July 13, 2017 Minutes

Fire District Commissioner Meeting

Roger called the meeting to order at 8:00. The opening prayer was offered by Jim Deuel. Those present were: Commissioners Jim Deuel, Roger Anderson, Mike Miller, and Gordon Ball; Fire Chief Bryan Grover and Assistant Fire Chief Carl Anderson; Battalion Chiefs Blaine Ker, Jim Kelly, Nic White, and Mitch Bingham. There were several patrons in attendance, including county commissioner Brian Farnsworth and Idaho Falls fire Deputy Chief Dave Coffey.

Agenda Approval: Gordon moved to accept the agenda. Mike seconded. The vote by Jim, Mike, Roger, and Gordon was unanimous.

Minutes:  The minutes were reviewed by the commissioners previously. Jim moved to accept the minutes as presented. Gordon seconded. The vote by Jim, Mike, Roger, and Gordon was unanimous.

Budget Review:   Melanie reviewed the budget. There are some categories, such as supplies that are over budget while other categories such as payroll that are under budget. Because we haven’t started paying for the construction of the Menan fire station, which was budgeted for in this fiscal year; we are far below the total budget for the year. Gordon moved to accept the budget as presented. The vote by Jim, Mike, Roger, and Gordon was unanimous.

Approval of Expenditures: Mike reviewed the expenditures and found nothing untoward. Mike moved to approve the expenditures. Gordon seconded. The vote by Jim, Mike, Roger, and Gordon was unanimous.

Patron Input (3 minute time limit):

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Budget discussion – upcoming major purchases: Jim asked Bryan what one-time, large scale purchases that should be included in next year’s budget. Bryan mentioned that the cost of $350,000 for the Ririe tender has been split up between this year’s budget and next year’s budget. Therefore, the split cost should be included in next year’s budget, as well as the Menan building. These expenditures have been saved for and will be paid for out of savings. He also said that they are looking to upgrade some computers systems, but these will be relatively small expenses.

Jim reminded everyone that the dollar figure that will be levied for next year will be the same as this year, which could possibly decrease the levy.

Roger asked how things are progressing on putting in a new communications tower in Ririe to cover the radio dead spots in Ririe. Madison County Sheriff’s office has committed $15,000 but Bryan has not received commitments from the other counties that would benefit from the tower.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Jill Cameron – Contract for ambulance during eclipse: Jill asked for clarification on the ambulance being here for the eclipse. It would only be here for the eclipse itself, not permanently. Carl has been going to several eclipse meetings in the area to coordinate efforts among emergency responders. Jill asked where the money for the ambulance would come from. Roger said that the county commissioners are over ambulances and that CFD is helping them check into the cost.

Chief Coffey from Idaho Falls explained that they are looking at about $100/hr for an ambulance. Idaho Falls is bringing in 5 extra ambulances in addition to the regular number of ambulances to help cover the possible incidences, and it is proposed that one of the ambulances be stationed in Jefferson county for the eclipse event. Brian Farnsworth from the county commissioner says that they are paying about $13,000 for ambulance service from Idaho Falls and the reason that they might be willing to pay extra for an ambulance to be closer on hand is that during the eclipse, the traffic will be such that an ambulance coming out of Idaho Falls may not be able to get to a potential victim in a timely manner. For the safety of the patrons of this county, they think the price will be worth it.

CFD and the County have agreed to split the cost 50/50. They are thinking of having an ambulance up here for 36 hours.

2. Eclipse planning: Bryan said they have two UTVs coming to help with transportation and they are asking all CFD volunteers that are available be stationed around the county with pay. The BLM will be on available at the buttes unless they are on a fire call. BLM has been great to work with in preparation for the eclipse.
3. Brush 1 and Ririe tender replacements: Bryan said the price on the brush chassis is $43,866. He has one tied up and has approval to purchase. Ririe tender: Bryan has proposal from Hughes Fire for $347,118 through NPPgov, meaning that it does not need to be bid out. Mike moved to go forward with the tender for Ririe. Jim seconded. The vote by Jim, Mike, Roger, and Gordon was unanimous.
4. Polling precinct – Carl: Shonna Allred, the election judge, asked if this building could be used as a possible precinct polling place. Jim asked what the legalities would be and Carl will check into that. The commissioners said they would not have a problem with it if it is legal.
5. Architect presentation – Graham Whipple: Graham reported that they are about 65% through the design right now.   Mike attended the planning commissioner meeting in Menan and asked the Mayor about some zoning ordinances and requirements. There is an issue of the pump house encroaching in the city right of way that may need to be addressed. Graham is looking to have things buttoned up by the next commissioner meeting. He will do a final plan presentation with the commissioners during another meeting separate from the regular commissioners meeting to save time during the regular commissioner meeting.

FIRE CHIEF REPORT:   Bryan reported that a full set of measuring turn outs were donated for the junior fire fighter program. Department of lands donated some foam. CFD helped the BLM out by putting out some fires. The hot and dry conditions means there can be many more fires.

ASST. CHIEF REPORT: Carl reported that they have been very busy. They have worked with Idaho Falls ambulance on several calls. He appreciates the efforts of the volunteers.

B.C. REPORTS:

Station 1. Jim: 68 EMS and 12 Fire calls, but it felt like more thanks to multi-hour calls. They backed up Menan and Ririe on some calls.

Station 2. Blaine thanked Rigby and Idaho Falls for help on a fire. 16 EMS and 12 fire.

Station 3. Nic reported 5 EMS calls and 2 fire.

Station 4. Mitch reported 5 EMS calls and 8 fire calls. 2 house fires. Madison and Rigby assisted on some calls. People are tired but happy.

Chief Coffey reported that last year at this time,378 calls required an ambulance and so far this year there have been 559 calls that required and ambulance.

COMMISSIONER REPORT:

Roger thanked the volunteers for all the work they do. Mike moved to adjourn. Gordon seconded. The vote by Jim, Mike, Roger, and Gordon was unanimous. The meeting was adjourned at 9:07.

Roger-EMS & Training/Gordon-Equipment /Dallin-Facilities/Jim-Budget/Mike-PR