BOARD MEETING MINUTES
August 17, 2010
1. Call to order
The meeting began at 6:04 pm. Chief Howard spoke saying there have been many public meetings since the Schultz Fire
and Flooding began. In those meetings there have been standing ovations given to Eric Lobstein and himself. Don
believes Eric feels the same way as he, being these ovations are for the entire department. Summit Fire has worked
very hard to become the department we are today, and we have many, many talented people employed here. Don said
the work we do here is not about one event, but our continual effort about what kind of department we want to be. He is
glad to see the recognition from the community, and their high regard for our department, but he wants to reiterate these
applauses are for the entire department.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL OF BOARD MEMBERS
All Board Members are present.
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES:
a. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting held July 20, 2010. Rick Parker made a motion to approve
the Board Meeting Minutes of July 20, 2010. There was a second motion by Jerry Loynachan. Gary Selig abstained
from the vote. There were two other votes of approval by Jim Doskocil and Dan Atkinson. The vote was 4 in favor and
the board minutes were approved.
5. REPORTS
a. Financial Report -The Financial Report was given by Tina Dillahunty. (See report) There are several out of district
fires recently. Next month the report will show an additional three fires invoiced that is working on. She is doing work
on the Schultz Fire and cost to our department at this time. Jim Doskocil asked about the out of district payroll amount.
Tina informed him this total on the report shows the actual payroll to our department for out of district fires, including
the Schultz Fire.
b. Administration Report - The Administrative Report was given by Tina Dillahunty. She is still working on the
recent fire bills and getting a total cost for the Schultz Fire. She will also be tracking the cost of the flooding. Tina will
be getting information to the auditor and working on some of the annual reports that are due. We had a volunteer this
summer, Bethany Bennett, who came to help on Thursday afternoons. She did a great job and also offered her services
last summer as well. She will be attending her second year at the University of Arizona..
c. Auxiliary Report – The Auxiliary Report was given by Joann Benninghoff. The Auxiliary plans to have a Free
Pancake Breakfast at the Timberline/Fernwood Station once the Teams are no longer at Station 33. Rick Magnum of
Rick’s Custom Cycle & Graphics held his Fifth Annual Customer Appreciation on Sunday August 15, 2010. He had a
raffle and the proceeds of $312.49 were given to the Auxiliary to assist those affected by the Flagstaff Schultz flooding.
Member Barb Steffen has spoken with Raema Hounan at the County Flood & Service Center on Hwy 89 about helping
particular families with cash donations.
d. Local 1505 Report - The Local 1505 Report was given by Captain Fernando Hernandez. The car show raised a lot
of money. We have used some of this to give to one of our own for flood damage, and hosting a Pancake Breakfast for
Colin Hamilton. Colin is a resident of Doney Park, a good friend to a number of firefighters at Summit Fire, and now a
cancer victim. These funds given will be for medical bills acquired for treatment. Fernando said the Union wishes to
thank the department for the use of the community room for this event, and thanked the board members for all of their
hard work.
6. CALL TO THE PUBLIC
Randy James referenced the Public Meeting he spoke about at the July Board Meeting. He said he talked about the
firefighters and what heroes they were. He said the paper (Arizona Daily Sun) missed the fact in their stories that there
were no houses burned (Schultz Fire). Randy said Summit Fire has the most technical equipment and hats off to Summit
Fire. He said he is still concerned about the numbers he wrote on the white board (at a past board meeting). He said
the good thing in this country is that you can speak your mind, and not be taken to the back and shot. In 80 days there
will be an election and it could change the way the department runs. He has been asked many times to run as a board
member but has decided to decline. He hopes that he can be of more help in the future.
7. PURCHASE REQUESTS
a. None
8. CHIEF REPORT
a. Run Report: The Run Report was give by Chief Howard. There were 145 calls to service during the month of
July. It has been a very busy month. With additional rain fall, there are additional calls. He spoke about the Monsoon
Command during heavy rainfall. We tie in with the Type II team, public services, engines 311 and 313 during this time.
He believes we have life safety issues with how the flooding has been and has changed. At this time Summit Fire has
many resources and we are all able to work as a team, but at some point this team will go away. The Team at Station 33
will leave this Sunday, August 22nd, and we believe another team will be coming in. At this time we tie in with many
public services; county manager’s office, emergency management team, public works, public safety, utility companies
and other departments. Next springtime may prove for a high amount of melt off. Fire is one thing – you can see it, but
Don said he has a whole new respect for flooding and the impact on our community. Some calls to service may not be
listed because they were part of the flooding. Rick asked if plans are for warning residents when rains are coming
down, for instance, at 3:00 am. Don spoke about the County 911 Reverse calls. This call is played out directly from
reports from the National Weather Service (NWS). Summit has initiated these calls ourselves because NWS notice was
so/too late. Residents may have their home number and cell number included on Reverse 911. Rick asked if there was
anything else to notify residents. Don spoke of options that have been discussed prior; lights and sirens in the
neighborhoods, and re-installing the siren at Station 33 for Summit personnel activation. The water comes off of the
mountain so quickly. Most important is for the residents to shelter in place. If water levels are too high, even the
department cannot make access to the resident(s). Sam Whitted added that on the flooding of July 20th, there was a wall
of water on Copeland within 13 minutes after the NWS radio alert. The water takes 2 ½ to 4 hours to reach Sunset
Crater Estates in the Doney Park area. The timing is a very narrow band in the Timberline Area. The department has
stressed at public meetings that residents purchase personal weather radios. Tony Sciacca said a number of these calls
are pre-recorded messages. All of them come from County Emergency Management. Rick asked if this water has been
diverted from Sunset Crater estates. Don talked about the 4 berms that have been built to block the water. Berm # 1
was breached on August 16th, with the other 3 holding fine. Don said this was the highest amount of water to run down
Campbell yet, with 1.1 inches of rain measured. Also, the water is coming down the mountain faster. He spoke of the
tremendous amount of work that has been done. While everyone is not happy with the county, Don believes they should
be. They have gone above and beyond. He expressed his gratitude that this fire was contained before reaching the west
side of the Peaks, which was due to the great firefighting at 10,000 feet elevation. We feel the tension from the
community, and he cannot think of any other community in the state of Arizona that has been impacted like this
community has. There are also many who show their gratitude to our department. Yesterdays flood brought a new flow
and even new drainage. The hope is by mid September the monsoons will stop and flooding will subside for everyone
to get a break. Don talked highly of the Forest Service and their support of the Team and Summit’s requests. Next week’
s meeting will begin discussion of major dirt work above the Timberline subdivision. He would like to see this work
completed between September and Christmas, but there are no guarantees. Don spoke of the work the County has done.
The drainages built are significant. They are spending one million on Campbell Avenue and Copeland alone. Total
expenses for the County today exceed 6 million. They have spent an inordinate amount of time dealing with this, just as
our staff has. Don spoke of the ‘New Normal’ and the letter he is writing to personnel on how our services have and
will change for the Timberline/Fernwood/Sunset Crater areas. What used to be ‘normal’, especially for Station 33, has
and will continue to change. It is and will be important that we all take a breath and support each other.
b. Open House/County Picnic in the Park has been postponed until further notice. This public event is being
postponed because of other responsibilities by County and Summit personnel during the Fire/Flood.
c. Summit Fire Blanket order has arrived. Joann Benninghoff brought blankets to sell for those board members who
are interested. A few blankets have been given out in appreciation to those who have helped Summit Fire.
d. Arizona Fire Chiefs Association Conference update: Don told the Board he was only able to attend the
conference for one day. Tina Dillahunty attended the conference from Wednesday through Friday. She attended the
Opening session where Chief Howard received the Bob Weber Lifetime Achievement Award. She attended
‘Leadership in Tough Times’. This was presented by a fire chief from Alexandra, VA. It was very interesting and said
his guidance was very helpful. She attended ‘Presidential Lessons of Leadership’. Someone dressed as George
Washington and gave lessons in leadership. On Thursday she attended ‘Social Media Implication for Emergency
Services’. It made her aware of the implications when using Face Book, Twitter and other types of social media. The
next class was ‘Today’s Fire Service Performance Measurements’. This was very interesting and gave different
perspectives on how to measure the progress of a department. The final session was ‘Fire Service Leadership, a
Laughing Matter to Stay Sane’. This was given by a comedian who wasn’t very funny. Friday was the Section Meeting
and I attended the Administrative Professionals Section Meeting. I am on the committee for membership. The rest of
Friday was spent at the Expo. There were two large rooms with vendors and I collected some samples and information
that I brought back to the department.
e. Discussion of the Schultz Fire and Flooding. Chief Howard introduced Type III Team Incident Commander Tony
Sciacca. Tony was the Deputy Incident Commander with the Type I Team during the Schultz Fire. He said it is not very
often that any team member comes back to deal with the after effects of a fire. Tony thanked the Board Members for the
use of Station 33 and Station 32’s land and facilities with the Type I Team. He has had the opportunity to speak with
many different people with many different emotions. Tony told the board that every time he asks help from Summit Fire
for various challenges, they are gracious to help, including taking care of the requests of the people in the flood areas.
He said with the floods there are utility challenges, and it may come to times when utilities are lost for longer periods
than a day or two. Campbell Avenue will be a hard thing to deal with. There may be severe utility problems with what
is showing at this time. Mr. Sciacca spoke of the flooding in the Wupatki area and the alluvial flow off the mountain
changing where the flood waters go. This is a long term emotional event. He thanked Summit Fire for their support. He
stated this is a great department, with solid people making good decisions. He thanked the Board and invited each
member to come out to the base camp at Station 33 anytime, offering each a ride to view the areas.
f. Chief Tom Healy’s passing. Thanks to Brian Walsh, Brad Voigt, and Casey Robinson. Brian, Brad and Casey took
an engine to Chief Healy’s memorial where 1200 people attended. Chief Howard thanked the firefighters for their
personal time and commitment. Chief Healy spent the last 10 years as the Chief of Daisy Mountain Fire Department.
He originally was a firefighter with the City of Phoenix.
g. Update on Tuba City Fire. Don told the Board the fire was started by an ex-volunteer who torched the building and
two engines while the firefighters were out on a call. Tuba City needs help. Bill Dunlap is working on some extra
turnout gear and ladders the department was looking to sell. The City of Mesa has delivered many goods. A Wisconsin
Apparatus dealer has offered them a 1986 engine for free. Core Construction in Phoenix has offered to build a
temporary site for the apparatus. The Fire Chiefs Association has provided office equipment which was all burned.
Don said these are our closest neighbors and we are trying to help them out.
h. Update on the water tank at Station 37. The tank is sinking and going below the septic system. The tank area has
been restructured and was replaced yesterday. Don believes this will take care of any problems for dependable clean
water for the station.
i. Tile at Station 32. The carpet in the community room at Station 32 will be replaced with tile next week.
j. New Pierce Arrow ‘Quint’ Engine: Don thanked Mike Apodaca for his help and awareness of this engine being for
sale. Summit Fire paid $1,050.00 for this 1985 Quint Ladder Truck. The ladders were certified in 1997. UL Testing
was performed. Mike says it needs some TLC but we got a good deal. Before leaving Mesa Mike and Keith Klassen
performed a pump test, with results of 60 gpm’s, so the pump is tight. It will not take much to get this engine on the
road, and it is a much better deal than spending ¾ of a million dollars on a new engine. Don said this will help our
endeavors in working with the Navajo Nation. Mike said this engine was a smoking deal, with plenty of new stuff on it,
including brand new tires. Each tire is worth $400.00 each. Mike and Keith talked about how good the City of Mesa is
with Mike (a former employee), and the benefits they were able to receive while testing the truck.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
a. Chief Don Howard is the 2010 Bob Weber Lifetime Achievement Winner from the Arizona Fire Chief’s
Association. Board Member Dan Atkinson asked to present a gift with a card signed by members of the department for
his award. Dan said he appreciates the work Don has done while being a Fire Chief for 30 years. He said it is a
wonderful thing to be recognized for everything he has done to make our department a model fire department. We have
finished our second merger, making Summit a much bigger department. He thanked Chief Howard and presented him
with the gift. Don says he appreciates this and it meant a lot to him, especially because Bob Weber is attached to this
award. He told the Board how Bob’s wife gave the presentation at the ceremony. He said when he was young and got
trophies, he didn’t care so much about the trophies as much as he cared about the ‘doing’. Don talked about Keith
Klassen coming into the Timberline-Fernwood Fire Station in 1986 asking if Don would like ‘some help’. Where our
department is today, with the kind of people who are involved, he feels very fortunate to be a part of it. He has seen the
board members back him up. What is important is coming to work every day and working a little bit better every day;
as a person and as a department. (A small break was taken while the cake was cut by Anita Howard and she left the
meeting. The gift was purchased by Tina Dillahunty, a framed picture of Don receiving the award in Glendale.)
b. Update on Training Facility. Tomorrow we will receive the final drawings of the Training Facility, and then a
building permit can be purchased. That permit will take approximately 3 weeks.
c. Update on Maintenance Facility. Don said he believes the staff will be very supportive of the maintenance
facility. Board Member Gary Selig asked if there are any concerns about water issues at the building sites, and if so
would any changes be made. Don assured the board there are no real flooding issues in this area.
d. Update on Navajo Gaming Enterprise. With research done by Chief’s Howard and Whitted, a letter has been
presented to Bob Winter, Chairman of the Navajo Gaming Enterprise Committee saying what Summit believes the fire
and EMS coverage should be. This casino will be the flag ship of the Navajo Nation Casinos, with a total cost of 140
million. A hotel, casino, and golf course will be included. Don believes a minimum staff of 4 people will be
necessary. Don feels that Summit Fire is in the drivers’ seat of this situation, and reminded the board of our relationship
with the Padre Canyon development. We will need a transport unit, engine (Quint) and will probably grow into a Type
6 engine. Where Station 31 is, it would take 22-23 minutes to respond to this area. Don spoke of the initial site for the
Casino, and how the new site has moved closer to the Two Guns off ramp. The wheels are turning, and the Casino plans
their opening early fall of 2012. We have a lot of work to do if they do in fact deal with us, but financing is preliminary
at this time.
e. Update on the Communications Upgrade Project. Summit Fire has finally been approved through the Federal
Communication Commission (FCC) for licensing. This will make it better than it has ever been in our districts with this
license and new communications equipment. All hardware is being ordered to be put in place for testing, so we believe
in 30 days it will be up and running. Don asked if anyone had any questions on any of these items. Gary asked if this is
a challenging time to change the communications system, and is curious as to how this transition will be made. Chief
Howard assured him that this change will not have any major adjustments. He said training will be minor because these
guys are all very knowledgeable.
10. NEW BUSINESS
No New Business
11. ACTION ITEMS
a. Review, discussion and possible action on a proposal from ComSpeed. Tina reminded the Board that this issue
was agreed upon at the last meeting. It was left on the agenda by accident.
b. Review, discussion and possible action on the upcoming Summit Fire District Newsletter. Don said he would
like to have an open discussion about items we want to include in the newsletter, and is concerned with what the board
members want. He had asked the candidates running for the 3 seats on the Summit Board to write a personal statement
of 250 words in order to post this information in the newsletter, giving the public a chance to know who is who. Board
Chairman Jim Doskocil said he contacted Candice Owens (County Elections) and talked awhile. She told Jim the
potential existed, because this approach was open ended, that there could be problems. Jim said that she said she
questioned whether this was a wise decision. Jim went on to say that Ms. Owens said this was perfectly legal, but that
he is worried about the content of what the candidates will say in the 250 word statement. Jim said this statement may
not be something the district likes, so this has the potential to be gray. Jim’s concern is that one candidate’s statement
may have to be edited. We cannot edit one without editing the others. He said he wants to know how the board feels
about it. Rick Parker said he has spoken to the chief (previously). Rick believes this could be a problem with the
public paying for campaign issues. Rick exampled this, saying if he was to mention how long he has lived in the vicinity
and his time on the board, then ‘Joe Schmoe’ says he worked at Purina for this amount of years, that this could sway the
vote of the people in the district. Rick said he is not saying he is better than anyone (Joe Schmoe). Rick believes the
issue could be for the people paying for the newsletter. Don Howard said he called the County Attorney’s office and
spoke with Candice Owens also. What he heard her say is there could be a problem with anything. Don said other
districts put these types of things in their newsletters. The Timberline-Fernwood Fire District did it in the past. Don
asked how the public comes to know the candidates. How will they (public) know who is running? Don said even he
does not know who is running (for Board Member seats). Rick said he thinks anyone running for office has to handle
their own campaign. Board Member Jerry Loynachan spoke, saying the paper (Arizona Daily Sun) does it (introducing
candidates by statements). Tina Dillahunty said the State (of Arizona) puts out a pamphlet giving information for
candidates in all districts. Jerry said as far as conflict, it would be safer to put this in the newsletter. Don said our fire
department has been the center of this community for many years, using the community rooms for boy scouts, girl scouts,
various meeting groups – you name it – they use it. In this election there are 5 people running for 3 seats on the board.
This is an opportunity to let them (public) know we have 5 people running for 3 positions. The newsletter could have a
disclaimer stating this is a public service announcement. Board Member Dan Atkinson said the only other venue is the
Daily Sun. He is in favor of doing statements in the newsletter, and he did the 250 word statement. Dan said that Jim
brought up a good position about problems occurring if anyone wrote something in their statement that seemed necessary
to edit. Dan said we could send it back to the candidate and ask them to rewrite it, but he doesn’t think anyone would
put anything that crazy in their statement. Dan said that he would like to meet the other two people (candidates) who are
running for the board and even see them at a (board) meeting. He thinks the statements fit in to the role we play in the
community, and benefits the thousands (of people) that are here. Board Member Jerry Loynachan said it is difficult
because our district is split. He asked how many people are you going to get to come to meet us (the candidates). Jerry
said he doesn’t know what we are afraid of. Rick Parker said if you are just going to tell how old a guy is, if he is
married, etc., then maybe that is okay, but he doesn’t feel the taxpayers should pay for it. Rick said but if you are telling
everyone all the good things he has done, and then say Jerry writes what he has done, then this could get them to vote for
Jerry because of his qualifications. Rick Parker suggests listing the names of the candidates in the newsletter and telling
the people to educate themselves about the candidates. He said he is concerned about the taxpayers and how they would
feel about it. Jerry asked Rick if thinks there would be candidates this would be more advantageous for. Don said this
is to inform the public. Don said that 4 of the 5 candidates have submitted their statements. He has only not received a
statement from Rick Parker. He said the request was for each candidate to write 250 words or less on comments about
their own candidacy. Don said the newsletter was going out anyhow. The candidate thing was an after-thought. Rick
Parker said he understands that this is not for campaigning, it is just included in the newsletter. Sam Whitted said it is
just like Doney Park Water. Their candidates and board election information is included in their newsletter. Rick
Parker said they are a co-op. Rick Parker said he has a problem with taxpayers paying. Dan Atkinson suggested the
fire department could have a coffee meeting. Gary Selig said we are paying for them (community rooms) anyways, the
boy scouts use the room, and asked if we have had any complaints for including their statements in the newsletter. Dan
Atkinson said at our public meeting we have to go by open meeting laws. There are laws because the state wants us to
be transparent. Dan thinks with the candidates and the election, the people want us to be transparent. He said we have
never had this happen in our Summit community (5 candidates for 3 open seats), and this way it gives them (candidates)
a chance to say something about themselves directly to the public. That is all we are doing. Rick Parker talked about it
being paid for out of our own department. Jim Doskocil said even if the newsletter is being sent out already, the write-
up about the candidates will make the newsletter weigh more, therefore more cost. Dan Atkinson said there is a cost to
everything that we do; BBQ’s and other things we do for the community. Jim Doskocil asked about prior ways this has
been done. Don Howard reminded him it was done in the Timberline-Fernwood area. Jim said lets vote on it. Rick
Parker voted no, Gary Selig shook his head no, Dan Atkinson and Jerry Loynachan voted yes. Jim said this is three no's
and 2 yes’s. Jim said to scratch it out.
c. Review, discussion and possible action on the Wells Fargo Refinance with funds for the Maintenance and
Training Facilities. Tina Dillahunty reminded the Board Members that if a decision is made tonight on the Financial
Institution to refinance, the Board will need to adopt Resolution 2010-04. Lee Davis of Zion was present. He said Zion
has extended their offer through September 15th. Tina believes it is time to take action on this item. Tina said during
the last few months at the board meetings she has presented a synopsis of the two financial institutions. She has talked
to the director of Rural Development and given the members details. The majority of this loan is for refinance of the
Wells Fargo Loan. Tina expressed her concerns with the Rural Development loan; the appraisals, budgets on the
projects, construction bids, and they would require us to borrow $1,755.000 because the refinance cannot be more than
50% of the loan amount. Tina stated that the rate is better. (See packet with email from Michael Vaughn.) Tina read the
email/letter written by Leo Valdez, Director of Rural Development. She also spoke to the project manager for the Rural
Development Program. Every 5 years this company will check our ability to refinance. Don Howard said he wants
everyone to consider the ethics of this loan. This money is to go to folks who cannot afford it, just like the FHA loans
do for homeowners. Don feels this is sketchy with the terms associated with it, and the ethics involved. Our department
can afford to refinance a conventional loan. Rick Parker said that he understands that they (Rural Development) will
ask us for a story of why we cannot refinance. Tina stated that they will not ask for a refinance it is a hardship for the
department. Tina asked that they see the wording on the notes. This is not for people who can get financing. Tina stated
that the conventional proposal that HSE submitted does not have locked rates until we commit to them and there is a
prepayment penalty of 1%. Tina stated that they could not tell her if we (SFD) will need an appraisal and/or an
environmental study with this loan. The interest rate will be locked for 15 years once we make a commitment, but at this
time we don’t know how long that would take before we sign for the actual interest rate. Lee Davis spoke, saying Zion
is offering a 15 year note, with details that no appraisal is needed and Summit Fire is approved now. (See comparison
of interest and payments.) Lee stated he wants to be frank and upfront. At the last meeting they put their terms and rates
in front of their own competition. So at this time this information has become public record and this information has
become a target with fully disclosed costs. He is uncomfortable with this information out, giving the competitor time to
put something together with changes. Lee says Zion Bank still has Summit Fire’s best option in mind. Lee just wants to
say this is a bit awkward, but we are committed. We won’t have surprises and are ready to move forward. Don stated
we don’t have to move forward tonight, but thinks we need to. Don believes there are 4 reasons to go with Zion Bank;
1) to take advantage of the low interest rate which is guaranteed to us today, not what (ever) the interest rate may be in
90 plus days from now. A 4.37 % interest rate is the lowest we have ever paid, 2) there will be no prepayment penalty
as opposed to the 1% with HSA, 3)there is less time and less cost associated with this loan Both the financial
institution and the administration have dealt with this process. Don said appraisals are a major concern with the market
place. This loan is approved and ready to go. Finally, 4) we can tie into this loan tonight. Tina said with no
prepayment penalty we can refinance it again in 5 years, or in 10 years to bring it back in full amount – depending what
our needs are. Rick Parker said he is willing to make a motion on this now, but wonders how it should be worded,
considering the breakout of the numbers before us. Tina expressed she does not want to tie the loan amounts into one
total, considering what is being refinanced. Randy James asked if he could be allowed to speak now.
CALL TO THE PUBLIC (Randy James)
Randy James said he thinks everything here is a mess, and we have to fix this darn thing. He said it is embarrassing to
him with these two guys (Lee Davis and Michael Valdez) tripping over each other at these meetings. Randy said he has
played golf with Lee Davis, and he has met with Mr. Valdez. They are moving targets. Randy said this administration
has never given these two financial institutions all of the things they needed to show where they could go. The staff is
urging you to go (vote) quickly. Randy said he has not heard what is in the best interest of the tax payers. All of this
needs to be fully disclosed. Randy said he has read the letter from Tina of July 15th. He had concerns. He called
HSE. He has copies of the emails as well. He said they may ask you to refinance. Speaking of ethics, he said very few
institutions bid on this refinance. Randy talked about the 4.37 interest rate figure. In 10 years he has never seen the
interest rate this low. He agrees with how Lee spoke, but stated what is in the best interest of the taxpayer. Randy said
we need more clarity. He said this is not fair to have one institution here and not the other. It takes time, and we can
easily refinance. In 10 years we will be in the same boat. End
Rick Parker said in reference to the motion, there is still time for discussion. In reference to the other fellow (HSA) not
being here tonight, we (Board Members) have had many discussions on this issue at other board meetings. Rick said he
still has not heard anything solid from them (HSA), and he (also) has talked to him (Mr. Valdez) on the phone. Rick
said there is nothing in writing from them tonight. He is not comfortable with the ARM (loan), but we have the
capability to do it, and who knows, we could have it paid off in 10 years. They (HSA) are not here (tonight), but we
still have to guess what they will offer, and it still is not clear in writing. Tina spoke about the resolution (the board
members each have a copy), which has been blank as to who (institution) will do it. Tina explained how the resolution
would work. Rick said he wonders how everyone else feels at this point. Jim Doskocil said he doesn’t think HSA has
been straight forward. He thinks this is under-handed where we (Summit) should look the other way. Jim stated if they
could say to us they will not come to us for a refinance, then it would be okay, but it is not okay with a pre-payment
penalty because we want to pay this off as soon as possible. Dan Atkinson said he agrees with Rick and we have
discussed this for 3 months. Dan said he supports Administration and the work Tina has done. Dan said she is excellent
at this and he believes she has given us the information we need. Jerry Loynachan said he would like to make the
motion to pass resolution 2010-4 to accept the information for refinancing the 1.4 million Wells Fargo Loan with a term
of 15 years by Zion Bank, and as stated in the proposal from Zion Bank. Jerry said he likes the lower payments that
HSA offers, but there are still questions. Jerry said he was under the belief that there would be no prepayment penalty.
He concluded saying he does not like the red flags, and there are too many hoops to jump through. There was a second
motion made by Rick Parker. Gary Selig opposed the refinancing by Zion Bank, and there was a yes vote by Jim
Doskocil and Dan Atkinson. The vote was 4 in favor and 1 against. Board Clerk Gary Selig signed Resolution 2010-4.
d. Review, discussion and possible action on the contract with Verizon. Sam Whitted introduced Mike Campbell of
Verizon. Sam said he understands this has been a long, drawn out process. Mike stated the delay has come from the
merger of Verizon and Alltel. Sam stated he received direction from the Summit Fire Board to have this contract
reviewed by the County Attorney’s office. Sam said Tim McNeal reviewed it and he has no problems with it. Mr.
Campbell said that Verizon is very interested in making this tower on Summit Fire property happen. The monthly rate
will be $800, plus a 3% increase yearly. Verizon will pay back-charges within the first 30 days for holding the land.
This is a 65’ mono pole, with the top 5’ designated for Summit Fire use only. The lease area will have a chain link
fence for protection around the pole, which is property of Verizon. Repairs are done in the middle of the night, but
occasionally there could be other times for repairs. Anticipated construction will be the first quarter of 2011. Jerry
Loynachan mentioned concerns about the particular sections of the liability. Sam said those concerns need not be viable
stating that the earlier version of the contract pushed for Summit to own the tower, but not now. Sam said the County
Attorney, Verizon and Alltel all thought it best for Summit not to own the tower. The other issue was the tower being by
Cromer School. Mike Campbell said the fence line would be 40 feet off of the Cromer fence line. The chain link fence
surrounding the pole will be high so children cannot get to it. Sam spoke of Deputy County Attorney Tim McNeal. He
believes he is a sharp man and is looking out for the best interest of Summit Fire. There was a discussion about the
wording on the agreement. Rick Parker made a motion to approve the proposal by Verizon in reference to the Verizon
owned tower being on leased land belonging to Summit Fire. Dan Atkinson made a second motion and the vote was
unanimous.
The proposal contract was signed and notarized after the meeting.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Jim Doskocil made a motion to adjourn the meeting and there was a second by Rick Parker. The vote was unanimous
and the meeting ended at 7:54 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joann Benninghoff
| Phone: (928) 526-9537 Fax: (928) 526-2750 |
8905 N. Koch Field Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86004 E-mail: sfdadm@infomagic.net