Uintah Fire Suppression Special Service District Board Meeting Minutes for 8-27-25
Attendance
The following board members, employees and public were present at the meeting:
- Al Kettle
- Robert Hall
- Robin O'Driscoll
- Chris Gamble
- Willis Lefevre
- Jeremy Raymond
- Terri Terrill
- Chad Huffaker
- Nick Rousseau
Discussions Before Approvals
1. Approval of the Minutes of July 23, 2025: Board member Willis Lefevre made a motion to approve the minutes of the July 23, 2025, meeting. Chris Gamble seconded the motion, and all board members voted in the affirmative. It was requested to add the attendance of the meeting to the minutes.
2. Approval of the July 2025 Expenditures: Jeremy Raymond explained that the office supplies were high due to the purchase of a scanner and printer. He also covered higher purchases for each department, including fire billings, hoses, equipment maintenance, and other expenses. The total expenditures for July 2025 were $165,871.63. Robin O'Driscoll made a motion to approve the expenditures, and Chris Gamble seconded the motion. All board members voted in the affirmative.
3. Station Reports: Jeremy Raymond discussed the incidents for July, including responses by Roosevelt and the lack of wildland calls. He explained that over 60% of the fires were human-caused, and the district had been actively advertising on the radio to prevent fires. Uintah County cited three individuals for reckless burning. The district's efforts in education and enforcement were highlighted.
4. Recruitment and Retention: The discussion on recruitment and retention was brief, with no significant updates.
5. Financial Report: Jeremy Raymond welcomed Nick Rousseau and discussed the financial reports, which were behind on reconciliations. The report was reconciled through March, with some missing costs. The board appreciated Nick Rousseau's efforts to get things back on track.
6. Executive Director Report: Jeremy Raymond mentioned that about fifty families attended a movie party at Vernal Cinemas, and the district appreciated the board's support. He also discussed the cost of FAA live fire training and reimbursement by other entities.
Public Business
Approvals
1. Approval of 2026 EMS Grant: The 2026 EMS Grant, which includes receiving $2,838 from the state and sending EMTs to the EMS Conference in Provo, was approved. The motion was made by Robin O'Driscoll and seconded by Al Kettle. All board members voted in the affirmative.
2. Approval of Resolution 2025-06: The resolution to appoint Robert Hall and Al Kettle as representatives for the Utah Association of Special Districts was approved. The motion was made by Willis Lefevre and seconded by Robin O'Driscoll. All board members voted in the affirmative.
3. Approval of Uintah County Office Lease Agreement: The lease agreement with Uintah County, which includes an increase in the annual rent to $22,733.76, was approved. The motion was made by Al Kettle and seconded by Robin O'Driscoll. All board members voted in the affirmative.
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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