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.
PUBLIC HEARING - APPEALS OF 2011 FIRE ASSESSMENTS – RESOLUTION #2011-03: Chief Price stated we have received no appeals. Chairman Tyler asked if anyone in the audience had an appeal and there were none. Commissioner Davis motioned to approve Resolution #2011-03 certifying the tax roll, seconded by Commissioner Cooper. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING - 2011-12 BUDGET – RESOLUTION #2011-02: Chief Price stated there were a few minor adjustments due to insurance rates received since the last meeting.
Public Comment: Robert Hinds commented that due to the bad economy is bad it is not appropriate to have increases of tax rates every year. Al Robinson feels the Chief is out of control and the Board rubber stamps everything.
Commissioner Cooper said he’s spoken to several neighbors and other people in the District and none of them were upset by our rates. Commissioner Ricci said he can’t support the budget as he feels the economy is too bad to support any increases. Commissioner Bishop stated as a new Board member, he has spent many hours to learn about the District and that he was given very comprehensive information that was open and transparent and he thinks that the District is providing good service to the taxpayers.
Commissioner Tyler stated that the Board does not rubber stamp the Chief’s recommendations - each Board member has spent time reviewing this budget and discussing it with the Chief prior to the final draft proposed by the Chief at the Board meetings. Commissioner Cooper motioned to approve the budget with Resolution #2011-02, seconded by Commissioner Bishop. Roll call vote: Commissioners Ricci and Davis opposed; Commissioners Cooper, Bishop and Tyler in favor; motion carries.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: None.
CHANGES TO AGENDA: None. Chairman Tyler noted a correction to the Minutes under New Business – Elect New Secretary/Treasurer; it should say 2011 not 2012.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Al Robinson said we have many firefighters who are not fit, and that Chief Price lies. Robert Hinds asked what can he do to help get all the Fire Districts merged? It all used to be volunteers and it worked fine.
CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Cooper motioned to approve the consent agenda with the correction to the minutes; seconded by Commissioner Ricci. Motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS: Thanks to the firefighters from local Muscular Dystrophy Association; from Mr. & Mrs. Mizer for Inspector Soleau’s help with smoke detector; from Southern Manatee Fire District for Captain Sousa’s help with Lieutenant’s Assessment.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Citizen’s Academy: Commissioner Cooper noted that this took a back seat to the budget for the last month or so but he wants to get the firefighters ideas for the academy. He also noted he’s begun the Manatee County Sheriff’s Academy and it’s very interesting.
2) Manatee County Property Appraiser Refund: Chief Price provided a copy of the opinion letter from the Florida Attorney General who agrees that the Fire Districts should continue to get the refunds of unused funds as we have in the past. The other Districts appointed him to speak for them in a meeting with the Property Appraiser to determine how to arrange the refunds. Our’s is about $16,000.
3) Interlocal Agreement with Manatee County for Collection of Plan Review Fees: Chief Price noted that this is still pending with the County attorney.
4) Hazmat Interlocal Agreement: Chief Price stated the County changed their mind and didn’t want to do an agreement, rather they passed a resolution committing $30,000-$40,000 and appointing the Public Safety Director to oversee the team. The County owns all the equipment and does the maintenance for it while the Fire Districts commit to providing personnel and coordination.
5) Merger discussion with Cedar Hammock: Chairman Tyler reported that there have been several meetings with the Chairmen and Chiefs and now there is a joint Board meeting planned for October 6th at Cedar Hammock’s training facility on 53rd Avenue. This will be an advertised work session.
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Door Access at Station #1: Chief Price proposed to install the same type of door access system used in the Administration building for Station #1 at a cost of about $10,000 to be paid from Impact Funds. Commissioner Cooper motioned to approve, seconded by Commissioner Ricci. Motion carried. We’ll plan to install it at the other stations as they are redone.
OTHER REPORTS: Captain Sousa reported that we had a confirmed save today – the patient suffered a cardiac while driving and veered off the road. A bystander began CPR then our firefighters arrived and took over and were able to convert the patient with one shock of the EKG. The patient arrived at the hospital breathing on his own. The Board congratulated the crew who was present.
Chief Price commented on the 911 Memorial Services this year, noting that Gloria Dei Church hosted an event where our Firefighter’s Association cooked hamburgers and hot dogs and Fire Marshal Lathrop demonstrated K-9 Lucky’s abilities. The event raised $1700 for the Hayslip Fund and the Chief received many good comments from attendees. Also the Honor Guard, with all three of our members, attended the Bucs game and both the Luncheon and Sunday’s service at the Riverfront were well attended and arranged.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS: Commissioner Ricci commended the firefighters who put together the 911 memorial monument at Station #1; it’s very nice. Commissioner Bishop attended the luncheon and was very impressed. He noted that it is being run on METV. Commissioner Davis stated that his vote against the budget was only because he’s not in favor of increasing taxes at this time but it was in no way against the firefighters and that he’s had no one complain to him about our tax rates or anything about our District. He stated strongly that he is not a rubber stamp and he thinks the firefighters don’t get thanked enough for all that they do. Chairman Tyler thanked the citizens who spoke on the budget. He also has heard no questions or complaints from anyone else he has spoken with in the District. He fells it is crucial to keep a well-trained force and that we try to stay in the area average for wages. Lastly he stated that Chief Price does not lie and has done a lot of good for this District.
NEXT MEETING Regular meeting on 10/20/11 at 1800 hours at the Administration building.
ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 1901 hours.
_____________________________ _____________________________________
Chairman Secretary
/ms
