DVF SSD Agenda March 20, 2025
1. Call to order/roll call/pledge Ryan Andersen, Chair
2. Approval of Agenda Ryan Andersen, Chair
3. Approval of February 20, 2025 Meeting Minutes Ryan Andersen, Chair
4. Treasurer's Report Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
5. Fire Chief's Report Fire Chief Chris Rieffer
6. Discussion DVFR Public Information and Outreach Committee (POIC) Fire Chief Chris Rieffer
7. Discussion, vote, District Affinity HR LOC Policy Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
8. Discussion, vote, Amendments to Credit Card Policy Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
9. Discussion, vote, Transfer of funds to CVB Capital Fund account Ryan Andersen, Chair
10. Insurability Committee progress report Curt Shelley, Vice Chair
11. Public Comment Ryan Andersen, Chair
12. Adjournment
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DVF SSD Minutes, 20 March 2025
1.Call to order: 7:01pm, by Chairman Ryan Andersen. Roll call: Curt Shelley, Ryan Andersen, Alan Burns, Pat Johnson. Chairman Andersen noted that this constitutes the entire Board at this time. Pledge led by Capt. Skyler Skinner.
2. Approval of Agenda: motion to approve by Curt Shelley, second by Alan Burns, passed.
3. Approval of February 20, 2025 Meeting Minutes: motion to approve by Alan Burns, second by Curt Shelley, passed.
4. Treasurer's Report, Curt Shelley, Vice Chair and acting Treasurer.
a. See attached slide, Treasurer's Report
b. Curt noted that annual payments for the Ram is due in May, and the Command Vehicle is due in November.
5. Fire Chief's Report, Fire Chief Chris Rieffer
a. Chief Rieffer noted DVFR has responded to 90 calls YTD, on path to 400 for this calendar year.
b. At the current time, Wildland units 1351 and 1361 are deployed to Texas, each with an Engine Boss and 3 firefighters. It is likely their current deployments of 21 and 14 days will be extended. It is anticipated that cumulative deployments for this year will help DVFR achieve its revenue goals.
c. The REMS team is on the Board for deployments, it is noted that it is the only certified team in Utah, and 1 of appx 20 in the country.
d. The Training division is on track for appx $97K of revenue this year. The Training division is led by Capt. Skyler Skinner, and seasoned instructors who are retired career firefighters, among other qualified instructors.
e. It is noted that the Intern program is successful by any measure, and that the interns, through their required monthly shifts, provide the equivalent of $450K in staffing without actual cash outlays.
f. Chief Rieffer noted that 4-person staffing enables 'interior attack' on structure fires. 'Your people serving you'. This provides additional safety for our residents and adjoining communities. If less than 4 firefighters arrive at a burning structure, no one is allowed to enter.
g. Chief R noted that the paramedic transport license is in process, this could take several months before approval is received.
h. Capt. Hunter Wolfe noted that a paramedic transport license opens the door to grant streams that we can't get now.
i. Member of the Month: Captain Skyler Skinner was recognized as MOM. He has 5 years of service with DVFR, 11 years total experience. He leads the Academy Training Center. Capt. Skinner also noted that Dammeron Valley has 'the best support from the Community and the Board' that he has experienced.
j. Also noted that the 2nd Community Meeting of 'Ready, Set, Go' will be held on Saturday, 29 March 2025 to further assist homeowners in prepping their properties from wildfires.
6. Discussion DVFR Public Information and Outreach Committee (POIC),Fire Chief Chris Rieffer. Continuing community outreach effort, Chief R. noted that this committee will work to publish a booklet/magazine to provide information, helpful tips, and noteworthy items about DVFR and its ongoing efforts to provide fire and emergency services to Dammeron Valley and nearby communities. Pat Johnson will chair this committee, other members to be named later. Hunter Wolfe will lend his considerable experience and expertise to this effort.
7. Discussion, vote, District Affinity HR LOC Policy: Curt Shelley, Vice Chair, explained that Affinity HR has offered, and the Board has accepted a $150,000 line of credit for the purpose of stabilizing cash flow necessary for payroll. Given the unpredictable nature of receipts from: assessments from residents, grants, reimbursements from deployments, training vs. a relatively predictable monthly expense outlay, a line of credit is a sound financial method, and is offered on very favorable terms. It is noted that the terms require the balance to be $0 on Dec 31. Motion to approve this policy by Pat Johnson, second by Alan Burns. Passed.
8. Discussion, vote, Amendments to Credit Card Policy,Curt Shelley, Vice Chair: The written credit card policy has been amended periodically since 2021 as needed for accountability, proper designation of expenses, and controls. The latest update is needed for additional cards required for deployments. Motion to approve by Alan Burns, second by Pat Johnson. Passed
9. Discussion, vote, Transfer of funds to CVB Capital Fund account, Ryan Andersen, Chair. It is necessary to transfer $11,000 from the Operating Account to the Capital Account, to secure the increase in credit card limits, see #8 above. Motion to approve by Pat Johnson, second Alan Burns, passed.
10. Insurability Committee progress report, Curt Shelley, Vice Chair: The committee's work is in progress, with the next event scheduled for 'Ready, Set, Go #2 on 29 March 2025, as previously noted. Approximately 50 insurance experience questionnaires have been returned, we would like to see 100 to get a better sampling of how local, regional, and national events are affecting insurability of our residents' homes and properties. Curt noted the passing of HB0048, and the Governor's signing, also HB307 (in process) that will affect Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas, of which Dammeron Valley is definitely one. Ryan Andersen requested residents report/log in hours spent in fuels mitigation for the FireWise program, and noted that if a home cannot be insured, its mortgage (if any) can be called due, and market value plummets. Chief Rieffer noted that support of FireWise, Ready, Set, Go, and the Insurability Committee are one of the best ways to maintain the value of our community. Also the Chipper will be on site April 12, 13, and we will be looking for volunteers to staff 4 shifts. Brush and other chippable debris continues to pile up N of the Fire Station in anticipation.
11. Public Comment, Ryan Andersen, Chair: Mack Sorensen noted that favorable opportunities still exist for homeowners insurance, that our efforts to maintain an ISO rating of 2 have tangible benefits, and that Dammeron Valley and DVFR continue to have visibility regionally and nationally.
12. Adjournment 8:31pm, motion by Alan Burns, second by Pat Johnson
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 March 2025: Agenda posted
20 March 2025: Audio recording posted
30 March 2025: Meeting minutes posted