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INUTES OF THE UINTAH FIRE SUPPRESSION SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD February 26, 2025, at 5:15 p.m. at the Vernal City Offices, 374 E Main, Vernal, UT 84078.
Meeting Overview:
- Date: February 26, 2025
- Time: 5:15 PM
- Location: Vernal City Offices, 374 E Main, Vernal, UT 84078
- Attendees: Robert Hall (Chair), Jeremy Raymond, Terri Terrill, Al Kettle, Sam Howard, Chris Gamble, Levi McKee, Patrick Perry, Echo Sheffer, Willis Lefevre, Robin O'Driscoll (phone).
1. Standing Business:
- Approval of Minutes (January 29, 2025): Chris Gamble moved, Al Kettle seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.
- Approval of January 2025 Expenditures ($212,063.63): Jeremy Raymond highlighted key expenditures, including fire-related expenses, wildland crew meals, and equipment maintenance. Willis Lefevre motioned for approval, and Chris Gamble seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
2. Monthly Reports:
- Station Updates:
o Avalon: Added four recruits, training with oil/gas companies, need for a rescue truck.
o Jensen: All but two trucks inside, most calls are medical, 5-7 calls at Dinosaur Monument, working on a new station.
o Lapoint/Tridell: Limited recruits, need help with paperwork, discussion on firefighter fitness.
o Naples: Incentive program successful, awaiting ladder truck.
o Vernal: Positive feedback on the Maeser substation.
- Recruitment & Retention:
o Focus on social media, incentives, community appreciation events, and training opportunities (including Winter Fire School).
o Discussion of potential statewide tax credits for volunteer firefighters (House Bill 275).
3. Financial Report:
- Overview: The district has $2.2 million in the PTIF account. The January mineral lease funds amounted to $1.6 million. All line items appear normal with 8% of the year completed.
4. Executive Director Report:
- Updates:
o Tridell station funds being used.
o $11,000 bill for Brush 41 repairs.
o Office remodeling and carpet installation.
o California Fire Mission: Crew deployed for Hurst and Hughes fires, working with various other teams, including Duchesne County trucks.
5. Public Business:
- Brush Truck Bid Approval:
o BFX Fire Apparatus bid accepted for $272,600,68, with a 330-day delivery timeline. Chris Gamble motioned to approve, seconded by Willis Lefevre. Motion passed unanimously.
- BFX Apparatus Contract:
o Jeremy Raymond explained that there is no formal contract yet, but the necessary documents will be reviewed by legal counsel for final approval in March.
- Discussion on Future Full-Time Positions:
o Background: Jeremy Raymond discussed the increasing workload at the district office, specifically regarding fire inspections and related duties, which has led to a need for additional full-time positions.
o Potential Costs: Estimated cost for a full-time position (Fire Marshal/Inspector) is $100,000+ annually. Discussion focused on where to source the funds, including potential contributions from the county, cities, and other entities.
o Challenges: Concerns over whether the county would increase their contribution and whether the cities would be willing to fund such a position, especially given varying inspection needs.
o Options: Possible grants and budget reallocations were mentioned, with further discussions to occur at future meetings.
6. Adjournment:
- Motion to adjourn: Chris Gamble made the motion, seconded by Willis Lefevre. The motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned.
Key Actions:
- Approval of January minutes and expenditures.
- Awarding the brush truck bid to BFX Fire Apparatus.
- Discussion on potential new full-time positions to handle increased workload, including fire inspections and related duties.
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Board Chairman Robert Hall
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Attest
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting should notify Jeremy Raymond, 152 E 100 N, Vernal, Utah 84078: 435-781-6756.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Please direct any questions or comments to: Jeremy Raymond, 152 E 100 N, Vernal, Utah 84078. 435-781-6756