POAG EXECUTIVE MINUTES - June 2003:              

The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 10 A. M., June 12, 2003, at the Higgins Building, Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, Macon, Georgia.  Committee members attending included President Harry Colbert, III,  Board Member Keith Moran and Gary Hill, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley,  Legislative Chairman Bob Brown, Public Relations Director Jimmy Jones and Executive Director Marion Conley. Vice President Homer Bryson, Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Jimmy Waters were unable to attend. Visitors included Ken Suddeth. 

The meeting was called to order and a welcome given all in attendance by President Colbert.  Board Member Keith Moran gave the invocation.  The Pledge of Allegiance was let by President Colbert. 

The minutes from May and the financial report from April, 2003 were approved upon a motion from Bob Brown.  The motion was seconded by Keith Moran and passed.  Marion Conley stated there was no financial report for May, 2003 yet awaiting a bank statement on the fundraising project from Minnesota. 

Ken Suddeth volunteered to ask Frank Rotundo for a few minutes on the Chief’s agenda for the Chief’s summer conference in July, 2003.  We can make the Chief’s aware of the training agenda we will sponsor at the convention.  Jimmy Jones volunteered to get the training schedule to Terry Norris with the Sheriff’s Association so that the Sheriff’s can be aware of the agenda. 

Board Member Gary Hill reported he has the driving and firearms simulators lined up for usage during the convention.  He maximum cost for these items will be $355. 

In the absence of Vice President Homer Bryson, Marion Conley reported Homer had acquired a Chevrolet car with an $18,000 value to be donated by Dan Vaden Chevrolet in Brunswick if someone shot a hole in one at the golf tournament during the convention.   The $3,000 sponsor fee for Dr. Smith’s talk has been received from Sea Island Company, thanks to the efforts of Homer.   

A motion was made by John Conley, seconded by Bob Brown and passed to award Manager John Tomkins of Dan Vaden an honorary life membership in the Association. 

A motion was made by John Conley, seconded by Bob Brown and passed to award Charlie Zwalley and Scott Szwejbka from Pactiv honorary life memberships. 

President Colbert reported having received a request from Stan Hall of Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department for a few minutes on the convention program.  Stan has the Victim Assistance witness program for Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office.  The Committee was happy to grant this request. 

            Attention was brought to the Committee of a member’s efforts to organize another Peace Officers Association.  The Board felt this activity had been attempted in the past, had never gained any momentum and would not recognize any worth of the endeavor but would continue to monitor the activity.  The Board did feel that this member was certainly not working in behalf of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia nor was he working to HELP POAG but to inflict harm on the Association. 

            The Board was advised of the adverse activities of one of John Bodin and Callan’s ad sales representatives in Cherokee County.  The Committee was very concerned over the situation and certainly does not want any adverse reflection on the Association because of that individual’s action.  The Association wishes all peoples representing this Association in any manner to conduct themselves in a most professional and honest manner.  The Board went on record of reminding all that we only stand for the highest ideals possible with it comes to integrity and professionalism. 

            Secretary Conley reported that the trip to Athens to meet with the University of Georgia officials concerning an alcohol free activity had to be postponed by Miller Brewing but would be rescheduled by Miller. 

            President Colbert reported that at a meeting of the Indemnification Commission, it was his understanding that legislation was being written so that total disability will be more comparable to other existing laws. 

            Marion Conley was asked to work on attempting to arrange a July meeting in Rome.  The office had been notified that there was a possibility a convention may be able to be held in Rome.  This meeting would afford the Committee an opportunity to check out the facilities and prices.  Marion will notify all when this meeting can be scheduled. 

            John Conley made a motion to adjourn to the meal prepared by the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department.  The motion was seconded by Keith Moran and passed.