30. Both proved to be very informative and a great deal of progress was made at the Board meeting.

President Buckman reported that the IAFC is continuing to build relationships with the ICMA, APCO and IACP. A task force will be established to further develop the relationship with ICMA and to identify common issues that may be addressed.

Discussion was held on the upcoming election process. To date 21 packets have been requested and five people have responded with the appropriate paper work. Just a reminder that the vote for the Second Vice President position is an advisory vote and the incoming President will appoint a new Second Vice President and this must be confirmed by the Board. The other ballot issue is the re-write of the by-laws. The task force assigned to this project has done an outstanding job and the Board of Directors is recommending that membership approve the updated version. It is important that we advise all State and Local organizations of this very important election process. I am encouraging all members to vote in favor of the changes in the by- laws as it will clear up many problems that currently exist. The ballots will mailed on May 25th and must be returned by July 9th.

Deputy Administrator, Charlie Dickinson, of the USAF gave an update on the Fire Act Grants. 19,500 grants were received and only 90 were submitted in paper form. The grant process has been recognized as a huge success by those on Capitol Hill. They are very impressed at what was accomplished without the Federal staff for the first process. We must continue to work on the grassroots support! The new grant money that will be going through the States is a concern of most emergency service organizations. It is imperative that we work closely with the State and Local governments to insure the money is dispersed as the Federal guideline requires.

The Administrator also reported that USAR will be put under the USFA. In addition an effort is underway to certify all 28 teams to a WMD level.

The USFA has committed to be the lead agency on a National credential system. We must make every effort to control the emergency scenes, eliminate unauthorized responses and insure that those responding are trained to perform tasks on the emergency scene.

Officers and Directors gave activity reports and it is evident that the organization is continuing to move forward. Other Divisions are tackling Strategic Plans and Position Statements. The Board was advised that our newly updated plan and statements were available on our web site.

The auditing company was present to provide a report on the audit of the year 2001. The letter indicated that our organization is in great financial shape and that staff is doing a great job. It does appear that some shortfall we be realized due to the conference in Kansas City where exhibit space is less than in other locations. The numbers for pre-registration are up slightly so this may help some.

Two very important decisions were made by the Board. The first is on the CFOD program and the lack of participants. It is recognized that some problems exist with the program and with participants of the committee. For this reason the program will be put on hold for one year during which time the program will be reworked and new marketing designed. A task force will be appointed to rework the program after which a new committee will be appointed and the new program will be introduced. All current members who have received a letter of approval will receive certification at FRI in Kansas City.

The second issue deals with the future of the organization and the impact it can have on the future of the fire service. It is important that we prepare the future leaders and insure we are preparing those leaders for future leadership in the organization. It is also important, if we are to be the voice of the fire service, that we are representing everyone involved and that involvement be expanded. For these reasons the IAFC Board passed the following motion:
    1. The IAFC Board of Directors authorizes the Executive Director to seek out and organize compatible, mission related groups and organizations as potential affiliates under the umbrella of the IAFC. The recommended plans shall be submitted to the IAFC Board for ratification.
    2. Staff is directed to encourage sections and divisions to create and affiliate member category within their existing constitution and by-laws as reviewed and approved by the IAFC Board. Eligibility for affiliate membership is available to individuals not eligible for IAFC regular membership. Affiliate member dues shall be the combination of the section's and/or division's annual dues and a fee established by the IAFC for services provided.

These to actions are an example of the continued effort by the IAFC to provide leadership, expertise and integrity. It will make our organization more representative of today's emergency services.

I encourage everyone to visit the IAFC web site and review the achievements of the task force and committee's. These individuals involved should be commended for an outstanding job. They have proven to be invaluable and are essential to the success of our organization.
I believe this was one of the most productive meetings I have attended in my four years of service as the Director for Missouri Valley. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board and to represent the Missouri Valley Division. After making the announcement that the meeting would be my last, as our annual conference was in July, I was presented a plaque by President Buckman in appreciation for my service.

I wish the Division and my successor the best of luck in the future!

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