SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
MINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS MEETING
December 18, 2003
The December 18, 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, Commissioner Elect Clyde Duke and members of the public. The meeting was called to address a personnel issue in Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 (f) and for discussion about commencing a Chief Search.
Executive Session:
The Executive Session was called at 3:05 P.M. and expected to last 20-30 minutes. The meeting resumed at 3:35P.M. No decisions were made.
Chief Search:
Chief Bennett noted that the District had previously hired several professional search firms to run the search for District Chief and EMS Division Chief. The process could also be done in-house.
The Commissioners discussed search criteria which they concurred needed to be established. The Search firm should be available to help define criteria, discuss cost parameters (wage and benefit packages), education and experience.
Chief Bennett noted he is aware of three potential candidates who have expressed interest in the past. The Commissioners concurred that a profession search firm was preferable. They directed Chief Bennett to provide resumes and recommendations of potential firms.
There was some discussion of whether the department should be reorganized. It was the consensus that the first order of business ought to be finding viable Chief candidates, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and developing from that perspective.
Some of the areas which will need to be prioritized include: recruiting, personnel management, budgeting, facilities and equipment. Commissioner Elect Clyde Duke suggested a vital issue is the morale of the volunteers.
The Commissioners discussed whether if was more effective to have training cross-over or bring the new Chief in to evaluate the position on his own. It was suggested that the personality profiles used in the past for potential employees were helpful.
The Strategic Plan should help address some of the issues which need to be addressed which may help in searching for a new Chief.
Mr. Grossman questioned whether this would be a time to evaluate whether the Fire and EMS could be separated and a hospital district considered. His suggestions were not recommended by the personnel in attendance or Commissioners. It was their consensus that the Fire and EMS Divisions work well as a team.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Phalan to continue the meeting to Monday, December 22 at 10:00 AM. The motion was approved unanimously and adjourned at 4:10 P.M.
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