SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
MINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS MEETING
February 6, 2004
The February 6, 2004 Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 was called to order by Chairman Harvey Olsan at 10:10 A.M. at the Eastsound Firehall. The Special meeting was also attended by Commissioner Phalan, Commissioner Duke, Chief Gary Bennett, and EMS Division Chief Garth Eimers. The meeting was for the discussion of the Chief search procedure and an Executive Session pursuant to RCW 142.30.140 (4) - paramedic contract issue and RCW 42.30.110 (f) and (g) -personnel issue and Chief Search Committee issues. Proper notice was posted and given.
Commissioner Duke introduced Stephen Garrison who has been helping to develop a draft of a proposed process and procedures for the Fire District Chief Search on a pro bono basis. His vast experience in this field, as well as willingness to help us with the process, is both extremely beneficial and appreciated.
Drafts of the Recommended Process and Procedures and Appendix A-Chief Search Specifications are attached and incorporated by reference. The initial process has involved receiving suggestions for Search Committee members to include Commissioner Duke, Garth Eimers, Steve Garrison, a firefighter, an EMT and a member of the community at large and a staff employee. Proposed candidates include Larry Taubman, Dacia Youngren and Tom Ritter.
Commissioner Phalan suggested the names of Dacia Youngren and Larry Taubman be presented to the Board of the Orcas Island Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association for approval. The other Commissioners had no objection to that suggestion. Mr. Garrison recommends that the Committee be comprised of no more than 4-6 people. An odd number is usually advantageous.
Steve Garrison gave a synopsis of the drafted process to the Commissioners for their comments and approval. Initially the process would involve a researcher and Pam Harney using reference sources to identify potential candidates or sources of potential candidates for the position.
The hope is to avoid any charge of political favoritism by seeking names of potential candidates without attribution. The community is urged to supply names of possible candidates. Confidentiality by all parties involved is seen as essential to protect the identity and potentially the current positions of possible candidates.
The time line should incorporate approximately 2 months for telephoning, ads and initial contact. Ultimately it may be beneficial to send members of a sub-committee or department members to visit potential candidates and determine how they are perceived by the district they are in and the community. The entire process may take 3-6 months.
No specific dates have been established at this time.
Costs of the process are estimated at $8-10 thousand. It may involve multiple telephone lines, evening meetings, meals, travel costs, additional research costs. Mr. Garrison suggests that use of a psychologist early in the process may be beneficial in focusing on candidates whose characteristics meet district needs. Pam Harney noted that the district had used Dr. Herbert Marra, PhD, twice in the past for evaluations.
A motion was made by Commissioner Phalan and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve the Search Committee anticipated expenditures in the initial amount of $10,000. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Phalan to approve the Search Committee members as recommended, including Garth Eimers, Larry Taubman, Dacia Youngren, Tom Ritter, Steve Garrison and Commissioner Duke pending approval of the Orcas Island Volunteer Association Board. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
At some point there will be a public meeting to introduce final candidates to the community. However, the selection process will take place in executive session.
The Commissioners discussed potential issues which will affect the selection process, including funding the position, housing issues, dealing with a volunteer corp. Former Commissioner John Erly suggested that one issue to be resolved is the current policy which permits a Commissioner to hold a dual role as a volunteer.
The Commissioners noted that the new Chief should be involved in development of the Long Range Plan. It is expected that the report from ESCI will be helpful, but EMS Chief Eimers noted that it will not be a strategic plan, but only a snapshot in time. Chief Bennett stated he expects to receive the report generated by ESCI before the 2/18/04 regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.
Executive Session:
The Executive session was called at 11:15 A.M. pursuant to RCW 142.30.140 (4) regarding the Paramedic Contract and RCW 42.30.110 (f) (g) for discussion of a personnel issue and the Chief Search Committee issues. It was expected to last approximately 30 minutes. The meeting was extended an additional 30 minutes.
The Special meeting resumed at 12:36. No decisions were made.
Adjournment:
There being no further business a motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously and adjourned at 12:37 P.M.
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