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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
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS MEETING
November 5, 2002
posted 11/13/02
The November 5, 2002 special meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 on the proposed 2003 district budget was called to order by Chairman John Erly at 11:00 A.M. at the District headquarters. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Olsan and Phalan , Chief Gary Bennett and EMS Division Chief Eimers.
The purpose of the special meeting of the Board is to provide an opportunity for the further public comment on the proposed budget and review by the Commissioners of the proposed budget items that remain at issue.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Issues and recommendations:
- Commissioner Olsan noted that his investigation revealed that King County from 8/01 to 8/02 had a COLA of 1.87%. He therefore recommended using 1.9% as the COLA for both the Fire and EMS division personnel. He noted this should not affect the merit increases.
- Commissioner Phalan agreed with Mr. Olsan’s recommendation. He compared the salaries of the Administrative Assistant positions on Lopez, OPALCO and the County which were less than the Fire District salary.
- Commissioner Olsan agreed with the recommendation that all positions be reviewed and ranges established. He noted that position titles alone are not reflective necessarily of the position. It requires review of the job description, responsibilities and requirements.
- Commissioner Phalan noted that the Commissioner’s should evaluate whether part-time personnel should receive full medical/dental benefits.
- The Commissioner’s agreed to set up a committee to review the personnel job descriptions and to limit the COLA to 1.9%.
- Commissioner Phalan is in favor of the Public Education Officer.
- Commissioner Phalan suggested that the CPR program be coordinated by someone already on staff.
- The Commissioner’s took note of the Journal Newspaper article recommended to them on use of a volunteer for public education.
- 522-51-64: The pneumatic grease system was discussed. The public was advised that the category is comprised of miscellaneous shop equipment.
- 526-20-64: Discussion of items of new equipment, specifically the rationale of purchase of another Life-Pak12 for consistency within the district. The paramedics and EMS Division Chief in attendance commented and recommended the purchase. Commissioner’s Olsan and Erly concurred. It was noted that the Life-Pak 10 can be used as a trade-in on the new purchase.
- Chief Bennett noted that the budget does not include the 1% which the district is entitled by law to take.
- It was recommended that the Sheriff justify the Dispatch contract charges for 2003.
- Commissioner Erly noted that our Fire District has the only Class 6 fire rating in the county. This would save an individual homeowner of a $200,000 home approximately $60.
- Commissioner Olsan stated that in 1999 we also had a rating class 6 and the assessed valuation was $600 million resulted in $180,000 in savings to Orcas Island residents.
- 526-20-64: Discussion of the proposed ruggedized computers in the EMS budget. Commissioner Phalan felt the expenditure was too high tech and beyond the needs of the district. It was suggested by Commissioner’s Olsan and Erly that one computer be tested to see if it meets the district EMS needs and involve the paramedics closely in the decision.
- Chief Bennett and EMS Division Chief Garth Eimers noted that they will pursue grants to fund the Lif-Pak 12 and other purchases. Issues regarding the Life-Pak 12 include standardizing and upcoming technology.
- The public was advised that budgets are based upon projected costs and funds remaining at the end of each year are returned to the general fund.
Public Comment:
Rosalie Lindberg:
She recommended that the new CPR position be absorbed by a volunteer. She recommended that the Captain’s stipend be reviewed and noted she believed that last increase was in 1995.
Leith Templin:
She recommended that a volunteer from the community be sought who is familiar with wage and salary structures. She noted that our Fire District is the only district listed on the wage and benefit schedule provided by Chief Bennett which has a paid Public Education Officer. Commissioner Phalan read the job description of the local Public Ed. Officer position.
She recommended that the Committee look at the job description, not the individual. She believes our district has more paid personnel than any other district of our size.
Doug Slebus:
He noted that the cost of the Public Education Officer is comparable to the cost of a Life-Pak 12.
Julie Remington:
She urged that the Public Education Officer position be retained. She noted that the DUI Program is a model program and effective with the youth in the community.
Pierrette Guimond:
There was discussion about the mechanic’s responsibilities and whether employees contribute to insurance coverage.
Chief Bennett noted that this district is ahead of the curve in providing service to the community. Max Jones did the coordination of the DUI program. Approximately $3,000 was raised is grants this year some of which was used on the DUI program. Our district mechanic does routine maintenance and also contracts out for certain large maintenance requirements.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, a motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Phalan. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 P.M.
Note: The secretary to the Board notes that the second cassette tape of this special meeting was not functional. That portion of these minutes are therefore based solely upon the hand-written minutes of the Board secretary.
Minutes of October 29, 2002 Commissioners meeting
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