UINTAH FIRE SUPPRESSION SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT
Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Date: October 22, 2025 - 5:15 p.m.
Location: Vernal City Offices, 374 E Main, Vernal, Utah
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Attendance
Present:
Jeremy Raymond, Terri Terrill, Patrick Perry, Corey Auger, Echo Sheffer, Brennan Smith,
Al Kettle, Robin O'Driscoll, Chris Gamble, Willis Lefevre
Presiding: Vice Chairman Robin O'Driscoll
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1. Welcome
Vice Chairman O'Driscoll opened the meeting and welcomed all attendees.
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2. Standing Business
a. Approval of September 24, 2025, Minutes
- Motion: Approve minutes of September 24, 2025
- Motion by: Willis Lefevre
- Seconded by: Al Kettle
- Vote: All in favor
Motion carried unanimously
b. Approval of September 2025 Expenditures
- Discussion Highlights:
o Total Expenditures: $126,235.27
o Major expenses included:
Jensen shed repairs (Emergency Repairs)
Annual dispatch, legal, finance, and HR services
Vernal ladder truck payment (6-7 years remaining)
Ladder truck testing (Naples and Vernal)
Vernal station sign repair
New tires for B-41, fuel for brush truck
Jensen rafting trip (to be reclassified under uniform/incentives)
o Brush truck saw heavy use and maintenance this season.
o Overall, the District profited over $200,000 this year.
- Motion: Approve September 2025 expenditures
- Motion by: Chris Gamble
- Seconded by: Willis Lefevre
- Vote: All in favor
Motion carried unanimously
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3. Monthly Reports
a. Station Reports
- Reminder: Budget workshops scheduled for Monday, 5:00 p.m. at the District Office.
- Department totals, inspections, and plan reviews for September reviewed.
- Recruitment and retention updates will come at the start of 2026.
b. Financial Report
- PTIF account interest rate: 4%
- Mineral lease funds received through August; pending due to government shutdown.
- 83% of fiscal year elapsed; certain line items (bank fees, office supplies, EMS supplies, etc.) are over budget due to operational costs.
- Lapoint-Tridell EMS supplies over budget.
- Naples: combined floor remodel and landscaping to be adjusted in reopener.
- Vernal slightly over in equipment/supplies.
- Brush at 121% usage due to heavy deployment.
- Current profit balance: ~$200,000.
- Local Building Authority completed.
- Naples Ladder Truck and Brush Truck projects to continue next year.
- Station showers project on hold pending other options.
c. Executive Director's Report (Jeremy Raymond)
- Attended monthly coordination meetings; mitigation crew active.
- Collaborated with BFX Fire on brush truck work.
- Wildland season was average, with strong community education and restrictions.
- WUI Code Map discussed:
o Minimal impact on city areas; Ballard has more WUI zones.
o High-hazard homes identified and categorized for state assessment fees starting Jan 1, 2026.
o Fee revenue will go to the State of Utah; counties may retain a portion.
o Insurance companies will use WUI data to help set standardized rates.
- Facility updates:
o Avalon Fire Station: County preparing to deed property to the District.
o Jensen Station:
Fire District owns ~3/4 of property; remainder (parking lot) owned by County.
Shared septic system-agreement with County required.
o SSD 1 has transferred facility keys to District.
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4. Public Business
a. EMS Protocol Guidelines
- Overview:
o The District holds a Quick Response License (non-transport) at Basic EMT level.
o Adoption of updated Utah EMS Protocols required by the state.
o EMTs handle basic medical interventions (e.g., Albuterol, Aspirin, Narcan).
o Advanced EMTs and paramedics may operate under limited variance via medical director.
o Utah Good Samaritan Law applies for liability protection.
- Motion: Approve EMS Protocol Guidelines
- Motion by: Willis Lefevre
- Seconded by: Al Kettle
- Vote: All in favor
Motion carried unanimously
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5. Adjournment
- Motion: Adjourn meeting
- Motion by: Al Kettle
- Seconded by: Willis Lefevre
- Vote: All in favor
Meeting adjourned
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Summary of Resolutions and Actions
# Item Action Result
1 Approval of September 24, 2025 Minutes Motion passed Approved unanimously
2 Approval of September 2025 Expenditures ($126,235.27) Motion passed Approved unanimously
3 Adoption of EMS Protocol Guidelines Motion passed Approved unanimously
4 Meeting Adjournment Motion passed Approved unanimously
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Vice Chairman - Robin O'Driscoll
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