Illowa Chapter of the
National Weather
Association
Serving Eastern Iowa and
Northwest Illinois
The meeting began with introductions so those new to the meeting from the Quad Cities area would know all of us.
Scott Lind read through the constitution and bylaws for the ILLOWA Chapter asking for additions and corrections. Lee Sizek suggested we mention communication in the bylaws. Tom Ervin suggested it be worded as "build relations and increase communications". This was adopted on a voice vote. A discussion of whether to have the chapter operate on a fiscal or calendar year was briefly discussed. It was decided that a calendar year would prevent a lot of future problems. It was also determined that mention of the dues amount would be eliminated from the bylaws so it could be changed more easily. It was also decided that the amount of the dues and the election of officers will take place at the annual meeting each year which will be in November. We also discussed whether we should incorporate in Iowa or Illinois and it was thought we should probably incorporate in both. Josh offered to get some names of non-profit organizations in MN, IL and IA so we can contact them and get some details of how to incorporate. Lee will also talk to Dick Stone, an attorney in Geneseo to see what problems may be involved in the effort.
A lengthy discussion on how to determine a quorum for a given meeting occurred. All clubs apparently determine a quorum using different standards. Lee said that regardless of all else we need someone to chair the meeting and take notes even if they are appointed temporarily. The meeting left the quorum question at one officer and ten members and that election would be done by ballot. Some concern was expressed over the possibility of voter fraud so we will have precautions to make sure that does not ever become a problem. Discussion on the bylaws began to stagnate so Scott Lind suggested we table it. Ron, Lee and Doug will see what they can do about the constitution and bylaws questions so it will be solved for the April meeting.
Josh came to the meeting to help us with the decisions on holding the Severe Weather Conference at some future date. Over 300 people at this conference represent 33 states. After discussion with people at the Central Iowa NWA Chapter Scott Lind found out they have an interest in alternating locations with Cedar Rapids. They also suggested we handle the logistics for a meeting in Cedar Rapids and they would handle the program. We felt this was too much of a load to take on at this time. Tom Ervin suggested it did not sound like we should try it until 2001 and there was general agreement on that idea. Josh also thought there was a lot to the logistics and meetings like this need to be scheduled out 2 to 3 years. Hotels are booked up that far in advance. Scott Lind will maintain communications with the Central Iowa Chapter. The suggestion to follow this route passed on a voice vote. Scott Lind will also find out from the Central Iowa Chapter what they want to do and what we can do to help them, but we will make it clear we are not ready. We don't mind the Central Iowa Chapter holding the meeting in Cedar Rapids and we would like to find out how they handle the logistics so we can host it someday.
In other business Ron Luse has set up a reflector site that will provide free service to the ILLOWA Chapter. We will wait until a treasurer is appointed before we collect dues. The National Weather Service may be able to provide a Post Office box for our mailing address. Jim Meyer will look into that. We welcomed the query from Lee that he invite other emergency management personnel to the next meeting. Ron handed out information on incorporation articles he located to end the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 11:40 AM.
The next meeting will be held at the National Weather Service office in Davenport at 10 AM on Saturday, April 24, 1999.
Meeting notes from Doug Beadle
March 20, 1999
The meeting began at 10:05 AM on March 20, 1999 and was hosted by WHBF-TV in Rock Island, IL.
The following were in attendance: Scott Sample, Spotter-Muscatine, IA; Scott Lind, KCRG-TV-Cedar Rapids, IA; Marvin Myers, Jr.,Amatuer Radio-Cedar Rapids, IA; Doug Beadle, Cedar Rapids, IA; Josh Schamberger,Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cedar Rapids, iA; Tom Cooper,Spotter/Chaser-Toledo, IA; Lee Sizek,Henry County EM-Cambridge. IL; Joyce Sizek,Cambridge, IL; Ron Breitwisch, Amatuer Radio-Marion Jim Meyer, NWS-Quad Cities; Ray Wolf, NWS-Quad Cities; Kandis Boyd, NWS-Quad Cities, Tom Ervin, Davenport, IA Schools; Mike Woznick, WHBF-TV-Rock Island, IL; John Gumm, WHBF-TV-Rock Island, IL
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