Minutes of the Southern Chapter Meeting – August 12, 2008

Our August 12, 2008, meeting was held in Leavenworth at The Overlook.  Twenty members were present: President John Kennard, Treasurer Diane Knies, Secretary Tracy Monroe, Chris Cunningham, Shawn Werner, L. Geoffrey Stoner, Graham McKeene, Hank Wolfe, Sandy Wallace, Rick Schroeder, Tim Hotz, Penny Caudill, Barbara Kuruzovich, Paul Ramsey, Whitney Kovener (new EHS for Jackson County), Carol Coudret, April Arroyo-Monroe, Donna Oeding, David Bokodi, and Steve Cale. 

Guest speaker was Thomas Easterly, PE, BCEE, QEP, Commissioner of IDEM.  He spoke about improvements in Indiana’s environmental track record. 

Business Meeting – The business meeting was called to order by John Kennard at 10:45 AM. 

Executive Board – The 2008 Fall Conference will be held September 29 through October 1 at Belterra Casino (off Hwy 156 between Vevay and Florence in southeastern Indiana).

Paul Ramsey proposed that our chapter purchase one of Steve Cale’s photographs for the Fall Conference silent auction.  Tim Hotz seconded the motion and all members agreed.  The $130 photo will be 11 x 14” in a 16 x 20” frame.  Shawn Werner offered to make a photo frame inscribed with “Family” for $30 for a door prize.      

Chapter Treasurer’s Report – Diane Knies reported a balance of $467.67.  She informed Rick Schroeder that a couple of businesses agreeing to sponsor our chapter website in exchange for web (advertisement) links have never paid the $25.00 per year fee.  Diane also asked for a vote regarding a $50.00 chapter donation to the Bob Schmidt Memorial Garden.  The vote passed and the donation will be made.     

Vector Control – April Arroyo-Monroe offered a West Nile virus update; twelve counties have reported positive WNV mosquito pools, and these are centralized around Marion County.  So far she has heard of no positive human cases. 

In regards to Mosquito Control, Vector Control Supervisor, Mike Sinsko, said that in addition to the $700 already allotted, each county is eligible for an additional $300.  Contact him for more information at MSinsko@isdh.state.in.us, or at 317-233-7397.

Food Protection – Due to changes at the State level, the Wholesale Inspectors must now take on Retail duties as well.  Hank Wolfe and Paula Proctor are the inspectors for our area. 

Wastewater – No report.

Preparedness – No report.   

Old Business – Minutes from the May, 2008 meeting were approved.   

New Business – The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at The Golden Corral in Bedford. 

The meeting was adjourned at about 11:30 AM. 

Minutes taken and respectfully submitted by Tracy Monroe, 2008 IEHA Southern Chapter Secretary.