Wisconsin EMS Association
Board of Directors Meeting
April 13, 2008

Present: Allen, Averbeck, Barker, Carey, Hunjadi, Kliss, McCarrier, Meeker, Schindler, Teale,

Notified Absent: Schilder, Van Buren

Guests Present: Blount

Meeting called to order by President Meeker at 12:10 PM

Motion by McCarrier, second by Klis to approve the meeting minutes from January 2008. All in favor none opposed. Motion carried.

President:  Meeker reported about his attendance at the most recent State EMS Advisory Board meeting.  John Schindler was also present.  Meeker stated that the meeting was very brief and lasted about an hour which was concerning since the Board has not held a meeting since October 2007 and the February meeting was canceled due to poor weather.  A request to have a legislative council study focusing on EMS was not included in the list of studies. Meeker also reported that he and Hunjadi had attended a stakeholder meeting. The State EMS office has not identified problems relating to funding issues or where the problems arise. Higher ranking DHFS personnel have contradicted financial and workload issues that have been identified in the past. There have not been any requests made for additional funding. Schindler commented about the status of the sub-committee working on an Emergency Vehicle Driving position statement. In addition to WEMSA, PAC has also released a position statement. Comments from sub-committee members suggested adopting one of the position statements.

Meeker spoke briefly on WEMSA’s intent to develop a training center to provide for flexible delivery of basic refreshers.

Meeker attended the Fire/EMS Legislative Coalition meeting last week.  Meeker directed board members to review the handouts; IAFF Legislative Fact Sheet and the NVFC Annual Report. Discussion was held regarding departments complying with NFPA standards. The Coalition was looking into updating the Fire & EMS Coalition brochure which was designed by Mike Schneider.  Meeker discussed his desire to have someone from the WEMSA board attend the annual fire service event in Washington D.C. to visit and speak with legislators.

Meeker directed board members to the “Proposed Expansion Association Divisions” handout. Discussion regarding this topic took place during the strategic planning session in October 2006. There are currently many organizations in Wisconsin that have developed resulting in fragmenting the unified voice of EMS. However, the level of activity has decreased significantly within many of the groups due to low membership numbers or single purposed agendas. Gaps still remain for several groups that do not have a “parent” group to help support their efforts such as first responder groups, emergency nurses, educator groups, etc.  Building expansion would provide for expanded divisions. Currently the only established division within WEMSA is the Conference division. Meeker urged members to begin thinking about ideas to bring forth during future strategic planning sessions. Meeker envisioned that WEMSA members at large would serve as advisors to each division and provide reports to the board. McCarrier suggested the addition of emergency nurses and specialty rescue squads to the list provided. Consensus of the board was there is a need to become organized to enable membership growth. Since committee involvement at Board level has not been efficient in past, Meeker advised against committees or board members chairing divisions but rather divisions should elect their own leadership for each division. Barker commented that board members shouldn’t be “bench players” but act in a mentoring mode. Meeker would like to see the Association be able to hire staff to support divisions to enable their goals to be accomplished. Barker suggested implementing grass roots focus groups to get started.  Meeker moved the topic to New Business.

Vice President: Allen suggested that the WEMSA Board should recognize people with a plaque at the conference who retire and have served several years in EMS and have been instrumental in the advancement of EMS. Meeker moved topic to new business.

Secretary/Treasurer:  Nothing/Absent

Executive Director: Nothing/Not yet present for meeting

Conference:  The conference committee is in the process of closing out records from the 2008 conference.   Budget cannot be approved due to outstanding bills. Barker commented on evaluations received from conference attendees.  Most speakers received positive reviews. Although conference attendance was down, overall satisfaction was at an all time high with an unprecedented 95.5% satisfaction rating. 

Contracts are being finalized for the Hilton and Hyatt hotels through 2012 along with the Midwest Airlines Center. There have been concerns with the constantly rising costs with the food contract from Leevy. Both hotels will be under construction starting in October 2008. Hotel usage at the Hyatt will need to be increased for the 2009 conference. 

Meeker is working on contracting speakers for the 2009 conference.  He is looking to bring the Milwaukee Fire Academy hands on pre-conference class back. Barker suggested working on a pre-conference that would take participants to visit the various “Centers of Excellence” available in Milwaukee. Meeker suggested coordinating bus tours with three locations such as St. Luke’s, The St. Mary’s Burn Center and the Froedtert Level I trauma center. Each site would teach a topic with lunch served at the site. If successful, further topics and tours may be scheduled for future years. Meeker asked for other speaker suggestions. Carey suggested a pre-conference session on consolidation/mergers.  Barker suggested a session on specialty home care devices. Meeker suggested procuring Doug Wolfberg to do a session on legal issues. Allen suggested a speaker that is affiliated with Blackhawk Technical College that teaches “outside the box” teambuilding concepts.  Many area fire and EMS departments have used his techniques successfully including the Monroe Fire School. 

The meeting was suspended at 12:50 p.m. for lunch.   Meeting resumed at 1:25 pm.

2009 Cruise: Meeker reported that a contract has signed and accepted between WEMSA and the Iowa EMS Association for WEMSA to operate their cruise. Initial deposits are due at the time of booking. Balance is due in December. Hunjadi and Hood will be exhibiting for both the cruise and the Working Together conference at the EMS Expo in Las Vegas this October. Schneider has completed the cruise website for Iowa. Hunjadi has completed a feature article for their newsletter. Currently Wisconsin’s cruise has 70 cabins and 152 people booked. The Iowa EMS Association will receive one free cruise per 15 cabins booked. WEMSA will receive the remainder. 200 total cabins for both organizations are currently reserved but can be expanded if needed.

OLD BUSINESS

Open Board Position:  After the last election, one vacant position remained open on the WEMSA Board due to a lack of candidates. Two candidates have expressed interest. Board members were introduced to Paul Blount who was in attendance at the meeting. The second candidate, Leif Erickson, was available by telephone. Motion by McCarrier to move to closed session. Second by Averbeck.  Motion carried.  Meeting moved to closed session at 1:50 p.m. Motion by Averbeck to return to open session. Second by McCarrier. Motion carried. Meeting returned to open session at 2:40 pm. A written ballot was then held among all board members. The results are five votes for Erickson, four votes for Blount. Leif Erickson is elected to serve the open three year board of director’s term starting immediately and ending March 31, 2011.

State EMS Office/EMS Board: Meeker and Hunjadi attended a strategic planning session of sorts called by the EMS Section. A large number of groups and organizations were in attendance. The goal was to identify a common set of plans and goals for the future. A written report from the meeting was to have been released by this time but is still forthcoming.

All Legislation Updates: Hunjadi reported that our absence from employment bill did not get introduced prior to end of session. Because all of the points have been worked out and the drafting is completed, the plan is to introduce the bill within the initial first weeks of the 2009-2010 session. The legislation mandating DOT to revert to old license plates did not pass. The bill that we partnered with law enforcement on to require emergency driving information and test questions has been signed into law. The bill took just shy of one month to complete from introduction through passage. The “TRIP” legislative bill that would allow all ambulance services to collect money due through state taxes failed to pass either the Assembly or the Senate. A substitute amendment also failed to pass in either House. The frequency of wage payments that was previously allowed for annual and semi-annual payments has been expanded to now include quarterly payments. The legislative session for 2007-2008 has now essentially come to a close. A budget repair bill is being worked on and special sessions can be called but it is very unlikely that there will be any activity with EMS legislation until January.

Certified Training Center: Barker reported on her latest progress to submit an operational plan for the Wisconsin EMS Association to become a certified EMS training center at the EMT-Basic and First Responder levels. A somewhat lengthy discussion was held regarding initial full length EMT classes versus offering only refresher and continuing education items that could also include the ability for WEMSA to test and certify individuals under the proposed new refresher requirements or included certified training classes together with the annual conference as well as stand alone opportunities..

Office Building Construction: Hunjadi reported on the great amount of activity that has taken place since the board’s re-approval at the January meeting to place the building project on the top of the strategic agenda. Land has now been purchased and will close this coming week. There is an existing structure on the site that will have to be torn or burned down. This structure was included in the price of the land since the building did have at least some remaining value. However, the location is much more prominent more likely to be rentable and will not require nearly the amount of site prep work including a water retention pond and several feet of fill. We will also be able to utilize the existing well, sewer connections and electrical service. The board had previously approved a working budget in 2005 of $400,000 for the building construction phase of the project. Hunjadi provided the latest building plans and layout to the members of the board. The goal is to be able to start construction by July for completion by the end of the year with move in following the conference. Motion by Averbeck second by Schindler to approve a $400,000 working budget for construction. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.

Potential Land Sale: As part of the purchase there is the potential to sell a portion of the land to the adjacent hardware store. The owner has reportedly been very interested to obtain some additional land to allow for future expansion. The hardware store has currently built up to their set back line on the west side that boarders our land. Hunjadi suggests that we talk with the owner for the potential to sell 30 feet of land frontage running the length of the lot to the north. Discussion was held regarding asking price and lowest acceptable price. Motion by Schindler second by Klis to sell 30 X 260 feet of land for no less than $65,000. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.

Member/Supporter Tile Offer: Hunjadi outlined the idea of creating a walk of EMS inside the main entrance of the building and into the lobby area. EMS services, sponsors, advertisers and other supporters would be given an opportunity to purchase either a 6X6 tile that would include their logo, photo or message at the cost of $250. A single text line naming the supporter would also be offered and then shared within other 6X6 and 6X3 tiles at the cost of $100. Motion by Carey, second by McCarrier to create a tile purchase program for members and supporters. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.

WEMSA Annual Meeting: The Wisconsin EMS Association annual meeting has been set for Saturday, September 27, 2008. The meeting will be held at Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells. Departing from the format used during the past several years, the morning session will be presented by EMS management expert, J.R. Henry. Continuing education credits will be provided. The annual meeting will be held from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. The day will either finish with Henry or presentations from  state officials. Using the donations received from the Mark Fisher memorials, there will be no charge for WEMSA members to attend. However, WEMSA may charge $50.00 for people who register but do not attend and fail to cancel. The cost for non-members to attend will be $75.00 per attendee. There will be no charge to anyone regardless of membership status to attend only the annual meeting portion of the day.  A $99 room rate that includes water park access has been secured. Discussion was held to move the October board meeting up to September to have it follow the annual meeting on Sunday. Motion by Barker to move the 4^th quarter board meeting from October 12 to September 28. Second by Averbeck. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. The Board meeting will begin at 10:00 am on Sunday, September 28, 2008.

National Scope of Practice: A short discussion was held regarding the new national scopes of practice that are slated for implementation in a few years. It is believed that most EMS providers are not very aware of the potential implications of these changes. Originally State EMS Office officials stated that it was very unlikely that Wisconsin would adopt the new scope of practice. More recently, however, section chief, Brian Litza, has indicated that there is a greater potential for Wisconsin to adopt the national scope of practice. Board members asked that this issue be placed on the July agenda for action.

NEW BUSINESS

Organizational Chart Changes and Review: Hunjadi provided board members with the most recently updated organizational chart. It lists all employees, contractors, and conference positions. He provided information on the current contract status of the various staff members along with their current salary or stipend.

Contract Status and Potential Bonus Compensation: Hunjadi provided the board with his thoughts related to potential bonus compensation. He stated that he believes that bonus amounts should partially be in line with the amount of money retained at the end of the year for carry over as well as overall performance. The 2006 financial retention was slightly more than $200,000. For a variety of reasons the 2007 amount was significantly smaller. For that reason he believes that bonuses, if any, should be at a smaller amount than last year. Hunjadi went on to strongly recommend a bonus for Media Services Manager, Mike Schneider. Schneider has significantly gone beyond his forecast and allotted time amounts without any additional charges to the association. Based on his willingness to go above and beyond along with his high quality and prompt work product, Hunjadi recommends a bonus of $2,500. Motion by McCarrier second by Carey to provide a bonus of $2,500 for Schneider. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Because Michael Hood has only been with the organization for approximately eight months Hunjadi stated that a small bonus amount, if any, is warranted based on his ability to fix a large variety of problems and issues left behind by his predecessor. Hunjadi recommends a $500 bonus. Motion by Carey second by Averbeck to provide a $1,000 bonus to Hood. Discussion was held regarding exceeding the executive director’s request. Five in favor, four opposed.  Motion carried. Hunjadi voluntarily left the meeting to allow remaining board members to discuss any potential bonus compensation for the executive director. Following discussion Hunjadi returned to the meeting. Motion by Klis, second by Carey to provide Hunjadi with a bonus of $3,500.  Eight in favor, none opposed, one abstain. Motion carried.

EMS Advisory Board Appointments: Meeker and Hunjadi reveled that a total of five positions will be open on the EMS Advisory Board in May. At least two and potentially three of the current board members will not be seeking reappointment. Joe Covelli, who was placed on the board at the request and support of the Wisconsin EMS Association has since decided not to seek reappointment. Potential candidates were discussed from within the WEMSA board. Hunjadi would like a large enough pool of potential candidates in order to fulfill the various parameters that may be sought i.e.: male or female, level of training, geographic location, etc. Most of the WEMSA Board members present for the meeting indicated that they were willing to be considered with the exception of Allen, Hunjadi, and Meeker.

WEMSA Board Appointments for Open Positions: Discussion was held related to the procedure that is to be followed when appointing an individual to the WEMSA Board in the case of an opening outside of the election. It was agreed that while there are very clear procedures for those who seek election to the board, there are not nearly as detailed procedures for appointments in the case of a vacancy. This item is to be placed on the July meeting agenda for implementation.

2009 Conference Budget: Due to multiple outstanding payables and receivables to the conference accounts, the conference budget could not been proposed. The conference budget proposal and potential approval will be placed on the July meeting agenda.

Board Member Appreciation/Recognition: A brief discussion was held regarding recognition that should be provided to board members following their departure from the board. The item will be placed on the July meeting agenda.

Strategic Planning: Board members discussed scheduling a date for the next strategic planning session. Hunjadi stated that with the monumental amount of time and effort that will be involved with the building project throughout 2008 and into the first quarter of 2009, it would be very difficult if not impossible to implement strategic planning items during this time frame. The most recent strategic planning session was held in October of 2006. Board members agreed to look for a strategic planning session to be held in April 2009 – potentially at the new WEMSA offices.

WEMSA Officers Election: The annual election for president, vice-president, secretary/treasurer and past president is held each year for one year terms. Nominations were first opened for president. Richard Meeker was the only candidate nominated from the floor. Motion by McCarrier, second by Klis to cast a unanimous ballot for Meeker. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Nominations were then opened for the office of vice-president. Mindy Allen was the only candidate nominated from the floor. Motion by McCarrier, second by Barker to cast a unanimous ballot for Allen. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Nominations were opened for Secretary/Treasurer. The current position holder, Mary Schilder notified the executive director that she would accept the nomination if offered. Mary Schilder and Karen Barker were both nominated for the Secretary/Treasurer position. Barker declined the nomination. Motion by McCarrier, second by Averbeck to cast a unanimous ballot for Schilder. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Because the immediate past president is no longer on the board, a board member is elected to fulfill this position. Karen Barker was the only candidate nominated. Motion by McCarrier, second by Schindler to cast a unanimous ballot for Barker. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.

Motion to adjourn by McCarrier, second by Carey. All in favor, none opposed. The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 PM.