ISSAR

Idaho State

Search And Rescue

2004 Summer Convention Minutes

June 27, 2004

Idaho Falls, ID - Hosted by Bonneville Co.

The meeting was called to order by Commander JD Drury at 9:30 AM and recessed for 10 minutes.

Meeting was called back to order at 9:40

Invocation was given by Jim Gay.

Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Pete Williams.

Roll Call

Officers: All officers in attendance.

Counties: 10 counties being represented.

Past State Commanders: Phil Courtney, Brent Lewis, Cole Colvin, Stan Fenn, and Gordon Wothe. Excused were Dale Crowther and Walt Charles.

Sheriff and deputies present were: Steve Southwick, Jim Gay and Pete Williams.

Bonneville Co. Sheriff asked to be excused due to other commitments.

National officers present were Terry Stewart, Reid Stewart, Mike Oliverson; Jean and Glen Carter asked to be excused.

Past National Commanders present were Marie Wothe, Gordon Wothe, Walt Rhodes, Jerry Colvin, JD Drury, Sandra Drury, Brent Lewis, and Cole Colvin.

A moment of silence was held for seriously ill members, Mike Graham and Virginia Bogart.

Hosting Unit Remarks- Commander Karen Hiatt thanked everyone for coming. "We have done a lot of improvements on the building, take a look around and see what we have done. We hope you enjoyed the area. There are a lot of things to do."

Officers' reports

Commander,  JD Drury - Attended the National convention 2 weeks ago, we learned a lot there, had some very intense meetings, got a lot resolved. Done a  lot of researching to get issues resolved in the state.

1st Vice, Walt Rhodes -  Due to health problems, I didn't attend the last state meeting. I did attend the National convention. I have been made a life time honorary member of Bear Lake Co. I really appreciate this honor. Only 1 unit has turned in a request for training funds. Been in contact with JD keeping him updated with what was going on. Just glad to be here.

2nd Vice, Rick Pruett - Things have slowed down since last meeting. The telemarketing scan has mostly gone away. Would like to thank Evelyn for helping to get the word out it was a big help using the web site and Yahoo groups. I have been in contact with Custer Co. about the Fall Campout. Still have a problem with finding a contact person for the units that have left the State organization.

Communications, Phil Courtney-  In January, I organized a meeting of amateur radio operators in the 3 northern counties involved in emergency communications. A HF net was established for every Thursday, except the 1st Thursday of the month, which is the State RACES net. The county level group and local amateur club could be a valuable resource to search and rescue units.  This is especially true where the terrain limits public service simplex radio communication.

I received an email from Jeremy Wells: "I am a member of Jerome Co S&R. We had to assist the Twin Falls Co. on Feb. 5th and previous occasions. I was wondering if I, or any unit, could get our surrounding counties frequencies for better communications. Also, I noticed the Twin Falls Co. has a lot of equipment."

This information could be placed on the ISSAR web page, so the counties going in could use the frequency, but this would take permission of the county with the frequency license to allow other counties to use them. Any member can send messages thru the list serve or contact Evelyn to have something placed on the web page.

On February 16, I attended a meeting at the Kootenai Co. Emergency Operations Center. Dave Dobbins gave a 45 minute presentation on APRSS. This could well revolutionize search and rescue. Mobile stations are placed on moving objects, their location and movement can be plotted on a topographical map on a computer. Have had contact with Marsha Davis, she stated she will renew the license in August or will contact me if there are any problems with it.

Secretary, Sandra Drury - I have all the membership cards made out and sent to the units. If you have not received yours check with your unit commander. I attended the National Convention in Payson, had great time there. Glad to be here.

Treasurer/Quartermaster, Olivia - Current balance in ISSAR fund is $5,723.00 Current balance in training fund is $3,145.00 I have not contacted the IRS about the group exemptions. Valley Co. has not paid their dues and will be omitted from the group exemption. Any inactive (unpaid) group will be omitted from the IRS group status, if they rejoin they can be added again. The guidelines for zone training will be changed due to the fact that it is very hard to get a hold of the zones reps to get zone training approved. As of now, we have 3 steps to get approval of training and a lot of mailing back & forth. If you cannot get a hold of your zone rep. you need to contact the 1st vice. We need to make this easier for everyone to use this application form. We need to have lots of people at the next year's convention to vote in your new treasurer.

Unit Reports-

Bear Lake- We have been active and busy. We have had 13 callouts. We have been working on our building, we now have restrooms at our facility. We're adding on already. Been doing some training and have 3 new certified divers.

Bonner, Phil Courtney - The last of December/1st part of January, I was involved in 3 searches. The first search, I was monitoring the scanner at the request of the commander. When I realized the base commander and the teams could not communicate with each other, I called the emergency manager and requested use of the sheriff's frequency to relay messages between the parties involved. Permission was granted and I relayed messages and monitored the frequency until everyone reported Code 4. On the 2nd search, I was called and asked to relay messages, as needed. Again, I relayed and monitored until everyone reported in Code 4. On the 3rd search, I was called by members of BCSSAR snowmobile team, who had been requested to assist on a search in Boundary Co. I monitored their progress and when requested, called the Boundary Co sheriff to notify the office that the individuals had been found and were returning.

Boundary- We have had 3 dog rescues and 1 horse rescue. In February, we had a suicide attempt found by a search dog. 1 hunter who spent the night out was found. 3 youths drove up into the snow and got stuck. 1 person was in a kayak. We have border patrol that really helps. We had a spring trail ride. As Phil mentioned, Ham radios are a great back up in communications.

Butte- We haven't been very busy until last week when we had 2 callouts for lost hang gliders. One was a hoax. Friday, we recovered the other one (deceased).

Franklin, JD Drury- Our local unit has been fairly quiet, been doing campground patrol.

Gooding- We had 4 callouts for searches with the dog teams, all successful. We held High Angle Technical Rescue training with 24 available positions. All 24 positions were filled from various units, we actually had 26.

Power- We have had 8 total missions this year. We helped the transportation dept. shut down roads due to snow storms. We helped the ISP shut down the interstate eastbound due to an extensive wreck. We had an attempted suicide at the reservoir. I am very proud of our unit. Our response time was 8 minutes, from the time we were called until the victim was brought in. It was a very good rescue.

Salmon, Rick Pruett - We have responded to 11 incidents, offered 7 training sessions, remodeled the headquarter office, instituted new policies and procedures, and finished work on the new equipment building.

Committee Reports

Bylaws, Jerry Colvin- The Bylaws Committee is regarded as a "Standing Committee", which is charged with the responsibility for a certain field of work that requires continuous service. Usually, the Commander selects the Chair of the committee with the approval of the Executive Board. The members of the committee are usually chosen by the Chair. The committee is delegated to review and put in order any proposed amendment or changes to the bylaws for presentation to the assembly. Any member can make proposals to amend the bylaws. A committee chairman sees that the committee members, including ex-officio members, are notified of meetings, proposed changes to the bylaws and helps them to obtain information needed to accomplish the committee's purpose. The Chair is responsible for preparing the committee report and presenting it to the assembly.

At the September meeting, held in Island Park, there were seven amendments submitted for approval of the membership. After discussion, Sheriff Southwick moved and it was seconded, to table the amendments until the Winter Meeting. Motion passed.

Jerry stated, "Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was unable to attend the Winter Meeting in Hayden, Idaho on Feb 21. In reviewing the minutes, all the amendments submitted in September passed with minor changes. I have reviewed the bylaws that JD sent to me and have recorded any changes of the Board of Directors to Executive Board where needed. I would like to thank everyone for the cards and flowers. I received 2, 055 cards it was wonderful to know I have so many friends. If you don't want your email address in the National roster, let Jean Carter know." 

JD thanked Jerry for all her time and efforts spent on the bylaws.

Sheriff's Association, Sheriff Southwick- All the forms are on the Idaho Sheriff's web page. All search reimbursements need to be submitted within 6 months of the end of the search. We are trying to get increased funding for search and rescue. We need to have all the search information even if you do not want to be reimbursed. Idaho Snowmobile Association has approached us to have a snowmobile cost reimbursement for snowmobile searches. We really need to get information from searches sent in for statistical purposes. We need to have operable communications between everyone in the state (road and bridge, EMS, Fire, anyone that has to do communications with emergency service). We are in the process of doing a survey to find out what equipment exists in the state right now. We need to plan for the future with communication equipment. We appreciate search and rescue very much.

Webpage, Evelyn Courtney - Web page is up and running. If you have needs that need to be on the web page let me know. It is for everyone to use. The current bylaws will be posted as soon as I receive them. At least one person per unit should be on the list serve, to get information to your units. JD thanked Evelyn for a job well done.

Audit Committee, Marie Wothe, Karen Herres, Kim Herres - Last years audit committee did not count the inventory on hand. There was not an accounting of supplies that were sold or purchased. Therefore, we did not have an inventory count of supplies. After doing the audit we, the committee, suggest the following:

1- A slip needs to be made and handed to the unit/member who is purchasing items. This slip would show what is bought and the price.

2- When new supplies are bought for the inventory, the purchase slip needs to be kept for the audit.

3- The quartermaster inventory sheet needs to be updated.

We recommend at the next audit all canceled checks, deposit slips, bank statements, and purchase slips need to be available to the audit committee. Motion was made to accept the audit report by Stan Fenn; seconded by Brian Hult. Motion passed.

Everett Bogart Award -

Marie Wothe gave a history of Everett and his work in search and rescue. There is a picture that we will start giving with the award.

Brent Lewis spoke about how Everett was always willing to help and had outstanding accomplishments in search and rescue. Brent Lewis thanked everyone for their participation in search and rescue, the sacrifices that are made; there is someone out there that someday may need your help. And you , you alone might make the difference.

We have seven people on the committee. Brent Lewis made a suggestion that the committee be changed, make the state commander the Chairperson and the last six recipients be on the board. You need to get applications in. There are units out there with outstanding people, we need to generate interest. Deloy Braswell made a motion that the current commander be the chairperson and the immediate past six recipients of the Everett Bogart award be the committee, seconded by Larry Rutt.

Phil Courtney moved to accept this motion by acclamation, seconded by Marie Wothe. Bylaw amendments approval- Stan Fenn called for a vote that we accept the bylaw changes, seconded by Cole Colvin. Vote passed.

This years recipient of the Everett Bogart Outstanding Member Award for 2003-2004 is Walt Rhodes. Walt Rhodes thanked everyone for this great honor of receiving this award.

Unfinished Business

Minutes- JD stated there are minutes around the room and they have been posted on the web. Stan Fen moved to accept the minutes, 2nd by Deloy Braswell, no discussion. Minutes were accepted as printed.

Scam update - they are still investigating his actions.

New Business

Training- Email to JD or Evelyn what training you are doing or what training you are looking for.

Officers Meeting Reimbursements - We discussed the reimbursement for the officers to attend meetings. Larry Rutt made a motion that State officers may be reimbursed up to $200.00 per year, if funds are available, if they want to be reimbursed, with receipts. Seconded by Don Stolley. Motion passed.

PSC Scrapbook - JD brought up putting together a Past State Commander scrapbook, so we can have a history. Norma still has scrapbooks, we need to send her pictures and keep them going. Marie Wothe will get started on the Past State Commanders scrapbook.

Old Equipment -We still have the computer that belongs to the state what do we want to do with it? Gordon Wothe made a motion to sell or donate the computer if it is not needed by an officer; seconded by Walt Rhodes. Motion passed.

Electronic Roster - We need to explore doing unit rosters electronically rather than by snail mail. Olivia will check into this. This will help eliminate errors in spelling and a lot of paper work. Will still need to send in a check for dues.

Bylaw change- Article 6 delete "of a franchised unit." JD Drury made a motion to change Article 6 A 1 to read. "No member of this State Association shall be elected to any office unless an active member in good standing", seconded by Gordon Wothe. JD called for  a vote; passed unanimously.

Election - Turned time over to election committee.

  Election results:

Commander - JD Drury

1st Vice Commander - Reid Stewart

2nd Vice Commander - Pete Williams

Communications Officer - Phil Courtney

Secretary - Sandra Drury

Treasure/ Quartermaster - Olivia  Giannasi

All officers were sworn into office by Sheriff Steve Southwick.

JD was presented with a commander plaque for his service as Commander for 2003-2004 by Brent Lewis.

Future meetings-

Marie Wothe told about the National Fall meeting to be held in Salmon on September 18, 2004. There  will be certified training form 9:00 am until noon, with the meeting following at 1:30pm . Everyone is welcome to attend. Contact Marie for more information. Terry Stewart also talked about the training issues that National S&R are dealing with.

Fall Trailride will be held in May, Idaho on Labor Day weekend.

2005 Winter Meet will be held on Feb. 19, hosted by Power County, in American Falls, ID.

Meeting adjourned at 13:26

Submitted by Sandra Drury, Secretary

JD Drury, Commander