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PEQUOT LAKES AREA FIRE BOARD MINUTES OF JANUARY 28, 2015 MEETING The annual meeting of the PLAFB was called to order by Chairman Peterson. New members Sjoblad and Lillehei were welcomed to our Board.Strom was representing Moose Lake Township for Benson. The minutes of the last meeting were not read due to a motion by Bartels,second by Sodd, motion passed. The fourth quarter fire call report was discussed.There were 15 calls during the quarter. By types,there were 8 good intent,4 mutual aid structure fires, 1 structure fire, 1 motor vehicle fire,and 1 grass fire. By location,there were 5 to Pequot Lakes,4 to Breezy Point,2 to Jenkins Township, 1 to Mission Township, 1 to Ideal Township, 1 to Cross Lake, and 1 to Pine River.There were 62 fire calls this past year and also 62 in 2013.Two bills were sent during the quarter that totaled $1100.00. The fourth quarter training report totaled 17 hours. By types,there were 5 hours fire prevention open house with demonstrations, 3 hours hybrid car fire and rescue,3 hours chimney fires with roof ventilation, 2 hours fire prevention education at school, 1 hour hose relay and pumping, 1 hour ladder operation, 1 hour physical agility testing,and 1 hour winter weather preparation.The hybrid car training was a NFPA class and was very thorough. We also received an illustrated loose leaf note book featuring battery and critical locations for all brands of hybrid vehicles, including vans and trucks. The financial report disclosed expenses of$233,051.14 with the yearly budget planned to be$175,190.00. The$57,861.14 excess was due to the purchase of the new engine this past year. Operating supplies, legal fees, and capital outlay went over budget due to the new engine purchase.Capital outlay was used to make initial payment for the engine.Sodd motioned to approve the financial report,second by Bartels, motion passed. Fourth quarter fire department and personnel discussion followed. Bryan Merta,Travis Aune, and Dean Arnold were hired as new fire fighters.They along with Ian Ulrich,Jake Cameron,and Travis Jacobus have nearly completed Fire fighter 1 classes. Our department and 6 other County departments joined forces to apply for air pack funding from the AFG grant,formerly known as the FEMA grant.This regional type application should give these departments a better chance. We also applied individually for a heavy duty washer and dryer for fire gear and hoses. Estimated costs for the appliances amount to$22,000.00.The main reason for these appliances is to be able to wash our turnout coats and pants more thoroughly to remove hazardous toxins from fire situations.Another benefit would be that our expensive gear should last longer as the washer features a high speed extractor.This application is classified as a micro grant request which has a good chance of approval. Department Officers are studying needs for a better utility truck to replace our aging grass and brush truck. The department did a walk thru inspection of the new Breezy Point Resort laundry building recently.The building features laundry facilities on the ground floor and dorm rooms upstairs.We have already had 2 good intent fire calls there for smoke detectors in the kitchen area. We decorated an engine with lights and participated in the Pequot Lakes"light up the night parade".