KIOWA COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

September 25, 2018 at 7:00 pm

Jay Specht called the meeting to order at 7:01 pm. Those present at the meeting were: 

Jay Specht, President

Terry Riley, Vice President 

Delton Eikenberg, Director 

Zachary Kopasz, Director 

Karen Jones, Secretary

Teresa Witte was absent from the meeting. Also present were Chief AJ McCracken.

The Agenda was considered, Delton made a motion to approve the Agenda, Zach seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

The Minutes from meeting on 8/21/2018 were considered. Terry Riley requested a clarification be made regarding the issue with office space in the Bransgrove building to show that he only made inquiry about office space availability in the Courthouse. Zach made a motion to approve the Minutes as amended, Delton seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Fire Chief Report:

• County Fire Chief AJ McCracken reported that the Chevy Tahoe had been mechanically inspected and evaluated and will require only new spark plugs, brakes and tires, and otherwise it will be a great improvement for the command vehicle. The Board approved the purchase at the last meeting subject to a good mechanical report, so AJ will move forward to make this the command vehicle.
• He stated that work on the Plattville truck had not been done because 719 Metal has been very busy, but the high pressure pump should be ordered soon.
• He is taking a total of 4 members to propane training this weekend in Limon, all at no cost. He discussed other training, including grain bin training, coming soon in Limon that will also be of no cost that he is excited about.
• Zach discussed some goals he would like to see put in place for the District starting with recruitment ideas. He also shared that he has some professional relationships and friends who would be very willing to come here and present wildland training that could allow all that attend to obtain their red card status with NIFC.
• AJ discussed the truck situation in Sheridan Lake and our desire to have all vehicles in winterized areas so they are ready to roll when needed. Jay suggested exploring possible areas the District might be able to rent that could provide protection until we are able to obtain grant funds to build a better structure.

Discussion followed regarding the FPPA Pension plan status. Teresa finally was able to speak to someone in the legal department today after she and Karen tried many, many times to contact other employees there. This person was very knowledgeable and clarified that he is able to assist in the process of transferring the account from the Town of Eads to the Fire District, and that we have until the end of the year to complete the transfer and make changes. He also affirmed that DOLA will match our contribution to this fund, and Karen shared that we will have to apply for this matching fund via grant applications. AJ is going to provide Karen with an updated list of fire fighters so that they will all receive this pension benefit. Karen shared that members will have the option of making personal contributions to this pension fund, and that our current understanding is that DOLA will match those contributions.

Jay discussed the status of the IGA with Sheridan Lake IGA and said he had spoken with Jerry Weber and they have some items they desire to add to the IGA, including a provision that the town leaders can continue using the meeting room in the building. Karen asked Jay to get the list of provisions they want added and she can have them ready for consideration at the next meeting.

Karen reported that, even though the County Commissioners have signed and approved the County IGA and bill of sale, she is still waiting to receive the vehicle titles from the County, and her concern about insurance coverage on vehicles that are not in the District's name. AJ stated that he will contact Tina again and try to get this done.

The Board considered the MOU received from the Karval Fire Prevention District. Karen had made minor changes to it. Delton made a motion to approve the MOU and to adapt this MOU for use with surrounding counties and to authorize AJ to pursue obtaining approved MOU's with those counties. Terry seconded and it was unanimously approved.

Karen discussed the upcoming Fire Prevention Week and that Teresa had used her funds to purchase items to hand out to school children. Unfortunately AJ has been unable to find firefighters willing to go to the schools during the day. A suggestion was made to postpone the school visit so that possibly Board members could make the presentations.

Karen presented the Board with a Draft of the 2019 Budget, along with financial reports updated by Mandy Brown, CPA. A Work Session was set for Wednesday, October 10th at 5:30 to discuss and review the budget. Delton made a motion to set the Work Session for that date and time, and also to set the regularly scheduled October meeting on October 16th as the Public Hearing on the Budget. Zach seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Discussion followed regarding firefighter appreciation. It was agreed that Karen, Teresa and AJ will meet to discuss ideas and present them to the Board at the next meeting.

Station Chief pay was also discussed as the current budget calls for each Station Chief to receive a small payment. Delton made a motion that each station chief should receive said payment in early December, Terry seconded and it was unanimously approved.

Karen presented the bills to be paid. Zach made a motion, Delton seconded and all approved that the bills should be paid as presented.

The next regular meeting will be October 16, 2018. Since there was no further business Terry made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Delton and approved by all. Adjourned at 9:19 pm.

Jay Specht, President

Karen Jones Secretary