Call to Order: at 12:32 pm by President Richard Meeker.

Meeker introduced present board members and association employees.

A motion was made by James Rattunde, seconded by Bryan Northrop to accept the minutes of the previous annual meeting. Motion passed.

Annual Reports: Don Hunjadi gave the annual financial and membership report. Hunjadi indicated that the membership fees have not increased since 1993 and the Service fee has remained the same for the past 20 years.

Membership Reports: Hunjadi indicated that individual membership growth has tapered off this year but First Responder service membership growth is increasing and is the highest it has ever been. The current membership is 7,285.

Conference Update: Meeker reported the dates for the 2009 conference are January 28 through January 31. Meeker gave a brief overview of the pre-conference sessions, general sessions and evening events.

Meeker opened the floor to questions or comments regarding the conference. There were no questions. Hunjadi gave an overview of conference growth and stated that we have seen a decline in conference attendance over the last couple years but an increase in the number of people who attend only for the party events. Hunjadi stated that this year individuals will need a ticket to enter all conference sessions and events. Hunjadi indicated that license renewal for 2010 will allow attendance at the conference will be able to take the place of the traditional refresher class. Hunjadi stated that in addition to conference attendance, individuals would be required to complete a six-hour evaluation session locally to complete the refresher training.

Old Business/New Business

Headquarters Office & Staff Update – Hunjadi gave an overview of the new building progress and stated that progress can be monitored on the website. He stated that the tentative move in date is February 1, 2009 with an open house to occur in the spring of 2009.

Hunjadi stated that in accordance with the association’s strategic plan to look at alternative delivery of education to the membership, plans are in progress to add a media studio. He stated that the association has purchased multimedia equipment that would allow recording of educational sessions and production of DVDs available to the membership. Additional outreach initiatives for the membership include strategic planning sessions, media support, web design and on line education.

Question from membership: What will the mortgage be when we’re done? Hunjadi responded that the mortgage would be zero. He explained that cash assets allowed the association to proceed with the building project without the need to borrow money. He also stated that the value of the completed property would be approximately $1,000,000.00.

License Fees: Hunjadi indicated that DHFS has been trying to allocate funding and has been unsuccessful. As a result of the lack of funding, the state is now looking at charging EMS professionals for licensing. In the past WEMSA has opposed this successfully. Meeker requested a motion to open the floor to discussion of license fees.

A motion was made by Blaine Werner to oppose the license fees, seconded by Tom McCarrier.

Meeker opened the floor for discussion from the membership.

Who will be affected by the fee?

Hunjadi responded by stating that currently there is legislation that prohibits the state from charging first responders. He indicated that volunteer for a county service and volunteer hospital services would not be exempt.

How are we going to support funding for the EMS office if we oppose the licensing fees?

Hunjadi responded

Do other states charge for licenses?

Nan Turner responded that 60-70%of states do charge for licensing.

A member who is licensed in MN stated that in MN, EMTs and paramedics are required to pay for licenses.

What’s to prevent the state from raising fees next year if they do not receive enough money?

Hunjadi responded that there is currently nothing that would prohibit the state from raising the fees.

What will happen if individuals hold multiple licenses, will they be required to pay for each license they hold?

Hunjadi responded by stating that there will be only one license fee per individual.

Motion carried. Two opposed.

Legislative Initiatives: Meeker reviewed the current legislative initiatives. The floor was opened for discussion of the initiatives.

Volunteer Job Protection Act

Nan Turner stated that there have been statewide documented cases in which employees have been disciplined or terminated because of their involvement with emergency responses.

Gasoline state tax rebate for emergency vehicles.

Meeker indicated that this initiative would allow tax rebates to be returned to the services.

Direct the DOT to return the EMS and Fire license plates back to their former design

Hunjadi indicated that the DOT has issued new license plates and asking for return of red plates.

Legislation to allow more ambulance services the authority to collect payment through state taxes. TRIP Program

Meeker state that this would allow services the ability to recover outstanding charges/fees.

Sue Reinen indicated that EMS is currently low on the priority list for this program and suggested that a push be made to move EMS to the top of the list.

Byron Northrop made a suggestion to consider alternative funding sources for the EMS department if the association opposes the licensing fees.

Joel Strahota stated that some of the full time departments are prohibiting their employees from becoming a volunteer fire fighter or EMS provider in their respective municipalities. The question was raised as to what could be done to allow personnel to volunteer. Hunjadi indicated that there were steps that could be immediately to address this issue.

A member suggested that the association support an initiative to place signs on the highways to remind people to yield to emergency vehicles.

Hunjadi responded that the association has supported these initiatives in the past.

A show of hands indicated that the initiatives be prioritized as follows:

1. Volunteer Job Protection Act (20)

2. Alternative funding for the state EMS office (18)

3. Statewide signs for drivers regarding yield to emergency vehicles (15)

3. Trip Program (15)

4. Prohibiting FT personnel from participating in volunteer services (13)

5. Gas Tax (7)

6. License Plates (3)

Meeker informed the membership that the association is reaching out on a national basis to provide resources for other state EMS groups.

Hunjadi indicated that the association will not be supporting the current scope of practice statement, but would be in favor of accepting the titles for licensure.

Meeker thanked everyone in attendance for their interest and commitment to EMS and to the Wisconsin EMS Association.

A motion was made by Terry Weiss and seconded by Sue Reinen to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting ended at 1336.