FSIO Meeting Minutes 2022

Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio

Prior to the FSIO Meeting, David Hines, Account Manager of Advanced Imaging Systems, Inc., gave a vendor presentation, via Microsoft Teams, regarding assisting forensic labs to digitally archive case files. Since 1972, they have provided government agencies with records management solutions. Services mentioned:

• Expedite the process for post convictions, cold cases, & DNA test results
• Implement a disaster recovery plan for historic case files
• Integration of data between LIMS or system of record
• Real-time access to all historic files
• High volume backfile document scanning (i.e., Lab Files, HR Files, etc.)
• Ongoing mailroom scanning/processing
• Document cleanup ID documents to retain & scan (Retention Management)
• Data migration, cleanup, & consolidation
• Microfilm/microfiche digitizing
• Secure data hosted (Cloud) storage

If there are any questions or interest regarding this vendor’s services, he can be contacted at: davidh@aisimc.com or 704-998-6562.

Following the vendor presentation, at 10:31am, Erin Reed and Ryan Gies, of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, informed the group (in person), of a backlog reduction grant, soon to become available to state and local forensic labs in Ohio. The monies are allocated via the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and authorized thru the State via House Bill 169. These ARPA funds will expire in December 2024. Erin and Ryan shared that an allocation formula was trying to be forged and were asking for input on how to approach this. The OCJS is taking the number of reports, counties served and backlog that were reported by each lab into account. After much discussion, the group concurred that development of this funding formula is complex because of the different ways the labs approach their evidence examinations. Labs can expect an email regarding a request for proposals soon. This email will be sent to each Coverdell recipient’s project manager.

Following the above discussion, a meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:55am, on March 10, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2305, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark) presided over the meeting.

The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams: Casey Agosti (BCI-Bowling Green), Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), Jennifer Duvall (BCI-London), Michele Foster (Canton/Stark), Jennifer Hobbs (Franklin Co.), Matthew Juhascik (Miami Valley), Karen Kwek (BCI- London), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Doug Rohde (Lake Co.-Retired), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Jami StClair (Columbus-Retired), LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.), Meredith Sweeney (Columbus), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal).

Angela Farrington (Columbus) and Tony Tambasco (Mansfield) were represented by proxy. A quorum was present. Fourteen (14) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present or represented.

Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the December 9, 2021, Annual Meeting. He stated that the minutes were amended to reflect that Heather Sheskey (OSHP) was present. Heather went undetected, because she was sharing a Microsoft Teams feed with Brandon Werry ((OSHP). The amended minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Bob Budgake; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.

Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and saving’s account balance of $30,202 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $39,628. Chad stated that a monthly minimum balance fee of $3 per month is being charged, then reimbursed to the Tong account monthly. Chad specified that this is a banking software process that can’t be changed. He will continue to monitor this to verify the reimbursement is being properly posted. Chad advised the group that we are due for an internal audit of our financial records. President Hiatt appointed an audit committee consisting of himself and Secretary Budgake to accomplish this prior to our next meeting.

Old Business:

Jeff Lynn revealed that BGSU’s $700 thousand funding request is still pending. Jeff expected it to be part of the next State capital budget. These funds will be used to establish a DNA analysis lab and learning center to train forensic scientists, law enforcement professionals and students. Previously, the FSIO Board has issued a letter of support regarding this venture.

An Edwards’ vacuum rough pump maintenance course scheduled for October 2021, at the Hamilton County Crime Lab, was cancelled due to lack of interest. In August 2021, the FSIO issued a $2,750 deposit check to reserve this class. Treasurer Wissinger stated that he received a reimbursement check from Edwards last month and has deposited it into our checking account.

Chad Wissinger advised that FSIO membership dues have been reinstated for 2022. He has issued membership dues invoices via PayPal and has been receiving payments..

New Business:

Jami StClair challenged the membership to come to our next meeting (June) with new training proposals or ideas, since we have no pending proposals.

Bob Budgake queried the membership regarding a pending membership application from Elizabeth Doyle, Lorain County. Doug Rohde informed the group that she is no longer employed there.

The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, June 9, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.

The meeting adjourned at 11:18 am. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO

Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio

A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:03am, on June 9, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, Room 2304, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark) presided over the meeting.

The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams: Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark- Retired), Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.), Gillian Camera (Lorain Co.), David Cogan (Toledo), Michele Foster (Canton/Stark), Matthew Juhascik (Miami Valley), Harmeet Kaur (Cuyahoga Co.), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). A quorum was present. Eleven (11) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present.

Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the March 19, 2022 Meeting. The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Mike Trimpe. All Members voted in the affirmative.

Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and saving’s account balance of $30,201.99 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $36,817.13.

Old Business:

Just prior to this meeting, the Audit Committee, comprised of President Hiatt and Bob Budgake, conducted an audit of the Treasurer’s financial records for both the FSIO and the Tong Award’s Fund. This audit covered the documentation for calendar years 2017 thru 2021. The Committee found the records in good order and well organized, with no discrepancies detected.

Jeff Lynn was not present to report on the BGSU’s $700 thousand funding request as part of the State capital budget. These funds will be used to establish a DNA analysis lab and learning center to train forensic scientists, law enforcement professionals and students.

Previously, the FSIO Board had issued a letter of support regarding this venture.

New Business:

Mike Trimpe volunteered his staff to organize an Ohio trace evidence examiner’s meeting. He intends on holding this meeting at their facility in Blue Ash, but would consider a more central location, if this becomes a travel issue for some agencies. Bob Budgake motioned to provide FSIO funding for lunch, not to exceed $500; Second, Chad Wissinger. All Members voted in the affirmative.

Harmeet Kaur queried the group for recommendations regarding the availability/recommendations of ethics training courses. Mike Trimpe volunteered to give on online presentation via Microsoft Teams. This training also includes a segment regarding accreditation. Chad Wissinger volunteered to host this Teams meeting, since he has experience doing so for our FSIO meetings.

Mark Hiatt reminded the group of the MAFS Annual Meeting in Des Moines, Iowa, September 11-16, 2022.

The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, September 8, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.

The meeting adjourned at 10:21 am. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Bob Budgake. All Members voted in the affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO

Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio

A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:00am, on September 8, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio. President Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark) presided over the meeting.

Attending in person or via MS teams – Erin Reed (DPS), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Brandon Werry (OSHP), Chad Wissinger (Ohio Fire Marshal), Angela Farrington (Columbus PD), Karen Kwek (BCI&I), James Smith (BCI&I), Rebecca Barlag (Ohio University), Brooke Ehlers (Miami Valley Regional), Harmeet Kaur (Cuyahoga County), LeAnne Suchanek (Lake County), Michele Foster (Canton-Stark), Dan Baker (Franklin Co) and Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co). Bob Budgake (Canton-Stark-retired) was represented by proxy. A quorum was present. Thirteen (13) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present.

First motion to approve meeting minutes of 06/09/22 given by Mike Trimpe; second motion given by Chad Wissinger. All present accepted the meeting minutes.

Chad Wissinger discussed the Treasurer’s report which is detailed on the checking account financial activity report dated 09/06/2022.

Old Business:

•         Jeff Lynn was not present at the meeting to discuss the State funding for BGSU ‘s DNA Analysis lab and learning center.

•         Ohio Trace Examiner’s Meeting – Mike Trimpe stated it went well. He wanted to meet regularly to discuss pertinent topics, such as sharing work for accreditation purposes. Mike will be giving a presentation at the ASCLD meeting to encourage continuation with the discipline of trace evidence.

•         Ethics Training Course – was presented on Microsoft Teams by Mike Trimpe. It did not get recorded entirely on Teams. Eighty-nine (89) people participated. Mike stated he was willing to make the presentation again for those not able to attend.

New Business:

•         Membership applications – Bob Budgake was not present at the meeting and not available for review.

•         Courtroom testimony training – Heather Sheskey introduced the topic of training, by reaching out to FSIO members previously via email, inquiring what they were doing for testimony training and if any of their staff needed training in testimony. Erin Reed had responded that she was giving a presentation at the MAFS meeting but was willing to adjust it for a local audience in Ohio. Brandon Werry stated he would send an official email next week. Training would be at OPOTA on

October 25 and 27. The morning is for training and the afternoon for mock trials. He was trying to assign the same disciplines together, so trainees would only need to be present on one of two days. Brandon stated the approximate cost of Subway lunches for trainees and asked for an approximate head count from the attendees. Angela Farrington gave the first motion for FSIO to approve $500 for lunch; Mike Trimpe gave the second motion. The motion was accepted by all present.

It was estimated from the current responses that at least 20 analysts of varying disciplines would be attending. Training would be free for attendees. Erin Reed discussed the training. Different prosecutors from different counties would be assisting with presentations for the morning session. Brandon will send out an email to FSIO to obtain attendee registration replies for training.

•         No additional future training proposed.

•         No miscellaneous new business.

The next Meeting of the FSIO, which will be the Annual Meeting, was proposed by Chad Wissinger, to be held at 10 am, Thursday, December 8, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams.

The meeting adjourned at 11:15 am. Chad Wissinger gave the first motion to close the meeting; Brandon Werry gave the second motion. The motion was accepted by all present.

Respectfully submitted, Heather B. Sheskey (OSHP)

Meeting Minutes for the Forensic Science Institute of Ohio

A Meeting of the FSIO was called to order at 10:09 am, on December 8, 2022, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio.  President Mark Hiatt (Central Ohio Regional Crime Lab-Newark) presided over the meeting.

The following Members and guests were present in person or via Microsoft Teams:

Daniel Baker (Franklin Co.), Rebecca Barlag (Ohio U.), Bob Budgake (Canton/Stark-Retired), Nasir Butt (Cuyahoga Co.), David Cogan (Toledo), Jennifer Duvall (BCI London), Michele Foster (Canton/Stark), Harmeet Kaur (Cuyahoga Co.), Jeff Lynn (BGSU), Doug Rohde (Lake Co –Retired), Heather Sheskey (OSHP), Mike Trimpe (Hamilton Co.) and Chad Wissinger (State Fire Marshal). A quorum was present. Eleven (11) of the eighteen (18) eligible voters were present.

Secretary Budgake presented the minutes of the September 8, 2022, Meeting.  The minutes were reviewed and approved. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Jennifer Duvall.  All Members voted in the affirmative.

Chad Wissinger proffered the Treasurer’s report. He disclosed the FSIO has a checking, PayPal and savings account balance of $29,762.90 and a Tong Award’s Fund balance of $34,837.04. Chad divulged that Brandon Werry (OSHP) paid $344.86 for lunches regarding the October Courtroom Testimony Training Course and was reimbursed by Chad.  This expenditure was approved by the Membership at the September meeting. Chad also revealed since the Tong Awards Fund checking account balance exceeds $2,500, we are no longer being charged a $3 monthly fee.  Also, the interest produced by this funds’ investment CD is more then enough to cover the annual award expenses.

Old Business:

Jeff Lynn reported on the BGSU’s $500 thousand funding request as part of the State capital budget.  This request was reduced, by the State, to $250 thousand. Jeff thanked the membership for crafting a letter of support for this project. These funds are being used to increase their DNA lab footprint.  Also, Jeff stated that the learning center portion of this funding is still evolving.

Heather Sheskey indicated that overall, the October Courtroom Testimony course went well. Heather acknowledged that class size needed to be smaller, in order to allow sufficient time for the afternoon mock trial testimony portion of this training. Heather enthusiastically supported offering this course again depending on future demand.

Mike Trimpe queried the membership if he needed to offer the Ethics course again before year’s end.  No one indicated that this was necessary.  Several Members stated they would like Mike to offer this course on an annual basis.  Mike graciously agreed to do so, suggesting another offering in approximately six months.

New Business:

Bob Budgake reported that there were no new membership applications.

President Hiatt presented the following slate of officers for year 2023: President-Elect – LeAnne Suchanek (Lake Co.), will become President in 2024; Secretary – Bob Budgake; Treasurer – Chad Wissinger.  Motion to close the nominations and approve the presented slate of candidates, Mark Hiatt; Seconds, Chad Wissinger re: President, Mike Trimpe re: Secretary & Treasurer,   All Members voted in the affirmative.  Jennifer Duvall will become President on January 1, 2023.  Current President Mark Hiatt will remain on the Board and serve as the Advisor.

Chad Wissinger indicated that he will send out the 2023 dues notices soon.  He also indicated that he still had several individuals that have yet to pay their 2022 dues.  Chad will try to resolve these issues by our next meeting.

Mark Hiatt advised that he is organizing a drug chemist’s meeting for 2023. He reached out to Angela Farrington (Columbus) to see if we can retain the CPD academy for this purpose.  Also, he plans to contact Erin Reed (Ohio Narcotics Intel Ctr.) to help plan this meeting.  Mark envisioned having outside speakers and also have some of the attendees prepare a presentation, to facilitate discussion. Mark believes he will have an offering date by our next meeting.

Bob Budgake notified the membership that a financial audit is needed next year on the 2022 records.  Jennifer Duvall and Michele Foster excitedly volunteered for this assignment.  They agreed to complete this task prior to our next meeting.

Michele Foster queried the group regarding a future firearms examiner’s meeting.  Sufficient interest was expressed to move forward.  Michele emphatically agreed to organize such an endeavor.

The next Meeting of the FSIO, will be 10 am, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at the Ohio Fire Academy, 8895 East Main St., Reynoldsburg, Ohio, with the option of attending via Microsoft Teams.  Motion, Mark Hiatt; Second, Chad Wissinger.  All Members voted in the affirmative.

The meeting adjourned at 10:35 am. Motion, Chad Wissinger; Second, Heather Sheskey.  All Members voted in the affirmative.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert E. Budgake, Secretary, FSIO