SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
August 7, 2003
The August 7, 2003 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 was called to order by Chairman John Erly at 5:30 P.M. at the Eastsound Headquarters. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Olsan and Phalan, Chief Gary Bennett, EMS Division Chief Eimers, Battalion Chief Brackett and Paramedic Mike Damoth.
MINUTES:
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly that the minutes of July 8, 2003- Regular Board Meeting be approved as read. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly that the July 10, 2003- Special Board Meeting minutes - Executive session only- personnel issue under RCW 42.30.110 (4) 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 2003 General Fund vouchers 21081-21138 in the amount of $ $66,075.06. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Phalan to approve the Revenue Fund vouchers 21139-21146 in the amount of $5,272.60. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
In answer to an inquiry, Chief Bennett stated he expected the balance in line item 511-70-41 would cover the costs of the Primary Fire Commissioner election scheduled for September 16th.
Commissioner Phalan inquired about the status of AED's. EMS Chief Eimers noted that the overage reflected in that line item was for AED purchases and it does not reflect resale of AED's nor donations made to purchase the units.. Pam Harney commented that only those revenues that are budgeted can be entered into the line item. Other revenues are reflected in the miscellaneous revenue category.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. A July 20th letter inviting interested persons to participate in a meeting to explore a mutual insurance program to underwrite the costs of airlift services for San Juan County residents. Garth Eimers attended the meeting and commented that Airlift has adjusted the charges and their collection rate is low. There was discussion of the requirements to put insurance in effect. It would require a substantial reserve. Federal and State requirements have made the process too complicated. Current costs for Airlift are between $8,000-$13,000 per flight.
2. A memorandum was received from the office of Senator Patty Murray with the announcement from the Dept of Homeland Security of the grant awards to assist firefighters. Orcas had applied for $18,711 which was granted.
3. 8/4/03 letter from San Juan County Elections Supervisor advising the district of the three candidates for the Fire Commissioner position #2: John Erly, Clyde Duke and Judith Lerass Cook. The Primary will be held on September 16. Voting is by mail only.
4. 6/23/03 letter from John Pennington, Regional Director of FEMA to thank the department for their efforts and dedication as first responders.
CHIEF AND EMS SUPERVISOR REPORTS
The monthly reports by EMS Division Chief Eimers and District Chief Bennett were read. Copies of the reports are attached and incorporated by reference.
Chief Bennett reported that all the Minitor 3's are in service. There was discussion of the need for two-way radio in the Deer Harbor area. No radios are available at this time.
Garth Eimers discussed the public meeting held by Jack Cohen advising homeowners about protection issues in wildfire situations. The meeting was well attended and the public response very positive. He noted there was no activity involving the car seat program in July.
The Commissioners complimented the Smokey the Bear wildland fire sign made by Max Jones. Inquiry was made if another could be placed at the ferry landing. Commissioner Phalan asked the Chief to apply for an exemption for the sign.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Leith Templin inquired if it was necessary for night-time emergency responders to use both lights and sirens since they frequently pass her home on responses. EMS Division Chief Eimers and Chief Bennett noted that those are the legal requirement and that there are serious liability issues involved.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. AED Status: EMS Division Chief Eimers announced that two AED units have been purchased for public use and should be arriving shortly. An additional AED was purchased and sold to Camp Nor'Wester. The information was addressed in his monthly report.
2. Strategic Planning Proposals: Chief Bennett noted that the contract with Emergency Services Consulting Inc. ("ESC,Inc.") was signed. The data requested is being assembled. In reviewing prior reports by this company it was suggested that more specific recommendations be provided. He urged the Commissioner's to provide him with a list of any specific questions or issues they wanted addressed.
3. Department of Licensing: The background checks have been completed. Only one report had information which is being addressed with the volunteer.
4. Rosario Utilities: Station 23: A statement was received from Rosario Utilities for metered service from August 1997-July 2003 and monthly plant surcharge from January 2000-July, 2003 for a total of $2,783.60. This statement represents their prior offer. Chief Bennett has previously requested that the utility provide documentation of who has the legal authority to negotiate the issues involved. To date the utility company has not responded to that request. The issue will be further addressed at the September Board of Commissioner's meeting. Mr. Juliano is no longer the manager of Rosario Resort.
5. Medical Control Issue: According to EMS Chief Eimers there has been some level of positive response from four groups. There is little definition regarding conditions or costs at this time. He noted that Maritime Services deals primarily with ships at sea by radio/telephone. Mr. Eimers stated that when Maritime handled medical control for our district in the past he felt it was unsatisfactory because it required actions by the EMS personnel, specifically paramedics, beyond the scope of our practice. There were occasions when a paramedic was obligated to stay on calls too long. Commissioner Erly noted that at no time were the Commissioners apprised of this problem.
Island Hospital currently has a contract with the Orcas Medical Center and the Fire District through 1/9/04. That contract has a clause for a 30 day notice to terminate. Our contract with Island Hospital for medical control runs for the same term.
6. Duplication of Agency Tasks: Chief Bennett received a letter from Sheriff Cummings noting that the circumstances have changed since the implementation of the agreement with our Fire District. The Sheriff now questions whether the Investigation Task Force Inter-local Agreement developed in 1995 is now necessary. A copy of the letter is attached and incorporated by reference. Chief Bennett noted that Capt. 21 would prefer the person holding that position be a firefighter and not an investigator. The Chief expects that position to disappear.
7. Personnel Reviews: Chief Bennett advised the Board that he has scheduled the reviews.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Resolution 2003-5: Surplus of equipment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to surplus (1) Brother Fax Machine which is not in running condition. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
2. WA State patrol - Fire Mobilization Interagency Agreement:
Chief Bennett noted that the Fire Mobilization Agreement ("Agreement") with the military district of the State of WA has now been transferred to the WA State Patrol. He recommends that the Commissioners authorize him to execute the Agreement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to authorized Chief Bennett to execute the Fire Mobilization Interagency Agreement with the WA State Patrol. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
3. 2004 Budget Meeting Schedule:
The Commissioners, Chief Bennett and EMS Division Chief Eimers concurred with the following 2004 budget meeting schedule:
Sept 4 Thursday 1:00 PM Preliminary Workshop
Oct 2 Thursday 1:00 PM Workshop-EMS
Oct 13 Monday 1:00 PM Workshop-Fire
Oct 28 Tuesday 7:00 PM Public Hearing on Proposed 2004 Budget
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Pierrette Guimond inquired if public comment was permitted at the workshops. She was advised that public comment is permitted at the Public Hearing on October 28th.
Leith Templin inquired how many emergency calls have there been in the last year to Rosario. She was advised that the District will attempt to extrapolate that figure. She recommended that the Commissioners discuss issues with the Commissioners of the Lopez district regarding the strategic plan prepared by Emergency Services Consulting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The September regular meeting of the Fire District Board of Commissioners is scheduled for September 9, 2003 at 7:30 P.M.
Chief Bennett introduced Brian Morris of Sea Western, the supplier of our breathing apparatus and other equipment. Mr. Morris expressed his interest in assisting the district in any equipment purchases anticipated.
RECESS: Commission Chairman John Erly called a recess at 6:30 P.M. prior to the Executive Session in order to hold the local meeting of the Board of Volunteer Firefighters without inconveniencing those who are required to attend.
The meeting resumed at 6:45 P.M.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
An executive session was called at 6:45 P.M. for discussion about the paramedic contract issue pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 (4). No decisions will be made. It was expected to last 15-20 minutes. The regular meeting resumed at 7:33 P.M. Commissioner Erly stated that no decisions were made nor action taken during the session.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business a motion was made by Chairman John Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
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