POAG EXECUTIVE MINUTES - MAY 2001: 

The Executive Committee of the Peace Officers’ Association of Georgia, Inc. held a meeting at 10 A. M., May 11, 2001 at the SouthPoint Plantation, Terrell County, Georgia. Committee members attending included President Bill Hitchens, Board Members Harry Colbert and Homer Bryson, Secretary-Treasurer John Conley, Legislative Chairman Bob Brown, and Executive Director Marion Conley. Vice President Wayne Avery, Public Relations Director Jimmy Jones, Attorney Frank Childs and Chaplain Jimmy Waters were unable to attend. Visitors included: Sammy Murphy, Paul DeLoach, Morgan and Joyce Key, Bob Boren, Stan Moody, Ed Richards and Tim Murphy.

President Hitchens called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. President Hitchens expressed thanks to Sammy Murphy, Tim Murphy, Bob Boren and Miller Brewing for accommodating us at the beautiful SouthPoint Plantation and also preparing the quail lunch that followed the meeting.

The invocation was given by Marion Conley.

A motion was made by Harry Colbert and seconded by Bob Brown to approve the minutes and financial report from April, 2001. The motion passed.

President Hitchens reported Billy Hitchens had completed the filming of the "For Sale" items in the office. The placement of these items on our web page will further enhance our web site.

A discussion was originated by a POAG member concerning the Constitutional requirement of having to be a member for ten of the previous twelve years prior to retirement in order to continue your active member status. Of course, this clause does not relate to a disability retirement. It was pointed out that Constitutional changes could only be made at the convention by presenting a proposed change to the Resolutions Committee, the Resolutions Committee approving the change and the change being affirmatively voted on by a majority of the attending delegates.

Board Member Homer Bryson reported that Ziggy Mahoney, a local band, had verbally agreed to perform at the convention Monday night from 9 P. M. until 1 A. M. for $900 - $1,000.00. "Elvis" will be asked to perform Tuesday night. Marion will contact Kenan Carter for a contract from Ziggy Mahoney. A reduction in the golf fee from $53.00 to $40.00 had been obtained from the Jekyll Island Authority. This fee would include the cart fee. The format for the golf tournament this year will be changed to a two-man scramble. However, Homer is going to ascertain the price of a golf course in Brunswick. It was pointed out that all participants in the convention golf game must be either active or associate POAG members.

Harry Colbert asked that Bob Gaylor with The Georgia Police Corps be allowed to speak on Monday afternoon at the convention.

A featured speaker for the convention was discussed. A motion was made by John Conley, seconded by Bob Brown and passed to asked retired Appling County Sheriff Lewis Parker to speak. Even though he had spoken at Tybee Island, many of our members had asked to have him again because they were unable to hear him at Tybee. Ed Richards volunteered to ask the Governor to speak.

Randy Clayton with Criminal Justice Improvement Council has invited POAG to participate in the House and Senate Public Safety Committee hearings on potential legislation. Bob Brown will represent POAG at this meeting.

All were reminded June 9^th is the deadline for the September/convention issue of "The Georgia Peace Officer."

Bob Brown relayed the story of a former member who withdrew from the Association because of an article printed in "The Georgia Peace Officer." Bob volunteered to write this former member a letter of apology but explaining that no person in this Association has any control over the contents of "The Georgia Peace Officer" and the particular article the person was referring to was not written by any of our members.

The decision on naming a targeted project for which funds gained from Yourcommunitynet.com was tabled.

Mr. Paul DeLoach of Miller Brewing reported that perhaps penalties for habitual violators need to be stiffened. Other states have much stiffer penalties.

Secretary John Conley reminded all that we needed to select Life Members at the June meeting.

Homer Bryson reported he had talked with potential rangers on POAG and POA&B.

A motion was made by Bob Brown, seconded by Harry Colbert and passed to have a $15.00 convention registration fee and award $100.00 an hour at each training session. A motion was made by Bob Brown to purchase two pistols to be given away at the convention. This motion was seconded by Homer Bryson and passed.

Mr. Paul DeLoach with Miller Brewing also reported a number of states have had peace officer groups to partnership with Miller in the campaign for responsible drinkingand against underage drinking. He felt that by next meeting he would have more concrete plans for the collaboration of Miller and POAG. Mr. DeLoach will address the convention delegates on the progress of this partnership on Tuesday afternoon just prior to voting at the convention.

Harry Colbert asked that Jan Ursitti of Bibb County be put on the committee to work with Miller, Sammy Murphy has agreed to serve as Chairman of the committee and Morgan Key has asked to serve on the committee.

A POAG member reported he had been contacted by some of the people involved in law enforcement telemarketing. The person had questions about their perception of POAG being unduly critical of them. Several of the Executive Committee expressed completely different sentiments.

The next meeting was set for June 19, 2001, 10 A. M. at the POAG office in Reidsville.

A motion was made by Bob Brown to adjourn. This motion was seconded by Harry Colbert and passed.