Fire Commissioners Minutes September 12, 2016

SKAGIT COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 17

(Minutes pending approval)

September 12, 2016

Commissioner Chip Bogosian, Chairman, called the Regular Fire Commissioners meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Present: Commissioners Bogosian, Murphy and Margeson, Chief G. Francis, Medical Officer N. White, PIO L. Francis and Secretary Murray. Community members: Edith Walden and Howard Pellett.

The minutes of August 8, 2016 were unanimously approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report:

Beginning September Operating Fund balance $46,461.65. Beginning September Investment Fund balance $41,364.72. Beginning September Capital Cash Fund balance $37,532.75. Beginning September Capital Investment Fund balance $42,390.78. August expenses $2,636.61 and payroll $1,868 for grand total $4,504.61. Payroll does not include Mechanic hours. Stipends for August (responses, meetings, and trainings) were $1,485.

Open: Howard Pellett from the Guemes Island Property Owners Association (GIPOA) read a letter to the Fire Commissioners. In light of the two recent fires on Guemes, one of which was believed to have been started by fireworks, GIPOA is asking Guemes Island Fire Department (GIFD) to cooperate in dealing with illegal fireworks. Commissioner Bogosian asked if we have a description of illegal fireworks and was told that descriptions and photos can be found online. Commissioner Bogosian and Chief Francis both stated that GIFD has no law enforcement authority. Certain fireworks are only legal on Indian reservations and buyers violate the law as soon as they take them off reservation land. Modern fireworks are more dangerous and the recent fire at Cook’s Cove demonstrates their very real hazard to life and property. Edith Walden said that the fire is being investigated by the Skagit County Sheriff.

With regard to law enforcement, the Sheriff’s office has said that they lack the staff to assign an officer to Guemes. However, if enough incidents are reported it will be considered. Commissioners Margeson, Murphy and Bogosian offered to meet with GIPOA members to hear what options might be available aside from law enforcement. Commissioner Murphy suggested that GIFD make several large signs and place them around the island to remind residents and visitors of extreme fire danger as related to fireworks.

Edith Walden reminded the Commissioners that the Fire Marshall can be authorized by the Skagit County Commissioners to ban ALL fireworks during times of extreme fire conditions. Commissioner Murphy suggested that the Guemes Fire Commissioners draft a letter to the Skagit Fire Commissioners Association requesting that SFCA officially support and request that such an ordinance be enacted by Skagit County Commissioners. Some counties in Washington (such as Douglas) have succeeded in passing such laws. That type of law requires at least one year to take effect so immediate action is justified. The Guemes Fire Commissioners will announce a Special Public Meeting to address the issue of fireworks and invite input from the community.

Chief’s Report: See separate report for a list of drills and responses. Commissioner Bogosian asked for an update on the Live Fire Training Center. Chief Francis reported that permits are pending. Chief Francis gave an update on the SCBA grant being administered by Anacortes Fire Department (AFD). Chief Richard Curtis of AFD contacted the grant administrators to inquire why the portion of funding awarded for the Cascade System (to refill SCBA bottles) had been reduced from $25K to $8K. In light of the fact that no such system can be purchased for $8K, the grant funding was reevaluated and increased, although the new amount was unknown. Chief Francis noted that we will need to spend $3-4K for a trailer to transport our new Cascade System to and from the compressor at AFD for recharge. The new high-pressure and higher volume SCBA units will be a significant improvement over our current SCBA.

During National Fire Prevention Week, GIFD will host an Open House on Saturday, October 15. Details will be available on bulletin boards, LineTime and in the Guemes Tide.

Old Business: Chairman Bogosian asked for updates on (1) the Secretary’s accounting and computer – there is no additional information at this time; (2) the SCBA grant was discussed in the Chief’s Report; and (3) the two-year budget was discussed at the last meeting and was determined to be impractical.

New Business: Commissioner Margeson noted that GIFD is working at a high rate of efficiency and that salaried staff are underpaid for the jobs they perform. He suggested that salaries be increased by 20% because GIFD is handling an increased number of calls with the need for greater scene management; increased and more complex training is required; and there are more off-island administrative demands. The impact would be approximately $5,400 for one year or about three percent of the 2016 budget. Specifically, the new salaries would be: Chief - $900; Assistant Chief - $420; Medical Officer - $420; Secretary - $502; and Mechanic - $24 per hour. After discussion, Commissioner Margeson moved and Commissioner Murphy seconded the motion to increase salaries by 20% effective in the month of October. Motion passed unanimously. This will be Resolution 370.

In view of the generous time commitment made by volunteers, Chief Francis recommended that Firefighter Stipends also be increased but suggested that the subject be addressed in the next budget cycle.

The Commissioners asked Secretary Murray to invite Deputy Assessor Annette DeVoe, and Assessor Dave Thomas if he is available, to the next public meeting to discuss ways to increase the tax levy in order to fund operations, apparatus and training. The meeting time may be earlier than 7:00 pm to accommodate extra travel required by the Assessors.

The Commissioners reviewed the invoices from August 6 to September 9, 2016 and approved invoices in the amount of $2,636.61 and Payroll of $1,868 for a grand total of $4,504.61.

The next regular meeting will be October 10, 2016 in the Fire Hall at 7 PM (unless changed as noted above).

The meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

Submitted by

Diane Murray, Secretary

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Skagit County Fire District 17

Commissioner Chip Bogosian, Chairman

Chief's Report August 2016

GIFD Budget Report September 2016