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SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2 (ORCAS ISLAND) |
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MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
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| Class | Percent decrease |
| 9 | 15% |
| 8 | 9% |
| 7 | 5% |
| 6 | 5% |
| 34% savings for our rating class | |
Chief Bennett noted that in most volunteer departments 1/3 of the responders are available at any time, however, due to unique island conditions our response is generally higher.
Doe Bay had 11 response calls since January, 2001 compared to Eastsound which had 171.
Overview of Doe Bay Station by Capt. Staley:
Captain Staley noted that in the last 3 years there has been 1 fire located in the Doe Bay area which runs from Pioneer Hill to Pohl's Hill & Eagle Lake. The hydrant system is excellent in the area which provides good protection and additionally there is the lake and pond available for drafting. The station has a 28 year old pumper with only 24,000 miles. It holds 1000 gallons of water. Currently there are 5 firefighters/EMT's in the area.
There are specific problems which should be addressed:
1. The age of the current volunteers, ie 3 of the 5 volunteers are approaching 60. It is essential that new recruits be found to fill the void expected.
2. The radio communications are difficult in the area; options to solve the problem have been looked at and discussed, but costs would be high and permitting difficult.
Station 27 received the Station of the Year award in 2001 and Firefighter Rick Anda received Firefighter of the year award.
AED's are now available for all EMT's which enhances the possibility of saving a person having a cardiac event. Ambulances are currently stationed only in Eastsound.
Initiative I-864:
The initiative will be placed on the ballot if sufficient signatures are raised. If it is placed on the ballot and passed it will have a very strong impact on all the junior taxing districts and the county. It could result in a 25% cut in property taxes. The Fire District's current levy runs through 2014.
John Evans, County Commissioner, noted that property tax is the major source of county funding.
Chief Search Status Report:
Commissioner Duke provided an overview of the status of the search. The District to date has received over 50 resumes from prospective candidates. The candidate resumes have been reviewed with certain goals and objectives in mind and divided into "A", "B" and "C" categories. "A" category candidates are being evaluated by the entire committee in telephone conferences at this time. After the conferences the "A"category will be reconfigured and approximately 6-10 candidates will have members of the committee go to their current locations to do a thorough evaluation of their positions, and impressions from their associates.
It was suggested that a summary of the procedure be provided to the public to help answer questions about the procedures underway by the public and department members.
Strategic Planning:
Chief Bennett presented a flow chart, a copy of which is attached, identifying the method by which a new strategic plan could be developed. The last plan was completed in 1994 and the district has met the majority of the recommendations in that plan. Hopefully a new plan will have 3, 5 and 10 year goals and would use state growth projections. Eastsound is projected to have the greatest growth. 66% of all calls are generated from the Eastsound area.
To accomplish the plan the process focuses on securing a random group of islanders to form a focus group, identifying the current district structure; identifying the needs and priorities of individual areas of the island, identifying expectations and perceptions. The Commissioners would then be charged with determining the strategic plan and objectives, and determining levels of service required and funding options.
There was discussion about training options and it was emphasized that less emergency responses by EMT's does not necessarily equate with less competency, however, increased responses is a part of the training experience according to Commissioner Duke.
Commissioner Phalan noted that certain areas might benefit from a fast attack engine, however, it might result in increased insurance premiums.
Community input is valuable in identifying the needs and expectations. Locations of ambulance units might help more. Firefighter Dimich emphasized that there was no suggestion of incompetence by either firefighters or EMT's.
EMS Chief Eimers discussed the elements of training which consist of the requirements for certification and on-going training as well as continued training which comes from interaction with patients. He noted that all EMT's have different abilities, and responding on a regular basis improves skills. He resists making a proposal to requiring a minimum number of responses. San Juan Island has a minimum call structure; Lopez has a "platoon" structure. Competency is the aim.
Catalyst Consulting contract:
EMS Chief Eimers discussed the consulting contract with Mr. C.H. Richards. He has worked with Whatcom District #4. The contract calls for identifying a focus group by calling on May 25 & 26. The source would consist of voter registration records. They hope to identify 20 people and 6 alternates to serve. A moderator from Catalyst Consulting would meet with the group to identify public perceptions & expectations. The cost is $2400 plus expenses of approximately $300.
A motion was made by Commissioner Duke and seconded by Commissioner Phalan to approve the Catalyst Consulting contract. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
There was a break in the meeting from 8:30 - 8:43 PM.
Department organization:
The commissioners discussed types of organizations which include based upon rating standards which are affected by types of equipment and service levels; traditional hierarchal system; organization by wage structure (to potentially remove a layer of management).
Commissioner Phalan suggested that the Chief search and strategic plan are interwoven. Commissioner Duke stated the approach may depend on a Chief being qualified in both Fire and EMS.
It was the consensus that it may be premature to discuss changes to the organization at this time. We currently have 90 personnel in 8 stations, however the island configuration is not supportive of mutual assistance.
The Fire service, according to EMS Chief Eimers, is more conducive to the traditional organization structure. The EMS is organized as a "meritocracy," operationally on a medical chain with a medical program director, medical control and protocols. Generally a span of control would cover 7 people, which is valid for a fire operation. EMS currently has substantially more. It is management vs. operational structure.
The Commissioners discussed how to evaluate wage structure, and divide costs into new structure. It is a question of meeting current needs within the current wage structure. Chief Bennett was given the assignment of identifying options for reallocating dollars.
According to EMS Chief Eimers the Commissioners have looked at an incremental increase for the new Chief and then make changes at budgeting time for 2005. Commissioners must look at the Frequency vs. Risk factors.
Captain Staley noted that Station 27 fire personnel currently training 50% locally and 50% jointly with other stations or in department activities.
Ortho-mapping:
Chief Bennett stated that the County Assessor is charged with the ortho-mapping. If our Fire District participates financially, we would expect to get a license. A written agreement would be required and we would not be able to distribute the raw data publicly.
May Special Working Meeting:
A working meeting was scheduled for May 25 at 7:30 P.M. Chief Bennett will attempt to schedule the Community Club as the location.
Executive Session:
The Executive session was called at 9:25 P.M. pursuant to RCW 142.30.140 (g) for discussion of a personnel issue. It was expected to last approximately 15 minutes. The meeting was extended an additional 15 minutes.
The Special meeting resumed at 10:00 PM. No decisions were made.
Adjournment
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