Minutes Approved at the November 1, 2007 Meeting
Chimney Safety Institute of America
Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, July 20, 2007
President Rowell called the meeting of the Chimney Safety Institute of America to order at 8:11 am.
Directors Present: Randy Brooks, Robert Huta, John Meredith, John Pilger, Howard Rowell, Bo Tasso and Tom Urban.
Directors Absent: Eric Adair, Erika Schmidt, Steve Pietila
Staff Present: Mark McSweeney, Melissa Heeke, Judy Thompson, Ashley Eldridge, Royal Edwards and Art Garrett, Esq. of Keller & Heckman
Guests Present: Jim Baynes, John Wharton, Jeremy Biswell, Stephen Kuber and Esther Urban
A motion was made by Bo Tasso and seconded by Robert Huta to approve the minutes of the May 23, 2007 meeting. All in favor. Motion carries.
President’s Report: As submitted by Howard Rowell. He welcomed Tom Urban to the CSIA board of directors.
Treasurer’s Report: As submitted by Robert Huta.
Executive Director’s Report: As submitted by Mark McSweeney. He provided an update on the administrative processing of CEU renewals and Certified Chimney Sweep ID cards. Ashley Eldridge provided an update on the success of offering opportunities for sponsored education. A discussion was held regarding the Installing & Troubleshooting Gas Hearth Appliances course and working with manufacturers to provide training at the Tech Center. Mark McSweeney also acknowledged the volunteer efforts and continued support of Jim Baynes and Kevin DeLucenay during Sweeps Week.
Legal Report: As submitted by Art Garrett, Esq. A discussion was held regarding the history of the trademark infringement process and the success of recent enforcements.
A motion was made by Randy Brooks and seconded by Bo Tasso to give legal the authority to file a lawsuit against American Classic Chimney in Hackensack, NJ in the event that it is found in further violation of trademark use guidelines. Voting in favor: Randy Brooks, Robert Huta, John Meredith, John Pilger, Howard Rowell, Bo Tasso and Tom Urban. Motion passes.
Committee Reports
A motion was made by Bo Tasso and seconded by Randy Brooks to accept the consent agenda as presented with the exception of the Mfg Outreach Taskforce and the Certification Committee reports. Voting in favor: Randy Brooks, Robert Huta, John Meredith, John Pilger, Howard Rowell, Bo Tasso and Tom Urban. Motion passes.
Manufacturer’s Outreach Taskforce
John Wharton presented an update on progress made on the inclusion of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep trademark and annual inspection and needed maintenance message in manufacturers’ installation manuals.
Certification Committee
An extended discussion was held regarding the delivery format and structure of future certification exam review sessions.
New Business
A motion was made by Bo Tasso and seconded by John Pilger to accept the 2007-2008 budget as presented. Voting in favor: Randy Brooks, Robert Huta, John Meredith, John Pilger, Howard Rowell, Bo Tasso Abstaining: Tom Urban. Motion passes.
The next board meeting will be held online and via teleconference on November 1, 2007 at 2pm Eastern.
A motion was made by Randy Brooks and seconded by Bo Tasso to adjourn the meeting. Voting in favor: All in favor. Motion passes.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:53 am.
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