All posts by OKIAAI

Date:  August 21, 2021
Time: 10:17 a.m.
Location:  Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Call to Order

Made by President Bill Hollander.

Roll Call

Present at Meeting: Bill Hollander (Pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Tim Reeves (2nd yr.), Rodd DeSmet (2nd yr.), Steve Rhodes (1st yr.), Jim Wilhelm (1st yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary)

Absent at Meeting: David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Fred Henderson (3rd yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd yr.), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Bill Hollander read the July minutes, Todd DeSmet made a motion to accept the Minutes, Seconded by Ashley Stephens, motion carried and approved.

Membership

One new member, David Vesely.  Bill Hollander made the motion to approve his membership, seconded by Tim Reeves, motion carried and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Since the Treasurer was absent, the Treasurer’s Report will be presented in the September meeting.  Renee Southerland will be meeting with Jonathan Wilk in a few days to provide him with check payments she has received in the last month so that those can be deposited.

CFI

None.

Website

There were no website changes, however, Dan will need to add in a list of sponsors and vendors when Renee has that list prepared.  Chris Woodall also advised that NEFCO has advised they want to do “more” for the organization and possibly pay to have their company advertise on our website as they had stated to Chris Woodall it was done on other chapters’ websites.  It was requested to check with Dan regarding the cost associated with adding some sort of advertisement or banner on our website.

Annual Conference

• Chris Woodall – Dan Gottuk is now speaking instead of Tripp Wagner on the same topics and Bill Cathcart will add additional information as well.  One of the presentations from Dan will be on OSAC, Organization of Scientific Area Committees, and Chris will get his info. 
• Todd DeSmet – Need Dan’s information and Ashley will send that to Todd.
• Renee Southerland – Bill Cathcart has coordinated with the past Oklahoma Arson Advisory Council representative regarding a presentation they want to make to the Burn Camp during the conference.
• Chris Woodall – The presentations from Custer and Abraham will not overlap.
• Tim Reeves – Wants to make sure we have boxes of masks available and Renee will get those purchased.  
• Bill Hollander – Wants to also put hand sanitizer at each table.
• Chris Woodall – Wants to discuss raising the vendor cost but this is going to be tabled for next year after the conference. 
• Ashley Stephens – An announcement can be made at the beginning of each conference that if you are not feeling well to go ahead and leave the conference.  
• Tim Reeves – Was able to secure $1,000 from the Quapaw Tribe and also received ten pounds of ham, roast, and brisket for the raffle.  An ice chest needs to be purchased.  This meat is from the Quapaw Cattle Company. 
• Renee Southerland – Advised Curtis and Conner are still deciding what to buy to give away in the raffle as they are purchasing items that total $400-$500.
• Jim Wilhelm – Will buy a freezer and get the meat from Tim to transport to the conference. 
• Tim Reeves – A discussion was had regarding other raffle items that he has been trying to obtain.
• Bill Hollander – Discussion was had regarding snacks and what would be purchased from the casino and who would be sponsoring those snack items throughout the day since we have received sponsor money.  Menu was reviewed and it was decided to get two snacks each morning and two snacks each afternoon.  Motion was made by Bill Hollander to accept these snack choices, seconded by Ashley Stephens, motion carried and approved.  Renee will order.
• Ashley Stephens – Will submit documents from the speakers to the Oklahoma Bar Association for Continuing Education approval and will pay that amount and get reimbursed from the treasurer at a later date. 
• Tim Reeves – Wants coffee in the room but coffee is available for free at the drink stations at the casino. 
• Renee Southerland – Passed around photo contest pictures that she had received.  It was decided to pend the voting on who would win the arson and accidental contests until the next meeting since the deadline is October 1^st for the contest pictures to be submitted to the organization.  
• Bill Hollander – We need to change the submission date for the photographs to 9/1 instead of 10/1 for the next year’s conference. 
• Jim Wilhelm – Will call Neal Moore to double-check his attendance for the conference so that he can get his award.  

Old Business

Todd DeSmet advised that the Oklahoma Claims Association would like for us to set out a vendor booth for our organization on September 17 at their annual conference.  Chris Woodall advised he could man the booth that day and Jim Wilhelm advised he could man it for the first half of the day.  It was requested that a foam board of the agenda be made along with membership form copies, a scholarship award, and a bowl for business cards (to give away the scholarship for the conference), as well as getting candy for the table.

New Business

Renee Southerland purchased flowers for Dave Hallman’s funeral and would like to be reimbursed.  Chris Woodall made a motion for reimbursement, seconded by Todd DeSmet, motion carried and approved.

Next Meeting

Next meeting will be Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Farm Bureau in Tulsa at 10:00 a.m.  A motion to adjourn was made by Todd DeSmet and was seconded by Chris Woodall, motion carried and approved.

Date:  July 22, 2021
Time:  10:22 a.m.
Location:  Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Call to order by President

Made by President, Bill Hollander  

Roll Call

Present: Bill Hollander (Pres.), David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP) (by phone), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.), Steve Rhodes (1st Yr.) (by phone), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)   

Absent: Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Bill Hollander read the June Minutes and made the Motion to approve them, seconded by Todd DeSmet, Motion carried and approved.

Membership 

Three new members: Lee Green, Josh Davis, and Ben Flowers.  Credentials were reviewed, and David VanBuskirk made the Motion to approve the three new members.  Ashley Stephens seconded.  Motion carried and approved.

Treasurer’s Report

As of 6/30/21, the balance was $15,549.76.  Since that time Jonathan Wilk has made a deposit of $800.00 as well as $289.35 from Square.  A $5.00 service fee will be withdrawn for July.  He did not get a chance to print the statement before the meeting.

 CFI

None.

Website

Dan Van Buskirk added photo contest information onto the Conference’s main page.  Also, corrections were requested to be made on the website for certain Board Members’ emails.  Renee Southerland will call Dan and have that done.    

Annual Conference

• Jonathan Wilk advised that the OCI is making the glider, grill, and fire ring for $1,000, and they will let him know when those items are ready to be picked up.  These will be raffle items.  Jonathan is not sure if the OCI will set up a vendor booth or not.  
• Jonathan Wilk advised 5.11 is not authorized to set up at the conference because they have to get main approval out of the California office.  The 5.11 Corporation has shut down for approval for any type of vendor booth.  
• Jonathan Wilk also sent Scott Rogers a sponsor form.
• Chris Woodall stated he is getting everything nailed down and he might need help getting his speaking material information.  Ashley Stephens advised he might be available to speak but needs a date and time and the ATF will pay for a room and travel.  
• Chris Woodall advised he will send what he has to date in reference to speaking materials to Todd DeSmet and Ashley Stephens.
• Chris Woodall has Mike Custer’s information but still needs an outline. 
• Todd DeSmet advised he needs the CV, power points, and timed outline to turn into the insurance department.  
• Chris Woodall said to use the 2019 information for Dr. Albano until he can get Albano’s 2021 presentation.  Chris requested Renee Southerland send the 2019 information to Ashley Stephens and Todd DeSmet which she will do.  
• Chris Woodall advised he will email Bill Cathcart and Tripp Wagner concerning Bill Cathcart doing a Q&A after Wagner’s presentation.  
• Tim Reeves is still trying to get the $1500 sponsorship from the Quapaw Tribe.  
• Chris Woodall advised he was not sure if Jensen Hughes would sponsor, but he will call them. 
• Renee Southerland advised that Doug Monty, a fire investigator from Kansas, advised he would send sponsor money.  
• Chris Woodall advised Firensics will sponsor and he will call to remind them.  
• Steven Rhodes will call NEFCO.
• Jonathan Wilk advised Hugh Graham will give money to the burn camp.  
• Bill Hollander stated he went to the Delaware Tribe and a few banks but has not had any luck yet to get any sponsor money.  He has also written a letter to Lowes requesting raffle items and is waiting to hear back.  He also applied to Walmart and will call the Shawnee Chamber of Commerce and Grace Industries.  
• Todd DeSmet advised he would call Armstrong Labs for either a vendor or sponsor spot.  
• David VanBuskirk said he can get a Head Country sampler kit or possibly seasoning packets as giveaways.  
• Todd DeSmet suggested we use sponsor money for auction gifts.  
• David VanBuskirk said Tim Reeves was also checking with the Quapaw Tribe in reference to a beef jerky kit.  
• Renee Southerland advised 129 shirts were ordered in the amount of $1,983.27.  
• Renee Southerland gave the hotel status that 50 nights have already been booked for the conference.  
• It was decided that a la carte food items, lunches, and snacks would be discussed at the next meeting.  
• Todd DeSmet advised that AFR would not be a sponsor.

Old Business

• The Oklahoma Claims Association conference and golf tournament is September 16^th and 17^th in Midwest City.  They advised we could have a free vendor booth.  We will need to appear for the golf tournament on Thursday, September 16^th.  

New Business

• Renee Southerland advised she would order the lanyards and football cases as those have yet to be ordered.    

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Oklahoma Farm Bureau.  A Motion was made by Ashley Stephens to close the meeting, seconded by David VanBuskirk.  Motion carried and approved.

Date:  June 9, 2021
Time:  10:30 a.m.
Location:  Grand Casino, Shawnee

Call to order by President

Made by President, Bill Hollander  

Roll Call

Present: David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.), Steve Rhodes (1st Yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)   

Absent: Bill Hollander (Pres.), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Tim Reeves made a motion to forego the reading and approval of Minutes, seconded by Todd DeSmet.  Motion carried and approved.

Membership

No new members 

Treasurer’s Report

Current balance is $14,465.41 per Jonathan Wilk.  Renee provided him with a $300 check received at the Post Office from vendor AdvantaClean.  Jonathan advised he still needs to deposit the $500 check we received last month from Integrity for raffle items to be purchased.  The new balance includes a $5.00 fee and the Go-Daddy payment of $83.88.  Tim Reeves made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Todd DeSmet.  Motion carried and approved.

CFI

Steve Rhodes and David Bealls received their CFIs.

Website

Dan VanBuskirk adds the Minutes monthly for the prior months as the Minutes are approved at each Board Meeting.  He also changed photo award amounts on the website.  

Annual Conference

• A discussion was had concerning the clarification of vendors versus sponsors and the forms and costs.
• Renee sent out the vendor / sponsor forms via email to all of the potential vendors and sponsors from the OCA conference.  
• Sherry Montes sent a vendor form and needs to make a credit card payment over the phone.  Chris Woodall will call to get that from her. 
• AdvantaClean sent a $300 payment for a vendorship, however, the check had Chris Woodall’s name on it also.  Jonathan will go ahead and try to cash it.  If the bank will not accept it, AdvantaClean will produce a new check.  
• Chris Woodall has been calling all speakers for speaking materials and is trying to get all of those materials that Todd DeSmet needs by the end of June.  He will also work on the agenda.  Todd will email Chris as to exactly what is needed.  
• Mike Custer will speak on Smart Homes / appliances and EVs and Chris would like to have a new EV at the conference.  Jonathan will check on this and Jeremy also possibly has a lead at a dealership.
• Discussion was had regarding who is speaking on what date and what time. 
• Sign-in sheets for ODI, OBA and CLEET need to be prepared and ready for the conference. 
• Chris Woodall was contacted by Edward Roberts with Forensics as Edward Roberts is president and has a couple of presentations to teach a one-to-two-hour class at the conference concerning fire investigation and case studies referencing fires in Texas.  He also presented at the International Conference.
• Dave called the State Fire Marshal’s office and confirmed that Chief Bryant cannot do the keynote speech at the conference as he will be enrolled in CLEET classes but stated that if the CLEET classes are online he could do the keynote speech.  He would not know if the classes are online until closer to the conference.  
• Jonathan Wilk suggested Eric Harlow as an option for keynote with the OSFA.
• Chris Woodall suggested someone in the industry or law enforcement to do the keynote.  
• Todd DeSmet stated he would contact Glen Mulberry with the Insurance Commissioner’s office to see if he could do the keynote speech.  
• David VanBuskirk suggested the Tribe affiliated with the casino would be a good option to present the colors.  Krystle from the casino was called into the meeting to discuss and she will try to find the number and provide it and do some research to see if there was a Color Guard with the Tribe.  
• Chris Woodall asked if OSFA had a drum and pipe corp.  
• Renee Southerland asked Chris Woodwall to determine if any of the speakers need rooms to be booked at the hotel and Chris will check.  
• Chris Woodall will also contact Cameron Novak at David VanBuskirk’s suggestion to possibly speak at the conference. He will advise Cameron of our agenda and case studies.  
• We also asked Krystle what were the weapons policies at the casino and she will check and advise on that.  
• Krystle also advised that the Food Court with six different cuisines will be open by October.  
• Jonathan Wilk discussed getting raffle items from the Department of Corrections inmate program and advised that some of the items are on backlog due to a material shortage.  He advised if anything was custom made for the conference, we might not receive it in time.  He requested a limit to spend and will go ahead and buy for the conference as the store is located in Oklahoma City.  A discussion was had for Jonathan to spend up to $1,000 if needed.  Todd DeSmet made a motion for Jonathan to spend up to $1,000 at DOC for giveaways, in particular for the deck swing and fire ring.  Seconded by Dave VanBuskirk.  Motion was carried and approved.
• Renee Southerland is to call Curtis Ozment to request that he and Conner go ahead and buy their raffle items instead of providing a $500 check as Custis wanted to know what items would be purchased with that money.  
• Tim Reeves will check on his contact for the TV raffle item.
• It was discussed that Renee Southerland could buy the two football cases online for the two footballs she had signed by the OSU and OU coaches.  
• Renee Southerland will check with Bill Cathcart concerning calling American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance Company for a donation for either lunch or snacks.
• A lunch discussion was had concerning providing a lunch or giving a voucher instead.  It was decided to discuss this closer to the conference.  
• Jonathan Wilk provided the tool bag prices from 5.11.  We can get the bags for half price.  140 bags would be approximately $3000.  It was discussed that Jonathan offer a free vendor space for the 5.11 guy if we purchased those bags.  Jonathan also looked around the 5.11 store for other items, but they were somewhat expensive.
• Todd DeSmet suggested that maybe part of the 5.11 price include some of the amount going to burn camp.
• Chris Woodall suggested to get the tool bags in all three colors of brown, black and green or only get one color for the conference giveaways.  
• David VanBuskirk made a motion for Jonathan Wilk to go ahead and buy the bags, seconded by Steve Rhodes, motion carried and approved.  
• Todd DeSmet texted his Farm Bureau contact to get a $1500 donation for a lunch.
• David VanBuskirk suggested for Dan to list on the main page a banner to enter the photo contest and that the award amounts have increased. 
• Todd DeSmet requested the end of June to be the goal to get all of the documents needed to him to turn into ODI.  Same goal applies for CLEET and OBA.

Old Business

• Chris Woodall advised the tax office said that everyone is getting the runaround from the IRS and it is not looking good for us to get tax exempt status done for this year.  

New Business

• There was a discussion concerning lifetime membership awards and credentials.
• The OCA conference is September 16-17 at the same golf course in Midwest City as it was during 2019.  The golf tournament is the first day.  Todd DeSmet advised we get a free booth if we extend the same for OCA to have a free booth at our conference.  Some of us will attend the day of the golf tournament.
• A discussion was had concerning scholarships to be given at the conference since each board member has one scholarship to give.  Todd DeSmet wanted to give his to David Massey.  Renee Southerland advised she would check and see what kind of certificate was done for Bryan Dye in 2019.  David is also giving a scholarship to Bryan Dye again this year.  

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be Thursday, July 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Farm Bureau in Tulsa.

Date:  May 13, 2021
Time:  10:14 a.m.
Location:  Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa

Call to order by President

Made by President, Bill Hollander  

Roll Call

Present: Bill Hollander (pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP) – (by phone), David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Steve Rhodes  (1st Yr.), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)   

Absent: Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

David VanBuskirk made a motion to accept the April Minutes.  Seconded by Steve Rhodes.  Motion carried and approved.    

Membership

Currently 107 paid members and no new members since the last meeting. 

Treasurer’s Report

Current balance is $13,972.59, which does not include a transfer from PayPal of $581.70.  Since the last meeting there were two deductions of $5.00 for the checking account service fee, and $115.40 to Midwest Trophy for the Past President plaque and the plaque for Neal Moore.  A Motion was made by Steve Rhodes to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by David VanBuskirk.  Motion carried and approved.

CFI

None

Website

Dan Van Buskirk added the conference and hotel information on the website.    

Annual Conference

• Renee Southerland sent out the blast and already received conference payments from several who want to attend. 
• Chris Woodall made headway on contacting the speakers and getting their materials.  He will work on the agenda.  Bill Cathcart needs the 921 / 1033 info / changes, and Chris will have Tripp send that within the next week.  
• David VanBuskirk needs to know if speakers need any hotel reservations – Chris Woodall will find out and advise.  
• Renee Southerland spoke with Dave Hallman and he will bring evidence to the conference from closed cases to display as talking points during breaks.  
• Jonathan Wilk advised he would contact the prison in Hominy to see if we could purchase an item or two as raffle giveaways at the conference since that has been done in the past.  
• Steve Rhodes presented a $500.00 check from Integrity for us to purchase raffle giveaway items and that will be discussed at the next meeting.  
• Renee Southerland had a conversation with Mike Parham regarding the burn camp being a 501(c)(3) and that they use accountant Preston Smith and his brother, Parker Smith, who is their attorney.  It was suggested Preston was a possibility to do the 501(c)(3), and Chris Woodall advised he just needed to meet with Jonathan Wilk to go over all the banking information so that the lady he is using at his wife’s accounting firm can get started on the process.  
• Jonathan Wilk wanted to discuss the tool bags being given to the members when they registered and whether or not they should be embroidered.  A short discussion was had concerning the sizes of the tool bags and Jonathan will do some research and provide information at the next meeting.  A 5.11 search was done online at that point on his phone, and they do have several bags from which to choose.  He will also check on bag cost from Special Ops with the logo.  
• Renee Southerland will go ahead and order the t-shirts for the members and requested that everybody work on getting donations for the raffle items.  She also sent out sponsor/vendor forms by email to a list of potential vendors.  
• Chris Woodall advised it would be good to have a new electric vehicle at the conference and not a burned one – Jeremy Robbins is to be working on this.  
• Renee Southerland discussed the photo contest and about raising the amount of the award.  Jonathan Wilk made a Motion to raise the first-place photo awards in accidental and arson to $100.00 and second place to $50.00 in each of those categories.  This was seconded by Steve Rhodes.  The Motion carried and was approved.  
• Jonathan Wilk requested that in the next blast we really push the need for investigator of the year applicants and getting photos for the contest.  He suggested we give each person that participates 10 raffle tickets.  Jonathan made this Motion, seconded by David VanBuskirk.  Motion carried and approved.  
• A discussion was had about the Honor Guard and who would be doing the opening ceremonies.  David VanBuskirk will call and find out if Keith Bryant with the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s Office could maybe do the keynote speech for five minutes and Bill Hollander advised he would call Shawnee Fire Department and see if their Chief could get their Color Guard to do the opening ceremonies.  

Old Business

• A discussion was had again about the Burn Camp accountant being used possibly as our accountant, but Chris Woodall stated he would meet with Jonathan Wilk to see about getting our tax returns filed first with the lady he has been communicating with at his wife’s office.  
• Jonathan Wilk sent a proposal to Bill Cathcart regarding changes to our By-Laws to mirror the National By-Laws regarding membership.  

New Business

None

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be Wednesday, June 9, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Casino in Shawnee.  Renee Southerland will call Krystal, our event coordinator, and will reserve a room for this meeting.  David VanBuskirk made a motion to end the meeting, seconded by Chris Woodall, motion carried and approved.

Date:  April 15, 2021
Time:  10:56 a.m.
Location:  Grand Casino, Shawnee, Oklahoma

Call to order by President

Made by 2nd Vice President, Ashley Stephens.

Roll Call

Present: Bill Hollander (Pres.) – (by phone), Chris Woodall (1st VP) – (late), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)

Absent: David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Steve Rhodes (1st yr.), Jim Wilhelm (1st yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Jeremy Robbins made a motion to accept the March Minutes.  Seconded by Tim Reeves.  Motion carried and approved.

Membership

Currently 107 paid members and no new members since the last meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Current balance is $13,582.75, which includes a transfer from PayPal, $270.38.  Received three checks to deposit, as well.  Motion made by Ashley Stephens to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Fred Henderson.  Motion carried and approved.

 CFI

None.

Website

Dan added the correct wording for payment clarification concerning VISA payments.

Annual Conference

We were able to tour the actual conference area with Events Coordinator, Krystle, where the conference will take place.  Everyone in attendance was pleased with the conference area and amenities.

After touring the facilities through the Grand Casino, the following discussion was had concerning the conference:

• Jeremy Robbins advised that Gordon Cooper had two places for us to use, the Emergency Services building, and another room that the FMAO had used.  The Emergency Services building was booked for 2021, however, the other room would be available for use in 2022 if we elected to have the conference there.
• Todd DeSmet advised he still has access to the 2010 Hybrid Ford Escape to bring to the conference. 
• Jeremy Robbins is asking Hudiburg Chevrolet / GMC dealership to bring two new electric vehicles to the conference.  
• Chris Woodall advised that as for the conference agenda, he is still waiting to confirm all speakers.  He has missed speaking with Albano on two different occasions, but Albano did text back and say he should be good to speak at the conference.  Chris also has a guy that works for the NFPA that can speak, Trip Wagner.  We can use him or Ashley Stephen’s co-worker, Darren Solomon.  Bill Cathcart can discuss legal.  Chris also had Jerry Bach lined up for last year for EVs, but has had no response from him yet.
• Todd DeSmet stated he needed the speaking materials to the Oklahoma Insurance Department by August 1st.
• Chris Woodall advised we could shoot for the end of June deadline to get all of the presentation materials so that we have everything in time to submit to the Bar Association and CLEET, as well.
• Ashley Stephens advised if anyone knew if Cameron Novak was speaking, as he was brought up at the last meeting by David VanBuskirk.
• Chris Woodall advised it would be best to have a new vehicle to the conference and Jeremy Robbins stated he is working on this with Hudiburg.
• Chris Woodall also advised that he wants someone to speak on the McGirt, and Ashley Stephens agreed to speak a couple of hours on that case.
• It was discussed that we need a battery and EV speakers and maybe a case study regarding Tesla from Kevin Lewis.  Chris Woodall will reach out to him.
• Chris Woodall advised the schedule so far would be the following: 
  • Bill Cathcart to speak on 921 / 1033 – legal aspects – Wednesday morning
  • Michael Custer – SmartHome fires (Half vehicle and half home)
  • Trip Wagoner – 921 / 1033 changes
  • Ashley Stephens – Speaking on McGirt
  • Need half day for EV fires and hoping to get this information from Jerry Bach
  • Dr. Albano – Mental health – Friday 10/22

Old Business

• Midwest Trophy advised that the tool bag cost would be approximately $19.95 with the logo embroidered.  We will pend the tee-shirt order until the next meeting in May.
• Ashley Stephens suggested that before the next conference begins on that Wednesday morning, October 20th, we can make an announcement that photographs will be taken throughout the conference and that anyone did not want their photograph taken to let us know because these photographs will be placed on the website.

New Business

Next Meeting

A motion to adjourn was made by Ashley Stephens, seconded by Tim Reeves, motion carried and approved.

Date: March 25, 2021
Time: 10:15 a.m.
Location: Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa, OK

Call to Order by President

Made by First Vice-President Chris Woodall as President Bill Hollander was running late.

Roll Call

PRESENT: Bill Hollander (Pres.)- present at 10:35 a.m., Chris Woodall (1st VP), (appeared by phone), Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Steve Rhodes (1st Yr.), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)

ABSENT: Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Chris Woodall read the Minutes from February 25, 2021.  It was requested to correct the spelling of Jonathan’s last name from Wilks to Wilk.  Jonathan Wilk made a motion to accept the minutes when amended, seconded by Steve Rhodes, motion carried and approved. Renee will correct the Minutes and have Dan VanBuskirk post on the website.

Membership

New membership – Chad Oubre.  Motion was made by Jonathan Wilk to accept Chad as a new member, seconded by Tim Reeves, motion carried and approved.

A discussion was had that a few members that have paid their dues this year are retired from fire service and that will be discussed in old business as how to proceed with retired members.

Treasurer’s Report

Jonathan Wilk advised the balance was $13,424.79 and had provided the bank statement to everyone the day before the meeting. This amount does not include a recent transfer of $92.96 that was made, nor the other checks received from Renee, nor the refunds that were made to the members that had paid their dues twice.

David VanBuskirk made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Tim Reeves, motion carried and approved.

A discussion was also had that GoDaddy was paid on March 22, 2021, for website services.

Annual Conference:

• Jonathan Wilk advised that Jeremy Robbins told him that the Reed Center was a no go because the dates were not available.
• Jonathan Wilk also advised that Jeremy had checked into Gordan Cooper Vo-Tech in Shawnee, but he had not heard back by the time Jonathan Wilk received this information the day before our meeting.  There are grounds there where we can burn if that venue is available.
• Chris Woodall advised that Joe Elam cannot get the Edmond Chief to commit for us to use the Edmond Fire Training Center for the conference at this time due to COVID.
• Jonathan Wilk also advised that Jeremy Robbins stated that Rose State would be approximately $2,000 to use their facility.
• A discussion was had concerning using the Grand Casino conference room and blocking rooms there as Renee Southerland had already spoken to Krystle, the Events Coordinator. Krystle confirmed in writing that we could have the facility from Tuesday afternoon, October 19^th, through half day Friday, October 22^nd, for $1,250.  The cost is free on Tuesday to set up, $500 each for Wednesday and Thursday, and $250 for that Friday.  There was not a charge to block the rooms and we would not be responsible for any rooms that were blocked that did not get booked.  For every 35 nights that are booked, we get one night free.  This location is nine miles to the Gordon Cooper burning grounds if we elect to burn anything.  Krystle also advised that we could set up vehicles on display in the parking lot, and Renee advised her that orange cones would be placed around those vehicles so as to not have them disturbed.  Krystle also advised that we would have our own private entrance to the Grand Conference Room.
• Chris Woodall advised that the Hilton Garden Inn in Edmond advised they would have a packet ready for Chris to bring to the meeting with room requirements and conference cost, but it was not ready.  They did have their conference room available and he did not believe there was a requirement on rooms being booked, but, again, the cost is unknown.
• Chris Woodall also checked the new Oklahoma City Convention Center next to the Omni Hotel, but he has not received any information from them, but the dates were open for our conference.  We would receive a 25% discount on the normal charges of $900 per day, but it would cost to park in the parking garage and it would not be walking distance to Bricktown.
• Jonathan Wilk advised that Phoenix Restoration should be a vendor as he talked to them recently. 
• An in-depth discussion was had concerning having the conference at Grand Casino.  Bill Hollander made a motion to have the conference at the Grand Casino in Shawnee, seconded by Fred Henderson, motion carried and approved.
• Chris Woodall left a message with Mr. Albano to confirm he will speak on mental health on that Friday.
• Chris Woodall also spoke with Mike Custer, who does smart technology, and he will speak at no charge.
• Chris Woodall stated he will nail down the agenda for the next meeting. 
• Chris Woodall advised that Trip Wagoner, who is on the 921 Commission with Jensen Hughes, can also give a presentation.  If Ashley Stephens’ guys are still willing, then we would have more information to provide at the conference.
• Renee Southerland advised Bill Cathcart is still willing to speak for an hour as he was willing to give up his other hour to Mike Custer if that time was needed for him.
• Chris Woodall is also going to reach out to Jerry Bach concerning JH Batteries.
• David VanBuskirk suggested Cameron Novak to speak about batteries. 
• Jonathan Wilk advised that Cary Dooley might have a lithium battery expert as he recalled working a case with him involving those batteries. 
• As for giveaways, it was decided to do the short-sleeve T-shirts from Midwest Trophy with our older logo with the white lettering. Renee Southerland will check with Midwest Trophy about the 12” tool bag and if it can be monogramed with our logo.  
• Chris Woodall stated he was going to buy three or four hand-held metal detectors as giveaways in the raffle as he recently saw one being used.  Everyone agreed that would be a good purchase.  
• We are not going to do the earbuds this year as Tim Reeves had proposed.  

CFI

None

Website

Renee Southerland will have Dan VanBuskirk switch the location of the conference on the website from Edmond to Grand Casino and an email blast will be done after the April meeting.  

An in-depth discussion was had concerning the photographs that were placed on the website from the 2019 Conference as to whether or not those individuals that were pictured actually wanted their pictures on the website.  It was discussed whether a photo release was needed.

Renee Southerland is going to have Dan VanBuskirk revise the payment method wording on the website billing area as she is still getting notifications from people that they do not have “PayPal” even though you can pay with a debit card.  She will have Dan VanBuskirk more boldly display that debit cards or VISAs can be used.

Old Business  

• Chris Woodall stated he and Jonathan need to meet and discuss the 501c(3) and put together the paperwork needed by the accountant to get that reinstated so that we can be tax exempt.  
• A discussion was had concerning Associate membership, and Jonathan Wilk advised that the By-laws state associate membership can be pursuant to the International Guidelines.  The International states that if you are not active in fire service, you can be an Associate member, but you cannot be on the Board and vote.  
• Bill Hollander advised that he is now retired but will be working for the Sheriff’s Office and that this should be a discussion to have at the Annual Meeting at the conference so those firefighter service or insurance personnel that are going to retire can still be Associate members.  
• Chris Woodall will discuss this with Bill Cathcart so that it can be addressed at the annual conference.  He noted there might be a time constraint to submit this to our current members.  We would need to advise that a change might be coming at the annual conference that “member status will follow International By-laws” and that our By-laws will have the same wording.  Jonathan Wilk advised he would put it all together and talk with Bill Cathcart since Chris advised the consult would be needed with Bill Cathcart. 
• At the last meeting we discussed that Sherry Montes had paid dues to our Association even though she worked in the administrative department at Rimkus Consulting.  Since our By-laws state Associate members are members pursuant to International Guidelines, Sherry is now considered an Associate member.  
• Bill Hollander advised that since the International Conference got cancelled in April due to a spike in COVID in New Jersey, he could not get a refund on his flight but could get a refund on the conference fees.  He has one year to use the flight credits.  Chris Woodall advised we could reimburse Bill Hollander for the flight amount, but Bill said he would use the flight within the year and it was okay not to be reimbursed.  

New Business

None.

Next Meeting

Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at the Grand Casino located at 777 Grand Casino Boulevard in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Jonathan Wilk made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Bill Hollander, motion carried and approved.

Date: February 25, 2021
Time: 10:22 a.m.
Location: Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa, OK

Call to order by President

Made by President Bill Hollander

Roll Call

PRESENT: Bill Hollander (Pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP), (appeared by phone), Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.) (appeared by phone), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.), Steve Rhodes (1st Yr.) (appeared by phone), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)

ABSENT: David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Bill Hollander read the Minutes of January 2021. Motion made by Tim Reeves to approve the reading of the Minutes. Seconded by Todd DeSmet. Motion carried and approved. 

Membership

No new members since the last meeting in January. 93 members have paid their dues to date. A few have paid twice, and those dues will be refunded. Chris Woodall advised he contacted Sherry Montes concerning the membership rules and she understood. She had already paid $20, and we need to discuss looking at an Associate Membership for her. Jonathan will check the By-Laws concerning this request. 

Treasurer’s Report

Current balance is $14,239.77. Jonathan Wilk advised that he made a transfer of $402.46, a $100 check cleared, and he received $40.00 in checks since the last meeting. 

Tim Reeves made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Jeremy Robbins, motion carried and approved. 

Conference

• Chris Woodall was attended the meeting by phone call and was traveling so his reception was off and on during the meeting. 
• Todd will contact Copart regarding getting a burned hybrid or total electric vehicle for the conference. 
• Jonathan Wilk has a meeting with Edmond Fire Department the following Monday (March 1) after our meeting and will check with Joe Elam while he is there about our conference venue with them. 
• We will talk about the t-shirt order next meeting as well as the discussion of the earbud order. 
• Steve Rush called and needs to know where we are having the meeting in October as OK LP Gas has to plan for this meeting for their participants. 
• Jeremy Robbins will check with the Reed Center and cost of rooms to do the conference in Midwest City if Edmond is unavailable. 
• Chris Woodall advised that Joe Elam said it looks good to have the conference in Edmond, but he is not sure when we will get a commitment from Joe. 
• Jeremy Robbins he has access to crash acres where we can burn which is three to five miles from the Midwest City Conference Center. 
• Chris Woodall advised it was okay for Jonathan Wilk to discuss the conference venue with Joe Elam on March 1 and that we needed to have a meeting with Jonathan / Jeremy within the next two weeks concerning the status of Edmond or the Midwest City venue. Jonathan advised that Fitzgerald in Edmond can get us a new vehicle for display. 
• Jeremy Robbins stated if we have the conference in Midwest City, he has a friend at Hudiburg where he can bring two new cars for display. 
• Todd DeSmet reiterated we need the pricing for the conference room and the hotel rooms if we do it in Midwest City. Jeremy advised that he will know on March 1st when we can meet the Sheridan / Reed Center. As Jeremy has the second and third week of March available and Chris was okay was okay for the second week of March. 
• Todd DeSmet advised he has a contact with Manheim and Copart concerning electric or hybrid vehicles to have at the conference. Jeremy Robbins advised he does not have a contact at IAA. 
• Chris Woodall made contact with most of the speakers, and all are okay to continue speaking and Chris will also check with Mr. Albano. 
• Renee Southerland advised that she had a conversation with Bill Cathcart and that Bill had spoken with Mike Custer and he would like to speak at the conference if possible. Chris Woodall advised he knew Mike from Kilgore Engineering and Mike does have lots of information on “smart technology”. He will get in contact with Mike Custer and will double check the agenda to see if we can fit him into the schedule. Bill advised he would give up part of his time in order for Mike to speak. 

Website

The photographs from the 2019 conference were added. It was requested by Renee Southerland that Dan Van Buskirk needs to add the words “VISA or Debit card” more boldly in the payment section of the website, as she is still getting emails from people stating they don’t have PayPal. 

Old Business

• Ashley Stephens advised he found the 501C(3) form when it was originally given to us several years ago. 
• Chris Woodall stated it would be a long process to get the 501c(3) reinstated and we might need more financial information, as well as a meeting with Jonathan and Renee. 
• Jonathan Wilk cannot get the Bank of the West information as he was not on the account. He only has the old checkbook registers to use that were provided by Neil Moore. 
• Chris Woodall stated he should be able to do the tax returns based on the checkbook registers. 
• Renee Southerland found that same letter on the thumb drive. 
• Jonathan Wilk fixed the GoDaddy account and added our Post Office Box. 
• PayPal is changed to the OKIAAI email and Heather’s name is now off. 
• Steve Rhodes advised he will not go to the Annual Conference so someone else can go at the Chapter’s expense. 

New Business

• Need to provide three dues refunds for dues that were paid twice. Jonathan will handle those refunds. 
• Received a billing from Dan Van Buskirk for $350 for the recent website work and a check was written by Jonathan to be sent in the mail by Renee Southerland. 

Next Meeting

March 25, 2021, at Oklahoma Farm Bureau in Tulsa, located at 10777 South Memorial Drive, at 10:00 a.m., unless we are able to get the Reed Center Conference and then the meeting would be April 1, 2021.

Todd DeSmet made a Motion to adjourn, seconded by Tim Robbins. Motion carried and approved.

Date: January 14, 2021
Time: 10:05 a.m.
Location: Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa, OK

Call to order by President

Made by President Bill Hollander.

Roll Call

PRESENT: Bill Hollander (Pres.), David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP), Fred Henderson (3rd Yr.), Jeremy Robbins (3rd Yr.) (appeared by phone), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary), Jonathan Wilk (Treasurer)

ABSENT: Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Bill Hollander completely read the Minutes of October 2020 to get everyone up-to-speed on what we had discussed since we had not had a meeting since then. David VanBuskirk made a motion to accept the reading and approval, seconded by Chris Woodall, motion carried and approved.

Membership

Renee Southerland advised of eleven new members. Ashley Stephens made a motion to vote and approve all as members, except Sherry Montes, as she was not in fire service, but was in administration with Rimkus. Seconded by Jonathan Wilk. Motion carried and approved. Chris Woodall will call her to clarify her credentials and see if she can be voted on as a member during the February meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Jonathan Wilk advised that Bank of the West was completely closed, and Chris Woodall got the Square account set up with our new bank, Arvest. Jonathan advised of the following:

Transferred from Square One to Arvest (includes a $5.00 service fee)	$231.00
Post Office Box renewal by Renee	$106.00
PayPal transfer to Arvest	$688.00
Stickers and business cards that Renee ordered	$61.29
Banking fee (amount charged per month for a commercial banking account)	$5.00
Magalassi check cleared	$1,000.00
Ordering checks and stamps by Jonathan	$48.12

Balance currently in the Arvest account is $13,502.00. Jonathan Wilk requested that Renee Southerland write a check to him for reimbursement of opening the account which was $100.00 of his own money.

Tim Reeves made a motion to approve the report, seconded by David VanBuskirk, motion carried and approved.

Conference

• Chris Woodall will make contact with all of the speakers that he had lined up for 2020 to make sure they are onboard for October 2021.
• Chris Woodall is not sure about the Edmond venue at this time, but hopefully as the months pass and more vaccines are given that we can do the conference there.
• David VanBuskirk had no luck in contacting 511 nor has he received the contact information from Neal Moore that he used to get promotional items as give-a-ways at the conference.
• Chris Woodall messaged a guy on Linken, Wayne Divelbiss, about promotional items but has not received a response, but will reach back out to him.
• Tim Reeves brought a sample of wireless earbuds to the meeting that had our logo on the ear ends which we could purchase and give away as promotional items. They are $20.75 each, so 150 would be approximately $3,000. This company is out of North Carolina. He stated he could possibly get them cheaper and will reach out to customusb.com concerning a lower price and advise at the next meeting.
• We are pending the T-shirt order as give-a-ways until more discussion is had at the next meeting.
• Ashley Stephens has an account with Gerber Knives and they will give us a discount if we purchase the multi-tool knives from them. They will be $6.00 each, and the website is gerbergear.com.
• Bill Hollander will call Mr. Albano to make sure he is on board for teaching mental health again.
• David VanBuskirk discussed that there were lots of changes on NFPA 921, and Renee confirmed Bill Cathcart went to a class concerning the changes on 921 and 1033 and he is still willing to speak at the conference.
• Tim Reeves advised that someone is speaking at the International conference in April on those changes and we could get information from the International when we send our two board representatives.
• Chris Woodall advised that if we use NFPA to bring in an electric vehicle they will charge $1,000.
• Renee Southerland purchased the business cards and stickers which can be handed out at the conference, and she provided several business cards to each of the board members to hand out to prospective members and requested that the date of the conference be written on the back of the cards when handed out.
• Tim Reeves can get a big-screen TV again to give away.
• A discussion was had about ordering just plan lanyards (150 of them) instead of imprinted lanyards. A motion was made by David VanBuskirk, seconded by Chris Woodall, and the motion carried and was approved to order 150 plain lanyards. David also suggested re-using them again ones we hand out by having the members turn them back in after the conference.
• Ashley Stephens stated he could get some of his guys to teach a four-hour block on 921 since part of his team wrote it and ATF would pay for it.

Website

• Renee Southerland advised that Dan VanBuskirk is checking on being able to revise the website so that more than one person from an agency can be paid for at once instead of paying for each person separately or paying dues separately.
• David VanBuskirk checked with the International and they advised that maybe by April 1st we could possibly be an enhanced chapter where they would collect the dues for us.

Old Business

• As for the 501C(3) status, Chris Woodall stated he needed to get more information to the tax lady so that she can file for our organization for the last three years.
• Jonathan Wilks will call Bank of the West to see if he can get the last four years’ statements, and it was discussed there might be a research charge to do so.
• Ashley Stephens will get with Heather Stanley regarding the 501C(3) and if she has anything, and Renee Southerland will also look on the thumb drive as well.
• Chris Woodall stated we needed to get Heather Stanley off of the PayPal and Square accounts, and that he and Jonathan Wilks will get together to figure out how to do that.
• More discussion was had concerning the plaque for Neal Moore in reference to our organization’s appreciation for his years of service. This plaque will be in the fire flame design as we had used during the 2019 conference. A motion was made by Ashley Stephens for Renee Southerland to go ahead and order the plaque, seconded by Tim Reeves, motion carried and approved.

New Business

• A discussion was had concerning what delegates we would send from our Board to the International Conference during the third week of April in Atlantic City.
• Bill Hollander voiced his request to go and Steve Rhodes said he would go if no other Board member wanted to go.
• Ashley Stephens made the motion and it was seconded by Tim Reeves to send these two board members to the conference and pay allowable expenses. Bill Hollander and Steve Rhodes will attend.

Next Meeting

• The next meeting is Thursday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m., at Oklahoma Farm Bureau in Tulsa, located at 10777 South Memorial Drive.
• A Motion to adjourn was made by Ashley Stephens, seconded by Jeremy Henderson. Motion carried and approved.

Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020
Time: 10:28 a.m.
Location:  Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Call to order by President

Made by President Bill Hollander

Roll Call

PRESENT: Bill Hollander (Pres.), David VanBuskirk (Past Pres.), Chris Woodall (1st VP), Fred Henderson (3rd yr.), Tim Reeves (2nd Yr.), Todd DeSmet (2nd Yr.), Jonathan Wilk (1st Yr.), Jim Wilhelm (1st Yr.), Renee Southerland (Secretary)

ABSENT: Jeremy Robbins (3rd yr.), Ashley Stephens (2nd VP)

Reading and Approval of Minutes

Tim Reeves made the Motion to forego the reading and approval of the Minutes, seconded by Todd DeSmet.  Motion carried and approved.

Membership

No new membership

Treasurer’s Report

The new bank account at Arvest is now in full swing and Bank of the West is closed after the transfer that was made to Arvest in the amount of $13,578.00 +/- in change.  There was also a PayPal transfer made in the amount of $305.92.  One check cleared in the amount of $48.57 which was for Todd’s drink purchase for the Claims Association Golf Tournament.  Jonathan looked through all of the paperwork provided by Neal Moore and could not find the check from Southern Farm Bureau that was sent a year ago for two of their members to attend the conference in the amount of $400.00.  We need to request another check from them per their letter.  Jonathan also needs to be reimbursed $100.00 for opening the Arvest account.  Motion made by David VanBuskirk to accept the Treasurer’s Report, seconded by Chris Woodall.  Motion carried and approved.

CFI

None

Website

• Dan VanBuskirk now has the disk of photographs provided to him by David VanBuskirk.  David will meet with Dan to go over the photographs.      

Annual Conference:

• Ashley Stephens agreed to speak on the McGirt case and will have a 2-hour slot.
• Todd DeSmet will get with the Copart guy (that we met at the OCA golf tournament) who said he would get us an electric vehicle exemplar.
• 511 Merchandise – David VanBuskirk needs Neal Moore’s source.
• Chris Woodall has 511 contact through Linkin in this area and will provide to David.
• David VanBuskirk brought a hoodie for us to look at as a giveaway. 
• Fred Henderson stated he was not opposed to the hoodie, as well as also providing a T-shirt that Renee Southerland had suggested.  
• Discussion was had concerning having the next conference in 2021 at the Edmond Fire Department venue versus other venues.  If we have it at the Edmond Fire Training Center, then it is a huge cost savings to help rebound from 2019 cost at the Hard Rock.  
• Tim Reeves suggested the golf tournament as an option and there was a discussion on how to do this and get sponsors. 
• Jonathan Wilk suggested having a discussion concerning the cost from the last conference concerning what cost will be spent at next 2021 conference.   
• A continued discussion was had about what to give away to paid attendance.
• David VanBuskirk wants to raffle all items from past conferences that are in his storage.  Everyone agreed.  
• Todd DeSmet indicated that Farm Bureau has a large cooker and he could use that to cook steaks as an option as one of the evening meals. 

Old Business:  

• Todd DeSmet requested an update on any information about our chapter being an “enhanced chapter” and David VanBuskirk said he would follow up with his contact. 
• Chris Woodall needs banking information to give to the tax lady that filed the tax return for the last three years.
• Renee Southerland to send a blast to the members to pay their dues, if not already paid. 
• The Magalassi $1,000 check needs to be paid to the Magalassi Foundation.  Jim Wilhelm will get this to Billie.  
• Renee Southerland to check the Post Office Box.  
• Jonathan Wilk has a login for Bank of the West and will print statements for Chris Woodall for the taxes.
• Renee Southerland will request a $400 duplicate check from Southern Farm Bureau since the other one was lost.  
• Another discussion was had about the challenge coins, but since they come from across seas, it was hard to get them because of the virus situation.  Renee Southerland said she could check with Midwest Trophy again on the cost. 
• Fred Henderson indicated he had not called Dale Wade yet concerning the 501c(3), but he will email him.  

New Business

• We welcomed new member Steve Rhodes.
• Need to do a plaque for Neal Moore to have it ready at the next 2021 conference.

Next Meeting

Next meeting will be on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Edmond Fire Training Center. David VanBuskirk made the Motion to adjourn, seconded by Tim Reeves.  Motion carried and approved.