Notes on the GHFPD Board Meeting, April 17, 2014 by Gretchen Diefenderfer

Next Board Meeting is Thursday, May 15, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center

President Rich Lopez called the meeting to order.  In attendance were Rick Geesaman, Treasurer Bobby Vrba, Secretary Dave Sturtz, Chief Chris Finn, and community member Gretchen Diefenderfer.

The minutes were approved.

Chief’s Report: Chris reports that the Accident and Sickness policy has come in the mail.  This is extra coverage over Workman’s Comp.

The only call was a smoke report that was eventually located outside out district.  Training – there was a really good wildland training last Saturday.  10 Gold Hill firefighters attended.  There is a refresher every year and we have regular trainings monthly.

Maintenance/trucks – the plan is still to turn the two extra trucks into one good brush truck.  The search is still on for a new fire truck – we’re limited in our options by the size of our firebarn as well as our need for 4WD.  We’re looking for a 500gpm pump and a 500 g. tank.

Emergency Operation Plan – FEMA says everyone has to have one.  The OEM and the County Atty have written one up that we could adopt.  Rich suggested that the board should to look it over and possibly adopt at the May meeting.    Fires are the Sheriff’s responsibility, but floods are the Fire Departments.

General Meeting – it’s time for a big meeting.  Chris plans to schedule one.

Rest Room Alternatives – People attending FD meetings are allowed to use the FD bathroom, but not others because of liability/insurance concerns.  Rich reported that the alternative for town meetings, etc., to be held in the GH School turns out not to be a good one, because of the expense.  Possibly we could buy or rent a Porta-potti, but Chris thinks there is some difficulty with the Health Department.  Bobby reports that they have units back from Iraq that he will check into.  Rich stated that there has to be a solution that is good for everyone.  Chris added that Peter Swift was supposed to check on moving the Safelink shed because it is too close to the building.

MERN – There is some difficulty with the repeater that is located in our firebarn and it doesn’t work reliably when the temperature is under 50º.  Bill VanMatre and Tom from Lefthand, along with a few others, will be up for a meeting on Saturday to look over the situation.  Dave says there has to be something wrong because it shouldn’t be temperature sensitive.  He will try to attend this meeting.