TO: Missouri Valley Association of Fire Chiefs

FROM: Bob Pottberg, International Director

SUBJECT: IAFC Update

DATE: January 29, 2001

It was great to see everyone at the meeting and planning session. I think we accomplished a lot in a short period of time. The follow up on the SWOT analysis was an important part of the meeting and the priorities are now addressed to continue to institutionalize the strategic plan.

Now for an update on the IAFC Board meeting held on January 26 &27, 2001.

The office remodel looks great and should prove to be very functional. The workspaces are much better for the employees and additional space is available for expansion. The heating and cooling problem is eliminated due to the installation of a central system. The overall project was handled very well and under budget.

Minutes were approved from the August Board meeting, October E-Board meeting and the November and December teleconferences.

Mr. Bill Tangye was present to give a presentation on the ICC. After hearing the presentation it is unclear on the process of code development and the input the fire service has. It appears to me that the IFCC does not really have any input in the development of code language. The only time they come into play is when there is a dispute. The USAF has asked both organizations to come back to the table to discuss the possibility of a single national code.

The Treasures report for FY2000 revealed that things are looking fine. The investments for 2000 even with the down market had moderate gains.

Officers and Directors Activity Reports were given and the E-Board was impressed with our position statements. Other Divisions are being encouraged to develop guidance within their Divisions to make the IAFC stronger and representative of member’s views. Our Division continues to be a leader among the Divisions in our proactive approach to how our organization is run.

The Executive Director gave an update on his project tracking report. This included some 25 different areas on current projects. Many of these projects are discussed throughout this report but if you need information about something specific please contact me.

We reviewed the draft document that the technical committee passed. It includes all of the requested changes submitted by the IAFC. This document should be on the web site for your review. The vote at the committee, with 32 voting members, was 27 affirmative, 3 negative, 1 abstention and 1 not returned on 1710. On 1720 it was 17 voting members with 16 affirmative votes, 0 negative and 1 not returned. Plans are being made for the May Board meeting and attendance at the NFPA conference. I have been asked to serve on an implementation task force in preparation for the passage of 1710. Work will continue if this standard is passed to clear up or develop explanations for certain areas.

The draft Strategic Plan was discussed and we are to provide comments for the final draft this week. The IAFC is very pleased with the input from the October planning session. It is also a pleasure to report that the 2001 budget was approved as amended to include funding necessary to support the plan. The process works and the IAFC is committed to addressing the goals of the plan.

Stan Earl, Director of CFAI and CFOD, gave an update. There continues to be great interest in both programs. The Navy has made it mandatory for all naval fire organizations to participate in the CFAI. The IAFC Board in support of these programs passed two position statements.

Chief Steve Jellie gave an update on the Federal and Military Fire Service Section. They are very supportive of the IAFC initiatives and hope to attain a Board seat in the future. The are currently at 200 members.

Progress continues on the Fire Act grant process. You can get the latest information at www.usaf.fema.gov. Go to the press releases for the information.

We reviewed the draft of the LODD Manual. It looks good and the only question left is on some copyright data. I think it will provide us guidance in how the Division should address LODD.

America at Risk, the document replacing America Burning is now available for download from the USAF web site.

Last but not least the State Farm Insurance Company has discontinued the use of ISO. They have developed their own rating system based on loses in zip code areas. This Subzone Rating Factor has already been instituted in several states and is expected to be instituted in other states as they gain approvals. It is projected to be complete in two years.

These are the highlights of the meeting. If you have any questions give me a call or e-mail.