All posts by OKIAAI

Date: September 22, 2022
Time: 10:06 a.m.
Location: Grand Casino, Shawnee, OK

Call to Order

Made by President Chris Woodall

Roll Call

Absent at Meeting: Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)

Present at Meeting: Chris Woodall (Pres.), Ashley Stephens (1st VP) Todd DeSmet (2nd VP), Tim Reeves (3rd yr.), Steve Rhodes (2nd yr.), Nick Nadeau (3rd yr.), Gina Coleman (1st yr.), Marc Sutphin (1st yr.), Bill Hollander (Past Pres.) Jesse Benne (2nd yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Tim Reeves made the motion to forego the reading of the August minutes, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.

Membership

Four members requested membership: Sara O’Connor, American Farmers and Ranchers; Roger Joines, Choctaw Nation; Michael Ellis, ONG; and Corey Morris, OSBI. All members were approved but requested that Sara O’Connor submit a membership application since she only submitted payment for the conference.

Treasurer’s Report

Since Jonathan Wilk was absent, he provided a verbal account balance of approximately $10,000.00 to Chris Woodall, and that amount was questioned at the meeting since the bank statement that was provided by email the day before did not have a total balance and almost $7,000.00 had been received from vendors and sponsors and several thousand from membership conference payments.

A Motion was made by Marc Sutphin to approve the verbal Treasurer’s Report through Chris Woodall, seconded by Tim Reeves, motion carried and approved.

CFI

No CFIs to report.

WEBSITE

It was requested that the agenda online be revised just to say “lunch break” and not “lunch buffet provided” since that is up in the air, and Renee Southerland will have the agenda revised and sent to Dan VanBuskirk to add to the website. 

Annual Conference

• At this point, Krystle Ross came in to discuss possible food options for the conference. She also advised that at this point we have one free room for three nights and that is obtained for every 35 rooms that are booked. She advised that the buffet lunches would remain the same price as what was on the menu as the year before. Last year she was able to do the buffet for half price since the food court was not open and the casino buffet had closed. Since the food court is now open, she can provide vouchers that we can use or do a buffet through catering. A discussion was had concerning food costs, review of the menu, and the coffee cost. Tim Reeves made a motion to only provide coffee each day of the conference up until noon as coffee can be obtained for free out on the casino floor. Marc Sutphin seconded the motion, motion carried and approved.
• Ashley Stephens advised the credits for CLEET would be 22 hours and OBA would be 20.5 hours. Todd DeSmet advised 18 continuing education credits have been approved by the Department of Insurance.
• Marc Sutphin advised that he confirmed the Honor Guard would attend the conference.
• Gina Coleman is working on getting someone with pipe and drums to appear.
•  Steve Rhodes advised Tulsa Police Department and not Tulsa Fire Department has
  the Pipe and Drum Corp.
• Marc Sutphin advised that rooms have been booked for the Honor Guard, and four
  individuals are coming from that team.
• It was discussed to spend $1,500.00 towards food and alcohol for hospitality night
  and to provide each person with a $15.00 voucher for both days of the lunches and not do a buffet. Tim Reeves made a motion to accept both of these options, as well as coffee on consumption of the mornings, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved. At this time, it was requested that Gina Coleman get with Krystle Ross for the food options for hospitality night.
• Renee Southerland advised she would pick up two baskets for all of the alcohol that the members are providing for the two raffle giveaways.
• It was discussed who would be the spokesperson for the raffle items, and Ashley Stephens advised he would handle that.
• Set up for the conference would be on Tuesday, October 18th, beginning at noon and to have lunch in the food court before setup begins.
• A discussion was also had concerning who would be leaving the Board and what positions would be open. At this point Tim Reeves, Bill Hollander, and Nick Nadeau will not be on the Board next year so those board positions will be open.

501(c)3

Chris Woodall advised we will have to completely start over to obtain a 501(c)3 and will have to resubmit our request to the IRS. Chris Woodall requested that Renee Southerland search the thumb drive for any information whatsoever about 501(c)3 and to provide that to him, which she will do.

Old Business

None.

New Business

None.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be at the annual conference. A motion to adjourn was made by Bill Hollander, seconded by Ashley Stephens, motion carried and approved.

Date: August 18, 2022
Time: 10:01
Location: Grand Casino, Shawnee, OK

Call to order

Made by President Chris Woodall

Roll Call

Present: Chris Woodall (Pres.), Todd DeSmet (2nd VP) via telephone, Tim Reeves (3^rd yr.), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer), Nick Nadeau (3^rd yr.), Gina Coleman (1^st yr.), Marc Sutphin (1^st yr.), Bill Hollander (Past Pres.), Jesse Benne (2^nd yr.)

Absent: Renee Southerland (Secretary), Ashley Stephens (1st VP), Steve Rhodes (2nd yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Johnathan made a motion to forego the reading of the June minutes, seconded by Tim Reves, motion carried and approved.

Membership

Several requests for membership were considered: Corey Morris (OSBI), Anderson B Watson (Bartlesville Fire Marshall), Cory Leon Hanebrink (Blackwell Fire Chief), Aaron Mayhugh (Muskogee Fire Marshall), Mike Hayley (Muskogee Assistant Fire Marshall).

Motion to approve all requests by Nick Nadeau, seconded by Bill Hollander, motion carried and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

The current total is $9650.26, not including a PayPal amount of $139.58. Checks written last month totaled around $800.00. All bills are paid and current. Copy of vendor checks received was viewed, still awaiting deposit.

CFI

No new CFI’s

Website

Tim Reeves suggested removing lunch provided verbiage on conference information for members receiving a per diem.

Annual Conference

• Marc Sutphin is still working on getting the pipe/drums because of scheduling conflicts. The color guard is still good to go.
• Correspondence from Ashley Stevens stated the Powerpoint presentation totals 18 credit hours. A room needs to be booked for Jeff Polly.
• 32 rooms are booked, and 4 rooms still need to be reserved for speakers. 
• There has been some trouble with staff while booking rooms; members need to be more precise in communicating that the code is OKIAAI22. It sounds like members are calling and saying IAAI conference or similar things. 
• Krystle from the Casino met about lunches:
  • The food court is scheduled to be open on September 6
  • A final decision must be made on food 3 weeks before the conference.
  • Vouchers are possible for the food court
    • Estimated 10-15 per person
    • Can hand out tickets
  • Can still do a buffet and only pay for the food consumed
    • It will cost a little more
    • We May have to eat in the conference room
• Jesse Benne suggested we could also do both options for different days and take a survey on what members prefer. 
• Tim Reeves acquired another Television for the raffle.
• Door prizes were discussed, and old merchandise and other items like knee pads were mentioned. 
• A Foam board was brought up for sponsors to be advertised.

501©3

Paperwork issues still

Old Business

By-Laws: We are still awaiting approval from Bill Cathcart. Copies to the board were provided, and the board discussed getting the information to members. Once legal counsel agrees on changes, we will email all members to allow for 30 days before the conference. A copy will be printed and handed out at sign-in at the conference.

Membership positions: 2^nd VP position will be available when Ashley’s term is over.

Ashley invited Chad Oubre, ATF CFI candidate, to get involved with the organization. The Secretary position and Treasurer positions are close to term as well.

Photography contest: Renee has some submittals and will present them at the next meeting.

New Business

None

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Casino in Shawnee in the Bears Room.

Gina Coleman made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bill Hollander, motion carried and approved.

Date: July 20, 2022
Time: 10:03 a.m.
Location: Cathcart & Dooley Law Office, Oklahoma City, OK

Call to Order

Made by President Chris Woodall

Roll Call

Absent at Meeting: Jesse Benne (2nd yr.), Nick Nadeau (3rd yr.), Tim Reeves (3rd yr.), Gina Coleman (1st yr.) Bill Hollander (Past Pres.)

Present at Meeting: Chris Woodall (Pres.), Ashley Stephens (1st VP) Todd DeSmet (2nd VP), Steve Rhodes (2nd yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer), Marc Sutphin (1st yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Motion was made by Todd DeSmet to forego the reading of the June minutes, seconded by Ashley Stephens, motion carried and approved.

Membership: Motion was made by Chris Woodall to accept the membership of Loren Salzer, seconded by Steve Rhodes, motion carried and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Jonathan Wilk provided the Treasurer’s Report stating that our current balance is $6,990.59. The transactions since the last meeting include the following:

• On 6/23/2022 there was a transfer from PayPal of $211.00 to the account.
• $942.00 was paid to the Department of Corrections.
• $5.00 fee for June was taken out of the account.
• $12.00 and $83.77 were paid to Vista Print.
• $8.30 was credited to our account from Vista Print.
• On 7/15/22, $596.40 was transferred from PayPal to our account.
• Grill was purchased for the raffle in the amount of $272.34 (part of the $300 that was voted on for Renee Southerland to buy items for the raffle).
• Pending in the account is $110.55 for Imprint.
• Pending in the account is the $2,000.00 check to the Billy Magalassi Fund.
• Renee Southerland provided Jonathan Wilk with a check from Integrity for $500.00 in sponsor money to either go toward food or raffle items, and a $300.00 check from Yergey Insurance Private Fire Investigation firm to be a vendor. These checks will be deposited.

A Motion was made by Todd DeSmet to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Steve Rhodes, motion carried and approved.

CFI

No CFIs to report.

WEBSITE

No website update.

Annual Conference

• An agenda discussion was had that it was almost complete and that we could send that out by email blast in August. Renee Southerland will add Rachelle Goddard from the Oklahoma Firefighter’s Burn Camp as the keynote speaker, unless Ashley Stephens comes up with another keynote speaker. If so, then Rachelle would give her PowerPoint sometime during the first morning of the conference for about 10 minutes and she would be inserted into the agenda.
• Buffet lunches were discussed using sponsor money to pay for the lunches, unless some business specifically wanted to sponsor a lunch.
• Awards discussion was had, but at this time we only have one lifetime award and the Past President award. A few photograph submissions have been entered but are not due to be voted on until the end of September. Renee Southerland will get trophies for the Photograph awards after they have been voted on.
• As for Investigator of the Year, there have been no nominations yet.
• Todd DeSmet advised he would like to give Travis Rider his scholarship for the
  conference since Travis was helping to secure the gun raffle item.
• A discussion was had concerning the gun options and that Travis Rider can get these at cost with no shipping. There is a diamondback 16-inch barrel for $530.00 and
  for $490.00. Travis will check into these.
• A discussion was had concerning the coffee consumption and what would be paid
  at this conference.
• Renee Southerland will check with Krystle Ross at the casino to find out if the
  breakfast restaurant is now back open and, if not, what options we have for
  breakfast.
• Todd DeSmet advised he has all of the documentation to submit to the ODA with
  the exception of Dr. Albano’s presentation. Chris Woodall advised he would get
  that information ASAP.
• There was also a social networking discussion and hospitality discussion which will
  take place on Thursday evening during the conference.
• Marc Sutphin will double-check with the drum and pipe people to see if they will
  come for the opening ceremonies.
• Chris Woodall wanted a notation added to the agenda blast that an executive
  position would be open as well as two board positions.
• It was requested for Dan VanBuskirk, our IT guy, to change the August 1st deadline
  for the photo awards to September 1st. 2

501(c)3

No update from the IRS concerning our tax returns that were filed and accepted.

Old Business

At this time Bill Cathcart joined the meeting to discuss the changes and revisions being made to the Oklahoma Chapter Bylaws. Bill Cathcart discussed all of the revisions and changes that need to be made concerning when we have our monthly meetings and annual meetings and notes were taken to reflect those corrections. Renee Southerland will meet with Jesse Benne within one to two weeks to have those changes redlined and any other changes added so that the new revision can be sent out to the membership no later than 30 days prior to the conference to then be voted on at the Annual Conference.

Bill Cathcart also advised that on our Minutes form, Old Business and New Business needs to be switched listing New Business first and then Old Business. The form will be revised for the August meeting.

Bill Cathcart also stated the organization needs to have liability insurance. Chris Woodall advised he would talk with Yergey Insurance or someone with the International to find out who they use for their insurance purposes. He will also call other chapters, if needed, to find out who they use as well.

The Oklahoma Claims Association was discussed, and it was agreed that we would not attend the golf tournament on September 15th but some of us would try to attend the OCA conference itself and be a vendor on Friday, September 16th. This will take place at the Sheridan Reed Center in Midwest City at 8:00 a.m. Renee Southerland, Todd DeSmet, and Jonathan Wilk advised they could attend, but more are needed. It was discussed to bring two tool bags and one free membership for a business card drawing.

New Business

A discussion was had concerning board member positions available for next year and that Tim Reeves will roll off as well as Bill Hollander and Nick Nadeau. Ashley Stephens indicated he would nominate Chad Oubre as a first-year board member, and Chris Woodall suggested Tim Reeves run again for Second Vice.

Next Meeting

The next two meetings were discussed and will be held as follows:

*Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Casino, in Shawnee, Oklahoma;
*Thursday, September 22, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Grand Casino, in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Ashley Stephens made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.

Date: May 19, 2022
Time: 10:08 a.m.
Location:  Grand Casino – Shawnee, OK

Call to Order

Made by President Chris Woodall

Roll Call

Present at Meeting: Chris Woodall (Pres.), Ashley Stephens (1st VP), Todd DeSmet (2nd VP), Steve Rhodes (2nd yr.), Gina Coleman (1st yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer),

Bill Hollander (Past Pres.) – by phone

Absent at Meeting: Nick Nadeau (3rd yr.), Tim Reeves (3rd yr.), Marc Sutphin (1st yr.), Jesse Benne (2nd yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Steve Rhodes made a motion to forego the reading and approval of the April minutes, seconded by Ashley Stephens, motion carried and approved.

Membership

One new member reported – Steve Davis, Captain at Del City Fire Department – Membership approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Jonathan Wilk advised the balance last month was $18,129.04 and then checks were written to Steve Rhodes and Bill Hollander for reimbursement of attending the national conference, which totaled approximately $5,000.00.  There was also a service charge of $5.00, and Midwest Trophy cost was $119.00 for two awards for this upcoming conference, leaving a current balance of $13,102.04.  Renee Southerland then provided a check to Jonathan Wilk from Stephens Engineering in the amount of $500.00 ($300 as a vendor fee and $200 as a sponsorship donation) and also two checks in the amount of $40.00 for dues payments from two members. 

A discussion was had with all board members concerning the cost of going to the national conference each year and whether or not it would be more beneficial to only send one person instead of two since cost could be a factor.  Renee Southerland suggested maybe providing up to a certain amount for two people to go, such as $1,000 each, and that amount would go towards their expenses but not pay the full price of attending the conference.  

A motion was made by Chris Woodall to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Ashley Stephens, motion carried and approved. 

CFI

No CFIs to report.

WEBSITE

Dan VanBuskirk added the correct 2022 sponsor and vendor forms to the website, so those are now available if any board member needs to send those out to anyone.

Annual Conference

• Chris Woodall advised that two people want to sponsor at our conference and one of those is Analytical Forensics, a private fire investigation company, but he could not recall the other company at the moment.  Bill Hollander advised he sent the form to AF as well.  
• Renee Southerland will be sending the blast to Danny Wells and Integrity Forensics in Texas. 
• Ashley Stephens advised the agenda should be done by June.
• Todd DeSmet advised he needs the speaking materials to turn in to OID no later than August 1^st.
• Jonathan Wilk advised he talked with the Department of Corrections and apparently there was some confusion when he placed his order last December that they thought we wanted the items “donated”.  He confirmed we would be paying and that we had paid $1,000 last year.  She advised Jonathan she would try to keep the cost at $1,000 this year and that the order for the grill, fire ring, and glider have now been placed.  
• Bill Hollander had also spoken with her and helped get the ball moving in getting our order placed as well.
• Renee Southerland asked if it was okay to order additional stickers since all of them were given away last year and everyone agreed.
• Marc Sutphin’s email stated that he could order flashlights as giveaways to the members for $46.00 each and a discussion was had regarding conference and giveaway costs.  Bill Hollander made a motion to have Marc Sutphin order the flashlights, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.  Jonathan will get with him to go ahead and have those ordered and Chris Woodall can bring him a check since he works near Marc Sutphin’s office.  
• A discussion was had as to whether Billy Magalassi was paid in 2021 and Chris Woodall advised he would check the records since he had the past bank statements.  If not paid, we will need to send a check for $1,000 to that fund.  Todd DeSmet advised he had checked with Curtis Ozment about that and Curtis Ozment advised Billy Magalassi had not been paid.
• Renee Southerland advised she received payment from Stephens Engineering as a vendor and they also provided $200 towards sponsorship, Blackmon Mooring will be sending $300 to be a vendor, and Rimkus paid last year as a vendor but could not attend so they will be attending instead this year since we kept that money and agreed with them to do so.  
• Krystle advised that she needed a contract signed which confirmed a conference cost for the room of $500 for Wednesday, $500 for Thursday, and $250 for Friday, plus 20% gratuity.  We can set up Tuesday at noon for no additional fee.  She advised food trucks are not an option, but if the food court was not ready, then she would honor doing buffets like she did last year for two days at $12.95 a person plus tax which would end up being about $15 total per person.  She stated coffee was $35 a gallon and she would advise what we consumed last year.  She also confirmed that we would receive one free room for all three nights for every 35 rooms that are booked.  
• Chris Woodall advised that Dr. Albano would need one night.
• A discussion was had concerning the board hosting a hospitality night, and Krystle advised the bartender would be $75 and we could do the hospitality by the pool or on the balcony if there’s inclement weather.  There would be no cost for the hospitality room, only the bartender.  She advised that if got a keg it would be $300 per keg.  We then toured the conference room and hospitality areas and decided the pool are would be fine unless there was inclement weather. 
• A contract was signed and then provided to Krystle and she will email a copy to Renee Southerland, along with the coffee usage from last year.  
• Jonathan Wilk suggested to lay out a bowl for donations for hospitality night for drinks.
• Ashley Stephens advised that Jeff Pauley would need to be reimbursed his expenses after the conference.

501(c)3

Jonathan Wilk advised that Chris Woodall has provided all of the documents needed to give to the tax firm and they will now file taxes for the last three years.  We will then have to wait to get our 501(c)3 reinstated and will need to file tax returns each year going forward.

Old Business

Renee Southerland advised that Bill Cathcart has yet to provide his changes to the Bylaws and he will have those ready by the next meeting.  

New Business

None.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 23, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.  at Oklahoma Farm Bureau located at 10777 South Memorial Road in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Gina Coleman made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Bill Hollander, motion carried and approved.

Date: April 21, 2022
Time: 10:10 a.m.
Location:  Oklahoma Farm Bureau – Tulsa, OK

Call to Order

Made by President Chris Woodall

Roll Call

Absent at Meeting: Nick Nadeau (3rd yr.)

Present at Meeting: Chris Woodall (Pres.), Ashley Stephens (1st VP), Todd DeSmet (2nd VP), Tim Reeves (3rd yr.), Steve Rhodes (2nd yr.), Jesse Benne (2nd yr.), Marc Sutphin (1st yr.), Gina Coleman (1st yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer), Bill Hollander (Past Pres.) – by phone

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Ashley Stephens made a motion to forego the reading and approval of the minutes from March 9^th, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.

Membership

No new members.

Treasurer’s Report

Jonathan Wilk advised since last month there had been no expenses or additions to the account other than a $5.00 service fee from the bank.  The current balance is $18,129.04.  Tim Reeves made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Gina Coleman, motion carried and approved.

CFI

Jesse Benne is still working on his CFI.  Johnny Sawyer from Tulsa Fire Department received his CSI.

Website

Renee Southerland advised that IT Dan VanBuskirk fixed the spam problem that we were having in our Gmail account. 

Annual Conference

• There was a lengthy discussion concerning the agenda and speakers, and Ashley Stephens advised that the ATF guys that will be speaking will not charge to speak.  He will check on other speakers regarding whether or not they need to be paid or have a room for attending.  At this time, it was discussed to just list the topics and case studies in the “Save the Date email blast” that is being sent out in April.  

• Bill Hollander advised that a board member from the International Board will come to our conference and that if we needed him to speak regarding 921, he would.  

• There was a discussion concerning all speakers’ documentation and outlines that need to be turned in to CLEET, ODI, and OBA and their deadlines.  

• Ashley Stephens advised he would have the agenda completed by July as the second blast needs to be sent out by the beginning of August. 

• Todd DeSmet advised he would turn in all of the documentation to the ODI for CLE, and Ashley Stephens advised he would turn in the paperwork to OBA and CLEET, and that he would get his information to Todd DeSmet by July. 

• Gina Coleman advised she went to the PLRB conference in San Antonio recently and obtained several vendor cards and will send out a vendor/sponsor email to those that attended that conference to see if they would be interested in being a vendor or sponsor at our conference.  

• Bill Hollander advised Laurel Mason might want to be a vendor as well and he will send her a vendor form.  She is with Analytical Forensic Associates in Georgia. 

• There was a discussion had concerning who would do opening remarks, and Marc Sutphin advised he would check with the Lawton Pipe and Drum Corp. to see if they would be willing to attend and if any payment or donation would be needed.  

• There was a discussion had concerning awards and investigator of the year.  Renee Southerland advised that request would be added in the email blast for nominations to be sent in as well as photo of the year nominations.  

• Jonathan Wilk advised he drove to the Department of Corrections facility and still did not receive any answers concerning the status of our order. Jonathan Wilks advised he had not received a call back from the Department of Corrections concerning the items he ordered back in December for the conference raffle.  Bill Hollander advised he would pull out his paperwork and call the corrections department concerning his order as he received the items, he ordered personally within 60 days after placing his order in December.  

• Todd DeSmet advised that Travis Rider from Farm Bureau has his federal license and can do the gun order and run the background check if we want to give a gun away.  A discussion was had concerning the cost of an over/under shotgun, a tote shotgun and an AR in the price range of $400 each.  Todd DeSmet will check with Travis on the pricing of those guns to be sure.  

• Marc Sutphin received a text back from the Lawton Fire Department and Pipe and Drum Corp. and they agreed to do the honor guard ceremonies at the conference, and he will check with them concerning what kind of donation, if any, would be needed and that there is a possibility they might need to stay the night at the casino and us pay for their hotel since they would have to be ready to go by 8:00 a.m. the day of the conference.  

• It was decided to table any discussion regarding any room payment or donation for Lawton Pipe and Drum until they advise Marc Sutphin what they will actually need.  But Jonathan Wilk made a motion to pay for their room for one night and a donation to the Lawton Pipe and Drum for a total of both not to exceed $500.00, Tim Reeves seconded the motion, motion carried and approved. 

• Bill Hollander advised when he attended the International Conference, there was an electrical engineer that spoke concerning a Kansas City fatality fire about pulling the meter when the fire was in progress.  He wants to provide an investigator tip with the email blast concerning the valuable knowledge obtained from pulling the meter with that type of fire situation. 

• Todd DeSmet advised that Batteries Plus has flashlights with 400 lumen at $26.90 each which are the Slyde brand.  He advised the guy at Batteries Plus will see if we can get a bulk discount as we need 120 of them.  

501(c)3

Chris Woodall advised he is getting the bank statements from Stillwater National Bank, our past banking facility, and will be submitting those to the tax firm to work on past tax statements to get our 501©3 reinstated.  He also needs the minutes signed by Jonathan Wilk where he took over as Treasurer from Neil Moore as we will have to submit that as well to bank to confirm we are allowed to get the bank statements needed since we have a new Treasurer.

Old Business

Bill Cathcart advised he wants to revise other areas of our Bylaws besides the membership changes we had discussed at the last meeting.  He will advise of those changes for our May meeting.

New Business

Steve Rhodes attended the International Conference and advised his reimbursement amounts were $739.40 for the hotel, $800.00 for the conference fee, $488.00 for his flight, $60.00 for his luggage and $354.00 for the per diem, for a total reimbursement amount of $2,441.64.

Bill Hollander advised he had not added up his expenses but would get those to Jonathan Wilk for reimbursement.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bears Room at the Grand Casino located at 777 Grand Casino Boulevard, Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Bill Hollander made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Steve Rhodes, motion carried and approved. 

Date:  March 9, 2022
Time: 10:09 am
Location:  Cathcart & Dooley Law Firm, OKC, OK

Call to Order

Made by President Chris Woodall

Roll Call

Absent at Meeting: Tim Reeves (3rd yr.), Nick Nadeau (3rd yr.) 

Present at Meeting: Chris Woodall (Pres.), Ashley Stephens (1st VP), Todd DeSmet (2nd VP), Tim Reeves (3rd yr.), Steve Rhodes (2nd yr.), Jesse Benne (2nd yr.), Marc Sutphin (1st yr.), Gina Coleman (1st yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer), Bill Hollander (Past Pres.) – by phone

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Chris Woodall made a motion to forego the reading of the January minutes, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.

Membership

 Two prospects had requested membership:  David Craig from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and Jamie DuBose from Bethany Fire Dept.  Todd DeSmet made a motion to accept Mr. Craig’s membership, seconded by Gina Coleman, motion carried and approved.  Jesse Benne made a motion to accept Ms. DuBose’s membership, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Jonathan Wilk advised we had $18,139.04 in the bank account but nothing had been transferred over from PayPal (if anything in PayPal) since the January meeting, but he will check and see if anything needs to be transferred over.  Jesse Benne made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Marc Sutphin, motion carried and approved.

CFI

Jesse Benne is working on his CFI

Website

Renee Southerland advised that Dan VanBuskirk made a few changes to the website to make it easier in paying for the conference and dues.  It is now easier for department heads or the accounting dept to identify if they are paying for more than one individual to come to the conference and to identify the names of those attending instead of just a lump-sum payment being made for, say, five people without knowing who those five people are.  There is still an error on one of the web pages which Dan VanBuskirk had advised was fixed but Renee will get with him to correct the error.

Annual Conference

• Chris Woodall and Jonathan Wilk went to the New Mexico IAAI Conference and there were about 40 people that attended.  This conference was Monday through Friday with food and a banquet provided as well as a Top Golf outing.  It was approximately $350 for the whole week.  
• A discussion was had concerning Teresa Rigby doing her wildland FI210 class which could be hosted here in 2022 or 2023. 
• A discussion was had concerning the ticket cost for a gun giveaway.  Ashley Stephens advised we could give them a certificate to FFL but they would need to pass the background check. In the past, our organization has given a gun away with the stock off.  Another option is to engrave our logo on the stock.
• Todd DeSmet will check with Travis Rider at Farm Bureau regarding an AR or Remington 870 giveaway.
• Renee Southerland suggested that besides board members trying to secure items to give away during the raffle for the burn camp, that she be allowed to go ahead and spend $200 of the organization’s money and buy items from Sam’s, Academy, etc., for additional items to be given away during the raffle.  Bill Hollander made a motion for Renee Southerland to spend $300 instead of $200, Ashley Stephens seconded, motion carried and approved.  
• Jonathan Wilk advised that he has not yet received a return call from the Department of Corrections on our grill, fire ring and glider order.  Bill Hollander advised he had ordered a grill and it was ready within 60 days.  Jonathan Wilk advised he would travel to the corrections department to check on our order in person prior to the next meeting.
• Jesse Benne advised he would check with his dad regarding the cost of a couple of fire pits as he can make those as well.
• Ashley Stephens advised that the agenda right now will include social media exploitation at 4 hours, riots/civil unrest/fires at 4 hours, IAAI health and safety committee by Jeff Pauley also at 4 hours, a case study at 2 hours, and a case study being done by Dave Hollman at 2 hours, and mental health by Dr. Albano on Friday for 2 hours.  A discussion and explanation of each of these topics was then had.
• Todd DeSmet will check with the OCA regarding us having a vendor booth. 
• There was a discussion had concerning having a hospitality night on Thursday night during our conference from 5:00 p.m. to ?  Renee Southerland will call Krystal concerning how to get that scheduled.  
• It was discussed that Stephanie from Blackmon Mooring would like to be a vendor at this year’s conference and Renee Southerland will call her. 
• Chris Woodall will check with Dr. Albano regarding this cost and attendance at the conference.  
• A discussion was had about the coffee that would be ordered at the conference and this discussion was tabled until it gets closer to the conference.
• Renee Southerland advised that the Casino will let us have our board meeting there in May or June so that we can see the new conference meeting room which has been built and decide if we want the new room for our conference or to keep the room we used for the conference in 2021.
• It was discussed again that every board member needs to check with businesses or people they know that might be willing to give something away at the conference.  
• Renee Southerland advised that she needed to send the email blast out by at least the end of April or beginning of May and would need the full agenda by then.  

501(c)3

Chris Woodall advised his wife stated her firm (Michael Doyle, CPA) will be working on our paperwork for reinstatement and they will do the last three years of tax returns in hopes of getting our 501(c)3 reinstated.

Jesse Benne suggested possibly using the Burn Camp’s 501(c)3 to get donations but doing so might muddy the waters since any donations we get go back to the Burn Camp anyway.  Chris Woodall will check with the tax firm for their recommendation on this request.

Old Business

At this time the board discussed several changes in the wording to our Oklahoma chapter bylaws from review of the International bylaws regarding classifications of memberships.  Those changes will be made by Jesse Benne and will then be forwarded to Renee Southerland for Bill Cathcart to review.

New Business

Jonathan Wilk stated since Fred was retired he would like to nominate him for the Lifetime Award and the nomination was made.  Seconded by Todd DeSmet.  Motion carried and approved.

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Farm Bureau, located at 1077 South Memorial Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma.  

A motion was made by Bill Hollander to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Marc Sutphin, motion carried and approved.