Uintah Fire Suppression SSD Board Meeting
Date: July 23, 2025
Location: Vernal City Council Room
Chair: Robert Hall
Attendance: Corey Auger, Chad Huffaker, Terri Terrill, Al Kettle, Echo Sheffer, Travis Decker, Samantha Anderson, Waydanne Young, Riley Anderson, Sam Howard, Robin O'Driscoll, Robert Hall, Jeremy Raymond, Willis Lefevre, Chris Gamble, Madison Schear, Tyson Thompson
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Approvals
- Minutes of June 25, 2025 - Motion: Robin O'Driscoll; Second: Willis Lefevre. Approved unanimously.
- June 2025 Expenditures ($80,349.68) - Major expenses included Supply Cache order (Avalon), fire truck pump testing, Tridell furnishings, baby changing stations, air filter replacements, and $14,900 for thermal cameras. Motion: Willis Lefevre; Second: Al Kettle. Approved unanimously.
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Monthly Reports
- Station Reports - Jeremy Raymond reviewed incident totals.
o Jensen EMS noted as unique for providing quick-response EMS.
o 15 WUI inspections conducted.
- Recruitment & Retention - No change.
- Financial Report -
o Vernal City hired Nicholas Rousseau as finance manager.
o Reports partially updated; bank reconciliations pending.
o Mineral lease funds through May reflected; June pending state finalization.
o Departments tracking well (average 42% of budget used).
o Capital account includes Naples ladder truck (not due for payment for several years) and upcoming brush truck project.
- Executive Director Report -
o Wildland fire activity average/lower due to July rains.
o Wildland crew returned from France Canyon Fire; now on severity with Ute Tribe.
o FAA inspection at airport scheduled next week.
o 700 radios installed, switch scheduled for Aug. 1.
o Naples ladder truck still pending construction.
o Naples landscape project completed (trees, plants, bark, drip system).
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Public Business
- Jensen Fire Department Certification Recognition - Chief Echo Sheffer recognized department members for extensive training and certification (approx. 2,200 hrs).
o Firefighters shared motivation: service, preparedness, and dedication to community.
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Policy & Project Discussions
- Resolution 2025-05 (Purchasing Policy Update) - Adopted updated policy based on Utah Association of Special Service Districts template.
o Establishes purchasing authority, requires POs, signature needed for purchases > $5,000, surplus/salvage clarified.
o Motion: Robin O'Driscoll; Second: Al Kettle. Approved unanimously.
- Jensen Outbuilding Repairs - Discussion on whether to repair or replace old outbuilding used for training.
o Roof and wall repairs estimated over $5,000; additional bid required.
o Funding could come from emergency fund if approved.
o Decision tabled pending second bid.
- Digital/TV Warning System -
o Proposal for Fire District to assume $48,000/year Uintah County TV Maintenance Agreement (historically paid by Rec District).
o Debate over whether funding responsibility belongs to Fire District, county, or emergency management.
o Concerns raised about funding source, backdated contract, and lack of clarity in founding documents.
o Consensus: More research and legal review required before approval.
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Motions & Actions
- Resolution 2025-05 (Purchasing Policy) - Approved unanimously.
- Jensen Outbuilding Repairs - Tabled pending second bid.
- Digital/TV Warning System - No action; requires further review.
- Adjournment - Motion: Al Kettle; Second: Chris Gamble. Approved unanimously.
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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