April 6, 2011

The meeting was opened with a prayer and the pledge by our Lodge Chaplain Scotty Davis. The next regular scheduled Lodge meeting is Wednesday, May 4th at 5:00 pm. Many thanks to all of the businesses that continue to support our lodge. The the $50 attendance award was won by Brother Mull.

Lodge Business

Brother Gaynor reviewed the current financial condition of the lodge. Financially we are doing rather well. Specific budget details are available during all meetings.

Members discussed the current situation with our members employed by Cobb County.

The lodge Secretary reported 75 members have not yet paid their dues. Contact will be made with each of the members.

All lodge federal & state taxes are currently up to date.

At members request the Executive Board is in the process of arranging a new benefit. Wills for members will be provided free of charge and spouses will be done at a reduced rate. Details should be announced soon.

Members voted to join the Kennesaw Business Association for $205.

The 12’ x 20’ metal Storage Building should be in place by the next meeting in May.

Members are encouraged to review the letter sent out by Brother Gaynor on 2011 Membership Dues and how the dues are spent.

As a reminder a new set of fees for use of the lodge will be effective on January 1st for use of the lodge. The new fee schedule is members $250 per event and $500 for non members. This does not include a $100 refundable cleaning deposit.

In the future all members wishing to apply for a Life Membership (retired & a member 20+ years) must request it in writing. All members who wish to know how long they have been a member can go to the national website at www.fop.net. You can go to the “Members Only"\” area and apply for access. Once approved you should find a link to your membership information, including the ability to change your address information.

Members are strongly encouraged to review the FOP Legal Defense Fund on the National Site for complete legal coverage. FOP Legal Defense Fund

Check “Upcoming Events” on the Lodge website for information on events.

Committee Reports

Bylaws Committee:

Nothing to report

Florida Committee:

The dates for next year have already been set and will be August 4-7, 2011. If interested please see Brother Gaynor for reservation details. Check out the hotel website on the Upcoming Events page.

Legal Committee:

Two members consulted with a Lodge Attorney.

Sponsorships

Members voted $300 to Deputy Shane Charles, Buchannan Co. Sheriff’s Dept. Virginia who is currently recovering at Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta from significant gunshot wounds received in the line of duty.

Members voted to donate $300 to the Atlanta Defender Football Team. We currently have tickets to their next game at Clark Atlanta University on April 30th. Please contact a member of the Executive Board for additional information.

Sick & Distressed

Nothing to Report

Legal Representation

Critical Incident Lodge Attorney - Click Here for details

Members “do not” need the approval of the legal committee if you are involved in a critical / use of force incident. The member or his representative holds sole responsibility for contacting one of our four attorneys should the need arise.

If you are in need of an attorney for any other purpose a member of the Legal Committee must be called before contacting an attorney. If you do not clear the contact of an attorney through the Legal Committee the Lodge will not pay for the legal services.

Legal Committee:

Steve Gaynor, Cobb PD, 770-757-6709