SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
MINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS MEETING
November 6, 2003
The November 6, 2003 Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 was called to order by Chairman John Erly at 3:00 P.M. at the Eastsound Firehall. The Special meeting was also attended by Commissioner Phalan, Commissioner Olsan, Chief Gary Bennett and EMS Division Chief Garth Eimers. The meeting was a working session on the proposed 2004 Budget. Proper notice was both published and posted. General discussions were held covering the following topics.
General Issues:
Chief Bennett presented the proposed budget for further discussion. Also discussed was the Capital Equipment &: Facilities Requirements which was prepared with the assistance of Rick Anda. A copy of the ledger is attached and incorporated by reference. It represents a method of addressing the capital replacements needs.
Discussion ensued regarding what might constitute "capital replacement items", including SCBA, radios, AED's. The latter are currently addressed in the operating budget. To meet the ledger needs the reserve should have $1.9 million. Our reserve currently has approximately $900 thousand. This may be increased by the funds remaining from the 2003 budget.
There was discussion of the cost from the projected for rolling stock from the last survey taken 10 years prior. An example is the cost of an engine has increased form $130K to $360K. The district could seek bonds for the purchase of equipment as a possible future option. Both E-27 and E-22 need replacement. We currently have new E-26 and E-25 on order.
The ledger could also address facility vs operational capital items. Commissioner Olsan suggested that Chief Bennett get a copy of the depreciation schedule.
The WA Fire Rating Bureau is responsible for the insurance rating standards based upon a variety of factors. A public education program can improve a rating and the dispatch procedures comprise 10% of the rating. The state rating standard calls for a station within 5 miles of a residence or business. The Twin Lakes area is outside the road mile standard as is the Lover's Cove area and the far East side of Orcas. These issues need to be addressed by the strategic plan. The Fire District does have the right of eminent domain. The rating bureau does not follow the ISO
Commissioner Phalan discussed the insurance costs for various rating classes. The majority of Orcas is within the rating class 6. San Juan Island has a rating class of 8.
Chief Bennett reported that the Washington Fire Chief's Association is trying to get credit for the use of compressed air foam. 50% of the rating is based upon water supply.
There was extensive discussion of the Capital Equipment & Facilities Requirement. The document should be viewed only for planning purposes. The District normally carries $29-80K forward annually. If revenue and grants are not budgeted in the revenue they are not reflected when those monies are received in the account balance report.
Commissioner Phalan suggested that the Chief be given only the COLA payroll adjustment until his annual review. There was some discussion of a need to have the Emergency Services Consulting Group ("ESCG") address step increases.
The wage proposal includes an approximate increase of 12.5% for the Mechanic, 4.5% for the Chief, 4% for the EMS Division Chief and Public Education Officer. It was noted that 90 % of Chiefs' salaries state-wide are less than a professional Westside Fire Captain.
The preliminary draft of the report by ESCG noted the facilities are well maintained and well run.
There was continued discussion of the efficacy of purchasing a Lif-Pak 12 which has life-saving capacity not available in the Lif-Pak 10 according to EMS Division Chief Eimers.
Commissioner Phalan recommended the budget reflect an increase in stipends for additional meetings of the Board. The Commissioners concurred and agreed to add $2520 to the Commissioner wage line item representing an additional twelve meetings a year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
November 11, 2003 7:30 PM Regular Meeting of the Board of Commissioners and 2004 Budget Proposal
ADJOURNMENT:
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to adjourn. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
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