U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Office of Government Affairs
Missouri
Area Coordinator:
John Van Dinter, N-LAW
State Liaison:
Tom Rice
Department of Public Safety / Missouri State Water Patrol
Coast Guard Auxiliary District: 8WR
Coast Guard District: 8th
Second Quarter Report, 2009:
House Bill 657, sponsored by Wayne Cooper, R-Camdenton, was approved by the Missouri House and Senate during this year’s legislative session. Barring any unforeseen obstacles, the bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Jay Nixon. It has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2010. The law will require docks to display the nearest 911 address on the lake side, displayed in a location most visible from the channel or cove. The bill requires the lettering to be at least three-inch block style lettering in a color contrasting the background. Cooper’s goal was to make it easier for the Missouri Water Patrol and other agencies who respond to calls to locate emergencies on the lake.
This bill was the only legislation considered during this term and the legislature has adjourned.
At present a replacement has not been named to replace Col. Rad Talburt as BLA for Missouri. Lt. Col. Mike Smith is acting as BLA. I have spoken briefly with him and he is just keeping the status quo until the Governor names a replacement. Only rumors have surfaced as to whom the Governor will name as a replacement.
My Liaison activities have included: Attending monthly meetings of the Water Safety Council, attending the retirement reception for Col. Talburt, and arranging for a plaque to be presented from flotilla 30-05 recognizing his 29+ years of service and retirement from the Missouri State Water Patrol, arranging for a BLA representative to be guest speaker at Division 30 Spring Conference.
At the request of Lt. Col. Mike Smith a citizens award was arranged to be presented to member Ernie Venis for his actions following a boating accident, last fall. The award was also presented at Division 30’s Spring Conference.