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SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2 (ORCAS ISLAND) |
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SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
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| Class | Percent decrease |
| 9 | 15 % |
| 8 | 9 % |
| 7 | 5 % |
| 6 | 5 % |
| 34% savings for our rating class | |
While some insurance companies use the rating class system which requires a residence to be within 5 road miles of a station to meet rating Class 6 requirements (WA Surveying and Rating Bureau), insurance companies are now using other methods of evaluation.
The Chief noted that new engines which should be arriving shortly will be placed at Orcas and Olga. They are Type I Class A pumpers 1000gallon with Compressed Air Foam System. All of our existing equipment was paid off this year.
We are currently paying $204,000 annually on the 14 year bond. Revenue is generated by property tax as well as permit fees, grants, donations, contracts and interest.
Overview of Orcas Station by Capt. Schussler:
Captain Schussler noted that in the last 3 years there have been 36 responses from station 26; 66% of all responses are from the Eastsound Station. The responses include fires, and landing zone set-up for Airlift. The two largest incidents involved a house fire and gas leak at the tanks at Orcas Landing. The station has six firefighters, two of which are also EMT's. They all train for structural and wildland fires.
There was discussion of the state mandated training which includes, CPR, AED, drafting, Fire Exposure, ventilation, foam systems, etc.
Each station follows the Mission Statement of the District. Station 26 currently has a 1966 pumper. The new Seagrave pumper "Attacker" was designed by us, has a better foam system, is more efficient, maneuverable, and allows versatility.
The Response area extends through Victorian Valley and covers the Orcas village, hotel, marina, ferry and fuel storage which pose potential disasters. They do pre-planning for evacuation of the village area. An additional major problem would be wildland fires. Homeowners need to be aware of the problems.
Capt Schussler commended the Commissioners for being fiscally responsible in distributing the funds in the right way. He added that the volunteer compensation is low, but fair. It was noted that it includes $9 per training and $9 per response as well as reimbursement for medical expenses after the probationary year and encouraging training by providing a per diem stipend for attendance at off-island training.
General Discussion:
Commissioner Duke also emphasized the importance of communicating to the community the status of the Fire District, issues, tips. He stressed redundancy. Max Jones was tasked with getting costs from The Sounder of a bulk mailing of the fire brochure, a "tip of the week" column, no-cost ad with information on the number of wild land fires. She noted that people are receptive. Capt. Dimich suggested that the Fire District headquarters have packets available to the public regarding the wildfire season and methods of protection.
There was general discussion on methods to ensure information is communicated to the public. Max Jones discussed emergency management assessments which have rated Orcas with two areas of major concern, as identified previously. A booklet "Living with Fire" is available and could be disseminated. Max is continuing her home fire assessments.
Commissioner Phalan noted the Commissioner's need to determine in their strategic plan whether monies spent on Fire Education are enough. He suggested that WL Fire personnel could hand out materials at Island Market. Chief Bennett cautioned that Volunteers are already extending themselves by responses and training and it should not be assumed that they would be able or willing to take on more. There is the potential for asking the community for help.
Chief Bennett noted he had met with the Volunteer Firefighter/EMT Association President, Kari Schuh. It was a positive meeting and Kari suggested that the association needed to do more planning, including defining their organization before specific issues would be brought to the Chief.
Interim Chief:
Chief Bennett noted that his resignation is effective June 30. Since the Chief Search does not expect to have a new Chief in place by that time, an interim Chief should be considered or alternate way to manage. The two Battalion Chiefs both have other jobs and are responsible for Fire operations and training. The Commissioners will discuss the issue in executive session.
Strategic Planning:
The Focus Group met with Mr. Richardson of Catalyst Consulting on Monday May 24. A report will be forthcoming regarding the findings of the meeting. There was also a recording of the Focus Group meeting. There appeared to be a low awareness of the level of public education provided. Major concerns of the group seemed to focus on emergency medical transport to off-island sites. A memorandum dated May 25, 2004 was prepared by Garth Eimers regarding the Strategic Planning Process and is attached and incorporated by reference.
Issues for Commissioners:
Commissioner Duke discussed his interface with Mercy Flight in Medford which is a separate entity and non-profit organization. It maintains 15 paramedics and turbo helicopters. The problem for our district is that the issue alone could consume our time and dollars.
It was concurred by the Commissioners that the Volunteer Association should contribute to this dialogue. The Commissioners concurred that they would hold another special meeting after receipt of the report from Catalyst Consulting.
Chief Search Status Report:
Commissioner Duke provided an overview of the status of the search. The 8 candidates in "Group A" are being visited by members of the Search Committee. Two of the 8 have been visited at their home locations to date. Plane problems have delayed the visits.
There were comments that the candidates be available to the members and community. The Committee will draft another notice to keep the district members informed of the search status.
Announcement:
The June Regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners has been changed from June 8th to June 9th at 5:00 P.M. at the headquarters station.
Executive Session:
The meeting was adjourned to executive session at 9:10 P.M. The executive session was called pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 (g) discussion of a personnel issue. The meeting was expected to last 20-30 minutes.
The executive Session resumed at 9:40 P.M. There were no decisions made nor actions taken.
Adjournment: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
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