07 Fire Department Report - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

PEQUOT LAKES AREA FIRE BOARD MEETING MINUTES APRIL 26,2017 The quarterly meeting of the PLAFB was called to order by Chairman Peterson.The minutes of the last meeting were not read.They were approved by a motion by Sodd,second by Benson,motion passed. The first quarter fire call report totaled 20 calls.By types,there were 5 good intent that were cancelled in route,3 gas spills/leaks,3 structure fires,3 agency assists to law enforcement for motor vehicle accidents,2 mutual aid structure fires,and 1 each auto extrication accident,rescue person trapped in an elevator,fire alarm,and a motor vehicle accident/fire/recovery. By location, there were 7 to Pequot Lakes,3 to Breezy Point,3 to Jenkins City,2 to Loon Lake Township,2 to Nisswa,and 1 each to Moose Lake Township,Crosslake,and Pine River.Last year,there were 14 calls during this time period. Training report totaled 9 hours. By types,there were 3 hours department pride&ownership,3 hours relay pumping/ice drafting,and 3 hours auto extrication using our new strut rescue equipment.The department pride&ownership class was a unique motivational method of evaluating your part of being a fire fighter. The first quarter financial report was discussed.The medical topic was at 79%of the total budgeted amount.This was due to our member's physicals and fit test for air masks which is an annual event. Mayor Adams motioned to approve the report,second by Dubay,motion passed. Fire personnel and operations reported our kitchen remodeling project featuring the new floor, table,stools,and flat screen television.Our by-laws were reviewed and updated.Department members Brian Evenson,Jake Cameron,&Travis Jacobus helped with Breezy Point's Polar Plunge fund raiser.Pelican Lakes Conservation Club donated$2500.00 to the Department. The Department has received our new air masks.We have 20 new masks and 40 air bottles.The units are in operation.We have 5 small air masks still on order. Our Department by-laws have been revised and updated to meet our needs.One of the changes was adding another Captain position.This change will divide the members from three to four squads.This should improve training sessions by allowing fewer members in a squad so each person will be able to participate more,especially with hands on experience.Bryant Szymanski was elected to the new Captain's role.Another change will allow Officers two year terms instead of one. We are in the process of hiring new fire fighters.Last week four candidates conducted their written and agility tests.The next step will be to line up interviews. Fire fighters are experiencing higher rates of being diagnosed with some type of cancer than the general public.Studies reveal a major cause of these cancers is hazardous toxins being absorbed through the skin.Washing fire gear on a regular basis with a high performance washer/extractor could help prevent this trend.The PLFD purchased this washer/extractor in 2016 with the help of an AFG grant for this purpose.