August 20, 2009

Regular Meeting:

     The regular monthly meeting of the Mississippi Valley Firefighters Association was held at the Annawan Fire Station
on August 20, 2009. At 6:30 PM, everyone headed out to the Patriot Renewable Fuels Ethanol plant where they were
given a tour of the facilities.  Audie Stewards, the plant safety officer gave the tour of the facilities with a quick
explanation of what was done where.  Everyone met back at the fire station at 8:00 PM where the pledge of allegiance
and roll call were done prior to breaking for supper.  Roll call showed that 14 members from 6 departments were
present.  The meeting reconvened at 8:20 PM with the reading of the minutes for the May meeting.  Motion was made to
accept the minutes as read and vote was taken on the motion.  Motion passed.  The treasure's report was given with a
checking account balance of  $1600.28.  Savings account has $4412.47.  Motion to accept the treasure's report was
made and seconded.  Vote taken and motion passed.  
In old business, the summer fire school was discussed.  Training will be in the following fields: RIT, Pumpers and
tankers, Drafting, Water Shuttle, Air Packs, Ventilation, and Auto Extraction, which will be done Saturday.  On Sunday,
water shuttle, pumping, and drafting will be covered then the house will be burnt.  Honor Guard, Silvis and Orion
parades.  In new business, John Swan from the Colona Fire Department and Illinois Firefighters Association relayed that
all the Cornerstone programs from IFSI had been cancelled due to the state taking 10 million dollars from the fire fund.  
The state Association is working to try and recover at least 4 million dollars of that amount in order to try and reestablish
the Cornerstone Program.  MABAS 39 radios hopefully will be programmed and ready to hand out before long.    Illinois
Firefighters Association Conference will be October 23-25, 2009 in Champaign.  If someone from the Association wants
to attend the roundtable meeting, the Association will pay for the motel room for that day.  Election of Officers begins
next month.  President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasure are offices to fill.
Communications:

August 26                Pork Chop Dinner                Annawan

     Sept.  12/13                Threshers Reunion                Viola

     Oct.20                          Pancake Breakfast                Osco

     Oct. 24                         Spaghetti Supper                         Silvis

     Sept                        FFII Class                        Hampton

Dave Liebovitz said thank you to everyone that attended the meeting and the Annawan fire department for hosting the
meeting.  Next meeting will be at the Coyne Center Fire Station on September 17, 2009.  Board meeting starting at 6:00
PM, general membership meeting starting at 6:30 PM.  Meeting adjourned at 8:52 PM.

                                                                     Dale Mueller
                                                                     Sec/Treasure