The meeting was called to order at 1800 hours with the following members present: Larry Tyler, Jesse Davis, Randy Cooper, Scott Ricci and David Bishop. Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent prayer were followed by the administration of the oath to all present.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2011-12 BUDGET – RESOLUTION #2011-02: Chief Price presented the budget noting there are no new positions, cost of living adjustments of 1.7%, salary adjustments for firefighter and Lieutenant positions of about 2%, interest income is down, rates are still pending for health insurance, worker’s compensation and property/liability insurance,
Public Comment: Al Robinson compared our salary figures to North River Fire District. Robert Hinds commented that the economy is bad and we should be reducing costs. William Grayson said he appreciates the danger of firefighter’s jobs; he was in the military for 23 years and didn’t get paid anywhere near as much as current firefighters and he hasn’t gotten a COLA.
Commissioner Bishop stated, as a new Board member just learning the District and that the information he was given is very complete. Commissioner Cooper doesn’t want to raise rates either but thinks the Board should keep an open mind and he feels Chief Price has justified the rates. Commissioner Ricci doesn’t like the increase although he commends the staff and Chief for the budget work but we need to look for more ways to save. Commissioner Davis also feels that we need to look very hard for ways to trim costs with the difficulties in the overall economy. Commissioner Tyler asked Chief Price what the average residential increase is under the proposed rates and the Chief said about $11 a year. Commissioner Tyler feels that we have been working within a reasonable budget and there have been reductions but this proposal is aimed at keeping a good level of service to our community.
CHANGES TO AGENDA: Add GASB 54 as #2 under New Business.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Al Robinson said that (former) Commissioner Rigney and Chief Price have said our wages were in line but it’s not true and that people serving the public should tell the truth. He also said firefighting is not a hazardous job compared to garbage collectors and other jobs.
Robert T. Hinds stated that he doesn’t feel the Board is listening to the public.
CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Cooper motioned to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Commissioner Davis. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Thanks Battalion Chief Rich Losek from Big Brothers/Big Sisters for Bike Safety Training and bike helmets.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Citizen’s Academy: Commissioner Cooper reported he has made some minor changes but has not reviewed it with the Chief yet due to working on the budget right now.
2) Manatee County Property Appraiser Refund: Chief Price reported we’re still waiting for the final decision.
3) Interlocal Agreement with Manatee County for Collection of Plan Review Fees: Chief Price reported we’re still waiting on the County.
4) Hazmat Interlocal Agreement: Chief Price stated we’re still waiting on the County.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Elect New Secretary/Treasurer: Chairman Tyler nominated Jesse Davis for the position until the elections in November 2012. Commissioner Ricci motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. Motion carried.
2) GASB 54: Chief Price explained a new requirement for governmental accounting where we have to change the titles of some of our accounts and some policy issues. He’ll bring more information on this next month.
OTHER REPORTS: Chief Price noted CAFS article that he provided to the Board; we were first or second in the State to have; now half the trucks produced have the system and it’s highly recommended because it makes good financial sense; in effect it “extends” the water used on a fire and penetrates better for quicker suppression and stops rekindles; it also creates less property damage due to less water saturation.
Chief Price stated that Commissioner Glenn Davis of EMFR passed away; he had 15 years on that Board and 27 years as firefighter with City of Bradenton.
A judge in Naples levied a fine against a Fire Commission candidate who made false public statements; the judge ruled that he lied and made no attempt to validate the information he was declaring.
Chairman Tyler reported that Cedar Hammock has brought up the discussion of a merger, specifically to study it thoroughly so that we can have facts to respond to the question and then, if it’s viable, present it to our voters. He met with their Chairman, Steve Litschauer, and both Chiefs and the directed the Chiefs to gather some information as a first step. Chairman Tyler asked the Commissioner’s opinions: Commissioner Ricci feels we need to explore it; Commissioner Cooper thinks it’s always good to look at any possibility; Commissioner Bishop said we need to understand the issue thoroughly by studying it; Commissioner Davis has always been in favor of merging. Chairman Tyler said he also has always been in favor of one county-wide, independent Fire/EMS service. After the Chiefs have gathered the requested data, they will meet again and then schedule a meeting for both Boards.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS: Commissioner Ricci reported that the A/C and plumbing are almost done at Station 1; drywall will be next week; hurricane bracing was done on the roof since it was exposed. The job is on target to be done around November.
Commissioner Ricci noted that, since Chief Price and Deputy Chief Pollock will both be retiring in a few years, the Board needs to plan for that succession. He heard from Chief Price that we have a very good educational plan over the years and are the only department in the County to require college degrees for our officer’s, however they don’t have a lot of live fire experience. This is the reason we have looked at getting Command Simulator. Commissioner Tyler has discussed with the Chief and what goals are in place for succession planning.
Commissioner Cooper reported on attending the Fire Commissioner’s Association meeting and they are sending flowers for Commissioner Davis’ funeral.
Commissioner Bishop commented that regarding a merger study, we need to look for efficiencies while maintaining a good level of service.
Commissioner Tyler stated that Mr. Robinson’s comments on the budget are narrow for several reasons such as, comparing salaries only to North River Fire District, danger of firefighters jobs today is different because there are less fatalities but more illness due to chemicals of products burning, etc.; the pension benefits he keeps talking about are the FRS plan and those benefit levels are set by the State, not us; each Commissioner met with the Chief and saw where the budget was cut; we have one of the best Reserve Firefighter programs in the State which provides additional manpower for very little cost; our firefighter’s salaries are based on requirements for college degrees so we are educating our firefighters so they can manage the District.
NEXT MEETING Regular meeting on 9/15/11 at 1800 hours at the Administration building.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 1917 hours.
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Chairman Secretary
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