SAN JUAN COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT #2
MINUTES OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING
December 9, 2003
The December 9, 2003 meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the San Juan County FPD #2 was called to order by Chairman John Erly at 7:30 P.M. at the Eastsound Headquarters. The meeting was attended by Commissioners Olsan and Phalan, Commissioner Elect Clyde Duke, Chief Gary Bennett, EMS Division Chief Eimers.
MINUTES:
A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan that the following minutes be approved.
November 5, 2003
November 11, 2003
November 15, 2003
November 18, 2003
Commissioner Phalan requested corrections be made to the minutes of the November 11, 2003 Regular Board Meeting. The motion to approve the minutes, as corrected, 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 21397-21457 in the amount of $76,018.63.
There was discussion regarding the charges for tires on the new rig and the annual authorization of $250 per year for paramedic uniform clothing. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
Commissioner Phalan suggested that the attorney's fees for some legal issues might be covered under the District errors and omissions policy.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to approve the Revenue Fund vouchers 21458-21466 in the amount of $6,608.70. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
A memorandum was read by Board Secretary, Pam Harney, regarding corrections to the November, 2003 vouchers. A copy of the memorandum is attached and incorporated by reference.
CORRESPONDENCE:
1. Chmelik Sitkin and Davis letter of 11/20/03 regarding 11/15/03 Commissioner retreat
2. 11/4/03 International Association of Fire Chiefs letter re: President Bush signing of Heathy Forests Act.
3. Leraas Cook and Assoc. letter of 11/25/03 re: Wildfire Issue and the Orcas Fire Dept.
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. The Public Education report was submitted to the Commissioners for their review of projects, a copy of which is attached.
Chief Bennett thanked Julie Remington for her outstanding efforts in the organization of the Annual Volunteer Dinner. It was a resounding success with a large turnout of personnel and their families.
Chief Bennett presented a 10 year pin to retiring Commissioner John Erly and thanked him for his years of effort on behalf of the Fire District.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
There was no public comment.
OLD BUSINESS:
1 Strategic Planning Proposals: The Emergency Services Consulting firm has completed only their initial draft report. That report has been reviewed and sent back with comments addressing areas of concern which were not addressed in the initial report, including wages, benefits and staffing issues.
2. Medical Control: EMS Chief Garth Eimers reported that the Emergency Medical Coverage and Direction Agreement with Dr. Michael Sullivan of St. Joseph's Hospital has been executed. A 60 day "out" clause was inserted due to replacement issues. It will commence January 1, 2004.
3. Station 22 Lease Status: The Auditor's office now has the documents to resolve the Boede Issue.
4. Issues discussed:
Commissioner Phalan suggested that the Commissioners ask the District's attorney about use of the errors and omissions policy.
Chief Bennett noted that one tire would be replaced by our insurance carrier.
The Commissioners concurred that the issues addressed by Ms. Judith Cook should be referred to the San Juan County Planning Department. The Fire District Commissioners can lobby on roofing issues, access to residences and steepness of access, though the Fire District has no enforcement authority.
Training stipend payments were made for ½ day training to J. McKeever, V. Moriarty, J. Remington and K. Steuart in November. It was the consensus of the Commissioners after discussion with EMS Chief Eimers that they should have been paid for the entire day. The ½ day unpaid was authorized by the Commissioners to be paid to those individuals with the January payments.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Resolution 2003-9 re: Issuance of Key Bankcard to EMS Chief. A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve the issuance of an additional Key Bankcard in an amount not to exceed $2,500.00 to Garth Eimers. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
2. Resolution 2003-8A re: Amended Resolution Setting the Property Tax Levy for the year 2004. A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve the Amended Resolution Setting the Property Tax Levy for the year 2004. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
3. Resolution 2003-7A re: Amended 2004 Budget.
A motion was made by Commissioner Olsan and seconded by Commissioner Erly to approve the Amended 2004 Budget. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
4. Magellan Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program: A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Phalan to approve the Magellan Behavioral Health Employee Assistance Program for staff and volunteers for 2004. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously. The rate will be $1.75 per person per month payable quarterly. The program will no longer be administrated by Trusteed Plans, but directly with Magellan.
5. 2004 Board of Commissioners Chairman: Commissioner Phalan asked that the issue be deferred until the January, 2004 Board meeting. The Commissioners concurred.
6. Parking Lot Expansion: The Commissioners discussed the issue and were in favor of expansion of the parking lot. They directed the Chief to investigate what is involved, including access needs of our neighbor, and what additional drainage system may be required. Chief Bennett was asked to respond by the January meeting.
7. Expansion of Commissioners Meeting Schedule for 2004: The Commissioner agreed to hold a second monthly meeting for policy issues and governance issues. The second working meeting would be for the purpose of work/study in a less formal environment. There meeting could double as a business meeting and would be held during the day. The initial second monthly meeting will be held on January 21, 2004 at Noon. Chief Bennett noted that the Regular business meeting of the Board will be on January 13, 2004 at 7:30 PM. The initial working meeting will include discussion of annual reviews and when merit increases should be implemented.
8. Judith Cook Wildfire Management: The issues raised by Ms. Cook in her letter to the Board were discussed. See the Commissioners comments on the issue above. Chief Bennett was directed to meet with Ms. Cook to discuss the issues raised.
9. Chief Bennett Resignation: Chief Bennett submitted his resignation as Chief effective June 30, 2004. The Commissioners unanimously accepted, with regret, Chief Bennett's resignation.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Julie Remington noted her shock at the resignation of Chief Bennett and asked him to reconsider.
Battalion Chief Brackett noted that he respected the Chief's decision and the accomplishments during his tenure. He believes the District has better equipment and training. He thanked Chief Bennett for his hard work and dedication.
Matt Bowden inquired about the search process for a new Chief. The Commissions noted this was new information and a plan would need to be formulated.
Leith Templin discussed her ideas about how reviews should be done, goal setting and suggested that merit increases be given on the employee anniversary date. Commissioner Olsan responded that after the initial year merit increases should be tied to the budget process. Commissioner Erly concurred.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1/13/03: Regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners- 7:30 P.M.
1/21/03: Meeting of the Board of Commissioners - 12 Noon- work/study session regarding policies.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
An executive session was called at 8:55PM for the dual purposes of discussion of a paramedic contract pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 and a personnel issue pursuant to RCW 42.30.140 (f). Commissioner Erly suggested the meeting would last approximately 30 minutes. The meeting was back in session at 9:20 P.M.
A motion was made by Commissioner Erly and seconded by Commissioner Olsan to approve a new employment agreement with the Administrative Assistant, Pam Harney commencing January 1, 2004 for 40 hours per week at an hourly rate of $21.66. The motion was voted upon and approved unanimously.
|
