OFFICIAL MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE ELOY FIRE DISTRICT BOARD
February 9, 2015
- Call to order and confirmation of quorum: A meeting of the Board was called to order by Chairman Brenda Straw at the Eloy Fire District Administration office, located at 4010 N. Toltec Road, Eloy, Arizona at 1807 hours on Monday, February 9, 2015. A quorum was confirmed with five members present: Brenda Straw, Mary Jane Damron, Belinda Akes, Edward Sauceda, and Luis Ybarra.
- Pledge of allegiance. Chairman Brenda Straw led the pledge of allegiance.
- Call to the Public: Mrs. Straw welcomed and thanked all present for attending the meeting.
- Presentation to Individuals for Their Exemplary Service to the Community. The Eloy Fire District recognized six individuals for exemplary service during a lifesaving event. Fire Chief Amerson explained how these individuals took action to assist Mr. Wachter, who had gone into cardiac arrest by performing bystander CPR, calling 911, and then obtaining and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Steve Arthur, Bob Burtch, Donna Duran, Jim Duran, Fred Koser, and Jerry Steger were presented with certificates by Chairman Brenda Straw. Mr. Wachter expressed his thanks to the district for recognizing these individuals and to all those involved in helping him.
- Consent Agenda:
- A. Minutes of the Regular District meeting on January 12, 2015.
- B. Financial Statements.
- C. Approval of Warrants.
- The board reviewed the minutes, financial statements and warrant lists. MOTION made by Brenda Straw to approve the Minutes, Financial Statements and Warrants. SECONDED by Mary Jane Damron. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes 0 Nays).
- Executive Session
- No Action Taken.
- Business
- A. Presentation from the Ladder Truck Committee on doing research of purchasing a new ladder truck. Assistant Chief Kelly Weddle reported on the progress the Ladder Truck Committee. Firefighter Jeremy Leary and the committee have worked hard in identifying specifications for a ladder truck. Manufacturers have made presentations, and the committee has researched and compared standard and optional features. A thorough review of all aspects will be done in addition to cost as the process moves forward. Board Member Luis Ybarra asked if the district was tied to only accept the lowest bid. Chief Amerson and Chief Weddle explained that cost is one of many items to consider, and there would need to be a legitimate reason to go with a higher bid. Presentation only, no action taken.
- B. Review, discussion and possible action on using the Houston Galveston Area Council (HGAC) bidding process to get quotes on a new ladder truck. Assistant Chief Weddle explained that the HGAC has a purchasing program, and they have contracts with the major ladder truck manufacturers. The cost to use their bid process is $2,000. If approved to use HGAC, the specifications developed by the committee would be sent in, then bids would be received, then a decision can be made and bid awarded. This process is compliant with procurement laws and processes. MOTION made by Belinda Akes for Kelly and Jeremy to continue to get quotes on a new ladder truck. SECONDED by Mary Jane Damron. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes 0 Nays).
- C. Review, discussion and possible action to appoint a citizen representative to the Eloy Firefighter’s Pension Fund. Chief Amerson submitted Eileen Crumbaker to be named to the Eloy Firefighter’s Pension Fund Board. MOTION made Brenda Straw to appoint Eileen Crumbaker to the Pension Board. SECONDED by Mary Jane Damron. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes 0 Nays)
- D. Review, discussion and possible action on possibility of Southwest Ambulance/Rural Metro employees going on strike. Chief Amerson explained that Southwest Ambulance employees are talking about a strike, and he explained the CON process and ambulance regulations. The district may need to bring up additional ambulances, hire temporary employees or pay overtime if additional ambulance resources are needed. No action taken.
- E. Presentation on the state of the Eloy Fire District. Chief Coy Amerson gave a comprehensive presentation on the Eloy Fire District which included: concerns, strategic planning, strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, threats, critical issues, tax levy, analysis of response and turn out times for 2014, and plans for 2015. No action taken.
- Reports and Correspondence
- A. Fire Chief Report: Fire Chief Coy Amerson provided the board with his monthly report.
- B. Fire Marshal Report. Fire Marshal Bob Poindexter provided the board his monthly report.
- Future Agenda Items
- No items were brought forward.
- Adjournment. MOTION made by Brenda Straw to adjourn. SECONDED by Mary Jane Damron. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes, 0 Nays). Meeting was adjourned at 1948 hours.
