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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
Clyde Duke
term expires
December 2007
Harvey Olsan
term expires
December 2005
Bob Phalan
term expires
December 2007
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SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
MINUTES OF SPECIAL COMMISSIONERS MEETING
December 22, 2003
The December 22, 2003 Special Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 was called to order by Chairman John Erly at 10:00 A.M. at the Eastsound Firehall. This Special meeting was continued from the Special Meeting held on December 18, 2003. It was attended by Commissioners Phalan, Olsan, Chief Gary Bennett, EMS Division Chief Garth Eimers, Paramedics Damoth, Prades and Zoeller and members of the public. The meeting was called to address a personnel issue in Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 (f), a personnel disciplinary issue, and for discussion about commencing a Chief Search.
Chief Bennett presented to the Commissioners a memorandum of considerations for the Chief Search, a copy of which is attached.
Chairman Erly noted that the meeting would be in recess pending a telephone call from the District's attorney. The meeting was in recess from 10:03 A.M. to 10:07 A.M.
Chairman Erly announced that an interview on the personnel issue may be held in executive session pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 (g), however, any action would be taken in open public session.
Chief Search:
After discussion of potential approaches to the Chief search, it was agreed by the Commissioners that a small committee be formed consisting of department personnel, past Commissioners and a community member. The purpose would be to identify the criteria to be used in selecting a Chief. The committee should also make recommendations regarding the process to present to the Commissioners. The Commissioners were requested to make recommendations of potential committee members and provide them to Chief Bennett as soon as possible.
Executive Session:
The Executive Session was called at 10:17 P.M. and expected to last 10-15 minutes. At 10:23AM the meeting was extended for an additional 10-15 minutes. At 10:45AM the meeting was extended for approximately 15 minutes. The executive session was concluded at 10:55 A.M. No decisions were made.
Personnel Issue:
Commissioner Chairman, John Erly read the memorandum dated 12/17/03 prepared by EMS Division Chief regarding Paramedic Jim Prades regarding allegations of improprieties and a letter dated 11/25/02 memorializing an oral reprimand regarding properly recording the drug inventory. Copies of those records are attached and incorporated by reference. Garth Eimers recommended immediate termination.
Commissioner Erly and Phalan spoke to the issue. Both acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. Commissioner Erly noted that the paramedic position is a position of high trust and respect. The community depends on the paramedic for their lives and mental well being. To lose that confidence is unacceptable.
A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to accept the recommendation of EMS Division Chief Eimers to terminate Mr. Prades effective immediately. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Commissioner Phalan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to adjourn. The motion was approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 11:10 A.M.
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