OFFICIAL MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE ELOY FIRE DISTRICT BOARD
FEBRUARY 14, 2022
- Call to order and confirmation of quorum. A meeting of the Board was called to order by Board Chairperson Belinda Akes at the Eloy Fire District Administration office, located at 4010 N. Toltec Road, Eloy, Arizona at 1801 hours on Monday, February 14, 2022. A quorum was confirmed with five members present: Toni Lorona Carlson, Luis Ybarra, Tom Cortez, Edward Sauceda, and Belinda Akes. Board members Edward Sauceda, Luis Ybarra and Tom Cortez attended remotely.
- Pledge of allegiance. Board Chair Belinda Akes led the pledge of allegiance.
- Call to the Public: No members of the public addressed the board.
- Consent Agenda:
- A. Minutes of the regular district meeting on January 10, 2022.
- B. Financial Statements.
- C. Approval of Warrants.
- The Board reviewed the Minutes, Financial Statements, and Warrant List. Fire Chief Kelly Weddle reported that the District’s finances look strong, and ahead of last year. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to approve the Consent Agenda Items A, B, and C. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- Executive Session
- None.
- Business
- A. Review, discussion and possible action on approval of the annual audit. The district’s auditor, James Saunders gave his report on the annual audit and stated that the District’s financial statements were in compliance with current accounting and auditing standards. Mr. Saunders referred the board to the audit opinions in the financial statements. Mr. Saunders answered all questions that the board had about the audit process and report filing procedures. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to approve the annual audit. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- B. Review, discussion and possible action on purchase of new ambulance. Chief Weddle explained the current challenges for ordering an ambulance, and the timeline for this proposed purchase. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to approve the purchase of a new ambulance. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- C. Review, discussion and possible action on call for bids for the District Liability Insurance. Chief Weddle said this is the annual liability insurance bid request and suggested a close date of March 31 at 4:00 PM. MOTION made by Tom Cortez to call for Liability Insurance bids with a close date of March 31 at 4:00 PM. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- D. Review, discussion and possible action on approval of an IGA with Pinal County for election services. Chief Weddle said that two seats are up for election in 2022. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to approve the IGA with Pinal County for election services. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- E. Review, discussion and possible action on PSPRS funding policy. Chief Weddle gave a history of retirement funding contributions, unfunded liability, and various funding options available. Many fire districts are taking advantage of new legislation allowing the issuance of Certificates of Participation to pay off unfunded pension liabilities with PSPRS with substantial long term savings. At this time Chief Weddle is asking the board if they are interested in pursuing this as a funding option, but the board would need to take additional action before that would proceed. MOTION made by Tom Cortez to pursue researching options for PSPRS funding. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- Reports and Correspondence
- A. Division Chief Report. Division Chief Nate Bailey presented his monthly report.
- B. Fire Chief Report. Chief Weddle presented his monthly report.
- Future Agenda Items: None.
- Adjournment. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to adjourn the meeting. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Sauceda, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, and Cortez; 0 Nays). Chairperson Akes adjourned the meeting at 1848 hours.
