| BOARD MEETING MINUTES September 14, 2009 1. Call to order. The Board meeting was called to order at 6:01 pm. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call of the Board Members. Summit Board Members Present: Dan Atkinson Gary Selig Rick Parker William Dunlap Sr Randy James Fort Valley Jim Doskocil Deb Wolf Dave Wolf Jerry Loynachan Suzanne Romero Board Members Absent: None 3. Approval of the Minutes: a. August 19, 2009 Regular Meeting There was a motion by Randy James to approve the minutes of the regular Board Meeting of August 19, 2009. There was a second by Gary Selig and the vote was unanimous. 4. REPORTS a. Financial Reports - The Financial Reports were presented by Tina Dillahunty. Tina stated that she was on vacation last week and was unable to prepare the Board Report but Tina gave the Board the Credit Card Report and the Out of District Report. Tina stated that there is one Wildland Assignment that we just got back from on Friday that will be on next month’s report. Today we received a check from Highlands for $8120.06 and a check from State Forestry for $6,711.50. These payments will also show on the next report. Discussion of the reports b. Auxiliary Report The Auxiliary Report was given by Tina Dillahunty. The last swap meeting is Sept 26th. The Auxiliary gave $1,000 to the fire victim plus $500 in a donation to help the victim purchase a trailer to put on her property to live in. c. Local 1505 Report There was no Local 1505 report. d. Firefighter’s Association Report There was no Firefighter Association report. 5. CALL TO THE PUBLIC There was no answer to the call to the public. 6. PURCHASE REQUESTS a. None 7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS a. Run Report summit The run report was given by Chief Don Howard. There were 93 calls to service for the month of August. There was a discussion of a structural fire involving two trailers by Battalion Chief Mike Boehm. Mike stated that the owner was not home. The two trailers were fully involved. The owner lived in one and she used the other for storage. There was also a vehicle destroyed. The fire was started due to a lit candle. She had gone to the store and left the candle lit. There was no power or phone at the residence. There was a propane leak and the candle started the fire. It was a total loss. Mutual aid was activated with the Forest Service, Flagstaff and Guardian. We had a full recall. Two firefighters had minor injuries. This was the lady the Auxiliary assisted. Deputy Chief Sam Whitted stated that it was 100 degrees that day and there were a number of other residences in close proximity. Our guys did a great job to stop the spread of the fire and keep it to the property of origin. Sam stated that he wanted to congratulate and thank Guardian for their rehab services. He thanked them for providing these services for our firefighters. There was a discussion of the injuries to the firefighters. Their hands were cut through their gloves and required stitches. The residence was off Leupp Rd. Sam stated that communication was a challenge. Chief Howard stated that we were lucky that there was no wind that day unlike the day before. b. Other Chief Howard stated that last week was the 36th Annual State Fire School. Don discussed the history of the Fire School and how it was started. Don stated that the numbers were down this year. There were a little over 700 people there. Don stated that it was a wonderful opening session and he would encourage people to attend the opening session. Don stated that we have had representation on the committee since 1991. The school is designed for smaller departments in the State. Don stated that 75-80% of the students come from rural and volunteer departments. Don stated that we got participants into live fire on Friday and Saturday. Don gave an update on Wildfire Assignments. Summit just returned from the Station Fire in California. We had a type 3 engine on the fire for 13 days. Don discussed the assignment. Don stated that we had four personnel on the engine. The Bear Jaw Fuel Module is currently on the North rim of the Canyon. They went up on Friday. Captain Ron Martinez stated that we acquired two automatic defibrillators at a NAEMS Council Meeting. We did not qualify for the Rural AED Grant. These were assigned to us by the NAEMS Council through funding they acquired. Randy James asked how many of these do we have. Don stated that these are the only two automatic defibrillators. We have 6 monitor defibrillators. Rick Parker wanted to know where we would utilize them. Don stated that just received these today and we are not sure. We might put one on wildland assignments. Don discussed how they could be useful on the wildland assignments. Chief Howard stated that we were denied the Assistance for Firefighter Grant. This was the large grant that included the communication upgrade. We did get the VFA Grant for $3,080 and an RFA Grant for $10,500. We will make equipment acquisitions shortly. Gary Selig asked what our share would be. Don stated that on the VFA grant it is 10% and on the VFA grant it is 50%. 8. UNFINISHED BUSINESS a. None 9. NEW BUSINESS a. None 10. ACTION ITEMS a. Crew Cab The Board was presented with the two bids we received on the Crew Cab. Sam Whitted stated that the truck for bid was the 1994 Chevy Crew Cab flat bed the fuels crew has been using. It was advertized for 34 days with a minimum bid of $2500.00 and bids due by noon on September 1st. We received two bids. One was for $2500 and the other was for $3256. There was a motion by Randy James to accept the bid for $3256.00 in the form of a cashier check for the 1994 Chevy Crew Cab. There was a second by Gary Selig and the vote was unanimous. b. Choosing of the New Board Bill Dunlap read the Arizona Revised Statutes listed on the agenda. Chief Howard stated that the most difficult thing about this merger is bringing these two Boards into one. It is up to the Boards to choose how to do this. We need to formally list those who do not wish to be considered for the new Board. Deb Wolf read section H of ARS 48-480. Deb stated that she thought the larger district would have three on the Board and the smaller district would have two but the law does not indicate that. It seems that all ten Board Members should decide how we will choose the new Board. Don stated that traditionally it was the larger of the two districts would have three members but the statutes have changed. The way it is written, three can come from either Board. There are regulations in terms of ending dates. This is where we felt we need to ask who wants to continue on the new Board. Deb Wolf stated that she wants to make sure that it is clear to everyone. There was a discussion of the list of options and how they might want to choose. Deb Wolf stated that we have had many controversial things happening and the closer we stay to statute the better off we are. Dan Atkinson stated that we should ask everyone at this meeting to respond if they want to be on the new Board. Bill Dunlap stated that he would like to not be considered for the new Board. The rest of the Boards were asked if they would like to be on the new Board and the responses were as follows: Summit: Randy James – yes, Gary Selig – yes, Rick Parker – yes, Bill Dunlap – No, Dan Atkinson – yes Fort Valley: Dave Wolf – no, Deb Wolf – no, Jim Doskocil – yes, Jerry Loynachan – yes, Suzanne Romero-no Suzanne Romero stated that she feels all ten Board members should vote for the new Board. Rick Parker stated that we should vote for our own Boards. Rick stated that we haven’t worked with you but have worked with each other. Jerry Loynachan stated that he agrees with Rick plus with some of the interactions over the past year there could be some prejudice built and he stated he would feel uncomfortable. Rick Parker stated that he feels Bill Dunlap should participate in the voting. Deb Wolf stated that it is clear in the statute who the governing body is and the governing body appoints the five person Board. Deb stated that she wants it in the record to propose that all ten vote. Deb Wolf made a motion that all ten Board Members vote for the new Board so that all ten appoint the Board as per Arizona Revised Statute 48-820 sub section H. There was a second by Suzanne Romero. Discussion was called. Dave Wolf stated that a majority of each district must constitute a quorum. Deb Wolf stated that going back to what the statute read a few years back it was different. Don stated that we have Donna Aversa’s phone number and we can call her. Dan Atkinson stated that when we merged Timberline-Fernwood and Doney Park all eight Board members voted. Randy James stated that at that time we had three people on one and 5 people on the other Board. Randy stated that he has no problem with everyone voting. Randy stated that we need to have some discussion about coming to consensus and voting. This is the danger of a merger when doing this. Randy stated that he does not know that side of the Board very well. Randy stated that Rick has a good point. We know this side. We have the heavy weight on the Summit side with three Board members. There is some danger that votes are on this side. We want to think of the best interest of the whole package. Randy stated that he is confident we will come to an agreement tonight. Gary Selig stated that he is very uncomfortable trying to vote on your side of the table. Gary stated that he doesn’ t know the Fort Valley Board. Gary stated that he is new to this Board in comparison to the other members. They have worked through some hard issues. Gary stated that he has some reservation about spreading the load out and supports Rick. Rick Parker stated that since there is some contention we should try to get Donna Aversa on the phone and move on. The question is should all vote. Dave Wolf stated that he feels all should vote. Bill Dunlap stated that we need to do what is acceptable with statute. Some people may feel uncomfortable with voting because they are not on the Board and that they should have the option to abstain. Dan Atkinson stated that he wants Bill Dunlap to vote. Dan stated that he feels it is important for the people who are leaving and who devoted their time and energy to the department to have a say in who will continue the work. Dan stated that he is in favor of everyone voting. Dan stated that he would afford Fort Valley the same courtesy. Dan stated that he feels we should see what Donna has to say. Jim Doskocil stated that there are good points on both sides. Summit has a feel for it. Jim stated that with this merger we are the representatives on this side and are giving that control to Summit. Jim stated that maybe we should all vote to have input on who will represent us on the Board. Rick Parker stated that all he is asking is to call Donna to get her involved. Rick stated that we have been in multiple classes with attorneys and different attorneys will have different opinions. She can make a decision and we can go with it. Rick stated that he would like to get a legal opinion. Jerry Loynachan stated there is nothing about voting in the statutes. What we are talking about is how Summit will pick their side. Jerry stated that he feels uncomfortable casting votes for Summit. Jerry stated that he does not know them as well. Jerry asked if it would be ok to abstain. Randy James stated that a motion will allow us to vote. We need to pass a motion to have all ten people vote. Randy suggested voting on the motion. Deb Wolf stated that she feels we should try to get Donnas’ option. There was further discussion of the motion and other ways do this. Randy James stated that in an important discussion we want to be cautious in throwing motions on the floor. Randy stated we should call Donna and see what she has to say. Chief Howard made two attempts to reach Donna Aversa and was unable to reach her. The vote was called for on the motion. The vote was nine in favor and one opposed. The motion passed. Dan Atkinson stated that he feels that the people who want to be on the new Board present a small bio. Dan Atkinson stated that he started as a volunteer with the Timberline-Fernwood Fire Department in 1982. He was a volunteer for 3 years and a Board member for 25 years. Dan stated that he became a Board member to support the Firefighters and the Fire Department and would like to continue doing so. Rick Parker stated that he is retired from the Flagstaff Fire Department. Rick stated that he was originally elected with Doney Park Fire Department and stayed through the merger with Timberline-Fernwood. Rick stated that he stands on common sense and he follows the rules. I voted for the merger and pushed for the merger. I had several questions and put a lot of work, time and effort in it. Gary Selig stated that he has been part of fire service for 34 years and is retired. Gary stated that he is newly elected. Gary stated that he has a passion and wants to give something back to the fire service. Gary stated that he tries to vote common sense and supports the merger. Randy James stated that he is from the Doney Park side. Randy stated that he is from the business side of things and looks at the numbers. Randy stated that he looks out for the best interest of his tax payers. That is what a Board member does. Randy stated that he has challenged the Chief and so have Rick and Gary. He has not voted along with the Chief. The last time was on the merger. Randy stated that he is not against the merger but feels that side of the table will hold it against him. Randy stated that his concern is the Summit tax payers. Randy stated that this year the income to expense at Fort Valley there is not a lot of play and they were about even with the income to expenses. Next year expenses increase and income is projected to go down. Summit can weather it pretty well but Fort Valley would need to increase property taxes or decrease services. The next year will be worse. We need to look at what is in the best interest for the total. We have been talking about this for five years. We have talked about it at every meeting for Summit. One man was opposed to it. Randy stated that in January he told these guys to go forward but he expects to be on the Board. Randy stated that in other instances he has challenged the Chief and proven to be right. Randy stated that is the way I vote and I make no apologies. Randy stated that I hope in the long term this merger will benefit everyone and I think it will. I speak my mind and so does Gary and Rick. If you want to hold the merger against me that is fine. You need to take into account what I have done and that you need someone like me. The good thing about democracy is that the majority rules. What I can offer is common sense and that I am not in the Chief’s back pocket and I will do what is in the best interest of the district. Don Howard stated that now we are two separate Boards. When we become one we will not represent each of these two districts but one district as a whole. Don stated that the second point is that he has had a chance to know all ten Board members and it has been great experience. To a person each and every one has the best of intentions. Don stated that is how I judge people is if their intentions are healthy. Don stated that however it works out it is a pleasure to work with all of you. Suzanne Romero stated that she appreciates everyone here taking their time and appreciates the firefighters and the people in the community. Some of the options that she would like to know about include the questions of, “Are meeting going to be held on both sides of the mountain?” We need to take time to get to know the people in both communities. Suzanne stated that she wants to feel we are going to be fair in listening to everyone and she hopes we will take that into consideration. We should be one Board but she does not feel that. Randy James stated that these are what the Board decides. It is fair and we need to get to know the constituents. Randy stated that he goes to the open houses and has only missed one meeting. Gary Selig stated that he went to the open houses and hasn’t missed a meeting. Gary stated that he takes being a Board member seriously. Gary stated that he hopes to do a good job on both sides. It takes a while sometimes for barriers to go away. Randy James stated that he voted for the merger. He did not want this side to raise taxes or lay off people. Rick Parker stated that he voted for the merger. Rick stated that this side-that side is not an issue. Rick stated that at some of the past meeting we had some people come from the public and state that we would be supporting the people on that side of the mountain. Rick stated that he felt it was not appropriate and we are one district and will support each other. Rick stated that he does not care where the meetings are held. When we merge it is one. Rick stated that he supports the personnel and is not afraid to stand up and say his opinion. Dan Atkinson stated that he thought this was an excellent question and a valid point. Dan stated that it is enlightening to hear the view points. Dan stated that you will have two Board members and we will have three. One of the best qualities is to have an open mind, listen, learn and possibly change your view. We should have alternating meeting sites. Dan stated that he has always been in favor of changing the Chairman and Clerk of the Board every year. When we select the new Board Chairman we should have the next year new Chairman from the other district. The Board Chairman directs the meeting and guides the process. Dan stated that he is in favor of a new Chairman every year. It gets the members involved and gives them more responsibility on the Board. Dan stated that each Board member needs to keep an open mind. We need to learn the neighborhoods and get to know each other better. Jim Doskocil stated that he liked what Dan was saying. Alternating the Chairman and the meetings is perfect. We are trying to blend the two Boards and it will take work. If the district has issues on this side it will take more footwork. We want to blend and be one Board and look at the big picture. Jim stated that he has been with the City of Flagstaff for 30 years and with Sedona for 5 years. He is all for the guys and looking out for the citizens of the area and making the district better. Jerry Loynachan stated that he was in education and has been involved in mergers involving schools. Jerry stated that you don’t want to disenfranchise any group. Randy James stated that he was instrumental in asking the Chief about a contract for the Fort Valley snow play area. Randy stated that in January I decided it was in the best interest to move forward with the merger. I have challenged the Chief and that is what you want from a Board member. Rick Parker stated that he would like to speak. Rick stated that he was initially voted in by the public with Doney Park. Rick stated that he was the one who called Randy James and asked if he was interested in being on the Board. Rick stated that he had also called Ben Fisk to see if he was interested in being on the Board. Rick stated that over the years he has worked with Randy and he has stood by the department. Rick stated that he doesn’t always agree with him but he thinks Randy has the best interest of the Department and the constituents at heart. Bill Dunlap asked if he could abstain and Dan stated that he feels all should vote or it would give more power to the others. The vote was called for and was as follows; Bill Dunlap: Abstain Rick Parker: Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Randy James, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil Gary Selig: Randy James, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Jim Doskocil, Gary Selig Randy James: Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Randy James, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil At this point Randy James started making a comment that one person should not be on the Board. Dan Atkinson spoke up and asked the Chairman the question of procedure that they are just voting and the time for discussion is over. We do not need comments. The voting continued. Dan Atkinson: Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil Dave Wolf: Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Randy James, Jim Doskocil Deb Wolf: Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil Jim Doskocil: Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil Jerry Loynachan: Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil Suzanne Romero: Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Jerry Loynachan, Gary Selig, Jim Doskocil Final Tally: Rick Parker 9 Dan Atkinson 6 Gary Selig 8 Randy James 4 Jerry Loynachan 9 Jim Doskocil 9 The New Fire Board is: Jim Doskocil, Jerry Loynachan, Dan Atkinson, Rick Parker, Gary Selig. Rick Parker stated that he wanted to thank Randy James for all the hard work over the years and he is sorry to see him go. Rick stated that he hopes Randy will not be a stranger. It has been a pleasure most of the time. It has been a good experience and he appreciates his hard work over the years. Gary Selig stated that Randy has been a great help to him. Gary stated that he appreciates Randy’s challenges and questions. Gary stated that it is good to have adversarial comments especially based on facts. 11. CALL TO THE PUBLIC Mark Sachara answered the call to the public. Thanked the Fort Valley Board for their service and thanked the Summit Board for their service. Mark stated that he echoed Rick’s comments about Randy. Mark stated that at first it seemed like he was against a lot of things. Mark stated that he got to know Randy and feels he is extremely valuable and hopes he will consider running again. Mark stated that having an adversarial position and a financial background was huge for the Board and maybe helped give comments at the meeting at budget time. Don Howard stated that even though he disagrees with some of the things Randy has said over the years he has bought up good questions and Don stated that he appreciates that. Don stated that a large part of our success today falls in your lap. Your involvement on many levels is appreciated by myself and others. Anita Howard stated that she would like to thank Bill Dunlap for his decades of efforts put in on the department. Joann Benninghoff stated that she would like to thank Bill for all the years of commitment to the community. You have been steadfast and steady with a good sense of humor. Dan Atkinson stated that he echoes that. Bill has been an outstanding member of the community and has been on the Board forever. Dan discussed the history of Timberline Fernwood Fire District and how it was started. Dan stated that it has been an honor to sit beside Bill on the Board. He is a man of integrity and knowledge. Don Howard stated that he remembers sitting in Bill’s living room having meetings. Don discussed the history of the department. Don stated that it has been 30 years. Don told Bill that you can be extremely proud. Don stated that he appreciated Bill coming in and talking with him to find out what is going on in the department. Don stated that he appreciates his steadfastness and commitment to the community. Don stated that when he moved here, he wanted to find out how to give back to the community and fight fire. Don thanked Bill very much and will keep his friendship close to him. Bill Dunlap stated that he has met a lot of good people in the community and it has been fun. Jim Doskocil thanked Deb, Dave and Suzanne for all the hard work, for the whole process and for coming to the Board meetings. 12. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion to adjourn by Gary Selig and a second by Rick Parker. The vote was unanimous and the meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Tina Dillahunty |
8905 N. Koch Field Rd. Flagstaff, AZ 86004 E-mail: sfdadm@infomagic.net
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