SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2 (ORCAS ISLAND)

Related pages

List of stories about Orcas Island Fire Department

District No. 2 Information

San Juan Fire District No. 2
PO Box 217
Eastsound, WA 98245
360.376.2331
Fax: 360.376.4463 FAX

COMMISSIONERS

John Erly
term expires
December 2003

Harvey Olsan
term expires
December 2005

Bob Phalan
term expires
December 2007

Minutes of July 9, 2002 Commissioners meeting

The July 9, 2002 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 was called to order by Chairman John Erly at 7:30 P.M. at the headquarters station. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Olsan and Phalan, Chief Gary Bennett, EMS Division Chief Garth Eimers, and Battalion Chiefs Bruce Brackett and paramedic James Prades.

MINUTES:

A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan that the minutes of the Regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners held on June 11, 2002 be approved as read. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.

FINANCIAL REPORTS:

A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve the vouchers 20013-20106 in the amount of $85,507.31. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously. These vouchers include the quarterly volunteer medical reimbursements.

A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve revenue vouchers 20107-20108 in the amount of $850.00. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve invoices 02-0011 for the Apparatus Budget in the amount of $759.00. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.

A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve invoices 02-0117 through 02-0122 for the Headquarters Building Budget in the amount of $53,005.83. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously Chief Bennett noted that there remains the resolution of the paving issue and payment of the retainage amount.

CORRESPONDENCE:

A June 19, 2002 letter was received from Christine Thompson regarding the issue of district payment of disability premiums for employees. The letter was read into record after the request by Mr. Otten during the public comment period. The issue will be taken up by the Commissioners during the budgeting discussions.

CHIEF & EMS SUPERVISOR REPORTS:

The monthly reports by EMS Division Chief Garth Eimers and Chief Bennett were read. Copies of the reports are attached and incorporated by reference.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

Mr. Otten spoke to the following issues:

• Requested Chief Bennett complete the production of documents and answering of questions submitted.
  
  
• Raised the issue of approval of "extravagant expenditures"by the Commissioners without open meeting board discussion. He noted he believes the board is "rubber stamping" expenditures.
  
  
• Noted he has requested job descriptions. Commented that he is not satisfied with the information provided on Mr. Eriksen's charges as project manager of the headquarters building project.
  
  
• Requested the most recent survey of salaries and benefits.
  
  
• Requested list of those sent invitations to the Dedication and Open House.
  
  
• Requested results of issue about person carrying gun on fire district property.
  
  

Mr. Reigel spoke to the Board objecting to the handling of the gun issue by Commissioner Phalan who initiated an investigation by the Sheriff's department without either discussing it with him directly or bringing the issue to the Fire District where it was properly handled through the chain of command. He believes Mr. Phalan over-reached his authority. According to Mr. Reigel, Battalion Chief Brackett was aware that he carried the firearm at a class he was teaching. He also noted he has been a firefighter for 10 years, an arson investigator for the Sheriff's Dept. since 1998, a special investigator with the Sheriff's department since 1998, and has an extensive law enforcement background. Chief Bennett noted Dennis Reigel has been requested not to carry any fire arm on Fire District property. Sheriff Deputies in uniform are permitted to carry their weapons on district property.

Mr. Phalan responded that he did initially go to the Chief due to the complaints he had received from several volunteers. The Chief told him he would investigate.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Station 21 building project: Permanent occupancy has been delayed pending county issues with paving next to Mt. Baker Road. An extension of the temporary occupancy has been granted for 60 days.
   
   
2. Prune Alley Station sale: The sale of the station to Mr. and Mrs. John Trumbull was completed and the proceeds deposited in the District Reserve Account.
   
   
3. Headquarters Open House & Dedication: Chief Bennett commented that the ceremony and open house was well attended and received many positive comments. Special recognition should go to Julie Remington for her outstanding organization of the event.
   
   
4. Commissioner Pay for District Service: Chief Bennett has researched this issue with the WA Fire Commissioner Association. It was concluded that state statute RCW 52.14.010 permits Commissioners to be reimbursed for a meeting/seminar including travel days for district related business.
   
   

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Resolution 2002-5 re: Surplus of 1993 Ford Explorer: A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Phalan to approve Resolution 2002-5 authorizing the surplus and sale of the 1993 Ford Explorer. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
   
   
2. State Mobilization Plan for Wildland Fires A synopsis of the proposed plan is attached and incorporated by reference. The Commissioner discussed the pros and cons of participation and which vehicle to send. Commissioner Erly expressed concern about sending Engine 23 which was proposed. Commissioner Phalan agreed there was concern about sending personnel and an active engine at the time of year where wildland fire danger is so high locally. Battalion Chief Brackett noted that with so many vulnerable areas on Orcas Island it does provide valuable experience for our firefighters.
   
   Commissioners agreed that sending a reserve engine in lieu of Engine 23 was a reasonable alternative IF it and the reserve engine are in working order. Chief Bennett commented that our personnel and equipment are likely to be some of the last to be called up because of our isolation. Sending both would be contingent upon staffing and back-up.
   
   

   A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to approve commitment of the reserve engine and no more than four wildland fire trained personnel. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

The meeting was adjourned to executive session at 8:35P.M. and resumed at 8:50 P.M.. It was held pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 regarding the paramedic contract negotiations. No decisions were reached.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & DISCUSSION:

Commissioner Phalan noted for the public's benefit that the Commissioner's each review the vouchers prior to the meeting. They are therefore able to discuss and questions with Chief Bennett prior to the meeting. Commissioner Erly added that the monthly vouchers are available to the public by request and at each monthly meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Fire District. Budget meetings are held in the fall at open public meetings where budget issues are discussed. The final budget is also approved in open public meeting.

Chief Bennett advised the Board that he has had several inquiries regarding interest in purchasing the top soil available on our property. The Commissioners agreed the issue would be placed on the August agenda.

The next meeting of the Board of Commissioners for the Fire District scheduled for August 13th was rescheduled to August 7 at 7:30 P.M. to accommodate Commissioner Phalan's vacation schedule.

ADJOURNMENT:

Minutes of June 11, 2002 Fire Commissioner meeting