POAG EXECUTIVE MINUTES - December 2003:

The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 10 A. M., December 19, 2003, at the Vidalia City Hall Council Chambers, Vidalia, Georgia.  Committee members attending included President Homer Bryson, Vice President Keith Moran, Board Members Gary Hill and Jimmy Jones, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley, Legislative Chairman Bob Brown, and Executive Director Marion Conley.  Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Jimmy Waters were unable to attend. Visitors included Bob Carter, Mike Fordham, Allen Hagan, John Edwards and Jimmy Sims. 

The meeting was called to order and a welcome given all in attendance by President Homer Bryson.  President Bryson invited all in attendance to participate in the meeting with their input, suggestions, ideas etc.  Vice President Keith Moran gave the invocation.  President Bryson led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

A motion was made by Bob Brown, seconded by Keith Moran and passed to approve the minutes and financial report from November, 2003. 

President Bryson reported he had been in communication with GBI Director Vernon Keenan concerning training for the 2004 convention.  Director Keenan had most graciously offered the GBI’s assistance with training, if the Committee desired their assistance.  G.B.I. SAC Mike Fordham discussed with the Committee many topics that could be available for usage at the convention and would be topics of interest to most peace officers such as child death investigations, meth labs, identity theft etc. The assistance of the G. B. I. with the convention training would not cost POAG anything.  Jimmy Jones made a motion, which was seconded by John Conley and passed to let the G. B. I. handle the training at the convention.  It was discussed and all agreed that an eight-hour session on GCIC separate from the other training would be offered. SAC Fordham will work up a convention-training program for presentation to the Committee that could possibly be used at the convention.  John Conley made a motion to appoint G.B.I. SAC Mike Fordham Coordinator of training.  This motion was seconded by Jimmy Jones and passed. 

Alan Hagan with Pabst Brewing Company discussed a possible partnership of Pabst and POAG in promoting alcohol free activities with our young people throughout the State.  Since the partnership had been lost with Miller Brewing, it is hoped that Pabst can fill this void.    

The insurance proposal from last month’s meeting was discussed in detail.  It was brought out that only the actual number of active members would be paid for if the Committee ultimately decides to implement this program.  Prior to next month’s meeting, designated POAG representatives will contact each 100% department throughout the State and ask for their input on increasing dues $5 per year and raising the death benefit.  EXECUITVE This proposal can only be utilized if a majority of our 100% departments can support it. 

            A letter had been received from a POAG member suggesting a waiver of the rule that a person’s supervisor must nominate an officer for “Peace Officer of the Year”.  After a brief discussion, it was decided to let President Homer Bryson write the member. Board Member Jimmy Jones who knows this person would also contact the member. 

            Executive Director Marion Conley reported the Spring Golf Tournament was planned for April 19, 2004 at the Oakview Golf Course, Hartley Bridge Road, Macon, Georgia with the Executive Committee meeting to follow the next day at Lake Tobesofee. 

            Marion also informed the Committee of a conversation with Mike Callan of Emergency Services, Inc.  Mike wished to have the POAG office address as the address of Emergency Services, Inc. Since Emergency Services, Inc. is our fundraiser company and they must maintain an office in Georgia, it was decided to comply with Mr. Callan’s desire. 

            Bob Brown made a motion; a second was given by Keith Moran to grant a $100 Christmas bonus to Penny Rewis and Krystal Simmons and a $500 bonus to Marion Conley.  This motion passed. 

            Vice President Keith Moran reported he has requested fifteen minutes on the Chief’s winter conference program.  The conference will be held January 12^th in Augusta. 

            Bob Carter, Secretary-Treasurer of the POA&B Fund explained HB 869 to the Committee and explained why he was asking our support against this bill.  Many programs collecting fines from fines and forfeitures would be combined.  He felt the new proposal would hurt State and local training programs.             

            The next meeting was set for Janaury 22, 2004 at the Peach County Courthouse, Fort Valley, Georgia.  The meeting will convene at 10 A. M. in the County Commissioner’s meeting room.   

            Keith Moran made a motion, which was seconded by Jimmy Jones and passed to adjourn the meeting to lunch at Captain’s Corner, Vidalia.