Approved
Castle Valley Fire Protection District
Castle Valley Fire Commission
FEBRUARY PUBLIC HEARING and REGULAR MEETING
Thursday February 8, 2024 6:00 pm
Electronic Meeting Only Due to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses
Electronic Meeting Determination
Consistent with provisions of the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act, Utah Code Ann. ยง 54-2-207(4), Mitch Stock, Chairman of the Grand County Service Area for Castle Valley Fire Protection issues this Determination supporting the decision to convene electronic a meeting of the Fire Commission via Conference Call without a physical anchor location. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Meetings at the anchor site may present substantial risk to public health and safety. Taking into consideration public health orders limiting in-person gatherings. This determination expires 30 days after the day on which the Chairman has made the determination. The public can join the Conference Call Meetings or submit comments through emails (brau30@gmail.com). Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82964870047?pwd=ZSt1YTh4UFkyaWdWU3lvcnF6Rmd5dz09
Attending: Mitch Stock, Bob Russell, Bill Rau, Ron Drake, Jazmine Duncan,
Call to Order of Public Hearing on Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan: 6: 00 pm
Public Comment: There were no comments from the public
Adjourn: moved by Bill, seconded by Bob, all approved
Call to Order of Regular Meeting
1. Public Comment: There was no public comment
2. Approval of Minutes of January 2024 meeting
Moved to approve by Bob, seconded by Mitch, all approved
3. Administrative Issues
- Zoom renewal
i. Bill said the annual renewal will be $160. Mitch motioned to approve the cost, Bob seconded, all approved
- Mapping software renewal
i. Bob said the cost to renew the mapping will be $251/year. He added the Susan Halliday wants to add to exiting maps; Mitch asked if we can shut it down for a year-Bob would inquire. Bob moved to approve the cost, Bill seconded, all approved a 1 year renewal
4. Chief's Report: Ron Drake
- No fires since last meeting
- Generator on lot 13 is checked once a week and is working
- Chief responded to a callout for a roll over on UT128 just past Red Cliffs Lodge entrance, but no injuries.
- Received state grant check for reimbursement for purchase of radios
- Met with Fire Warden and went over state paperwork
- Starts all engines on station 2 twice a week.
- Structural PPE gear from Gary Sinise Foundation continues to comes in slowly
- Department purchased a new computer for Ron and software-total c.$1k. Mitch would like to get a new one, too, as his is old and difficult to join meetings. Commissioners agreed to Mitch's purchase.
- On February 28th Ron will join the Mayor of the Town of Castle Valley for county emergency manager on responses to emergencies.
- A grant available for a slide on water tank
- Donation of $4000 from Mays foundation; Bob suggested a photo of new engine as a gift to large donors; Mitch said we need to draw a line on size of donations, maybe $10K; Jazmine suggested a photo card.
- Mark Simons will start working on water tender
5. Treasurer's Report: Bob Russell
- A $14K in property taxes from last year was received
- Got bill for jackets which is on this year's budget
6. Discussion and Possible Action re.: Community Wildfire Preparedness Plan
Bill moved to adopt the draft, Bob 2seconded, all approved; Leta will circulate for necessary signatures. Praise was given to Leta Vaughn for putting together the plan
7. Discussion and possible action re.: Funding Possibilities
- Ron sent to commissioners an announcement for a fed grant
- We submitted for the Grand County submission to the Community Impact Board a request for $400K for water tender
- Bill asked for discussion on funding sources; he mentioned limited private grants; federal grants take time. Jazmine noted the training that can be available-Community Development Block Grant, a federal grant but it comes from through the state. Christine Watkins in that office helps people find grants.
8. Discussion and possible action on long term planning, fire dept. needs, priorities, vision and policies: development of standard operating guidelines, policies and procedures.
9. Closed Session (if necessary): personnel matters, awards; recognition program, etc.
10. Adjourn: 7: 05 Bill moved, Bob seconded, all approved.
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify Leta Vaughn at 435-259-2364.