Dammeron Valley Fire SSD Board Meeting Minutes
Date: March 19, 2026
Topic 1: Opening & Agenda/Minutes Approval
Summary:
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Pat Johnson proposed an amendment to the agenda to include the approval of minutes from two special meetings held on February 16 and February 24, in addition to the regularly scheduled February 19, 2026 meeting minutes. The amendment, Pat Johnson first, Olivia second. The subsequent approval of all three sets of minutes were passed unanimously, Pat Johnson first, Doug Markham second. It was noted that board member Kim Slight was absent to care for his wife after her surgery. .
Speaker Points:
- Pat Johnson : Requested to amend the agenda to add the approval of the minutes from the February 16th and February 24th meetings. He then moved to approve the minutes for all three meetings (Feb 16, Feb 19, Feb 24).
- Olivia Anderson : Seconded the motion to amend the agenda and later seconded the motion to approve the minutes.
- Alan Burns: Facilitated the motions and confirmed all were in favor.
Decisions:
- The agenda was amended to include the approval of the February 16th and 24th meeting minutes.
- The minutes from the February 16, February 19, and February 24 meetings were approved.
Topic 2: Treasurer's Report & Vehicle Financing
Summary:
Pat Johnson presented the financial report for January 1 through February 28, reporting a positive net income of $18,953. The operating account balance was $62,118 as of March 19. He highlighted that wildfire season brings a surge in both deployment costs and subsequent revenue. The district secured a 5-year, $185,000 capital lease for a new Type 6 brush truck at a 4.49% interest rate, with the first annual payment due in February 2027. The total annual payment for all three leased vehicles is $102,172. Lastly, he reported that past-due assessments have been reduced from $72,000 to $39,000. A final notice will be sent before unpaid accounts are turned over to Washington County for collection via property taxes in mid-August.
Speaker Points:
- Pat Johnson :
- Issues Raised: Highlighted the significant financial activity of wildfire season and the ongoing challenge of managing capital funds for vehicle acquisition. Noted that $39,000 in assessments remains past due.
- Requests/Solutions: Explained that a new mailer will be sent to those with past-due assessments. Reminded the board that residents with payment difficulties can make special arrangements. He justified the vehicle lease expenses as necessary for maintaining a modern, effective fleet.
- Chief Hunter Wolfe : Interjected that the new brush truck is awaiting its permanent license plates before it can be deployed.
- Alan Burns : Agreed to combine the Treasurer's Report with the review of the new brush truck's financial details since they were intertwined.
Decisions:
- The board accepted the Treasurer's Report.
- The acquisition and financing details for the new Type 6 brush truck were formally noted.
Tasks, Todos, and Issues:
1. Task (by April 2, 2026): Send a final reminder mailing to property owners with past-due assessments. (Assigned to: Pat Johnson/District Office)
2. Task (by mid-August 2026): Turn over all remaining unpaid assessment accounts to Washington County for collection via property taxes. (Assigned to: Pat Johnson/District Office)
3. Task (February 2027): Make the first annual lease payment for the new Type 6 brush truck. (Assigned to: Treasurer)
Cautions for Tasks:
- Task 1 (Past-Due Notices): When sending reminder notices, the tone should be firm yet helpful. Social norms dictate providing clear, non-threatening information. The letter should explicitly restate the option for individuals facing financial hardship to contact the district office to arrange a payment plan, as mentioned by Pat Johnson. This demonstrates goodwill and can improve compliance.
- Example Phrasing: 'We understand that circumstances can make payments difficult. If you are facing a hardship, please contact our office by [Date] to discuss a potential payment arrangement. We are here to work with you.'
Topic 3: Member of the Month (February & March)
Summary:
The department recognized two members for their outstanding contributions. Dave Watson, an intern and retired corrections officer, was honored for February. Trae Davis, a reserve firefighter who also works for the St. George Fire Department, was honored for March.
Speaker Points:
- Chief Flygare: Introduced Dave Watson and Trey Davis, praising their work ethic and contributions.
- Pat Johnson : Asked about the selection criteria for the award.
- Chief Flygare : Responded that criteria include work frequency, taking on extra assignments, and overall work ethic.
- Chief Wolfe : Added that he consults with station captains for their recommendations based on these qualities.
Topic 4: Chief's Report on Deployments & Financial Goals
Summary:
Chief Reiffer provided a report on wildland deployment activities, emphasizing their role as a significant revenue source. Recent deployments in Texas have generated nearly $196,000 in submitted invoices. A crew rotation is underway for truck 1351, with five new members flying to Texas on March 21. This next assignment is expected to generate approximately $100,000, with a subsequent two-week deployment adding another $90,000, forecasting nearly $400,000 in early-season revenue. The Chief stressed that this is shaping up to be a record fire season. His primary goal is to increase revenue and build financial reserves to a target of $2.5 to $3 million to ensure long-term stability. The new brush truck (1362) cannot be deployed until it receives permanent license plates.
Speaker Points:
- Chief Wolfe :
- Issues Raised: The main constraint for deploying the new brush truck is the delay in receiving state license plates. He forecasted a 'record season' for wildfires, implying high operational readiness. He also expressed concern over the 'scary' low financial reserves when he first arrived.
- Requests/Proposals: Outlined a plan for continuous deployment of assets, with trucks 1361 and 1362 ready for deployment on March 25, pending mandatory crew rest and the receipt of plates for 1362. His overarching goal is to bring in significant revenue while keeping costs low to build up bank reserves.
- Alan Burns : Inquired about call volume and a specific resident's report of a long wait for an ambulance.
- Chief Reiffer : Responded that call volume is typical for this time of year (projected 343-400 for the year) and that he was unaware of the specific ambulance incident, stating that the ambulance provider, Gold Cross, seemed to be keeping up with service.
Topic 5: Hydrant Testing, Water Supply, and ISO Rating
Summary:
The Fire Marshal reported that all hydrants on the west side have been inspected, with deficiencies addressed by the water district. In April, the department will conduct its annual 100% flow testing of all hydrants, which is mandatory for maintaining its ISO rating. He noted this may cause temporary water discoloration for residents. The department aims to improve its ISO rating from a Class 2 to a Class 1, and the recent acquisition of a ladder truck will help. Chief Wolf stressed the importance of keeping water tanks 100% full, especially during fire season, and noted that insurance companies are increasingly scrutinizing fire incidents, making hydrant reliability and department response critical to avoiding liability.
Speaker Points:
- Fire Marshal Hennessy:
- Issues Raised: Annual hydrant testing in April can be an inconvenience for residents. The department is due for an ISO inspection as early as 2027 and needs comprehensive data to achieve a Class 1 rating.
- Proposed Solution: Will conduct 100% flow testing of hydrants in April.
- Update: A new pump house for hydrant P13 is now operational, resolving a pressure issue that had prevented a resident from obtaining a building permit.
- Chief Rieffer :
- Issue Raised: Stressed the importance of keeping water tanks full, noting he previously had to intervene when the water company let levels drop to save costs. He also warned that insurance companies are litigating more claims and will sue water or fire districts for failures.
- Pat Johnson : Inquired about the working relationship with the water company, to which the Fire Marshal responded it is 'adequate.'
- Public Comment: Rick Johnson: Raised a personal concern about a noticeable decrease in water pressure at their home.
Decisions:
- The annual 100% hydrant flow testing will proceed in April 2026.
- The department will continue compiling data to prepare for the next ISO inspection with the goal of achieving a Class 1 rating.
- The Chief will continue to ensure the water district keeps water tanks full.
Topic 6: Community Firewise Program & Chipping Service
Summary:
The Fire Marshal updated the board on the Firewise assessment program and community chipping service. The program is gaining national recognition, with researchers from Utah State and Idaho University visiting from March 24 to April 6 to study the community's success. The community chipping pile is full, and four options are being explored to clear it. For the future, the department plans to offer on-site chipping for residents, especially seniors, and proposed purchasing a used dump truck in 2027 to support this service.
Speaker Points:
- Fire Marshal :
- Update: He has completed 14 Firewise assessments and has 6-7 more to complete after April 1. He will meet with visiting university researchers on April 2.
- Issue Raised: The community chipping pile is full, halting the service.
- Proposed Solutions: Four options are being pursued to clear the pile: (1) using the department's new chipper (pending delivery), (2) borrowing the Fire Warden's chipper, (3) borrowing a chipper from Cedar, or (4) having the state pay a contractor.
- Future Plan: Proposed purchasing a used dump truck ($15k-$25k) in 2027 to enable an on-site chipping service for residents who cannot transport vegetation.
- Chief Wolfe : Will follow up on the state grant payment to expedite delivery of the new chipper
- Pat Johnson: Confirmed he has already scheduled a meeting with the visiting researchers.
Topic 7: Fire Department Readiness, Response, and HB 48
Summary:
The Chief reported a significant improvement in response times, down from nearly six minutes to three, thanks to a new tracking system. He assured the board that local resources (Engine 131, Brush 177) are always kept in the district during out-of-area deployments. The Fire Marshal discussed the state's HB 48, noting its associated fees are delayed until 2027. He criticized the state's blanket 'high risk' assessment of the community, which ignores individual homeowner mitigation efforts. He clarified that the department's free Firewise assessments are a service to help residents, distinct from the state's unpopular mandate.
Speaker Points:
- Chief Rieffer :
- Update: Reported improved response times and assured the board that local resources are never depleted by deployments. Staffing is increased on 'red flag' days.
- Issue Raised: Emphasized that the primary wildfire threat to homes is from embers, not direct flames.
- Pat Johnson : Requested clarification on what resources remain in the community during deployments.
- Fire Marshal :
- Update: Reported the one-year delay on HB 48 fees.
- Issue Raised: Criticized the state's inaccurate 'high risk' assessment for the entire community.
- Clarification: Explained that the department's Firewise assessments are a free service to help residents improve safety and are not related to the state's mandated fees.
Topic 8: Treasurer's Upcoming Absence & 2027 Budget Planning
Summary:
The Treasurer, Pat Johnson, announced he will be absent for a six-month church mission from October 2026 to April 2027. He presented options for covering his duties, including working remotely. The board discussed potential solutions, such as having Olivia Anderson shadow him, but did not make a final decision. It was noted that the 2027 budget process begins around October, and it was advised that this work should start in August 2026 to be mostly complete before Pat's departure.
Speaker Points:
- Pat Johnson : Announced his six-month absence and presented three options for covering his duties, stating a decision was not needed immediately.
- Alan Burns : Expressed concern that remote work would be a distraction and suggested it was a good time to train a successor.
- Doug Markham: Proposed a hybrid solution where Olivia could shadow Pat and share responsibilities to ensure continuity.
- Olivia Anderson : Agreed to help and supported a hybrid plan.
Decisions:
- No final decision was made on how to handle the Treasurer's duties. The discussion will continue at a future meeting.
Topic 9: Other Board Discussion Items
Summary:
The board addressed several other items. A request to stream meetings via Zoom was denied due to technical and financial limitations; residents were directed to online audio recordings. A decision on the future of the Insurability Committee was tabled until the next meeting, pending board review of prior work. Finally, an update was provided on a local open-air market, with a trial event scheduled for April 18, 2026, to gauge vendor and community interest before proceeding further.
Speaker Points:
- Resident Access to Meetings (Zoom):
- Alan Burns: Raised a resident's request for Zoom access.
- Hunter : Explained it is not feasible due to a lack of equipment and cost.
- Pat Johnson : Noted that recordings are posted online within 72 hours.
- Insurability Committee:
- Pat Johnson : Asked if the committee should be moved under the Community Fire Council.
- Alan Burns : Suggested the board review prior work by Kurt Shelley before deciding.
- Chief Wolfe : Stated the fire chiefs can continue the work and report to the board, making a board member's presence on the committee unnecessary.
- Open-Air Market:
- Melinda Miller (Public Comment): Asked for an update on the market.
- Pat Johnson L: Explained that a trial market will be held on April 18, 2026, and its success will determine the future of the market.
- The board will not offer Zoom streaming for meetings.
- The decision on the Insurability Committee's placement is tabled.
- The board will await the outcome of the April 18 market event before taking further action.
Items Not Decided or Postponed
- Treasurer's Absence Plan: A final plan for covering the Treasurer's duties during his six-month absence (October 2026 - April 2027) has not been decided.
- Insurability Committee Placement: The decision on whether to move the Insurability Committee under the Community Fire Council was tabled for the next meeting.
- Dump Truck Purchase: The proposal to purchase a used dump truck for the chipping program was suggested for the 2027 budget and not decided upon.
- Resident Water Pressure Issue: The concern raised by a speaker about low water pressure was noted, but no specific action was determined.
Generated by gemini-2.5-pro on 2026-03-19 19:00:38.
DVF SSD BOARD MEETING AGENDA
19 March 2026, 7:00pm
1. Call to order/roll call/pledge Alan Burns, Chair
2. Approval of Agenda Alan Burns, Chair
3. Approval of 19 February 2025 Board Meeting Minutes Alan Burns, Chair
4. Treasurer's Report Pat Johnson, Treasurer
5. Review of financial details, new Type 6 Brush Truck, review of leased vehicles Pat Johnson, Treasurer
6. Member(s) of the Month: February, March Chis Rieffer, Fire Chief
7. Fire Chief's Report and Member of the Month Chris Rieffer, Fire Chief
8. Dammeron Valley Open Air Market - plans for season Jen Johnson/Natalie de Rosa
9. Board discussion (discussion, no votes) Alan Burns, Chair
a. Treasurer: 6 months absence
b. -----
10. Public Comment Alan Burns, Chair
11. Adjournment Alan Burns, Chair
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations during this hearing should notify the Dammeron Valley Fire Special Service District Chairman of the Board, Alan Burns, at least three days prior to the hearing.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
Policy: This shall be known as the Dammeron Valley Fire Special Service District Electronic Board Meeting Policy.
In compliance with Utah State Code 52-4-207
Title 52
Chapter 4
Section 207
Other Information
DVFD is located on the east side of Highway 18, about half way between Mile Markers 17 & 18, the second building after the mail box pods on the North side of the street.
Alan Burns- Board Chair
Pat Johnson- Treasurer
Olivia Anderson- Clerk
Doug Markham- Member
Kim Slight- Member