November 2, 2011

The meeting was opened with a prayer and the pledge by Lodge Chaplain Scotty Davis. Our next regular scheduled Lodge meeting is Wednesday, December 7th at 5:00 pm. Brother Melton won the $50 attendance award. Thanks to the ladies of the FOPA and Brother Gaynor for the Ham & Turkey dinner they provided.

Lodge Business

President Mull welcomed everyone to the meeting. He reviewed items he would like to see the lodge accomplish in 2012.

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

Brother Bullock also reported the lodge property taxes have been paid and the per capita cost on each member has been paid to the State and National Lodge.

Amanda Rains from Cobb 911 presented a check for $2,150 to be used towards the FOP Cops & Kids program. We are extremely grateful for all who support the Cops & Kids program especially our brothers and sisters in 911.

Brother Thompson reported all locks have been changed at the lodge. A checkout log has been created to keep better check of keys signed out for scheduled events.

Brother Mestre reviewed items from the October State Executive Board Meeting and advised the next board meeting is in Stone Mountain on January 17th.

Wade Hoffman from LEO-ACF reviewed information on the daily operations of his solicitation company and the benefits of continuing the relationship when the current contract expires on December 31st.

FOPA President Ramona Stone advises 100 Thanksgiving Baskets are ready for distribution to the community. Brother Stan Melton will be helping with the distribution.

All members and fellow officers are asked to keep Brother Sean Henry and his family in your prayers. Officers Henry was involved in an on duty shooting incident recently and is in need of everyone’s support.

Use of the lodge has the following fee schedule: 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:

Changes to the Lodge By Laws were read for the second time. The changes involve language with the lodge provided life insurance to each member. The language reinforces the need for all members to have a current beneficiary form on file. The language being changed shows the benefit being paid either to the beneficiary or the estate. The second reading of this by law change was approved.

Florida Committee:

Nothing to report

Legal Committee:

Several small legal bills have been paid. One was involving a furlough issues.

Sponsorships

Members voted to donate $300 to Hope Norman for an upcoming field trip with a group of kids to New York City.

Sick & Distressed

Please keep brother Rolla Green in your thoughts and prayers as he deals with medical issues.

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 attorney's 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:

Bob Pierce – bob.pierce @ cobbcounty.org
Bobby Hulsey – 770-842-0818