Secretary's Minutes
June 1, 2023
IAAI Chapter meeting
Killington Grand Resort
Meeting called to order at 1858 June 1, 2023
Pledge of allegiance was not said (there were no flags available)
President Ambroz welcomed members and guests, including Lt. Shawn Loan, Deputy Director Bob Sponable, Laurel Mason (lab director and instructor, member Georgia IAAI) and her husband (member Georgia Chapter IAAI). Gifts were given to Laurel and her husband for teaching at the conference today.
A moment of silence was held those who have departed or are experiencing difficulty in their lives.
Treasurer’s report was read by Treasurer Nick Haslam
President Ambroz reported on this year’s conference donors including new donor Maine Mutual-$500, who will be putting an annual donation to the conference into their budget starting next year.. Also EFI Global - $500, Co-Operative Insurance - $1000, Vermont Mutual - hopefully $500, The Dept. of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit - $500, and T290 Investigations - $1000,
Old business:
Jeff Campbell discussed the new web portal from Mitchell’s store for IAAI chapter garments and how to order them. The store will be open until June 11.
An update was given by Vice President Cerutti regarding the status of our attempt to become an enhanced chapter with IAAI. Discussion was held, and it was determined that we will not continue to pursue this further at this time as IAAI has not been working with us toward this goal. Laurel mentioned that she might be able to find us a new Liaison to the IAAI that would be able to help us move forward with this, she will follow up with President Ambroz.
New business:
Photo contest winners were announced and gift cards given to the three winners, Bob Patterson - Electrical Fires, Jeff Libbey - Explosions, and Tim Angell - The art of reconstruction (Tim was not present, his card will be delivered to him by Clark Lombardi).
A new award, The Fire Scene Preservation Award, was given to the Middlebury Fire department, including patches and a trophy. The department was represented by Chief Shaw and Captain, the names of all of the 19 members of Middlebury Fire Department who assisted at both fire scenes that the department was recognized for were read aloud.
President Ambroz discussed creating a fire investigator of the year award. A motion was made by Phil Edgerley and seconded by Jeff Campbell to create such an award. A committee was appointed (Bob Patterson, Matt Hill, Aaron Collette, Jeff Campbell and Chief Shaw) to come up with criteria, a process, as well as a winner. The committee will report to president Ambroz by the end of April 2024.
Elections:
(All who ran were incumbents who ran unopposed after nominations were opened to the floor, secretary will cast 1 ballot for each)
President = Todd Ambroz (term expires 2025)
Vice President = Paul Cerutti (term expires 2025)
Board = Jeff Campell (term expires 2026)
Board= Dick Jones (term expires 2026)
A group discussion was held about President Ambroz possibly appointing 3 member trustees to perform an audit. Discussion was had regarding taxes, some members believe that our organization only is only now only required to submit the ‘postcard’ type of form to the IRS and that we may be able to save time/money by filing this way*
President Ambroz recognized the training committee members for their efforts this year and reminded the membership that they can approach them at any time with training ideas. He also reminded the membership that they can approach any board member or officer to relay any thoughts on this year’s conference.
Announcement for statements for the Good of the Order was made, hearing none, a motion was made to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned 1957
*After the meeting it was discovered by the members discussing improving our tax filing system that our organization is listed as a 501 c(3) private foundation, so the ‘postcard’ method would not be allowed. President Ambroz will be exploring whether or not a change in our 501 c3 type would be appropriate.
Respectfully Submitted for approval from President Ambroz, June 3rd, 2023
IAAI Chapter meeting
Killington Grand Resort
Meeting called to order at 1858 June 1, 2023
Pledge of allegiance was not said (there were no flags available)
President Ambroz welcomed members and guests, including Lt. Shawn Loan, Deputy Director Bob Sponable, Laurel Mason (lab director and instructor, member Georgia IAAI) and her husband (member Georgia Chapter IAAI). Gifts were given to Laurel and her husband for teaching at the conference today.
A moment of silence was held those who have departed or are experiencing difficulty in their lives.
Treasurer’s report was read by Treasurer Nick Haslam
President Ambroz reported on this year’s conference donors including new donor Maine Mutual-$500, who will be putting an annual donation to the conference into their budget starting next year.. Also EFI Global - $500, Co-Operative Insurance - $1000, Vermont Mutual - hopefully $500, The Dept. of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit - $500, and T290 Investigations - $1000,
Old business:
Jeff Campbell discussed the new web portal from Mitchell’s store for IAAI chapter garments and how to order them. The store will be open until June 11.
An update was given by Vice President Cerutti regarding the status of our attempt to become an enhanced chapter with IAAI. Discussion was held, and it was determined that we will not continue to pursue this further at this time as IAAI has not been working with us toward this goal. Laurel mentioned that she might be able to find us a new Liaison to the IAAI that would be able to help us move forward with this, she will follow up with President Ambroz.
New business:
Photo contest winners were announced and gift cards given to the three winners, Bob Patterson - Electrical Fires, Jeff Libbey - Explosions, and Tim Angell - The art of reconstruction (Tim was not present, his card will be delivered to him by Clark Lombardi).
A new award, The Fire Scene Preservation Award, was given to the Middlebury Fire department, including patches and a trophy. The department was represented by Chief Shaw and Captain, the names of all of the 19 members of Middlebury Fire Department who assisted at both fire scenes that the department was recognized for were read aloud.
President Ambroz discussed creating a fire investigator of the year award. A motion was made by Phil Edgerley and seconded by Jeff Campbell to create such an award. A committee was appointed (Bob Patterson, Matt Hill, Aaron Collette, Jeff Campbell and Chief Shaw) to come up with criteria, a process, as well as a winner. The committee will report to president Ambroz by the end of April 2024.
Elections:
(All who ran were incumbents who ran unopposed after nominations were opened to the floor, secretary will cast 1 ballot for each)
President = Todd Ambroz (term expires 2025)
Vice President = Paul Cerutti (term expires 2025)
Board = Jeff Campell (term expires 2026)
Board= Dick Jones (term expires 2026)
A group discussion was held about President Ambroz possibly appointing 3 member trustees to perform an audit. Discussion was had regarding taxes, some members believe that our organization only is only now only required to submit the ‘postcard’ type of form to the IRS and that we may be able to save time/money by filing this way*
President Ambroz recognized the training committee members for their efforts this year and reminded the membership that they can approach them at any time with training ideas. He also reminded the membership that they can approach any board member or officer to relay any thoughts on this year’s conference.
Announcement for statements for the Good of the Order was made, hearing none, a motion was made to adjourn.
Meeting adjourned 1957
*After the meeting it was discovered by the members discussing improving our tax filing system that our organization is listed as a 501 c(3) private foundation, so the ‘postcard’ method would not be allowed. President Ambroz will be exploring whether or not a change in our 501 c3 type would be appropriate.
Respectfully Submitted for approval from President Ambroz, June 3rd, 2023