Loading...
2016-08-16 Regular MeetingCTION AREA FIRE PROREGULAR MEETINGl BOARD---1 --,��F' August 16, 2016 6:05 p.m. ' y BAYSIDE FIRE HALL i SEP 2 2 2016 1. CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLIEGENCE i CHAIR ARNDT called the regular meeting to order at 6:05 PM oa+001 rK,.rAi .; ''; KA 2. ROLL CALL Board Members present were Chair Scott Arndt, Paul Van Dyke, Jeff Halcomb, Richard Carstens and Rebecca Nelson. Also present were Chief Howard Rue and Secretary Jenny Clay. 3. ACCEPTANCE/APPROVAL OF AGENDA CARSTENS MOVED to approve the agenda. CARSTENS MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA ADDING: e. Disposal of Squad 10 by Chief Rue to the agenda. VOICE VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. VAN DYKE MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA ADDING: f. Purchase of new apparatus/equipment to the agenda. VOICE VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. NELSON MOVED TO AMEND THE AGENDA ADDING: g. Install seven (7) windows that are in the hose tower upstairs and wrap up any loose ends for the apartment remodel. VOICE VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. VOICE VOTE ON MAIN MOTION OF AGENDA AS AMENDED CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES HALCOMB moved to approve the regular meeting of July 19, 2016 VOICE VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 5. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT HALCOMB moved to approve and acknowledge the Financial Report. VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 6. VISITOR COMMENTS Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Pagel of 7 Judy Carstens was concerned about finishing the apartment. Coming from a voter's as well as a woman's point of view, the Chiefs wife was to visit in ten days from Chicago. We worked really hard to get Chief Rue to come and do this job. His wife has been very gracious to allow him to do this. We voted on this project in June 2015 and started working on it in October 2015. The Chief arrived and it wasn't finished, so he had to stay with different people as a gracious guest but it is time to finish the apartment. She wanted to know what the status was for the windows and light bulb hanging from ceiling. She would like the apartment presentable for his wife when she arrived. Behind every firefighter there is a wife who really supports their firefighter and Chief. She hoped everyone understood why she was concerned. Cheryl McNeil supported what Judy said. She did some research to find out how long the process had been going on. The contract was approved in June 2015, windows ordered in July 2015 and received in October 2015. The apartment was vacant almost a year before the Chief even arrived. The minutes indicate the apartment was stripped and she wondered why the windows were not installed at that time. It was her assumption that the terms of the Kodiak Island Borough lease have with Chief Rue are delegated to the fire district. The lease required in section 7 that the landlord was responsible for plumbing and electrical. She doesn't think it safe in anyone's home to have a light bulb suspended from a wire that was attached to the insulation at top. Also, apparently some bulbs don't fit in the recessed lighting. The dishwasher was not installed. She was unclear as to when the windows were supposed to be installed. The money to install them was not approved until May 2016. She found it objectionable and embarrassing that given twelve to eighteen months, we couldn't get this project done. Chief Rue's wife Ann was coming for her first visit to Kodiak and she found it insulting and requested the small jobs be completed such as light fixtures installed, bulbs replaced by the drill volunteers. There was a seven day time frame and she did not find it unreasonable to have the windows installed. Roger Ouellette noted that a comment was made about the volunteers doing the work on the weekend and doesn't feel he should do it. If the Borough and the board agreed to have this done then they should do it. If the Chief asked him for help, he would help him but there are plenty of contractors in this town to get this completed. He believed it was unfair to have a specific contractor that you are waiting for. He cannot see why in seven days this project could not be completed. You have the money, just make some phone calls and get it done. 7. CHIEF REPORT Chief Rue reported the missing satellite phone was disconnected as well as a cell phone. This was about a $75 saving on the monthly telephone bill. He was working on the policy and protocol for volunteer physicals including cost. The hospitals billed individual volunteers instead of the Borough. This will be resolved though the new policy/protocol he was setting up. He thanked the volunteers for standing up during the Chiefs recent absence. He wanted to praise the volunteers who helped save a house in a recent fire. He reported on calls for the month of July. 8. CHAIR PERSONS REPORT Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Page 2 of 7 Chair Arndt reported on the financial status of Fire Protection Area 1. He stated there would be no problem with acquiring two pieces of equipment in the current fiscal year. If it was decided to borrow money from the Borough it would be approximately 3.5 % to 4.5 % interest. Chief Rue was concerned about purchasing two pieces of new equipment. He feared it would strip fire department of funds. The department was in need of bunker gear and hose. Board discussion ensued. 9. NEW BUSINESS a) T-shirts and Sweatshirts for Station Wear NTE $3,600 Chief Rue explained that the t -shirts are for the volunteers to wear when at the station. The Volunteer Association would sell the extra shirts and reimburse the Borough. Board discussion ensued. VAN DYKE MOVED to purchase t -shirts and sweatshirts for station wear NTE $3,600. ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED 5 — 0 b) Training for Andrew DeVries NTE $1,500 Chief Rue informed the board that volunteer Andrew DeVries was attending the National Fire Academy which was a four year program. Chief Rue would like to pay for his meal ticket of $300. DeVries also would be attending a Fire Rescue class in San Antonio and the Chief wanted to split the cost to take the officers course for $1,200. In return Chief Rue would request he present a training program on Saturdays for first aid training and a car seat program. Board discussion ensued. HALCOMB MOVED to approve the $300 meal ticket conditional on the proposal at the next meeting. ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 1. c) Purchase of Engine Pump Testing Kit Chief Rue explained that Dave Conrad of Women's Bay Fire Department was to purchase the pump testing kit and Bayside Fire Department would split the price. It was expected to be approximately $1,200. VAN DYKE MOVED to split the cost of the pump test kit with Women's Bay NTE $750. ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED 5 TO 0. d) Car Seat Program Training The cost of the program would be about $2,500. He would like to secure money from the other fire departments since the whole island would benefit from this. At this time we have two Bayside volunteers trained and certified in this program. Board discussion ensued. Fire Protection Area No. 1 Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Page 3 of 7 VAN DYKE MOVED to authorize the Chief to expend $500 toward the car seat training program. HALCOMB MOVED to AMEND the motion to expend NTE $1,500 and secure the other $1,000 from the other fire departments. ROLL CALL VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 5 TO 0. ROLL CALL VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED 5 TO 0. e) Disposal of Squad 10 Chief Rue informed the board that Brimlee could not guarantee a price on squad 10 without trading it in for another purchase. He checked other companies and no one would guarantee a price for Squad 10. Brimlee would charge 5% commission for selling the vehicle. The assembly did authorize the disposal of Squad 10 at the August 5, 2016 meeting. HALCOMB MOVED to approve the advertisement of Squad 10 with Brimlee and other brokers with the same criteria of 5% commission. VANDYKE MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION to allow full disposal not less than $125,000. ROLL CALL VOTE ON AMENDED MOTION CARRIED 5 TO 0. ROLL CALL VOTE ON ORIGINAL MOTION AS AMENDED CARRIED 5 TO 0. f) Purchase of new apparatus/equipment Van Dyke asked the board give Chief Rue direction on the purchase of new equipment. Arndt reiterated that there was room in the budget for two new pieces of equipment, an Engine and a Tanker/Tender with a pump. He did not support used equipment. Board members Carstens and Nelson felt a conservative approach was a used tanker and a new pumper. They were in need of turnouts that were in shambles and Scott bottles/paks. Board discussion continued. Halcomb suggested forming a separate steering committee. Van Dyke encouraged the board to take action and give the Chief direction. The board decided to form a steering committee lead by Chief Rue and report back. g) Install Seven (7) windows that are in the hose tower upstairs and wrap up any loose ends for apartment remodel Nelson stated that the apartment was not finished. The hose tower was being used to store the windows that have not been installed. This makes training difficult as they cannot use the hose tower. Arndt acknowledged the windows were here, siding needs to be painted and light fixtures need to be installed. Arndt stated he would obtain new quotes for the windows to be installed. Van Dyke encouraged the board to have the Borough finish the apartment. Fire Protection Area No. I Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Page 4 of 7 10. VISITOR COMMENTS Mike Dolph — He heard that five sets of turnout were going to be purchased. That will only cover new volunteers that don't have any. He wanted to know about the volunteers whose turnouts are in rags. The Chief needed direction on transportation costs when negotiating the sale of Squad 10. Cheryl McNeil — She believed excuses made regarding the windows were malarkey. She wanted to know if the replacement of the windows was included in the original contract which was awarded in June 2015. The windows were ordered shortly thereafter. She asked if the contractor decided how to spend the NTE $20,000. At the May 10th meeting the board approved $6,000 for the installation of the windows. Between May and August why wasn't a contractor found to install the windows. Looking at the budget it appeared $450,000 was held of fund balance. If this new engine was $300,000, you just used 2/3's of your fund balance or cushion. She found it irresponsible. She appreciated those who refer to the Chief as Chief. He certainly has earned that respect. Roger Ouellette — Every month at these meetings someone brings up needed new gear. Now this month again it has been the same. These guys have families. He doesn't want to be the guy who had to tell a family they were dead, just because the budget and everyone else ran around in circles and didn't give the chief permission to purchase the gear. A house was going to burn down before he would send in a man without proper gear. The Chief needed direction. He doesn't believe Andrew Devries should get paid for training. Judy Carstens — Scott Arndt said one thing correct, you are all volunteers. The Chief was paid to ensurq that this fire department was well managed. We found when volunteers are not taken care of they leave. She pointed out the board are volunteers and advisory for the Borough which voters elected. As a voter who resided in this district and married to a longtime volunteer, have talked to Borough assembly about the safety issues. The board was appreciated including differences of opinion and need to work together. When the issue of the apartment completion arose, three of the Assembly members believed it was finished. It was your responsibility to keep the Borough Assembly informed. Where was the money put aside for the contractors to install the windows? Has that money been spent? Thanks to everyone for volunteering. The Borough assembly expected to hear from the board regarding the equipment sale. Gabriel Moses — He liked the idea of a steering committee where people on the committee have the knowledge about equipment. They could meet weekly to build a plan and at the next board meeting be ready for a motion. Bruce McNeil — After being appointed Assistant Chief, he knew he would have more responsibility. He had thought about the firefighter's protective gear and feared a firefighter would attempt to assist us with holes in his gear. He would be glad to serve on the steering committee. He was not afraid of used equipment. At the end there will be four pieces of Fire Protection Area No. I Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Page 5 of 7 equipment that needs to rotate out. He and his wife do not buy two new cars at one time. We rotate them out. Ten years from now you don't want to have to buy two new trucks. We need to have them staggered somehow. 11. BOARD MEMBERS COMMENTS R. Nelson — She believed in the many different programs the Fire Department was involved in. Fire prevention, injury prevention, car seat installs, bicycle safety programs were just a few and they were all positive exposure for the public. The hazmat training, car accidents and fires all take money and training with dedicated volunteers. The Chief has done a lot to get us organized and we need the Board to support him. R. Carstens — The Chief has his full support. He supports all the firefighters and wanted them to be safe. The public needed to keep us accountable to make sure the volunteers were safe. We will work at getting the gear upgraded for all of you soon as possible. P. Van Dyke —He felt at the last meeting a grenade was dropped when the Chief's salary was brought up. The board voted on and asked the Borough Manager to go to the assembly on the level the Chief was hired at. The salary number discussed may not be accurate with salary and benefits. Anyone can go to the Borough and ask what any employee was paid with their salary and benefits. It is public record. He believed the Chief was worth what he got paid. It would be a waste if we do not utilize his expertise. We do not receive full value if we micromanage. We need to use his experience and expertise. We could go back over his six month reports from the beginning to see all he has accomplished. He has dealt with the ISO report, OSHA Inspection and other personnel issues which he faced at the beginning of his employment. The Chief thanked the volunteers when filing the ISO report saying they did the "heavy lifting". The volunteers are the muscle behind the ISO rating. The Chief was building up the station with his leadership. He has recruited volunteers who then brought in even more volunteers. The word train wreck was used. He thought the station was a train wreck before Doug Mathers stepped in and before our Chief retired. It has turned around and he appreciated everyone who stepped up to do that. We have given the Chief some direction tonight. He expected to see purchases made so we do not continue to talk about them. J. Halcomb — He wanted to encourage the bunker gear purchase sooner than later. It was extremely important. The board has not denied requests for gear. He believed that once the Chief has established a list of his priorities that the board will approve them. We need to know what the needs are and the cost including shipping. It will then move very quickly. We support the Chief and his decisions. He has been doing a superb job. He has motivated the volunteers. It was great to see so many people at this meeting. The volunteers do a lot for the community without a lot of reward. He appreciates that they make Kodiak a better place. 12. NEXT MEETING SCHEDULE Next Regular Meeting will be Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 6:00 PM. Fire Protection Area No. I Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Page 6 of 7 13. ADJOURNMENT HALCOMB moved to adjourn the meeting. VOICE VOTE ON MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM. S TTTED BY: .ft GfltL nny Clay, Board Secret y HIB Engineering/Facilities Department . A -- Date: Date: q—.2U - 201 Fire Protection Area No. I Board Regular Meeting August 16, 2016 Page 7 of 7