July 17, 2008 Regular Meeting:      The regular monthly meeting of the Mississippi Valley Firefighters Association was held at Alexis Fire Equipment on July 17, 2008.  The meeting was called to order by Vice President Mark Carton at 6:35P.M.   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and then a moment of silence was observed for fallen firefighters, then roll call was done.  Roll call showed 23 members from 11 departments were present.  The meeting broke for everyone to eat.  At 7:10, Greg Landon and crew led everyone on a tour of the facilities. .      The meeting reconvened at 8:27 P.M.  The minutes of the last meeting were read, motioned to accept, voted on and accepted. The treasure's report was read.   The checking account balance was $1089.57 and the savings account balance was $2649.50.  Motion to accept treasures report was made, voted on, and passed.      The Honorary Membership change to the By-laws had no negative discussion so a motion to accept it into the By-laws was made, seconded, and passed when voted on. The Ethanol class is on hold till the State passes a budget.  As far as we know, the search and rescue class is still on for September.  There is still opening on the board for Directors.   In new business, the Honor Guard received 2nd place in the Colona Parade and was presented with a plaque.   This will be given to Roger Stancliff to place with the Honor Guard materials.  On August 9, 2008, VFIS in cooperation with the Illinois Firefighters Association will present 2 classes at the Coal Valley Fire Station.  The first class will be in the morning and will be on firefighter retention and the afternoon class will be on the new VFIS “Emergency Vehicle Driver Training Program from VFIS.  John Swan reported that the IFA classes coming up in September will be covered by the Association if the State does not have a budget passed yet.  The IFA PAC-Fund is having a raffle to raise money and will be giving away a 42” Plasma TV.  A motion was made, seconded, and voted on to donate $100.00 to the PAC fund.       Communications: August 9                Parade                                Illinois City August 9                VFIS classes                        Coal Valley August 30                Parade                                Orion Sept 20                        Golf Outing                        Aledo Mark Carton said thank you to Alexis Fire Equipment for hosting the meeting at their business.  Next meeting will be at the Coal Valley Fire Station on August 21, 2008.  General membership meeting starting at 6:30 PM.   Meeting adjourned at 8:47 PM.                                                                      Dale Mueller                                                                      Sec/Treasure