OFFICIAL MINUTES
REGULAR PUBLIC MEETING OF THE ELOY FIRE DISTRICT BOARD
APRIL 11, 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 1800 hours on Monday, April 11, 2022. A quorum was confirmed with five members present: Toni Lorona Carlson, Luis Ybarra, Tom Cortez, Edward Sauceda, and Belinda Akes. Board member Luis Ybarra 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.
- Special Ceremony: Pinning Ceremony
- A. Garrison Cobb received his Engineer Badge.
- B. Slade Weddle received his Engineer Badge.
- Consent Agenda:
- A. Minutes of the regular district meeting on March 14, 2022.
- B. Financial Statements.
- C. Approval of Warrants.
- The Board reviewed the Minutes, Financial Statements, and Warrant List. Fire Chief Kelly Weddle reported that all categories were as expected. 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, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, Sauceda, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- Executive Session
- None.
- Business
- A. Review, discussion and possible action on Resolution 22-001 approving forms and authorizing the execution and delivery of a ground lease, a lease-purchase agreement and other necessary documents to fund all or a portion of the District’s unfunded liabilities with respect to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System and authoring the taking of all other actions necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this resolution. Mark Reader from Stifel, Nicolaus & Company presented information about the PSPRS unfunded liability and the benefits and risks to alternative financing of existing pension debt. A proposed lease, potential savings, documents, and timeframe were reviewed with the board. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to approve Resolution 22-001 and related documents as provided. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, Sauceda, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- B. Review, discussion, and possible action on engagement of Greenberg Traurig, LLP legal counsel for the purpose of PSPRS financing. MOTION made by Tom Cortez to approve engagement of Greenberg Traurig LLP for PSPRS financing legal counsel. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, Sauceda, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- C. Review, discussion, and possible action on engagement of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. for purpose of lease purchase financing. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to approve engagement of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company LLC for lease purchase financing. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, Sauceda, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- D. Review, discussion and possible action on awarding District Liability insurance. Chief Weddle reported that one bid from VFIS was submitted. MOTION made by Tom Cortez to approve the VFIS bid for liability insurance. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, Sauceda, and Cortez; 0 Nays).
- E. Review, discussion and possible action on presentation of 2022-23 budget. Chief Weddle informed the board of the various increases and changes to the next year’s budget. Informational item only, no action taken.
- 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: Update on budget, pension liability, and promotional badge pinning.
- Adjournment. MOTION made by Toni Lorona Carlson to adjourn the meeting. SECONDED by Edward Sauceda. MOTION PASSED (5 Ayes: Akes, Lorona Carlson, Ybarra, Sauceda, and Cortez; 0 Nays). Chairperson Akes adjourned the meeting at 1913 hours.