MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
14TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2010
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 14th day of January, 2010.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to pay the bills of January 4, 2010 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to adopt the proposed changes to the EMoPP (Employee Manual of Policies & Procedures) regarding physical examinations. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to adopt the proposed changes to the EMoPP (Employee Manual of Policies & Procedures) regarding the Substance Abuse Testing Policy. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer recognized Greg Garner from Archimages who presented an update on the construction plans for House 4, including the site plan and changes to the floor plan. Archimages is now proceeding with construction documents and is on schedule for groundbreaking on or about April 1, 2010. Mr. Garner reviewed geotechnical proposals for soils and construction testing and recommended accepting the lowest of the three bids. Mr. Ryan made a motion to accept the bid of Gateway for $2,800 for geotechnical soils and construction testing. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Ryan stated that he would like to have security cameras added to the plans.
Mr. Ryan requested postponing discussion of the next item on the agenda, the 1 House Generator, until the next Board meeting.
Chief White discussed proposals to rebuild the 1760 Pumper. Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the bid to Degel Truck Center for $21,977.50. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to change the Purchase Order Amount to $500. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman reported that software training for EMS was still being evaluated.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:16 p.m.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Minutes 21st Jan, 2010
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
21ST DAY OF JANUARY, 2010
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 21st day of January, 2010.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board, and James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, were absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Ryan and Chief White discussed several issues with regard to ArchImages’ plans for House 4, including door and window placement and the property fence.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
21ST DAY OF JANUARY, 2010
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 21st day of January, 2010.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board, and James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, were absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Ryan and Chief White discussed several issues with regard to ArchImages’ plans for House 4, including door and window placement and the property fence.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Mehlville Fire PD BOD Closed Session Jan. 28th, 2010
Per Chief White, there were no votes in last night's BOD closed session meeting.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tony Messenger and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Be sure to check out today's Post-Dispatch for the article about the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Update: For the online version with comments, go to:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/F90A26ACEC85A14B862576B900030D53?OpenDocument
Update: For the online version with comments, go to:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/politics/story/F90A26ACEC85A14B862576B900030D53?OpenDocument
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Mehlville Fire BOD Agenda Jan. 28st, 2010
Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting January 28, 2010
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.
PAYMENT OF BILLS OF JANUARY 19, 2010
TREASURER'S REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009
OLD BUSINESS
1 House Generator
Fit for Duty Update
NEW BUSINESS
Energy Study
Mission Statement
2010 Tuition Reimbursement Requests from three Firefighters
Remove two Fire/Medics from Probationary Status
Computer Network
EMS Field Training Officers
EMS CEU Program
PUBLIC COMMENTS
BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel, Legal, Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 1/26/2010 @ 1700
Directors' Meeting January 28, 2010
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.
PAYMENT OF BILLS OF JANUARY 19, 2010
TREASURER'S REPORT AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2009
OLD BUSINESS
1 House Generator
Fit for Duty Update
NEW BUSINESS
Energy Study
Mission Statement
2010 Tuition Reimbursement Requests from three Firefighters
Remove two Fire/Medics from Probationary Status
Computer Network
EMS Field Training Officers
EMS CEU Program
PUBLIC COMMENTS
BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel, Legal, Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 1/26/2010 @ 1700
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Mehlville Fire BOD Closed Session Jan. 21st, 2010
Mike:
There were no votes taken at the January 21 meeting. Minutes will
follow. Carla Juelfs
There were no votes taken at the January 21 meeting. Minutes will
follow. Carla Juelfs
Friday, January 22, 2010
Angry Voters
Reading today's Post-Dispatch, I couldn't help agree with Tony Messenger's article about (R) Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts and the good news for Missouri Republicans. I said I agreed, not that I liked the idea.
Remember 2005. The voters in South County were angry. They had just recently approved a tax increase to improve services for the Mehlville Fire District by a large margin. But just a short while later, they elected "reform" candidates Arron Hilmer and Bonnie "Nod" Stegmann by a large margin. They also elected " reform" candidate Karl Frank, Jr., to the Mehlville School District Board of Directors.
The interesting thing about these candidates is that they are political opposites. Hilmer/Nod is an extreme,anti-tax,tea- bag type, conservative Republican and Frank is a pro-tax, liberal, Democrat.
So how did these diametrically opposed "reform" candidates both get elected at the same time. The answer is anger.
In the fire district race, we had a series of articles by the daily newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reporting on influence by local labor organizations and supposed wasteful spending. In addition, the weekly area newspaper, always ready to get funding from whatever source it can, supported Hilmer. The message was simple. There's waste. Save your tax money,vote for me. To top that off, Republican state legislators saw to it that St. Louis County's re-assessment notices were mailed just days prior to the election.
All the while, Frank, supported by the same weekly paper with absolutely no ethics, was saying the same exact thing. There's waste. Save your tax money. Vote for me.
Since that election, we have seen the opposite approach to public governance. Hilmer will not spend a nickel more more, or even a quarter less, to maintain emergency services for our area.* Unless of course, one of his buddies like Rep. Mike Leara or the Hendricks Family can make a hundred grand off of it.
Frank on the other hand, doesn't mind the risk of bankruptcy for either the school district or his family. Frank hasn't met a tax dollar he couldn't spend. Hell, if the district doesn't have the money, borrow it.
What do these men have in common? They were elected by anger, not common sense.
Remember 2005. The voters in South County were angry. They had just recently approved a tax increase to improve services for the Mehlville Fire District by a large margin. But just a short while later, they elected "reform" candidates Arron Hilmer and Bonnie "Nod" Stegmann by a large margin. They also elected " reform" candidate Karl Frank, Jr., to the Mehlville School District Board of Directors.
The interesting thing about these candidates is that they are political opposites. Hilmer/Nod is an extreme,anti-tax,tea- bag type, conservative Republican and Frank is a pro-tax, liberal, Democrat.
So how did these diametrically opposed "reform" candidates both get elected at the same time. The answer is anger.
In the fire district race, we had a series of articles by the daily newspaper, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, reporting on influence by local labor organizations and supposed wasteful spending. In addition, the weekly area newspaper, always ready to get funding from whatever source it can, supported Hilmer. The message was simple. There's waste. Save your tax money,vote for me. To top that off, Republican state legislators saw to it that St. Louis County's re-assessment notices were mailed just days prior to the election.
All the while, Frank, supported by the same weekly paper with absolutely no ethics, was saying the same exact thing. There's waste. Save your tax money. Vote for me.
Since that election, we have seen the opposite approach to public governance. Hilmer will not spend a nickel more more, or even a quarter less, to maintain emergency services for our area.* Unless of course, one of his buddies like Rep. Mike Leara or the Hendricks Family can make a hundred grand off of it.
Frank on the other hand, doesn't mind the risk of bankruptcy for either the school district or his family. Frank hasn't met a tax dollar he couldn't spend. Hell, if the district doesn't have the money, borrow it.
What do these men have in common? They were elected by anger, not common sense.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Mehlville Fire Protection District 2010
Mehlville Fire Protection District
2010 Board Meeting Dates
January 14 5:00 p.m.
January 21 5:00 p.m.
January 28 5:00 p.m.
February 11 5:00 p.m.
February 25 5:00 p.m.
March 11 5:00 p.m.
March 25 5:00 p.m.
April 8 5:00 p.m.
April 22 5:00 p.m.
May 6 5:00 p.m.
May 20 5:00 p.m.
June 3 5:00 p.m.
June 17 5:00 p.m.
July 1 5:00 p.m.
July 15 5:00 p.m.
July 29 5:00 p.m.
August 12 5:00 p.m.
August 26 5:00 p.m.
September 9 5:00 p.m.
September 23 5:00 p.m.
October 7 5:00 p.m.
October 21 5:00 p.m.
November 4 5:00 p.m.
November 18 5:00 p.m.
December 2 5:00 p.m.
December 16 5:00 p.m.
December 30 5:00 p.m.
2010 Board Meeting Dates
January 14 5:00 p.m.
January 21 5:00 p.m.
January 28 5:00 p.m.
February 11 5:00 p.m.
February 25 5:00 p.m.
March 11 5:00 p.m.
March 25 5:00 p.m.
April 8 5:00 p.m.
April 22 5:00 p.m.
May 6 5:00 p.m.
May 20 5:00 p.m.
June 3 5:00 p.m.
June 17 5:00 p.m.
July 1 5:00 p.m.
July 15 5:00 p.m.
July 29 5:00 p.m.
August 12 5:00 p.m.
August 26 5:00 p.m.
September 9 5:00 p.m.
September 23 5:00 p.m.
October 7 5:00 p.m.
October 21 5:00 p.m.
November 4 5:00 p.m.
November 18 5:00 p.m.
December 2 5:00 p.m.
December 16 5:00 p.m.
December 30 5:00 p.m.
Mehlville Fire BOD Agenda Jan. 21st, 2010
Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting January 21, 2010
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
Posted 1/19/2010 @ 1700
Directors' Meeting January 21, 2010
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
Posted 1/19/2010 @ 1700
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Confidentiality Agreements at the Mehlville Fire Department
The South County News was billed $5.20 for two sheets of paper. If the Call was billed this, they'd throw a fit.
From the Mehlville Fire Protection District:
All administrative employees required to sign this.
CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into this ___day of January, 2010, by and between_______________, an Administrative Employee of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, and the Employer, the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that, in the course of employment, Employee has, and may in the future, attain Confidential Information relevant to issues and matters of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS, the Mehlville Fire Protection District does not want the disclosure of said Confidential Information;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual undertakings under this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. Disclosure. Employee agrees to refrain from discussing Confidential Information relevant to the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
2. Confidentiality
2.1. No Disclosure. Employee agrees to use his or her best efforts to prevent and protect the Confidential Information relevant to the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
2.2 Protection of Secrecy. Employee agrees to take all steps reasonably necessary to protect Confidential Information, or any part thereof, from disclosure to any person outside the Administrative Staff of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
3. Term and Termination. The obligations of this Agreement shall be continuing until the Confidential Information disclosed to recipient is no longer confidential.
4. Failure to abide by this agreement may result in discipline up to and including termination.
5. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. No representation or promises have been made except those that are set out in this Agreement.
6. This Agreement may not be modified except in writing and signed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement effective as of the date first written above.
EMPLOYEE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT
Signed: Signed:
Print Name: Print Name:
Title: Title:
Date: Date:
This is a true shame. Not only does our fire district's leadership not trust their own staff, they think forcing them to sign some agreement will gain their obedience. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the district has admitted they have no written policy covering these agreements nor any policy defining " Confidential."
From the Mehlville Fire Protection District:
All administrative employees required to sign this.
CONFIDENTIAL DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is entered into this ___day of January, 2010, by and between_______________, an Administrative Employee of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, and the Employer, the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
WHEREAS, Employee acknowledges that, in the course of employment, Employee has, and may in the future, attain Confidential Information relevant to issues and matters of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
WHEREAS, the Mehlville Fire Protection District does not want the disclosure of said Confidential Information;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual undertakings under this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. Disclosure. Employee agrees to refrain from discussing Confidential Information relevant to the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
2. Confidentiality
2.1. No Disclosure. Employee agrees to use his or her best efforts to prevent and protect the Confidential Information relevant to the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
2.2 Protection of Secrecy. Employee agrees to take all steps reasonably necessary to protect Confidential Information, or any part thereof, from disclosure to any person outside the Administrative Staff of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
3. Term and Termination. The obligations of this Agreement shall be continuing until the Confidential Information disclosed to recipient is no longer confidential.
4. Failure to abide by this agreement may result in discipline up to and including termination.
5. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties. No representation or promises have been made except those that are set out in this Agreement.
6. This Agreement may not be modified except in writing and signed by the parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this agreement effective as of the date first written above.
EMPLOYEE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION
DISTRICT
Signed: Signed:
Print Name: Print Name:
Title: Title:
Date: Date:
This is a true shame. Not only does our fire district's leadership not trust their own staff, they think forcing them to sign some agreement will gain their obedience. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the district has admitted they have no written policy covering these agreements nor any policy defining " Confidential."
Friday, January 15, 2010
Mehlville Fire Board Closed Session Vote
There was a unanimous vote on 1-14
to promote Dan Furrer to deputy chief.
Carla
Sent from my Blackberry
to promote Dan Furrer to deputy chief.
Carla
Sent from my Blackberry
Confidentiality Agreements at the Mehlville Fire Department
At the beginning of the year, administrative employees of the MFPD were directed to sign confidentiality agreements to keep their jobs. I have a copy of the agreement and find it quite ambiguous so I asked the district the following questions:
Is there a written district policy covering these new confidentiality
agreements? If so, please provide.
If not, is there a district policy that defines confidential? if so, please
provide.
> Mike Heins
> South County News
After 4 days, and without explanation for the violation of the Missouri Sunshine Law, the district's records custodian told me the answer was" no "to all my questions. This leads me to ask some new questions.
Who proposed this new secrecy code?
Who wrote the secrecy code?
Is the code designed to hamper testimony in the current lawsuit in federal court against the district?
Is the code designed to to restrict the citizens' rights to access to our public records? We know the answer to this one!
I have also learned through Sunshine Law requests that an employee has been suspended for not testifying properly on behalf of the district in a sworn deposition. The district has refused to disclose the name of the employee citing a pending appeal. But I've learned that the employee has already served the suspension. This is crazy. This is exactly why we have a Sunshine Law. This information should all be public. No new secrecy codes can override Missouri's statutes.
Update: The district's records' custodian has told me that the tardiness in reply to my request was caused by human error. I can accept that. Things happen.
Is there a written district policy covering these new confidentiality
agreements? If so, please provide.
If not, is there a district policy that defines confidential? if so, please
provide.
> Mike Heins
> South County News
After 4 days, and without explanation for the violation of the Missouri Sunshine Law, the district's records custodian told me the answer was" no "to all my questions. This leads me to ask some new questions.
Who proposed this new secrecy code?
Who wrote the secrecy code?
Is the code designed to hamper testimony in the current lawsuit in federal court against the district?
Is the code designed to to restrict the citizens' rights to access to our public records? We know the answer to this one!
I have also learned through Sunshine Law requests that an employee has been suspended for not testifying properly on behalf of the district in a sworn deposition. The district has refused to disclose the name of the employee citing a pending appeal. But I've learned that the employee has already served the suspension. This is crazy. This is exactly why we have a Sunshine Law. This information should all be public. No new secrecy codes can override Missouri's statutes.
Update: The district's records' custodian has told me that the tardiness in reply to my request was caused by human error. I can accept that. Things happen.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Mehlville Fire BOD Agenda Thurs. Jan. 14th, 2010
Mehlville Fire Protection District Agenda
Directors' Meeting January 14, 2010
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.
PAYMENT OF BILLS OF JANUARY 4, 2010
OLD BUSINESS
Physical Examinations EMoPP Proposal
Substance Abuse Testing Policy EMoPP Proposal
Archimages Update
1 House Generator
1760 Pumper Rebuild
NEW BUSINESS
Purchase Order Amounts
PUBLIC COMMENTS
BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 1/12/2010 @ 1700
Directors' Meeting January 14, 2010
MFPD Conference Room
11020 Mueller Road
______
Aaron Hilmer Bonnie Stegman Ed Ryan
Chairman Treasurer Secretary
______
CALL REGULAR MEETING TO ORDER AT 5:00 P.M.
PAYMENT OF BILLS OF JANUARY 4, 2010
OLD BUSINESS
Physical Examinations EMoPP Proposal
Substance Abuse Testing Policy EMoPP Proposal
Archimages Update
1 House Generator
1760 Pumper Rebuild
NEW BUSINESS
Purchase Order Amounts
PUBLIC COMMENTS
BOARD VOTE ON CLOSED SESSION
OPEN SESSION ADJOURNMENT
CLOSED SESSION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OPEN SESSION
Personnel
Legal
Real Estate
CLOSED SESSION ADJOURNMENT
(Individuals wishing to make comments should fill out a Speaker's Card and turn it in to the Chairman before the meeting. )
The District's Training Facility and Conference Room are handicapped accessible. If you need any special accommodations, please contact 314.894.0420, extension 1713 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Posted 1/12/2010 @ 1700
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Deadbeats Don't Change With the New Year
It's been four months, as of today, when the Call was slapped with a default judgment for failing to pay its web vendor. They still haven't paid up. Perhaps Milligan should cut Mike Anthony' salary. Whatever it is, he's overpaid!
09SL-AC16994 - PELARIOUS INC V CONCORD PUBLICATIONS
Judgment
Date:08/10/2009
Description: Judgment Entered Against:
CONCORD PUBLICATIONS INC
Amount of Judgment: $9,182.69
Date of Satisfaction:
not yet on file
Against:
CALL PUBLISHING INC
not yet on file
AFFIDAVIT FILED. SO ORDERED: JUDGE JUDY PREDDY DRAPER
09SL-AC16994 - PELARIOUS INC V CONCORD PUBLICATIONS
Judgment
Date:08/10/2009
Description: Judgment Entered Against:
CONCORD PUBLICATIONS INC
Amount of Judgment: $9,182.69
Date of Satisfaction:
not yet on file
Against:
CALL PUBLISHING INC
not yet on file
AFFIDAVIT FILED. SO ORDERED: JUDGE JUDY PREDDY DRAPER
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Closed Session Votes from the MFPD BOD Closed Sessions
From: C Juelfs
The Closed Session Votes are as follows:
12/23/09
No votes taken
12/28/09
Unanimous vote to assign Steve Mossotti to “Department Project and Grant Specialist” at a salary of $75,000 per year.
Unanimous vote to promote Jim Hampton to the rank of Assistant Chief.
12/30/09
Unanimous vote to grant Steve Mossotti’s request to assign him to the rank of Captain.
Carla J. Juelfs, PHR
Human Resources
The Closed Session Votes are as follows:
12/23/09
No votes taken
12/28/09
Unanimous vote to assign Steve Mossotti to “Department Project and Grant Specialist” at a salary of $75,000 per year.
Unanimous vote to promote Jim Hampton to the rank of Assistant Chief.
12/30/09
Unanimous vote to grant Steve Mossotti’s request to assign him to the rank of Captain.
Carla J. Juelfs, PHR
Human Resources
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Dec. 30th, 2009
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
30TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 30th day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer amended the agenda to include EMS Field Training Officer, Confidentiality Agreement, 2009 Final Revised Budget, and MAFPD 2010 Membership.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to pay the bills of December 21, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to adopt the proposed Wage Scales. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed a proposed modification to the EMoPP to limit the tri-annual physical examinations to firefighters, paramedics and fire/medics. Mr. Hilmer said the Board would consider the proposal.
Chief White discussed proposed modifications to the EMoPP Substance Abuse Testing Policy that would make the policy consistent with that of the DOT.
Chief White presented three Tuition Reimbursement Requests for Private Tim Block, Private Mike Gapsch and Deputy Chief Joe Schmidt. Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve all three Tuition Reimbursement Requests. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve a contract with Hochschild, Bloom & Co., LLP, for audit services from 2009 to 2012. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to remove Private John Grass from probationary status. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as of November 30, 2009. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed a proposal from Deputy Chief Walk and Dr. Bosche to appoint EMS Field Training Officers. Mr. Hilmer asked what the requested stipend would be, and Chief White said he would like it to be $4,500 to $5,000 per year. The Board will review the proposal and vote on it at a future meeting.
Mrs. Stegman brought up the National Fire Academy and stated that Chief White should apply for the Executive Fire Officer program. The four-year program is paid for by FEMA. The annual commitment consists of four two-week classes, plus available online classes. The application must be submitted by June, 2010, to start the program in 2011. Mrs. Stegman said that the Board could evaluate whether other chief officers of MFPD could attend other programs of the Academy.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Confidential Disclosure Agreement. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer reviewed the Final Revised 2009 Budget. He pointed out two significant changes in the final budget. A revenue shortfall of almost $250,000 was caused by declining interest rates and fewer permit fees, and $800,000 was expended to purchase land for the relocation of the fire house on Tesson Ferry. Mr. Hilmer then made a motion to approve the 2009 Revised Budget. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to renew the District’s MAFPD membership. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
________________________________________Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
30TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 30th day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer amended the agenda to include EMS Field Training Officer, Confidentiality Agreement, 2009 Final Revised Budget, and MAFPD 2010 Membership.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to pay the bills of December 21, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to adopt the proposed Wage Scales. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed a proposed modification to the EMoPP to limit the tri-annual physical examinations to firefighters, paramedics and fire/medics. Mr. Hilmer said the Board would consider the proposal.
Chief White discussed proposed modifications to the EMoPP Substance Abuse Testing Policy that would make the policy consistent with that of the DOT.
Chief White presented three Tuition Reimbursement Requests for Private Tim Block, Private Mike Gapsch and Deputy Chief Joe Schmidt. Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve all three Tuition Reimbursement Requests. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve a contract with Hochschild, Bloom & Co., LLP, for audit services from 2009 to 2012. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to remove Private John Grass from probationary status. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as of November 30, 2009. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Chief White discussed a proposal from Deputy Chief Walk and Dr. Bosche to appoint EMS Field Training Officers. Mr. Hilmer asked what the requested stipend would be, and Chief White said he would like it to be $4,500 to $5,000 per year. The Board will review the proposal and vote on it at a future meeting.
Mrs. Stegman brought up the National Fire Academy and stated that Chief White should apply for the Executive Fire Officer program. The four-year program is paid for by FEMA. The annual commitment consists of four two-week classes, plus available online classes. The application must be submitted by June, 2010, to start the program in 2011. Mrs. Stegman said that the Board could evaluate whether other chief officers of MFPD could attend other programs of the Academy.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve the Confidential Disclosure Agreement. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer reviewed the Final Revised 2009 Budget. He pointed out two significant changes in the final budget. A revenue shortfall of almost $250,000 was caused by declining interest rates and fewer permit fees, and $800,000 was expended to purchase land for the relocation of the fire house on Tesson Ferry. Mr. Hilmer then made a motion to approve the 2009 Revised Budget. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to renew the District’s MAFPD membership. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
________________________________________Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Dec. 28th, 2009
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
28TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 28th day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:01 p.m.
________________________________________
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
28TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 28th day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, was absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:01 p.m.
________________________________________
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Meeting Dec. 23rd, 2009
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
23RD DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 23rd day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board, and James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, were absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer recognized Captain Nick Fahs, who expressed concern about the proposed three-year salary freeze for straight firefighters and paramedics. Lieutenant Doug Weck discussed some of the supervisory and training responsibilities of the paramedics.
Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board would be voting on the proposed new three-year salary schedule at the December 30, 2009 Board meeting.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.
________________________________________Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
23RD DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 23rd day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board; and
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board, and James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District, were absent.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer recognized Captain Nick Fahs, who expressed concern about the proposed three-year salary freeze for straight firefighters and paramedics. Lieutenant Doug Weck discussed some of the supervisory and training responsibilities of the paramedics.
Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board would be voting on the proposed new three-year salary schedule at the December 30, 2009 Board meeting.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel and legal matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.
________________________________________Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
Mehlville Fire Board Meeting Agenda Dec. 17th, 2009
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
17TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 17th day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board;
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer amended the agenda under New Business to include Christmas meals.
Mr. Ryan made a motion to approve the Board meeting minutes of October 8, 22 and 29, 2009. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the payment of bills of December 7, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board had reviewed the proposals which Local 1889 presented in July, 2009 and would not be pursuing any of them.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to accept the proposed contract for 2010 with Catherine Enz Consulting. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to accept the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Amendment. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve Amendment #2 to the Defined Contribution Pension Plan. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer began discussion of wage scales and referred to a three-year salary schedule, covering years 2010, 2011 and 2012. He stated that the Board would vote on the salary schedule in two weeks. Chief White reviewed the wage scale proposal which would simplify the existing system. Highlights include freezing all straight firefighter and paramedic salaries for the next three years, freezing longevity at 2009 levels and eliminating it going forward, adding differential pay for employees who work out of classification, and adding incentive pay for specialized teams. Administrative salaries would reflect the market.
Mrs. Stegman proposed that the District provide a holiday meal for all 24-hour shift employees. There was no opposition to the proposal.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m.
________________________________________
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
OF THE MEHLVILLE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT OF
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI, ON THE
17TH DAY OF DECEMBER, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Mehlville Fire Protection District of St. Louis County, Missouri, met at the Mehlville Conference Room, 11020 Mueller Road, St. Louis County, Missouri, on the 17th day of December, 2009.
Present at the meeting were:
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman and Director of the Board;
Bonnie C. Stegman, Treasurer and Director of the Board;
Edmond Ryan, Secretary and Director of the Board;
Timothy J. White, Administrative Chief Fire Officer of the Mehlville Fire Protection District; and
James J. Silvernail, Chief of the Mehlville Fire Protection District.
Mr. Hilmer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and announced the Board to be in session for the transaction of business.
Mr. Hilmer amended the agenda under New Business to include Christmas meals.
Mr. Ryan made a motion to approve the Board meeting minutes of October 8, 22 and 29, 2009. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Stegman made a motion to approve the payment of bills of December 7, 2009 and to attach a copy to the minutes. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer stated that the Board had reviewed the proposals which Local 1889 presented in July, 2009 and would not be pursuing any of them.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to accept the proposed contract for 2010 with Catherine Enz Consulting. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to accept the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Amendment. Mrs. Stegman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer made a motion to approve Amendment #2 to the Defined Contribution Pension Plan. Mr. Ryan seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Mr. Hilmer began discussion of wage scales and referred to a three-year salary schedule, covering years 2010, 2011 and 2012. He stated that the Board would vote on the salary schedule in two weeks. Chief White reviewed the wage scale proposal which would simplify the existing system. Highlights include freezing all straight firefighter and paramedic salaries for the next three years, freezing longevity at 2009 levels and eliminating it going forward, adding differential pay for employees who work out of classification, and adding incentive pay for specialized teams. Administrative salaries would reflect the market.
Mrs. Stegman proposed that the District provide a holiday meal for all 24-hour shift employees. There was no opposition to the proposal.
Mr. Hilmer then made a motion that a closed meeting be held for the purpose of discussing personnel, legal and real estate matters immediately following the adjournment of the regular meeting. Mr. Hilmer, as part of said motion, moved that said closed meeting not be open to members of the general public under the provisions of Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly referred to as the Sunshine Act. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Stegman. A roll call vote on said motion was taken.
Director Stegman yea.
Director Ryan yea.
Director Hilmer yea.
There being no further business, Mr. Hilmer adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m.
________________________________________
Aaron Hilmer, Chairman
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Even Mike Heins Could Beat Lebron James This Way!
Paul Campos at Lawyers, Guns and Money explains the rules of Terrorball, which if applied broadly could make a lot of things easier.
I'm quite sure I could beat LeBron James in a game of one on one basketball. The game merely needs to feature two special rules: It lasts until I score, and as soon as I score I win. Such a game might last several hours, or even a week or two, and James would probably score hundreds and possibly thousands of points before my ultimate victory, but eventually I'm going to find a way to put the ball in the basket.
Our national government and almost all of the establishment media have decided to play a similar game, which could be called Terrorball. The first two rules of Terrorball are:
(1) The game lasts until there are no longer any terrorists, and; (2) If terrorists manage to ever kill or injure or seriously frighten any Americans, they win.
How else can one explain the extreme and ongoing over-reaction to last week's botched attempt to blow up Northwest flight 253? Commentators from Glenn Greenwald to David Brooks have pointed out that demands that the government keep us completely safe from the risk of terror attacks are both absurdly infantile, and very helpful to terrorists, since such demands place the bar for what counts as successful terrorism practically on the ground.
SNIP
Terrorball, then, is an elaborate political game that seems irrational on its face - after all, it's certain that more than 2.4 million Americans will die this year, and fairly likely that not even one of those deaths will be caused by terrorism -- but which features its own peculiar logic. That logic reflects the anxieties of those who have created its rules, and serves the interests of both terrorists and those who profit from exploiting the fear of terrorism.
I'm quite sure I could beat LeBron James in a game of one on one basketball. The game merely needs to feature two special rules: It lasts until I score, and as soon as I score I win. Such a game might last several hours, or even a week or two, and James would probably score hundreds and possibly thousands of points before my ultimate victory, but eventually I'm going to find a way to put the ball in the basket.
Our national government and almost all of the establishment media have decided to play a similar game, which could be called Terrorball. The first two rules of Terrorball are:
(1) The game lasts until there are no longer any terrorists, and; (2) If terrorists manage to ever kill or injure or seriously frighten any Americans, they win.
How else can one explain the extreme and ongoing over-reaction to last week's botched attempt to blow up Northwest flight 253? Commentators from Glenn Greenwald to David Brooks have pointed out that demands that the government keep us completely safe from the risk of terror attacks are both absurdly infantile, and very helpful to terrorists, since such demands place the bar for what counts as successful terrorism practically on the ground.
SNIP
Terrorball, then, is an elaborate political game that seems irrational on its face - after all, it's certain that more than 2.4 million Americans will die this year, and fairly likely that not even one of those deaths will be caused by terrorism -- but which features its own peculiar logic. That logic reflects the anxieties of those who have created its rules, and serves the interests of both terrorists and those who profit from exploiting the fear of terrorism.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year from Mike Heins
I won't be able to sum up last year as well as the Spot of Truth, so I, Mike Heins, aka SouthCountyMike, will ask a few questions.
Will the new anti-smoking law, effective today, hurt businesses in Kirkwood?
I predict no, Arnold doesn't seem to be hurt by their law passed years ago, so Kirkwood will survive and, perhaps, prosper!
Will the Call remain in business despite another bad year, mounting debt and court judgements still outstanding?
Probably, with primary elections coming up, they'll have another opportunity to practice their version of journo-extortionism? This still leaves us wondering why God made so few horses and so many horses' asses!
Will the Mehlville Fire District continue its spiral down the drain?
This one's easy. Hell, leadership starts at the top and we have incompetence at both the the chief and the board of directors. Recent demotions of experienced administrative personnel put our community in jeopardy. But don't expect to read about it in the Call!
Will the new anti-smoking law, effective today, hurt businesses in Kirkwood?
I predict no, Arnold doesn't seem to be hurt by their law passed years ago, so Kirkwood will survive and, perhaps, prosper!
Will the Call remain in business despite another bad year, mounting debt and court judgements still outstanding?
Probably, with primary elections coming up, they'll have another opportunity to practice their version of journo-extortionism? This still leaves us wondering why God made so few horses and so many horses' asses!
Will the Mehlville Fire District continue its spiral down the drain?
This one's easy. Hell, leadership starts at the top and we have incompetence at both the the chief and the board of directors. Recent demotions of experienced administrative personnel put our community in jeopardy. But don't expect to read about it in the Call!
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