Mecosta Austin Fire Board

Minutes

Sept 21, 2011

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:12 p.m. by Chairman John Boyd.

 

Pledge to the flag was given.

 

Roll Call: John Boyd; Phil Hanford; Elizabeth G. Carr; and Carolyn Towsley. Absent - Greg Babbitt; and Arturo Pierera

 

Additions to the Agenda – Under Old Business: 7) Physicals and 8) Fuel Tank and under New Business 5) P R & Promotions.

 

Approval of Agenda – Carolyn Towsley moved that the Agenda be approved as amended.  Supported by Phil Hanford.  Motion carried.

 

Approval of Minutes –Phil Hanford moved the minutes be approved as presented.  Supported by Elizabeth Carr.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report – Elizabeth Carr noted that the Hall Expense 336-940 and Truck Expense 336-730 accounts are over budget.  We will be receiving the State Grant money soon and will need to amend the budget.  We also need to sell Truck 3-21 to cover truck expenses on the new truck.  Also need to keep an eye on the Capital Outlay account.

Firemen Checking $53,374.41– Firemen Fund $915.47   Independent Bank $8,240.74  Total Assets $62,530.62.  As of August 31, 2011.

First Responders Checking $9,493.50 as of August 31, 2011.

 

John Boyd said the report would be accepted as presented.

 

The bill from Morley Auto Body to paint the new truck is $2,480.00.  They would like to do a memorial dedication to 9-11 on the truck.  They will do this free gratis.  John Boyd would like to leave this up to the fire department if they want it.  They agreed they would and will work with the company on the design.  Carolyn Towsley moved to approve the bills: Fire Department checks #4488-4510 and First Responders #1242-1245.  Phil Hanford seconded.  Roll Call: Phil Hanford – yea; Elizabeth Carr – yea; Carolyn Towsley – yea; and John Boyd – yea.  Motion carried.

 

Public Comment – None.

 

Old Business

High Speed Internet Update – There was no information about WildBlue and Frontier has not responded to John Boyd’s calls.  It was agreed to pursue Charter about a tap into the line that goes to Big L Lumber.  Phil Hanford moved that we spend up to $75 per month with Charter to get internet at the fire hall.  Elizabeth Carr seconded.  .  Roll Call: Phil Hanford – yea; Elizabeth Carr – yea; Carolyn Towsley – yea; and John Boyd – yea.  Motion carried.  John Boyd will pursue this action.

 

Propane Decision – Holton’s had the highest price.  John Boyd and Carolyn Towsley decided to not enter into a contract with them.  We will look into purchasing a new or used tank, get warranty information and propane pricing for the next meeting.

 

SOG Language – The language in the SOG on Water Craft does not need to be changed per our Insurance Company.  Ron Palmer did not get the changes for SOG #4.  He will get this done for the next fire board meeting

 

6X6 Equipment – The equipment did not sell during the last two months.  Phil Hanford will take the tanks to scrap.  It should bring in about $0.58/pound for them.

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Truck 3-21 – We did not have any bites on the truck.  Alan Brennan will put it on Craig’s list.  The listing will start on Monday, September 26.  He will price the truck at $6,000 and two pumps at $350 each.  Fire department will keep one of the hoses and put it on the new truck.

 

Seal Coat – We will look into this next year.

 

Physicals – Phil Hanford moved to have Alan Brennan check on pricing of physicals and if $80.00 or less to get one-half of the employees done and the other half next year.  Carolyn Towsley seconded.  Discussion was that DOT physicals are $70.00.  We need to check cost at Occupational Wellness.  The employees need a standard physical and pulmonary testing.  The two newer employees will need physicals before fire training.  Roll Call: Phil Hanford – yea; Elizabeth Carr – yea; Carolyn Towsley – yea; and John Boyd – yea.  Motion carried.

Fuel Tank – Marv last month did not with VanMannen about getting a double wall tank.  He will do it this month.

 

New Business

 

Fire Chief’s Report – There were 14 fire runs since last meeting.  The new fire truck still needs tires, vinyl, fold down porta-tank holder and lights.  Estimated costs are:  tires, Big Rapids Tire $3,239 (other bids were from$3,600 - $4,200); vinyl minimal $1,000; fold-down porta-tank holder $1,000; and lights $2,500.  Lights and vinyl will be done by Palmer Outdoor and they will donate the labor.  The vinyl needs to be at least the emblem, notice of 500’on back and an all around stripe.

 

The fire department has a new firefighter, Kyle Vredenburg.  Currently there are 18 firefighters.  Two will be taking the firefighters class in October.

 

Safety Report – There was one reported injury.  The injury occurred when the firefighter was coming out from under a burning trailer.  He strained his left shoulder and was taken to the hospital for check up.  He was back on the job after two days off.  The firemen also did mutual training with Morton Township.  Morton Township is getting ready for their ISO training portion and have two more tests  to complete.

 

Maintenance Report – Just trying to finish up the new truck.  Truck 3-11 pump has been repacked.  Truck 3-12 valves have been replaced (25 hours on this project).

 

MFR Report – 18 runs in July and 15 runs in August.  New ruling will allow first responders to administer Epipens and to do sugar tests.  Nick Goodfellow has been certified to drive the rescue truck.

 

P R & Promotions – Ron Palmer has applied via internet to two companies for donations for promotional materials.  One company, Trans Canada, has made a $500 donation.  The fire department has done fire week prevention activities in conjunction with Morley and Morley did not have funding for it this year.  The $500 we have received will allow us to use the smokehouse at Morley-Stanwood School.  Handouts will only be handed out at the Pig Roast on October 8.  Next year we will work on our own to set up a program for fire week.  Phil Hanford made the motion to allow the firefighters to use $500 out of P R Promotions account 336-950 for fire safety training at the pig roast.  Elizabeth Carr seconded.  Call: Phil Hanford – yea; Elizabeth Carr – yea; Carolyn Towsley – yea; and John Boyd – yea.  Motion carried.

 

Brief Public Comment – Pancake breakfast did well so a pig roast will be October 8 at the fire hall from 12:00-4:00 p.m.  Donations will be accepted.  Marv Bell said he had an insurance company call and ask how we got our ISO rating down to 7.  He informed him it took a lot of work on everyone’s part.

 

Announcements – None.

 

Correspondence – Carolyn Towsley said we received a thank you note from the Charlie Walch family.

 

The next meeting will be November 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall.

 

Adjournment - At 8:44 p.m. John Boyd declared the meeting closed.

 

Submitted by,

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Towsley, Secretary