YAKIMA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 4

BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 26, 2006

 

Commission Chairman Scott Kokenge called the meeting to order at 1900 hours at East Valley Station 40.  Those also present were Commissioners Les Riel and Dan McNulty, Lt. Trevor Lenseigne, Citizens of the District, East Valley Fire Department Personnel, and District Secretary Tina Liniger.  Chief Warren Gay and BC Mike Riel are on vacation.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The Agenda was approved as presented.

 

APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MINUTES: Commissioner Riel made a Motion to approve the Minutes of December 11, 2006 as submitted.  Commissioner McNulty seconded.  The Motion carried unanimously.

 

VOUCHER APPROVAL: The Board approved the following vouchers for payment.  Commissioner McNulty made a Motion to approve the vouchers as submitted.  Commissioner Riel seconded.  The Motion carried unanimously.

 

            Vouchers        1744-1770       $37,826.24

 

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT: Tina reported the following Cash and Investment balances as of the end of November.

 

Cash and Investments               001-602.041 Fire Expense                   $1,015,877.84

                                                101-602.044 EMS Fund                      $   348,955.32

                                                301-602.042 Reserve Fund                  $   555,276.07

                                                302-602.046 Capital Projects              $   146,382.35

 

CORRESPONDENCE: The Board received a Christmas card from Karen Miltenberger of Nicholson & Associates Insurance.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Commissioner Riel stated that he and the other Board members had received an e-mail from Chief Gay regarding the new Firefighter position.  Commissioner Riel stated that he had e-mailed the Chief back with his concern that the job announcement states that EMT status must be attained within one year.  Commissioner Riel stated that he felt that at $33,000.00 per year plus benefits, the person hired for the position should already be EMT certified and ready to go from day one.  Commissioner McNulty stated that the Board had already discussed this with the Chief and he felt that there weren’t any surprises.  Commissioner Riel asked when was this discussed.  Commissioner Riel stated that the Chief had discussed drawing up the announcement for the Board to review; Commissioner Riel stated he had no idea that it was going to be posted without the Board approval.  Commissioner Riel stated that the Board has not approved the job description for that position. Lt Lenseigne stated that the announcement also states that applicant must be out of probationary status and currently right now, there are very few members without EMT certifications.  Joe Gendron asked what position the Board was talking about because he thought that the new hire would be for code enforcement and that the Safe Grant would be to hire more firefighters.  Commissioner Riel stated that he had heard that the District did not receive the Safe Grant.  Lt Lenseigne confirmed that the District did get a letter stating that the District would not be awarded grant money.  Commissioner Riel explained that the Board approved a new Firefighter position with the intent of training one of the current staff members into Code Enforcement.  Mr. Gendron asked if the department was looking in-house to fill the position. Commissioner Riel stated that it would be in-house.  Mr. Gendron stated he was confused, he didn’t realize the department was hiring a firefighter position.  He asked if this was discussed at a meeting.  Commissioner Riel stated that it was discussed at Budget Retreat. Commissioner Riel stated that the point he was trying to make was that the Board did not approve the job description.  It was sent out via e-mail, Commissioner Riel e-mailed his comments back and that his only heartburn was the statement that EMT certification must be attained in one year, which the cost of training would be on the District’s dime, and he felt that there are more than enough people qualified in this District to apply for the position that already have EMT status and he would like to see the announcement changed and sent back out to members.  Commissioner Kokenge asked when the position closed.  Tina stated January 12th.  Commissioner Kokenge asked if there was going to be a point grading system for the applicants.  Commissioner Riel stated that the Board hadn’t been told how the process will work.  Commissioner Riel stated that he would also like to know who would be on the hiring board.  Commissioner McNulty stated that the Board should table this issue until the Chief gets back from vacation.  It was decided that the Board will set up a Special Meeting to discuss this issue. Butch Lenberg asked if members on Administrative Paid Leave could apply.  Commissioner Riel stated absolutely.  Commissioner McNulty stated that Commissioner Riel shouldn’t say that.  Commissioner Riel stated that they are still members of this department even if they are currently on administrative paid leave and should be allowed to apply if they so chose.  They have not been kicked off the department and have not been terminated; they are still members of this department and should be allowed to apply.  Commission Chairman Kokenge stated that this item will be tabled until a Special Meeting is scheduled. 

 

Commission Chairman Kokenge stated that the investigation interviews have wrapped up and he hoped to have a summarized report by next meeting.  Mr. Gendron asked if this document would be available to the public.  Commissioner Riel stated that after the Board reviews and approves recommendations, it will then become a public document available for review.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

A.                 Action Request #2006-19, Litigation Defense Policy & Procedure.  Commissioner Riel made a Motion to adopt Action Request #2006-19 as presented.  Commissioner McNulty seconded.  The Motion carried unanimously.

 

B.         Resolutions

a.         #2006-07, authorizing the investment of YCFD#4 monies in a local government investment pool.  Commissioner McNulty made a Motion to approve Resolution #2006-07 as presented.  Commissioner Riel seconded.  The Motion carried unanimously.

b.         #2006-08, appointing a District Secretary/Auditing/Finance/Investment Officer for 2007.  Commissioner Riel made a Motion to approve Resolution #2006-08 as presented.  Commissioner McNulty seconded.  The Motion carried.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Commission Chairman Kokenge announced an Executive Session as per RCW 42.30.110 (g) to discuss personnel issue at 1920 hours and stated the meeting would reconvene in approximately 10 minutes.  The meeting resumed at 1933 hours.  No action taken.

 

GENERAL DISCUSSION: Commission Chairman Kokenge informed Tina that a Special Meeting needs to be set up for Thursday, January 4, 2007 at 1500 hours.

 

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1935 hours.

 

 

 

___________________________                  ____________________________

Commission Chairman                          Commissioner

 

 

 

__________________________                    ATTEST:

Commissioner

 

 

                                                                        _____________________________ 

                                                                        District Secretary