Download PDF: CERT General Mtg Minutes 7.30 2026
BBV-CERT General Meeting Minutes
July 30, 2026, Masonic Lodge
Present – Ed Williams, Cindi Schaub, Joyce Crist, Judy Whitaker, Ian Thome, Marie Smith, Jim Smith, Linda LaFrenais, Lynne LaFrenais, Adrienne LaFrenais, Carl Garlick, Dana McCoy, Susan Antrillo, Norma Grimes, Bob Grimes, Sam Bolog, Steve Scott, Char Scott, Jennifer Ries, Paul Arnold, Susan Smith, Mike Eichenlaub, Susan Elliott, Steve Elliott, Johnny Wells
Call to Order – Team Coordinator Susan Elliott called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance — Susan led the salute to the flag.
911 Call Assignment — Johnny Wells will call 911 in case of an emergency.
Meeting Minutes – Norma read the minutes from the June 22 general meeting.
Susan read a letter from Southwest Gas thanking Big Bear Valley CERT for helping to circulate door hangers warning homeowners about the danger of digging and damaging buried gas lines. A check for $1,000 was included. More door hangers are available for us to distribute in our neighborhoods.
Treasurer Report – Ed Williams gave the treasurer’s report. As of June 27th we received interest in the amount of 23¢ on savings; 0¢ on checking. The current balance in checking is $1,256.31 and $6,804.51 in savings. Total in the bank is $8,060.82.
Committee Report
- Fundraising Committee– Marie & Jim Smith reported that we received $591 from the Maggio’s fundraiser on July 8th.
Grocery Outlet donated food items in the amount of $239.23 for our Tour de Big Bear Aid Station. CERT bought eggs to supplement the menu.
- Membership – Johnny Wells announced opportunities for recruitment on Labor Day weekend at the Art, Gem & Mineral Show and Friday Farmers Markets. He also shared the idea of setting up a pop-up in front of a grocery store for recruiting. He will check with the grocery stores to see if this is OK.
He also announced that the World Championship Chainsaw Carving Competition will take place in Big Bear in 2027 and will repeat every 10 years. This is a four-day event. All the carvings from the competition will stay in Big Bear.
Johnny pointed out that team members are not to self-activate and they are not to represent CERT without authorization from the CERT Board. Susan must have CERT events approved in advance by OES. Without authorization members and the organization could be held liable. Shirts are only to be worn at authorized events.
- Training — George Muller—absent. On assignment in Oregon.
Steve, in coordination with George, will arrange for training with the fire department in utilizing fire extinguishers on live fire and red bag training to learn how to use neighborhood fire hydrants.
- Assets Committee – Steve Elliott – No new assets have been purchased. Steve noted that a training gas meter disappeared when the trailer was being cleaned out. The disappearance is being investigated.
The county trailer is still being worked on.
A workday has been set for Sunday, Aug. 9th, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. to empty out the Fawnskin container at the fire station, and clean and inventory the contents. There are several cots and first aid kits. The kits will be distributed to the team.
New Business
Big Bear Valley CERT has been invited to participate in the National Night Out Event with all the local emergency services, Tuesday, August 4th at Ski Beach (41216 Park Ave. Big Bear Lake). Setup is at 3:00 p.m. Event time is from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Take-down at 6:00 p.m. Susan will be doing the event. Help would be appreciated.
Johnny is mapping where team members live to prepare to establish neighborhood teams.
Old Business
Tour de Big Bear Aid Station at Snow Valley, Saturday, August 1st, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (or until the last rider leaves). Steve will be taking the lead on this event and direct set up. Hopefully we will get all the food and supplies we need from the association. There are 2600 riders registered. The 100 milers, 70 milers and 50 milers will visit our aid station.
Susan recognized graduates of the June CERT Basic Training Class and presented certificates of achievement to them.
Upcoming Meetings, Training & Recruiting Opportunities
- Tour de Big Bear, August 1, 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Snow Valley
- National Night Out, August 4, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Ski Beach
- Antique Car Show Recruiting, August 8, Bartlett Parking Lot
- Fawnskin Workday, Aug. 9th, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Fawnskin Fire Dept.
- Board Meeting, August 24, 5 p.m., Masonic Lodge
- General Meeting, August 24, 6 p.m., Masonic Lodge
- Basic CERT Training, August 28, 5-9 p.m., and August 29 & 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Masonic Lodge
- Art, Gem, & Mineral Show Recruiting, Sept. 4-7, Masonic Lodge 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Taco Fundraiser & Raffle, September 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sonora Cantina
- Basic CERT Training, October 23, 5-9 p.m., and October 24 & 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Masonic Lodge
- Halloween in the Village, October 31, 4 to 7 p.m.
- Holiday Potluck Monday December 7th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monthly Training – Steve Elliott led a hands-on training session focused on utility shut-off procedures during disasters. This essential training aims to equip our CERT members with practical skills to safely and efficiently manage utility shutdowns, a critical step in minimizing hazards during emergencies. The utility shut-off training covered key techniques and safety protocols for turning off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water during a disaster scenario. Understanding how to perform these tasks correctly is vital to prevent further damage, reduce risks of fire or flooding, and ensure the safety of both responders and residents.
Meeting Adjournment — The meeting was adjourned at 7:25.
Respectfully submitted,
Norma Grimes, Secretary Pro-Tem