Msboa september14

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Volume 44 Issue 8 • September 2014 Have a Safe 2014-2015 School Year!!!!! Operator The Beware of Complacency this Year The State Patrol has shown the following pictures in their presen- tations around the state. These photos were taken on buses that had drivers who claimed that they were doing a daily pre trip inspection. They are pretty extreme. School bus drivers are an important front line defense in the school bus maintenance team. They are the eyes and ears for the maintenance team out on the road. As such, they must certify that the bus is safe to transport stu- dent. For the majority of the school year, it is likely cold and dark while drivers are completing their first inspection of the day. Make sure drivers are using care during this time. Management should observe the pre trip inspection periodically. Employees become complacent when they begin to take shortcuts in their work. They are not as thorough or detailed oriented as they once were. They should make sure they are checking all the roof hatches and win- dows, all tires, etc. not just going through the motions. Drivers who are complacent may be disengaged or upset about something going on at work or in their home lives. Make sure that you have staff that can recognize these drivers. If someone is in the drivers’ room frequently complaining, check in with them. Or perhaps someone that used to be a fixture in the driver’s room is suddenly only showing up minutes before route, check on the rea- sons why. Sometimes management is afraid of “opening the flood gates” and keeps their head down hoping it will blow over. There is too much at risk when a driver starts taking short cuts. Drivers need to be attuned to their vehicle. They should feel encouraged to bring up changes they notice to the maintenance staff. Maintenance would certainly rather find out something is amiss before the route, rather than having to make a tow call. Feel free to review these photos with your drivers this fall. Work on an environment that encourages a team approach for handling maintenance issues so that drivers feel that their input is valued. See more pictures from the State Patrol on page 4. Tire Tread Wear Issue Rubber Trim Missing

description

MN State Patrol, bus pictures

Transcript of Msboa september14

Page 1: Msboa september14

Volume 44 Issue 8 • September 2014

Have a Safe 2014-2015 School Year!!!!!

OperatorThe

Beware of Complacency this YearThe State Patrol has shown the following pictures in their presen-tations around the state. These photos were taken on buses thathad drivers who claimed that they were doing a daily pre tripinspection. They are pretty extreme. School bus drivers are animportant front line defense in the school bus maintenance team.They are the eyes and ears for the maintenance team out on theroad. As such, they must certify that the bus is safe to transport stu-dent.

For the majority of the school year, it is likely cold and dark whiledrivers are completing their first inspection of the day. Make suredrivers are using care during this time. Management shouldobserve the pre trip inspection periodically. Employees becomecomplacent when they begin to take shortcuts in their work. Theyare not as thorough or detailed oriented as they once were. Theyshould make sure they are checking all the roof hatches and win-dows, all tires, etc. not just going through the motions.

Drivers who are complacent may be disengaged or upset aboutsomething going on at work or in their home lives. Make sure thatyou have staff that can recognize these drivers. If someone is inthe drivers’ room frequently complaining, check in with them. Orperhaps someone that used to be a fixture in the driver’s room issuddenly only showing up minutes before route, check on the rea-sons why. Sometimes management is afraid of “opening the floodgates” and keeps their head down hoping it will blow over. Thereis too much at risk when a driver starts taking short cuts.

Drivers need to be attuned to their vehicle. They should feelencouraged to bring up changes they notice to the maintenancestaff. Maintenance would certainly rather find out something isamiss before the route, rather than having to make a tow call.

Feel free to review these photos with your drivers this fall. Work onan environment that encourages a team approach for handlingmaintenance issues so that drivers feel that their input is valued.

See more pictures from the State Patrol on page 4.

Tire Tread Wear Issue

Rubber Trim Missing

Page 2: Msboa september14

September .....Again?.....Really?

The school year 2014-2015 is off and running as we all digin and try to get the routing and drivers and buses all in theright place at the right time. A daunting task no matter if youhave 5 routes and buses or 150 routes and buses.

I hope the summer was good to all the members of the MSBOA. As it always seemsto go by way too fast. Seems like we no more get school ended and get to the sum-mer conference and then take a little well-earned vacation and it’s August.........themonth that never seems to be long enough or have enough working hours in the day.hire, train, hire, train, re-hire, re-train......and then September comes and its time to letthe tigers out of the cages!

Make sure to take the time to communicate with and among your staff. It is so easy toassume that everyone and everything is going the same as always, and that everyoneis doing all their parts the same........and inevitably some little piece is forgotten or notcommunicated and that’s how mistakes are made. Our industry does not lend itselfwell to errors......the cargo is too precious and the rules are too important for us not tocheck and re-check every part of our training and prep work before the rubber hits theroad. The new additions in the rules that we have to play by are always changing andbecoming more complicated.....make sure you are up on the new DOT med card Doc-tor certifications and all the other changes also. If you have questions feel free to getin touch with our office or any board members as we are here to help in any way wecan.

have a great school start up for the 2014-2015 school year and let’s all work for anextra safe school year!

Stay Safe and Be Kind!Sincerely,Rudy Lundahl, President of MSBOA

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BBOardOard OFOFddirecTOrsirecTOrs

RAYME BERNICk, DELANO

7763.972.3991/cELL [email protected]

ROBBIE ELLIOT, MOORHEAD

218.233.3404/cELL [email protected]

CONNIE GRISIM, STEWARTVILLE

507.533.8775/cELL [email protected]

DOUG GRISIM, LAkE CITY

651.345.4112/cELL [email protected]

TOM HEY, MARSHALL

507.532.4043 /cELL [email protected]

kEN INSELMANN, WILLMAR

320.235.2110/cELL [email protected]

SHELLY JONAS, ANNANDALE

320.274.8313 / cELL 612.599.0431

[email protected]

BRIAN kOCH, WACONIA

952.442.3370/cELL [email protected]

JIM kOONST, BELLE PLAINE

952.873.2362 / cELL [email protected]

STEVE LATOUR, ST. PAUL

651.251.8080 / cELL [email protected]

RUDY LUNDAHL, DULUTH

218.724.1707 / cELL [email protected]

MICHAEL PUTzkE, PAYNESVILLE

320.243.4455 / FAX [email protected]

GARRETT REGAN, FARIBAULT

507.334.5121/ cELL 651.470.7948

[email protected]

JOSH SCHIFFLER, CROSBY

218.546.6156 / cELL [email protected]

BETHANY SCHUBERT, SAINT STEPHEN

320.251.1202 / cELL [email protected]

The OperatorMISSION STAT E ME NT:

THE PURPOSE OF THE OPERATOR

IS TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERSHIP

OF THE MINNESOTA SCHOOL BUS

OPERATORS ASSOCIATION WITH

INFORMATION REGARDING

CURRENT INDUSTRY ISSUES.

THE OPERATOR IS PUBLISHED 11

TIMES A YEAR BY THE MSBOA,

10606 HEMLOCk ST. NW •

ANNANDALE, MN 55302.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

320-274-8313.

E-Mail [email protected] or

FAx: 320-274-8027.

Website: www.msboa.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE FREE

WITH MEMBERSHIP. AdditionAl

subscriptions Are $24.00 A

yeAr. COPYRIGHT 2014

MEMBERS MAY MAkE PHOTO-

COPIES OR USE ARTICLES AS

NECESSARY PROVIDING THE

SOURCE IS CITED.

CO-EDITORS:

SHARI DANzEISEN & SHELLY

JONAS

LAYOUT & DESIGN: SHARI DANzEISEN

VIEWS PRESENTED IN THISNEWSLETTER MAY NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THEOPINIONS OF THE ENTIRE MEM-BERSHIP OR ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

PRESIDENT

RuDy LunDAhL

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

JOSh SchIFFLER

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

TOM BuRR

TREASURER

TOM hEy

Ex-OFFICIO

GAyLEn LEnz

From the PresidentRudy LundahlVoyageur Bus Company, Duluth, MN

Page 3: Msboa september14

As the school year begins this year, members may notice an up-tick in fervor and fever of the2014 campaign season, as campaigning in Minnesota traditionally begins in earnest after thestart of the new school year. If there is one theme that is pervasive in discussions and in thescoring of a “winning candidate,” is a candidate’s ability to raise money and what they spendit on. At the top of that list is Senator Al Franken, who is running against investment bankerMike McFadden. Senator Franken is finishing his first term of six years and is running for re-election, and has six million dollars or more in cash on hand. McFadden is also well fundedalso. There will be large amounts of dollars spent by political parties and independent Political Action committees for bothsides. The volume of paid T.V., cable, and radio political ads for this race will be staggering. The national Democratic Partyand the national Republican party are battling state to state for the control of the united States Senate, which now has aseven seat advantage for the Democrats.

On a more local note, business groups, trade associations, and national corporations, are trying to balance their financialsupport and resources between the needs of the GOP in the Minnesota State house and the race for Governor. First, hen-nepin county commissioner, and former State house member, Jeff Johnson won a four way primary in early August, mak-ing him the GOP candidate to attempt to unseat Mark Dayton. Mark Dayton has the financial support of the unions, envi-ronmental groups, and a half a dozen outside groups directly connected to the mainstream DFL. Dayton’s campaign, andthe DFL outside PAcs, will likely spend upwards of eight million. Jeff Johnson will not have access to those kinds of dollars,but should have enough to wage a strong campaign with about half as many dollars, with outside GOP PAcs efforts.

The other side of the balancing that is being considered: is whether spending larger dollar amounts on the election of GOPmembers to the Minnesota State house is the best method to win one of two DFL controlled institutions in 2014 (The StateSenate, controlled by the DFL, is not up for re-election.) Some believe strongly that the DFL majority in the State house isvery vulnerable. Seven DFL seats were won last cycle by a collective 100 votes. currently the DFL party controls the StateSenate, the State house of Representatives, and the Governor’s office.

Individuals and business groups are leaning towards giving a larger percentage of resources to the GOP State house effort,in the belief of a stronger probably of retaking the State house than winning the Governor’s Office. Support for both caus-es is mutually beneficial to each effort.

Minnesota has eight u.S. congressional Seats. Former State house Member, and for-mer GOP 2010 Governor candidate, Tom Emmer will likely be replacing retiring con-gresswoman Bachman. The only congressional seats that are competitive this year arein the 7th and 8th congressional Districts. Stewart Mills, of the Fleet Farm family, is run-ning strong against incumbent DFL Rick nolan. chances of Mills winning is better than acoin flip, but not by much, should be a close race. In the 7th congressional District incum-bent DFL colin Peterson, known as a moderate (also known as a “blue dog democrat,) isfacing State Senator Torry Westrom. The 7th is very competitive, but is likely congress-man Peterson wins and then retires before the 2016 race (according to the rumor mill.)The other five congressional seats are not competitive this cycle and will be won by therespective incumbents, Walz, Kline, Mccollum, Ellison, and Paulson.

As the elections are 10 weeks away, MSBOA members should expect the Legislature andthe winner of the Governor’s race to start making policy proposals that may affect busi-ness owners and more specifically school bus operators. As such, MSBOA membersshould start thinking about their interaction with State Government. What services StateGovernment provides or what requirements (rules or laws) State Government mandateson your industry and business.

Continued on Page 11.

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Page 4: Msboa september14

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Roof hatch Broken Exhaust Leak

Seat Belt/Wheelchair Securement Wear cracked Frame

To the left: Wheelchair Securement Damage

State Patrol Pre Trip Photos...continued from Page 1.

Page 5: Msboa september14

Minnesota department of education Updates

The MDE Website has some new features that should be helpful to transportation departments.

They have created a document that is instructional for those that have questions regarding the changes in the cost alloca-tion report.

Additionally there is a charter School opening schedule with the overseeing departments listed and contact information. Ifyou are curious regarding any potential charter schools that will be opening in your area, please see the website for moredetails. you can find the list in the resources section.

There were two legislative changes concerning MDE School Transportation.

Foster Students – A student who has been enrolled in a district and who is placed in another district may continue to enrollin the previous district without the approval of either district. For MARSS reporting purposes, use State Aid category (SAc)11 to report a foster student without an IEP and who has not been determined as homeless. use SAc 19 to report a studentwho has an IEP and/or has been determined to be homeless. The family and/or county is responsible for transportation toborder unless the student has an IEP with special transportation. If the student is determined to be homeless, the enrollingdistrict is responsible.

charter Schools – charter schools must comply with all pupil transportation requirements that include transporting pupils thatlive two or more miles from school and prohibits a charter school from requiring parents to surrender their student’s trans-portation rights.

For those of you who may be looking whether or not your school district is deficit spending on transportation. you can go tothe data reports and analytics section. In the school finance section there is a link for transportation. Select Transportationfrom the pull down menu, spreadsheets by district in the subcategory and 2013 for the year. you will get three options. Selectthe third option “Transportation combined Fy 2013” and then select your district. If you need help finding this page, call theMSBOA office for more help. It can be a helpful document.

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Need legal Help?It’s Just a Phone

Call Away!As a valued member of Minnesota School Bus Oper-ator's Association, you are entitled to using ThomasRevnew of Seaton, Peters & Revnew Legal Hotlinefree of charge. During each six month period, youwill be entitled to two free fifteen-minute telephonecalls to the Hotline. MSBOA encourages you to usethis free service. When using the hotline, please fol-

low the following procedure:

1. Call Tom Revnew's direct dial, which is (952) 921-4622.

2. Identify yourself, your company name and that you are a client of MSBOA.

3. If Tom Revnew is not available, please leave a voicemail with the information described above and Tom will return the call as soon as possible.

4. If Tom Revnew is not available and your call is an emergency, please dial "0" when you receive Tom's voicemail and you will be transferred to the receptionist.

Page 6: Msboa september14

New Company Policies for Post Trip InspectionBy Bethany Schubert, Trobec’s Bus Service, Inc. Sartell/St. Stephen, Mn

It is hard to believe that we are well into the first month of the new school year. Each year it feels as though thesummers become shorter and shorter. When school ended last year, our office staff talked about ways we couldimprove our routes and the safety of our students.

One thing we wanted to look at more closely was our end of the route post trip. It is easy to get into a routine, anddo your post trip without paying as much attention as you should. This year we decided to make a new companypolicy that requires all drivers to stop outside of the bus garage before parking their buses to do the post trip andcheck for children.

Stopping outside the garage will allow the natural light in the bus and help to seemore clearly if there is a child on the bus. Purchasing the Driver check Kits thatthe MSBOA came out with has helped us to enforce this policy and teach the dri-vers that this is a serious matter. Each terminal will have a poster from the kit hang-ing for all drivers to see.

The slogan on that particular poster will be placed on all material that goes out tothe driver for that particular month, from our company newsletter, to routechanges, and field trip sheets. We want the driver’s to get the slogan in their head!

Each driver and assistant received a bracelet that came with the kit that states “Allclear- no Kids here”. It is so great to see the drivers and assistants wearing thesearound as a reminder to do their post trip inspection. I wish you all a wonderful

start to your school year, and that this will be the best year yet!

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A COnTInuIng SerIeS OF BOArD COmmenTArIeS

News and Views

Save Big on New GM Vehicles through

MSBoA Benefit with GM Fleet & Commercial!!!!There is a new form for 2015!

See www.msboa.com for more information!

The MSBOA is offering a new benefit through GM Fleet & commercial. Many of thevehicles you buy including pick-ups, vans, and SuV’s are available at a discount forMSBOA Members. Go to www. msboa.com for all of the information. Included is a listof all the vehicles eligible for the discount and how much the discount is. There is alsoa form online on our website for you to print out and bring to your dealer that gives yourdealer the proper fleet pricing code for our organization.

If you are planning to purchase new vehicles soon - be sure check it out and take advan-tage of these savings!

Page 7: Msboa september14

Looking for new training ideas for your currentdrivers? Looking to update some of your oldtraining materials for new drivers?

Look nO FuR-ThER!!! In 2008,

MSBOA partnered with MAPT to create“Inspecting your School Bus” DVD in hD.

copies are available for immediate ship-ment. Please go to www.msboa.com forordering information.

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Pre-Trip

Inspection dVd

We are reaching out to you to explain some changes that have been affecting your access of Oncommand (ISIS) throughthe MSBOA.

The issue: As you may or may not be aware, navistar has completed a security audit of their IT product offerings. It wasdetermined that stricter fraud protections were needed to be put into place, one of those changes was a lockout feature forthe Oncommand login page if the incorrect password was entered 3 times. This decision has caused a great deal of frus-tration, you can imagine how quickly 3 people can enter the wrong information and lock out the system for the everyone.

The solution: you are now able to register for your own user name (cyy) and password to access the Oncommand softwarethrough the MSBOA. This will eliminate you from being locked out because of another user and it will now include access toParts Online and the Service Portal. This solution will cost $100 per user, per year and will be billed by hoglund Bus co.Another option, if you would prefer, is to purchase your own direct access for $1,600 a year. unfortunately the free offeringis not working, and many of you have been locked out repeatedly. Free is good, but only if it works.

To sign up for the “new” Oncommand we will need: customer name, First and Last name of the user, email of the personresponsible for the user account, and the contact information for the person in charge of processing the annual user feeinvoice.

Please contact Linda Rein to sign up. you can call or email her and she will collect the needed information. Keep in mind,this process will take 2-3weeks to take effect. In the mean time we will continue to reset the password as needed on the freeprogram.

Linda Rein(763)[email protected]

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

onCommand (ISIS) Notice from Hoglund Bus Co., Inc.

Page 8: Msboa september14

haven’t we talked about this before? yES.

hitting fixed objects continues to be an accident frequencyamong school bus operations. Since we can’t nail down thespecific conditions or actions leading to all of these acci-dents, let’s discuss several different strategies that will helpreduce their frequency.

The first strategy is making sure drivers have a good under-standing of the size of the vehicle and its characteristics.They should be aware of height, width, rear wheel off track-ing, tail swing, blind spots, clearance beneath, and turningradius. They also need a good method of judging where theirvehicle is in relationship to the space they are in. Physicaldemonstrations using an empty parking lot with cones andother props can be used to show drivers how their vehicleturns and what they can’t see in their mirrors. Referencepoints can also be established for drivers to use to judgetheir vehicle’s location. Demonstrating proper positioning atan intersection, for right and left turns, can also be doneusing mock set ups.

Mirror adjustment needs to be correct for each driver. usinga diagrammed mirror pad on the parking lot is an excellenttool to make sure mirrors are properly adjusted. Along withthe proper adjustment of the mirrors, it is important to reminddrivers that during the day, especially a long trip, they mayneed to assess their mirror adjustment. Drivers have a ten-dency to slouch after a period of time, meaning their initialmirror adjustment is off.

Before we talk about drivers making good choices, orjudgment when operating a vehicle, let’s discuss the prop-er selection of the vehicle for the route and the conditionsalong the way.

Make avoiding tight spaces “easy to do” by choosing theappropriate vehicle. While conditions can change, certaintight corners, illegal parking issues, and other objects arelikely to remain the same. Route issues can beaddressed by changing the route, or changing the vehiclefor the route, i.e. smaller vehicle or using a transit-stylevehicle. Where tight turns create rear wheel off tracking,changing the turn to a broader intersection may be thesolution. If backing is required, a series of right turns maybe the better solution. have drivers report obstructions,and then investigate, to see if you can have the obstruc-tions eliminated or the route/vehicle changed.

complete a loss analysis to determine where these typesof losses are occurring and what activities are taking placeat the time of the accident. Are these regular routes orfield trips? Are drivers trying to turn right, left, park, orback up? Is one driver having the same type of incidentoccur frequently? Are there other factors occurring at the

same time such as heavy traffic or large crowds of pedestri-ans?

Also, look at the decisions drivers are making before theaccident. Are they making “smart choices” such as observ-ing changes in normal route conditions that may change theclearances like an illegally parked car or construction thatnarrows a turn, etc.? Do they avoid getting into tight spaces,not just following the leader? have they been given the OK,not take the vehicle where they do not think they can go?Are they avoiding backing, or using the proper proceduresrequired if they must back?

Drivers can choose an option to avoid hitting fixed objects ifthey are AWARE of them. Driver training is a key ingredientto avoid these types of collisions. Drivers should understandthey can avoid these mistakes by maintaining a large aware-ness of their surroundings (their cushion of safety), deter-mining the available space to maneuver their vehicle, cor-rectly adjusting their mirrors, being aware of their blind spots,proceeding slowly, and practicing proper backing tech-niques, only if backing is absolutely required.

Minimizing hitting fixed objects may require a number of dif-ferent strategies, depending on the accidents. Analyze yourlosses, then work toward minimizing these frequent acci-dents. help drivers by making routes free from obstructions,tight turns, or backing and reviewing what vehicle is best forwhat route. Train drivers to be conscious of maneuveringaround fixed objects because fixed objects won’t move forthem.

8

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Page 9: Msboa september14

ERISA Health & Welfare Benefit Plans:Helpful steps to survive an audit from the DOL

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) sets out minimum standards for establishing, adminis-tering, documenting, amending, and terminating pension and health and welfare plans. Most employers whosponsor employee benefit plans are subject to ERISA (church plans are exempt and so are public employers).Employers that sponsor plans that offer benefits such as medical, surgical, hospital care, sickness, accident,death or day care benefits should review their plans to make sure they are ERISA compliant.

The biggest problem employers who sponsor health and welfare benefit plans face is insufficient plan documen-tation. ERISA requires employers and plan administrators to distribute a Summary Plan Description (SPD) to planparticipants and beneficiaries. This document must contain very specific information such as the employer name,address, TIn, the plan year, the plan number, the name and address of the agent designated for service of legalprocess. These items are generally not included in an insurance company’s summary of benefits. Further, it is theresponsibility of the plan sponsor—(i.e., the employer)—to make sure plan participants have an SPD. The SPDshould be written so the average participant can understand the terms of the plan.

Recently, the DOL has been auditing more health and welfare plans. When the DOL audits a health and welfareplan, it looks for compliance with a variety of federal statues and regulations. In addition to ERISA, during anaudit, the DOL may check for compliance with hIPAA rules, the Affordable care Act, cOBRA and other federallaws impacting welfare benefit plans. These DOL audits require sponsors to produce, on short notice, documen-tation to demonstrate compliance with these various laws, including SPDs, Summary of Benefits and coverage(“SBcs”), copies of required notices provided to employees, as well as contracts with insurers and third partyadministrators. Last year, the DOL closed 3,677 ERISA civil investigationswith 2,677 (72.8%) resulting in monetary penalties or other corrective action.In 2013, monetary penalties totaled $1.69 billion, from enforcement, voluntarycorrections, and informal complaint resolutions.

There are 3 easy ways an employer can prepare for a potential DOL audit.First, employers should review their health and welfare plans to make surethey have all the required documents. Employer should be able to easilylocate a copy of the SPD, SBc, and cOBRA, FMLA, and GInA notices. Sec-ond, employers should make sure they are administering their plans in accor-dance with the terms and conditions laid out in their plan documents. Lastly,employers should choose one person to be the point person for benefit plancompliance. having one person, who knows where the plan documentationis filed, and is familiar with the plan administration and the benefits offered,will make any type of investigation, especially a DOL audit investigation mucheasier to navigate.

Legal Notes 9

hoTline Phone: (952) 921-4622

By Thomas Revnew, esq., of seaTon, PeTeRs & Revnew

Best Values:

Legal Hotline for MSBOA members

Employee Handbook & Employment Materials Package $1,075 (includes 2 hours

of attorney time – hourly rates thereafter)

Drug & Alcohol Testing Package $525 (includes 1 hour of attorney time – hourly

rates thereafter)

Ask for MSBOA discounts on Handbook ($100) and on D/A TestingPackage ($50)

Contact Tom Revnew

7300 Metro Blvd, Suite 500 | Minneapolis, MN 55439

Tel 952.921.4622 | Fax 952.896.1704 www.seatonlaw.com

Page 10: Msboa september14

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credit card Billing Address

MSBoA

driver’s Child Check

Safety Kits

Includes 9 different Posters (one for

every month of the school year) and black

& yellow silicone wristbands for drivers to

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Mail to 10606 Hemlock St. NW, Annandale, MN 55302Call with questions: 320-274-8313 or Fax to: 320-274-8027

name on card Payment Amount

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Name_____________________________________________________________

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Page 11: Msboa september14

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MSBoA drug Testing ProgramThe MSBOA has teamed up with clinical Research Labs foryour drug testing needs as required for DOT testing. The pro-gram was designed to support the MSBOA and to help controlcosts for its members. For more information or to join the pro-gram contact: William coens

[email protected]

eMPloYMeNT PrACTICeS lIABIlITY INSUrANCechubb Insurance, one of the largest EPL carriers in the coun-try, has partnered with the MSBOA and Arthur J. Gallagher toprovide a cost effective EPLI policy option containing all the typ-ical protections often found within EPL policies along with a fewother additional protections. claims such as “wrongful dis-charge” claims, wage and hour and immigration claims are cov-ered under this policy. Additionally, chubb and Arthur J. Gal-lagher have agreed to share a portion of their profits with theMSBOA arising out of the sale of this product to the member-ship. Furthermore the policy will allow members to chooseSeaton, Peters and Revnew as their legal counsel, if they wish,to defend against any employment-related lawsuit rather thanbeing appointed to the insurance company’s counsel who maynot have experience in the transportation industry.

JAKE OMAnn, Arthur J. Gallagher & co3600 American Blvd. W. Suite 500 | Bloomington, Mn 55431P: 952-358-7570 | F: 952-358-7501 | M: 612-207-3728

Trusted employees has put together a special offer for

MSBOA Members. We will be posting the information on ourwebsite. Make sure to log in the Members Benefit section formore details.

International onCommand Account hoglund Bus company has provided access to anyone who isa member of the MSBOA to International’s Oncommand IcBus Service Portal. you can look up warranty information anddiagnostic support.

Please see the MSBOA Members Benefit section for your user-name and password.

other BenefitsAdditionally, through our partnership with Business Advantagewe are able to offer savings at Grainger, Office Max and OfficeDepot, hP as well as fuel at holiday. All of these offers are onour website.

AC delco/Factory Motor PartsThe MSBOA has partnered with Ac/Delco Factory Motor Partsto enable cost savings for you on your OEM parts.

Representatives from Ac/Delco Factory Motor Parts will be incontact with your operation to see if they can help you savemoney on parts.

MsBOa Member special OffersAs part of an on-going effort to supply you with added value to your MSBOA membership, we offer the following programs:

MSBOA is very interested in your thoughts regarding State Rules, State Laws, licensing and inspection issues that membersfeel need to be corrected, eliminated, or left the same. MSBOA is continuing to voice members concerns regarding gov-ernment: school transportation safety, government contracting, transit, inspections and DVS licensing and background checkissues. your input is important to that process. Please feel free to contact me either by e-mail [email protected] orby phone at 612-723-5168. We would love to hear from you and hear your thoughts and comments.

Election Day is november 4th 2014, remember to vote. But between now and then, your local politicians of both politicalparties will be out campaigning, door knocking, attending community events, and generally being very visible. This is thebest time for MSBOA members to meet and say hello to your local elected officials and candidates. Make an effort to bumpinto them, tell them your name, where you live and where your business is located. Let them know what you think, politely.As candidates, they are the best listeners at this time of year. Regardless of political party (yours or the candidates’,) com-munication regarding your industry and your company will be of great interest to those running for elected office.

Legislative UpdateContinued from Page 3.

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From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Legal Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Legislative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

MsBOa PlannerSave these dates!

minnesota School Bus Safety Committee

meets 3rd Weds. of every month

Locations Vary

Contact: LeAnn Livingston 651-982-8193

Transportation Issues Study Committee

meets 4th Weds. of every month

Contact: Keith Paulson 763-506-1132

Office of Pupil Transportation Stakeholders

Quarterly meetings Held, Dates Vary

Contact: Lt. Brian reu 651-405-6047

mn School Bus Safety expo

January 16 & 17, 2015

St. Paul, mn

Northern RegionSergeant James Senenfeldernorthern Regional TrooperPhone (612) 360-5172E-mail: [email protected]

Metro RegionSergeant Paul DavisMetro / central Regional TrooperPhone (612) 685-4820E-mail: [email protected]

Southern RegionSergeant chad DauffenbachSouthern Regional TrooperPhone (507) 430-0791E-mail: [email protected]

MN State Patrol

ContactsListed to the right is contact infor-mation for the state troopers incharge of school bus transporta-tion.

Use this contact information!They are ready to help with anyquestions or concerns you mayhave!

in This issue:

MsBOa LeGaL hOTLiNe(952) 921-4622 • Tom Revnew at Seaton, Peters & Revnew