The regular Board meeting was called to order by Board of Director’s President Joe Van Meter at 7:00pm.  Board members present were Greg Ego, Mike Hart, Mike Kurtz, Joe Van Meter and Greg Frank.

Those present at the Board meeting included: Fire Chief Jeff Cowan, Deputy Chief Randy Jackson, Division Chief Joel Stein, Division Chief Ken Dawson, Deputy Fire Marshal Rod Conway, Volunteers Bob Busch, Dale Slater and Danver Moody, Office Manager Karen Bracken, Budget Committee Members Colleen Busch, Richard Labarthe, Greg Rands and Bill Quinn.  IAFF Local 3881 Representative Brian Butler, Community member Betty Hart and Keizer Times Reporter Lance Masterson.

Minutes – Mike Hart moved to approve the minutes dated March 16, 2010 as delivered. Greg Ego seconded the motion. The motion carried with a unanimous vote.

Correspondences - Office Manager Karen Bracken read thank you notes from Bonnie Connell, Bill Quinn, Emily & Joelle, A.L. Baylor, Rose Walker with Marion Polk Food Share, Leadership Keizer 2010 and Nancy Carver.

Guest Input – There was none.

Organizational Input

IAFF-Local 3881 – There was none.

Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association – There was none.

Old Business

Division Chief Training Officer Update – Chief Cowan reviewed the Division Chief Training Officer Assessment process and interview process; it was then reported that the interview panel along with Chief Cowan unanimously chose candidate Hector Blanco for the position of Training Officer pending a background investigation, physical exam and psychological exam. Chief Cowan then reviewed Hector Blanco’s credentials and training experience.

Qualified Tour of Duty Firefighter Program – Chief Cowan reviewed the Qualified Tour of Duty Program and reported that he is waiting information from Chief Henson with Willamette Valley Fire & Rescue Authority and has requested a copy of the MOU that Chief Henson has with the bargaining unit. Chief further reported that he will have more information for the board at the May board meeting.

Reports

Financial Report – Director Kurtz reviewed the Statement of Activities and reported that ambulance revenues and property tax receipts are on schedule but the EMS Fund will need to have a supplemental budget prior to the end of the year. Director Kurtz then reported that he continues to receive and review financial documentation that was recommended by the auditors and included in the update of Board Policy Section B Financial. With no further questions or comments, Greg Ego moved to accept the financial report as delivered.  Mike Hart seconded the motion.  The motion carried with a unanimous vote.

Board Member Reports

City of Keizer/District Meeting – Director Ego reported on the meeting and reported that the group discussed the potential for a wireless tax and City hydrant maintenance. Director Ego then inquired if staff has spoken with the City of Keizer regarding Hotel/Motel Tax and if the Fire District anticipates receiving that tax from the City during the 2010/2011 budget year. Chief Cowan reported that no discussion has taken place but staff would look into the issue and get back to the board.

Director Van Meter reported that he attended the most recent Keizer Volunteer Firefighters Association Business Meeting and reported that the following topics were discussed:

·       Review of current volunteer by-laws

·       Volunteer Firefighter application

·       Seattle Stairclimb

·       HIPPA regulations pertaining to Facebook

Chief/Staff Reports

Chief Cowan reported on the need for the District to replace the current computer server. Director Ego inquired into the cost of the new server; Chief Cowan reported that with hardware and software the cost will be approximately $15,000. Director Kurtz asked if the District will use the current server as a back-up. Chief Cowan reported that the District will not use the current server as a backup and proceeded to explain the advantages and purpose of a dual server. Director Van Meter inquired if the Districts still plans to save money by not replacing desk top computers as scheduled. Chief Cowan reported that most desk top computers are scheduled for replacement every three years but feels they could be replaced every four to five years.

Director Ego inquired which agencies are working on the Oregon Health Plan reimbursement issue. Chief Jackson reported that the City of Salem is currently handling the issue of reimbursement from Oregon Health Plan; they have filed claims and a request for a judicial review by an administrative law judge but there is no timeframe in which to make a ruling. Chief Jackson reported on a meeting with ASA and a County Health Officer and the State review process for claims that are denied. Director Van Meter inquired if the ASA and County Commissioners are able to help with the issue. Chief Jackson reported that the County ASA Plan Administrator will brief the Board of Commissioners to determine if a special work session is needed to discuss the issue of Oregon Health Plan reimbursement. Director Van Meter wanted to know if the State Representatives and Senators are aware of this issue. Chief Jackson reported that the Oregon Fire Medical Administrators and Oregon State Ambulance Association are both discussing this issue with the State Representatives. Director Van Meter gave his appreciation to Chief Jackson for keeping the Board of Directors informed of this issue and reported that this issue is a concern for the Board. 

Director Ego inquired how many recruits the District currently has from the original group of 16 that started this fall. Chief Dawson reported that the District currently has 10 recruits; 9 recruits and 1 Recruit Firefighter on fast track. 

New Business

Apparatus and Capital Equipment Replacement Committee – Chief Cowan reviewed the planning process for the Equipment Replacement Committee and reported that the committee is currently working on an apparatus/equipment replacement schedule. Direct Kurtz inquired how it is determined which type of apparatus/equipment is needed to be replaced and when. Director Ego reported that the committee determines if apparatus/equipment needs replaced or purchased and if so then determines a time line.

Staffing Committee - Chief Cowan reviewed the planning process for the Staffing Committee and reported that the committee is currently working on the following topics:

·       Volunteer personnel

·       Career personnel

·       Call volume and staffing needs

Finance Committee – Chief Cowan reviewed the planning process for the Finance Committee and reported that the committee is currently working on revenue, both current and future.

Director Van Meter reported that all the committee meetings are posted as open meetings and open to the public.

At 7:40 p.m. the Board entered into an Executive Session Pursuant to ORS 192.660 (1) (d) To Conduct Deliberations with Persons Designated by the Governing Body to Carry on Labor Negotiations.

The Board re-convened in open session at 8:00 p.m.  

Other Business – Director Ego and Director Frank both reported that they would be absent at the May board meeting; Director Ego reported that he could possibly attend by telephone.

Good of the Order – There was none.

Pay Bills – Greg Ego moved a motion to pay the bills. Mike Hart seconded the motion.  Director Frank declared an actual conflict of interest and abstained. The motion carried with a unanimous vote.

Adjourn - President Joe Van Meter declared the meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.  The next regular scheduled Board meeting is Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. with a Budget Meeting scheduled for Tuesday May 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. with a second Budget Meeting scheduled for Tuesday June 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. if needed.

Respectfully submitted,

Greg Frank

Secretary