FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT 5 MASON COUNTY

Chairperson Griffey called the meeting of May 10, 2006 to order at 10:00 A.M. Present were Commissioners Taylor and Huff and Chief Knight.

The minutes of the meeting of April 26 2006 were read.  MOTION MADE BY HUFF AND SECONDED BY TAYLOR TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS READ. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Correspondence: None.

Assistant Chief Tim McKern read from an Activity Report dated 5/7/06.

General Information: Chief Knight advised we are discussing specifications and options for the purchase of at least one tender or pumper/tender.  To buy immediately would require financing.  We are continuing to look for other engine possibilities.  A discussion followed.

Commissioner Huff reviewed information regarding Commissioner Packets for meetings, including meeting reports, agenda items and quarterly activity reports.  Commissioner Huff would like to start discussion about setting up the Commissioner meeting packets with reports and planning documents.  The packets could include reports such as Safety committee, Leadership meeting, and other committees, and a budget report showing running totals on a regular basis.  These are suggestions to be considered.  Commissioner Taylor would like some time to look over the outline Commissioner Huff provided to the board.  Chairperson Griffey acknowledged that there is always room for improvement.  Commissioner Huff said he realizes there is an impact on staff time to gather information and this also need to be evaluated. More discussion followed and the topic will be brought up at future meetings. Attached is the outline provided by Commissioner Huff.

Commissioner Huff discussed the idea of using an outside organization to assist with handling staff complaints.  At this time the District has policy #1513 which addresses how a staff member can deal with a complaint. Commissioner Huff advised that the outside agencies procedure is to allow a person to contact an 800 phone number and register their concerns, then the company will keep track of the issues. One company charges about $500 a year for their services.  Commissioner Taylor had previous experience with a similar system and the result was that too many folks ignored the chain of command and the he felt the service was abused.  Chairperson Griffey said his experience with a Suggestion Box and the Box was used for frivolous issues and the larger issues were overshadowed.  Commissioner Huff stated that he wants to keep the lines of communications opened and perhaps our District needs another step in the handling of staff complaint process.

Business for Consideration: 

The regular meeting was temporarily suspended at 10:35 A.M. to call a Board for Volunteer Firefighters to order.  The meeting adjourned at 10:36 A.M. and the regular meeting reconvened.

Chief Knight showed the Board the monthly reports from the County Treasurer and Auditor and spoke briefly about the process for comparing and reconciling the District monthly reports with the County monthly reports.

He also handed out a Cost per Call worksheet and a brief discussion followed.

THE VOUCHERS WERE REVIEWED.  MOTION MADE BY TAYLOR AND SECONDED BY HUFF TO APPROVE FOR PAYMENT VOUCHERS #21657 THROUGH AND INCLUDING #21698 TOTALING $55,177.07 FOR OPERATIONS, TRUSTEED PLANS, AND AN AMBULANCE LEASE PAYMENT.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Reports, Comments and Suggestions:

Commissioner Tom Taylor introduced his brother in law who is visiting from California. 

Commissioner Huff asked for an Executive Session to receive updated information on Union Negotiations.  The meeting is expected to last about 15 minutes.

Firefighter/EMT Dan Griffey gave a report about his attendance at Pierce 16 to assist with a Lieutenant Exam. Dan said the exam process was very interesting and informative. He also said Pierce 16 is very appreciative of our responses to their District for mutual aid. Dan further stated that the recent RIT training he and his coworkers received was very worthwhile and they all look forward to more training.  Also, Dan is also working with IAFF membership to help streamline the staff complaint process.

Mr. Tom Brokaw asked Assistant Chief McKern about the medical responses in the monthly report.  It would be helpful if the number of transports related to the amount of income collected.  A brief discussion followed.

The meeting was temporarily suspended at 10:50 A.M. to call for an Executive Session to discuss IAFF Union Negotiations. The meeting adjourned at 11:10 A.M. with no action taken and the regular meeting reconvened and adjourned at 11:10 A.M.

The next regular meeting scheduled for May 24, 2006 at 6 P.M.

Signature on File_______________          Signature on File_______________

Chairperson Del Griffey                        Commissioner Tom Taylor

Signature on File_______________           Signature on File_______________

Commissioner Chuck Huff                      Recording Secretary Donna M. Clark