Minutes of Looking Glass Regional Fire Authority Meeting

February 20, 2008

8:00 a.m.

CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. with The Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL: Board Members Present: Hazen, Adams, Mitchell, Clark, and Crego. Morris-absent Chief Fabiano also present.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

CORRESPONDENCE: None

AGENDA APPROVAL: Motion by Hazen, seconded by Adams to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Crego, seconded by Hazen to approve the regular meeting minutes of January 16, 2008 as presented. Motion passed.

APPPROVAL OF BILLS: Motion by Adams, seconded by Hazen to approve the bills as presented. Motion passed.

REPORTS:

Chief’s Report

Fabiano stated that the department responded to 37 calls for the month of January. 29 were for medical services including 5 motor vehicle accidents. He stated that for January and February thus far, they have responded to many vehicle accidents especially on the highway. 7 of the calls were in Eagle Township and 20 of the calls were in Watertown Township. Fabiano received a letter sent from National Fire Safety Council. The organization is a non profit that provides the fire department with all of the fire safety material that they would need to use when they go for fire prevention at the elementary school. Fabiano discovered that Grand Ledge fire is still soliciting Watertown businesses for funding. He discovered this by receiving a letter from the organization at his personal business requesting money for Grand Ledge.

Fabiano stated that Clinton County radio communications will be putting new towers on each end of the county, which will help with communications.

Fabiano stated that the Michigan State Police Commander Ed Hay from the Lansing Post approached him stating that they have had some reorganization of the state police areas that they cover (Dave Morris arrives). They used to cover Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, but now the Ithaca post is going to cover most of Clinton County. The Lansing post will cover the 4 southern townships of Eagle, Watertown, Bath, and DeWitt. They would like to use the LGRFA facility to do reports, etc. Fabiano doesn’t have a problem with that at all.

Fabiano stated that next week in the paper, you will read about Mason Shroad, a 5 year old who woke up his grand mother when a fire started in the house and got his little brother and his grandma out. LGRFA presented him with an outstanding citizen’s award.

Fabiano provided a certificate that he received for attending the winter workshop. He commented on the County Wide Rapid Intervention team-which is something new that the fire departments have to comply with. Approximately 70% of LGRFA is already trained in this rapid intervention team.

Chair’s Report

Financial Review-Clark states that this is the first report of the new budget.

Update negotiations with Firefighters/Paramedics-Clark stated that they have met twice with the union and agreed to have a mediator attend the next meeting and continue to negotiate with the help of a mediator.

Supervisor’s Report on Township’s progress on Joint Agreement- Adams stated that Watertown proposed a couple of dates fro a joint meeting with Eagle Township. Watertown also approved another resolution to extend the deadline another 60 days.

Personnel Committee Update-None

PENDING BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Discussion regarding committee make-up-Clark wondered how everyone felt about having people who are not on the Authority serve on committees. Hazen feels that it might be a good way to get other people involved. Adams is not in favor of it as she feels there are capable people on board who can handle those committees. Her concern is that if you are not on the Authority, you may not know all that is going on to the same degree. Mitchell has mixed feelings-he agrees with both Hazen and Adams but feels that people on the Authority have more information needed to make decisions. Crego agrees it would not be a good idea. Morris also feels it would not be a good idea. Clark says no as well. Clark stated that he will chair the budget committee and he would like Mitchell and Fabiano to be on it as well. He appoints Morris to chair the equipment committee with Crego, Mitchell and Fabiano to be on it as well. He appoints Adams to chair the personnel committee with Crego and Hazen as members. He appoints Adams to be chair of the negotiations committee with Crego and Clark as members.

2. Approval to purchase headsets-Fabiano stated that he would like to get approval for an MFPA suggested headset in the engine truck. It is roughly $3,500.00 and provides protection from the high decibels from the sirens, noise of the truck, etc. Motion by Hazen, seconded by Crego to write letters to the townships for approval of purchasing the headsets. Motion passed.

3. National Fire Safety Council-Fabiano stated that LGRFA is receiving materials from this organization for nothing at this point. National Fire Safety Representative__________________ stated that they solicit donations from area businesses. National Fire Safety needs an approval to send out letters soliciting the funds. Fabiano states that this program gives something back to the businesses. They provide a certificate for the business stating that they support the local fire department, etc. It also states the business’ name on the back of the materials that children take home. Clark doesn’t feel that National Fire needs Board approval to solicit donations from area businesses. Fabiano wanted approval as the letters are written on LGRFA letterhead. Clark feels that it is LGRFA soliciting on National Fire’s behalf. Motion by Crego, seconded by Mitchell to approve sending a letter supporting the efforts of the National Fire Safety Council to solicit funds for materials to be distributed to the elementary schools. Motion passed with one descent.

4. Discussion/Action for proposed fire equipment grant application-Fabiano stated that they have looked at replacing engine 1 with using a grant. He would like help writing this grant as it is for such a large amount. He has found someone who will write the grant for $5,000.00. This amount can be added into the grant, yet it has to be paid up front. Motion by Morris, seconded by Crego to approve an amount of up to $5,000.00 to write a grant for fire equipment. Motion passed.

5. Discussion/Action for establishing account for health care payments to limit of deductible-Clark stated that this means there is a $5,600.00 deductible for families and $2,800.00 for single people. The individual pays this amount, and then LGRFA reimburses the individual. There has to be an account that a bookkeeper can write the reimbursement checks out of. Motion by Morris, seconded by Crego to establish an account to pay the deductible amounts for the people covered by health insurance in LGRFA. Motion passed.

DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC COMMENT-Morris asked about raising the amount needed for Township approval from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00. As of now, LGRFA needs approval from both townships for purchases over $2,000.00. Motion by Morris, seconded by Crego to raise the requirement for township approval from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00 for equipment expenditures. Motion passed. Adams asked that at the next meeting, they are provided with a list of this year’s meeting dates. Clark had those available to pass out at this meeting.

ADJOURNMENT- Motion by Crego, seconded by Mitchell to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 a.m.

______________________ ________________________________

Date Approved Ken Mitchell, Secretary