Mecosta Austin Fire Board

Minutes

September 15, 2010

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 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 – None

 

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

 

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

 

Treasurer’s Report – Elizabeth Carr reviewed the treasurer’s report.

 

Firemen Checking $49,556.09– Firemen Fund $949.97   Independent Bank $10,140.79   Total Assets $60,646.85.  As of August 31, 2010.

 

First Responders Checking $7,743.10   Independent Bank $113.37   Total Assets $7,856.47.   As of August 31, 2010.  The check for the First Responder’s Fire Truck was issued.  Mecosta Township’s check was deposited after August 31 so is not reflected in the total assets on this report.

 

John Boyd said the report would be accepted as presented.

 

Old Business

 

ISO Update – No report on status.  Company did contact them to complete a survey for future programs throughout the US.  They completed survey.

 

High Speed Internet – Talk about CassAir towers that will be erected in the near future.  Tucker Communication cost is $350 to install equipment and $50 per month for service.  Phil Hanford made the motion to sign up for service with Tucker Communications for the $350 equipment installation and then $50 per month and to take it out of miscellaneous expenses.  Carolyn Towsley supported.  Roll call:  Phil Hanford – yea, John Boyd – yea, Elizabeth Carr – yea and Carolyn Towsley – yea.  Motion carried.  The fire department will be looking into a lower rate for phone service from Frontier.

 

First Responders Rescue Truck – The new truck has been received and taken to Flint to have the new box put on.  Discussion was had about extra costs of $129 for a clear base coat to be put on the truck and $309 for step bars.  The base clear coat will be covered by the $150 + they have received in donations.  Phil Hanford made a motion to purchase the step bars and to take it out of miscellaneous expenses.  Carolyn Towsley supported.  Roll call:  Phil Hanford – yea, John Boyd – yea, Elizabeth Carr – yea and Carolyn Towsley – yea.  Motion carried.

 

Phil Hanford needs information from the fire department on data to submit to Ice Mountain to see if they might be able to assist with a donation towards the first responder’s truck.  If a donation is received it will go back to the townships on their 70/30 ratio.

 

 

 

 

New Business

 

Tanker Truck – DNR has some trucks available for free.  There is an ’85-87 five-ton automatic with mud and snow tires in Gaylord.  Ron Palmer is going to look at the truck to see if it is worthy of taking.  If it is they would take the free truck, put the tank off truck #3-21 and pump off truck #3-33.  This new truck would be available for backup to haul water and for grass fires.  We will then be able to liquidate trucks #3-21 and #3-33 to pay for paint and decals.  John Boyd made the motion to pursue the free truck and if it is worthy to pick it up with hopes of replacing trucks #3-21 and #3-33.  Supported by Phil Hanford.  Roll call:  Phil Hanford – yea, John Boyd – yea, Elizabeth Carr – yea and Carolyn Towsley – yea.  Motion carried.

 

Fire Chief’s Report – See report.  Pancake breakfast was low on attendance but up on donations.  Funds from the breakfast will be used to support a pig roast on October 23, 2010.  They do the pig roast to give back to the community.  Physicals need to be done for this year.  The bill received from Bio-Care is $4,500 for the physicals.  John Boyd will be making contacts to see if he can find another company who could do the physicals for less.

 

Safety Report – See report. 

 

Maintenance Report – Repaired the radiator on Engine 3-12.  See report.

 

First Responders Report – Continuing education will be held on Saturday, November 6.  Cost will run $800-$1,000.

 

Brief Public Comment – None.

 

Announcements – None

 

Correspondence – Letter from Tony Betten thanking us for our recent purchase of the First Responder truck.

 

The next meeting will be November 17, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall.

 

Adjournment - At 8:10 p.m. John Boyd declared the meeting closed.

 

Submitted by,

 

 

 

 

Carolyn Towsley, Secretary