Notice of Monthly Public Meeting: 20 February 2025
Notice Subject(s)
Public Meetings
Notice Type(s)
Notice,
Meeting
Event Start Date & Time
February 20, 2025 07:00 PM
Event End Date & Time
February 20, 2025 08:00 PM
Event Deadline Date & Time
02/20/25 07:00 PM
Description/Agenda
DVF SSD Agenda February 20, 2025
1. Call to order/roll call/pledge Ryan Andersen, Chair
2. Approval of Agenda Ryan Andersen, Chair
3. Approval of January 16, 2025 Meeting Minutes Ryan Andersen, Chair
4. Treasurer's Report Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
5. Fire Chief's Report Fire Chief Chris Rieffer
6. Administrative Assistant Fire Chief Hunter Wolfe swearing in Deputy Chief D'Ambrosio
7. Discussion and vote, Affinity HR services update Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
8. Discussion and vote, payroll line of credit Ryan Andersen, Chair
9. Insurability Committee progress report Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
10. Public Comment Ryan Andersen, Chair
11. Adjournment
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DVF SSD Minutes February 20, 2025
1. Call to order 7:00pm by Ryan Andersen, Chairman/ roll call: Curt Shelley, Ryan Andersen, Alan Burns, Pat Johnson/ pledge: Rick Johnson
2. Approval of Agenda: motion to amend, add item 10.a, resignation of David Fulford, by Curt Shelley. Second by Alan Burns. Motion approved as amended
3. Approval of January 16, 2025 Meeting Minutes: Motion to approve by Alan Burns. Second by Curt Shelley. Minutes approved
4. Treasurer's Report, Curt Shelley, Vice Chair:
a. Financial summary from slide is attached, as of 31 January 2025
b. A charge of $65,000 to Operating Expense was made as a transfer of that amount was made to reimburse the Capital Expenditures account.
c. Backup generator (graciously donated by Steve and Renie Friend) has been installed and operating, with a cost of $5500
5. Fire Chief's Report, Fire Chief Chris Rieffer
a. The Doctrine of DVFR was read into the Record by Chief Rieffer, and is attached.
b. DVFR now has 21 interns, each providing 4 shifts per month to augment paid firefighters, to enable 4-staffing per shift
c. This fire season (now) we will have 4 Engine Bosses for deployments. Pete Manson is already here. We are now referring to a fire year, previously called the fire season, as there were 2 deployments in December 2024, and we are ready year-round.
d. John Hennessey continues training for DVFR and departments in the region.
e. There are 4 units 'on the Board' available for deployments: 2 brush trucks, 1 ambulance, 1 REMS response unit.
f. There are currently 30 cadets enrolled in Basic EMT Academy, with revenues of appx $21,630. These funds pay for training materials, and some will be rebated to interns who complete their shift staffing requirements.
6. Administrative Assistant Fire Chief Hunter Wolfe was sworn in by Deputy Chief Ryan D'Ambrosio
a. additionally: Firefighter of the Month Alex Evans, Advanced EMT was recognized for his commitment and contributions to DVFR
7. Discussion and vote, Affinity HR services update, Curt Shelley, Vice Chair: The growth and complexity of the financial services requires is exceeding the capacity of CAM ($833/mo fee). It is proposed that we transfer DVFR financial services management to Affinity HR, fee approximately $1500/mo. Given the anticipated revenues, volume of expenditures, including payroll and related complexities, it is prudent to make this transition to Affinity HR, effective 3rd Quarter 2025. Motion to approve by Pat Johnson. Second by Alan Burns. Passed.
8. Discussion and vote, payroll line of credit, by Ryan Andersen, Chairman: The timing of receipts (fees, deployments, academy fees) throughout the year does not match the rate at which expenditures are made. After considering several options, the Board considered a Payroll Line of Credit as the best means to eliminate or reduce seasonal cash flow crunches. Proposals were solicited from Zions Bank, Cache Valley Bank, and Affinity HR. A viable proposal was not received from Zions. Cache Valley Bank continues to dither and a firm proposal has not been received. Affinity HR has offered a $150,000 payroll line of credit at 6.5% annual rate, with no additional fees or points. A specific provision of the LOC is that the balance must be $0 by 31 December of each year. It is noted for the record that the offer of this LOC is not contingent on selecting Affinity HR as the district's financial services provider. After discussion of rates and terms, it is evident that the Affinity HR proposal is favorable, and in line with current financial market conditions. A motion to approve Affinity HR's proposal was made by Alan Burns. Second by Pat Johnson. Approved. Pat Johnson volunteered to draft a policy governing the use and repayment of these funds, to be presented for consideration at the next Board meeting.
9. Insurability Committee progress report, Curt Shelley, Vice Chair: The Insurability committee represents a growing concern by residents regarding the current - and future - insurability of homes and properties in Dammeron Valley.
Approximately 40 surveys regarding occurrences of property insurance key indicators have been returned: There is a significant number of cancellations, decline to renew, or exhorbitant increases in rates. This is alarming to residents, as it should well be. DVFR is proactive in this regard by the creation of the Insurability Committee, the institution of 'Fire Wise Community' (currently the only community with this designation in Washington County. DVFR also sponsors 'Ready - Set - GO' for fuel mitigation around homes and structures. Further, DVFR is reaching out to the Dammeron Water Company - with favorable reception - to assure that the water storage tanks are kept full, the lines charged, and that sufficient pressure and volume is available in emergencies. These efforts are ongoing, and will continue throughout the year, especially as fire conditions worsen due to lack of seasonal moisture and the anticipated drought.
10. Public Comment, Ryan Andersen, Chairman:
a. It was noted that David Fulford has resigned from the Board, effective 31 January 2025.
b. with David's resignation, a vacancy on the Board has been created, and replacement Board member is being sought.
c. Additionally, it is anticipated that Ryan Andersen will resign from the board prior to the end of the year, thus creating an additional Board vacancy.
d. Rick Johnson referenced an assignment from his church to coordinate evacuations in the event of emergencies, especially with those residents who need assistance. Roger Eddington noted that the 'block captains' idea appears to have fizzled.
e. Curt Shelley noted that the Community Fire Council, chaired by Robin Fulford continues to coordinate with DVFR to draft plans and procedures in the event of major emergencies, especially those requiring selective of mass evacuations. These efforts are ongoing.
11. There being no other current business, a motion to Adjourn was made by Alan Burns at 8:36pm, Second by Pat Johnson. Meeting adjourned.
12. see 2 pages attached below: note: attachments won't copy. Please see attachments in uploaded document: DVF SSD Minutes 20 February 2025.docx
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, Ryan Andersen, 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
17 Feb 2025: notice of public meeting posted
20 Feb 2025: audo file of meeting posted
13 March 2025: minutes posted