Maryland Troopers Association Lodge 88

M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
March 13th, 2012
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD

In attendance: (8) President B. Blubaugh, Treasurer C. Steffy, Secretary S. Cain, K. Lewis, D. Seiler, C. West, D. Bittinger, E. Schlotterbeck

This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 5:49 p.m.

President’s Report:

             Old Business:

  o   New Barrack opening – The new furniture will be moved in starting April 16^th.  There is long punchlist of items that need to be addressed so the move-in date has been pushed back to April 30th.

• There will be a photo opportunity on April 20^th for current and retired personnel.  Tours of the new and old Barracks will also be offered.  This in an informal gathering with a formal ceremony to take place later.  Motion was made and passed for light refreshments to be provided by Lodge 88.
• Scholarships – Packets for accepted scholarship applications will be handed out at the April State Lodge meeting.  There were four (4) applicants for Lodge 88.  Although numerous applications were received, many of them contained submission errors.  When possible due to time constraints, applicants were contacted to correct errors.
• “Old” Barrack bricks – The building contractor has agreed to provide bricks from the “old” Barrack for engraving.  President Blubaugh is the contact for ordering.  Please send him an e-mail at bblubaugh@mdsp.org containing rank, full name and dates of service.  Information on fee collection for the engraving will be forthcoming.

New Business:

    o   The current Academy class has 87 recruits left.

• SLEOLA has a contract with a new law office.  The office is relatively small in the number of attorneys, however a larger law office may be contracted next time.
• CAPWIN:  Users are reminded AGAIN to be aware that ALL messages are archived and may be reviewed or subpoenaed at any time.
• Fallen Hero’s Ceremony – The Pikesville ceremony will be held on May 9^th , 2012.  There will also be a ceremony held on May 11^th, 2012 at the Waterloo Barrack.  At this ceremony, there will be a sign dedication on Interstate 95 for TFC Shaft Hunter.

 Vice President’s Report:

• Vice President Miller was unable to attend.

Treasurer’s Report: Account balances:

• Checking account: $13,396.51
• Community Donation Fund: $2920.00
• Death Relief Fund: $6,667.00.00
• Recent Expenses
• $54.14 – Pizza Hut for meeting meal

Secretary’s Report:

• Nothing to report

Motion was made by D. Seiler and passed to adjourn meeting at 6:08pm.

Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting:  Tuesday May 8th, 2012 at 5:30p.m.  To be held at the new Hagerstown Barrack.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary S. Cain

M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
March 13th, 2012
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD

In attendance: (9) President B. Blubaugh, Vice President R. S. Miller, Treasurer C. Steffy, Secretary S. Cain, K. Lewis, L. Harris, D. Seiler, C. West, J.W. Eichelberger

This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 5:47 p.m.

President’s Report:

• President Blubaugh attended the meeting with Annapolis Legislators.  The only  Western Maryland Delegate attending was John Donahue
  • The subject of the Hagerstown PCO’s was brought up. Del.Donahue asked if the Washington County Commissioners were aware of the situation.  Since they are not, that was the end of the discussion, but at least it has been brought to the attention of our representative.
• The contract with the MTA attorney is coming to an end.  Since there have been no complaints with their service, it is expected that the contract will be renewed.
• Scholarships – Applications are still being accepted, but must be submitted by March 31, 2012 and must be sent certified mail with return receipt to the MTA.  The WMTA also has a $2,000.00 scholarship available for anyone residing in westernMaryland.
• The new Hagerstown Barrack is expected to be opened on April 6, 2012.  One week after the old Barrack is emptied, the asbestos will be removed.  Then another week later, the demolition will begin.
  • Bricks will be obtained from the existing building to establish a patio area behind the new building.  Bricks may be purchased and engraved with a troopers name and years of service for a price of $35.00.  Additional bricks may be purchased to take for keepsakes at a price of $20.00 (non-engraved).  The contractor will be asked for 200-300 bricks which will be stored until utilized.  Motion by D. Seiler to accept proposal, seconded by R.S. Miller.  Motion passed unanimously.

Vice President’s Report:

• Nothing to report.

Treasurer’s Report: Account balances:

• Checking account: $12, 783.65
• Community Donation Fund: $2420.00
• Death Relief Fund: $6,367.00.00
• Recent Expenses
• $41.06 – AC & T for meeting meal

• Recent Deposits
  • $1310.00 (total) – to Community Fund from gun raffle
  • Motion by D.Seiler to accept Treasurer’s report, seconded by S. Cain.

 Secretary’s Report:

• Nothing to report

 Good of the Order:

• SLEOLA reached a new contract agreement with Governor O’Malley.  Voting cards will be sent out shortly to members.  The full contract can be found on the Power DMS, but some of the notable clauses include:
• 2 ½% raise for the next two years
• 2 COLA (“step”) increases
• No raise in health care costs now, but the probability of them in the future

• Legislative Bills of interest to MSP:
• MSP Budget – Money slotted for 76 new Chevrolet Caprices for this year and for 115 cars per year for the next 3 years.  The money was obtained from the speed camera fines.
• Sgt Fogle requested support for the Estate Trust Bill (HB 735) – This bill would prohibit those who cause the death of another from receiving financial benefit from the death.
• All bills affecting the Maryland State Police are listed on the State Lodge website.

1/Sgt Lewis thanked the MTA for it’s donation in his father’s name to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry.

Motion was made by R.S. Miller, seconded by D. Seiler and passed to adjourn meeting at 6:10pm.

Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting:  Tuesday April 10th, 2012 at 5:30p.m.  To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary S. Cain

M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes
February 14th, 2012
Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD 

In attendance: (7) President B. Blubaugh, Secretary S. Cain, K. Cain, D. Seiler, C. West, A. Swope, E. Burke

This meeting, held at the Hagerstown Barrack, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 5:35 p.m.

President’s Report:

• President Blubaugh announced that the week of February 20^ththe presidents of all MTA lodges will be inAnnapolisto meet with legislators.  There are several Bills that are of interest to the MSP.
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Handgun Permits – The aim is to do away with the “substantial reason” for requesting a handgun permit.  Additionally, the Federal Government is in favor of State permits being valid in ALL States.
  • Texting While Driving – This Bill would alter the language to “any wireless device”
  • Machine Gun Registration – This Bill would require the MSP to notify registrants when they need to renew.
• A subject named Andy Ferraro is offering for sale a collection of MSP photos and memorabilia from the 1940’s.  Anyone interested may contact President Blubaugh.
• Scholarships – There are two (2), $500.00 available.  So far 23 applications have been received. Three (3) member applications and twenty (20) for family of members.  Applications must be received by March 31, 2012 and must be sent certified mail with return receipt to the MTA.

Vice President’s Report:

• V.P. Miller did not attend the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: (Reported by President Blubaugh)

• Account balances:
• Checking account: $13, 135.71
• Community Donation Fund: $1110.00
• Death Relief Fund: $6,367.00.00
• Recent Expenses
• $25.99 – Martin’s – For Gary Gruber

• Recent Deposits
  • $310.00 (total) – Raffle ticket sales
  • $1000 (pending deposit) from Friends of the NRA in additional raffle ticket sales

Motion by A. Swope to accept Treasurer’s report, seconded by. Seconded by C. West

 Secretary’s Report:

• Nothing to report

 New Business:

• Most likely, the next raffle will not be for a firearm since ticket sales were not very good.  An LCD television or a game console is being considered for future raffles.  There is a possibility of getting these items donated by Wal-Mart or another retailer.

Old Business:

• A. Swope requested again that a member’s list be sent out.  One list was sent from the MTA, however it is in PDF form and this limits the usefulness and editing.
• The issue of the drop in Life Insurance after age 70 was revisited.  President Blubaugh broached the issue at the State Lodge meeting with no different results than previously received.  Basically, insurance companies have calculated that the cost to keep $10,000.00 of life insurance after age 70 would not be profitable and are refusing to budge on the issue.

 Good of the Order:

• The raffle for the Henry Boy rifle was drawn.  Lt. (ret) A. Swope was the winner!
• D. Seiler asked about the finish date for the new Hagerstown Bk.  The last notification of a possible date was sometime in April.

Motion was made by A. Swope and passed to adjourn meeting at 6:00pm.

Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting:  Tuesday March 13, 2012 at 5:30p.m.  To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.

Respectfully submitted by Secretary S. Cain

M.T.A. Lodge 88 Minutes

December 13th, 2011

Barrack “O” Hagerstown, MD

In attendance: (7) President B. Blubaugh, Vice President R.S. Miller, Treasurer C. Steffy, Secretary S. Cain, D. Bittinger, D. Seiler, C. West, J. Barnes, A. Swope

This meeting, held at the Western Sizzlin Restaurant, was called to order by President Blubaugh at 6:17 p.m.

President’s Report:

• President Blubaugh attended the State Lodge Meeting in Pikesville.  Col. Brown was in attendance and discussed several issues.

1.  Vehicles:  The Colonel is attempting to get a 6 year vehicle rotation started to alleviate the high mileage/older patrol vehicles currently in use.  Barracks with the worst vehicles will be given first consideration.  Another option being considered is leasing vehicles.
2. Firearms:  1623 firearm changeovers have been completed and Beretta sent 150 extra handguns to take care of any future problems.  The issues with the PX4 Storm continue.  There were numerous misfires during night qualification across the State.  They were as follows (by region): Eastern Shore – 14, Southern – 12, Central – 3, Western – 1.  Beretta believes that the issue lies with the spring guide assembly, due to the fact that it is plastic.  There was consideration of replacing it with metal but in testing there were numerous issues with that as well.  Beretta is currently testing a new locking pin system to take care of the problem.  Further, they are testing a 3^rd generation magazine with a locking floor plate to replace the current magazines.
3. More retirees are being sought for the contractual trooper positions.  The program has apparently worked well up to this point and the MSP is looking to expand.

•   Emphasis was again placed on getting troopers to sign up for the MTA Capitol 1 credit card.  The MTA receives $50.00 when the first purchase is made and a percentage for all purchases there after.
•  The MTA would like to remind everyone to keep their dependants and beneficiaries up to date on any life insurance policies.  This is extremely important issue and must be kept current.
•   TFC Greg Harrington, who has been deployed to the Middle East for 4 ½ years, is now back in the United States.  He is currently in the process of retiring.  Thank you for your dedicated service to country.
•  Anyone having vehicle or firearms issues is asked to contact your local State Legislators.  The only way to fix these issues is to let them know they exist.
•  The drawing for the Henry Golden Boy rifle has been pushed back to the February MTA meeting.  Anyone interested in buying tickets should contact an MTA officer.  Several members have tickets as well.

Vice President’s Report:

• Nothing to report

Treasurer’s Report:

• Account balances:
• Checking account: $13, 229.13
• Community Donation Fund: $1110.00
• Death Relief Fund: $6,368.00
• Recent Expenses
• $750.00 for Teresa Poffenberger
• $35.00 to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry in memory of Nevin Lewis 

Secretary’s Report:

• Nothing to report

New Business:

• A motion was made to donate $35.00 to the K-9 training fund in memory of Rich Poffenberger.  The motion passed.  It is Teresa Poffenberger’s hope that donations will be made to the fund.  If anyone is interested in making a donation, please contact President Blubaugh for information.

 Old Business:

• Nothing to report

  Good of the Order:

• Nothing to report.

 Next MTA Lodge 88 Meeting:  Tuesday January 10th, 2011 at the NEW TIME of 5:30p.m.  To be held at the Hagerstown Barrack.

 Meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted by Secretary S. Cain