07.01 - Fire Board Meeting Minutes

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The new truck committee has been waiting for financing to become available in 2013. We are financing with the USDA at a very competitive rate which will allow us to keep our budget from increasing. Fire department officers for 2013 include Tom Nelson Fire Chief, Bill Rickard First Assistant Fire Chief, and Brian Evenson Second Assistant Fire Chief. Captains are Mike Schwankl, Dave Szymanski, and Neil Casanova. Natasha Carlson is Safety Officer and Bob Peterson I is Secretary/treasurer. Fire department Officers recently met with representatives from the Pequot -Breezy Point first responders to discuss a possible merger. The responders have been unable to obtain workman's comp insurance coverage. The responders had about 450 calls in 2012. Our fire department has 4 first responders on our staff. No decisions have been made yet and we will keep the fire Board notified of any changes. The annual fire department report was discussed. The 2013 fire department budget was presented. The total was about $11,000 less than the 2012 budget. Donovan motioned to approve, second by Sodd, motion passed. Under new business, Lenny Sodd asked if the department could include a listing of fire calls during each quarterly report. The department will comply with the request. Benson & Bartels were concerned if the department were to merge with the first responders their contracts may increase due to increased fees to cover the responder costs. Their townships are already being charged for responder services under a hospital district tax program with the Staples Hospital. Their townships would not be served by our local responders and their contracts should not include any fees for these services. Fire Chief Nelson would like to attend at least one Council or township board meeting for each member of our Fire Board during 2013. All members were pleased with his decision. Joann Weaver praised the fire department and wrote a letter to the editor for our actions and professionalism at recent fire incidents within her neighborhood. Fire Board election of Officers Peterson was re- elected as chairman by a motion by Donovan, second by Bartels, motion passed. Benson was re- elected Vice Chairman by a motion by Bartels, second by Weaver, motion passed. Meeting dates for 2013 were April 24, July 31, October 30, and January 29, 2014. Donovan motioned to adjourn, second by Benson, meeting adjourned.