HomeMy WebLinkAbout[02] Minutes November 7, 2012
Page 1 of 2
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Fire Board for the City of St. Joseph and Townships of St.
Joseph and St.Wendel met in regular session on Tuesday, November 7, 2012 at 6:00 PM in the St.
Joseph Fire Hall.
Members Present: Fire Chief Jeff Taufen, City of St. Joseph Representative Bob Loso, St. Joseph
Township Representative Jeff Janssen, St. Wendel Township Representative Greg Salk. City
Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Justin Honer, Assistant Fire Chief
Financial Report: Weyrens presented the following 3rd Quarter Financial Summary:
Revenues $ 212,303.71
Expenditures $ ( 275,629.80)
Fund Balance $ 562,869.80
Weyrens reported that during the budget process the Board discussed the recent practice of not funding
fully the proposed budget. It was the understanding that if the expenditures exceeded the revenue the
budget deficit would be covered with debt reserve. The fire budget has not been funded fully for the past
two years and now the Board sees the impact and potential deficits. The Board agreed to work towards
fully funding the budget again using a three to five year time frame. Weyrens presented the Board with
the financial impact for a five year plan to begin fully funding the budget
Weyrens reported that cost apportionment for 2013 has been prepared and is similar to the past years.
The breakdown is as follows: City of St. Joseph 46.18%;Township of St. Joseph 32.37%and St.Wendel
Township 21.45%.
Salk made a motion to accept the 3`d Quarter 2012 Financial Statement as presented; seconded by
Janssen and passed unanimously.
Fire Chief Reports—Taufen updated the Board on the status of firefighters completing licensure
requirements; 7 sets of turn out gear are in service with two on order ad one pending; new members are
in the process of completing training requirements;the new pumper was put into service on September
25, 2012; received$ 1,000 from midcontinent to purchase 30 hands free flashlights; still waiting to hear
the FEMA grant for the air tanks, masks and air bottles; check out software is still in review process.
New Business
Rescue Van Purchase: Taufen reported that he and Assistant Fire Chief Justin Honer investigated the
reconditioned vans offered by Arrow Manufacturing and whether it would be a viable option for replcing
the Rescue Van. The Chassis would be new and warrantied by the manufacturer and the box is
warranted by Arrow for a one year period. The three models reviewed range from $ 78,360 to$ 86,360
whereas a similar vendor(Everest)offers a similar product for$ 137,000. Arrow would allow the City a$
20,000 credit for the trade-in while Everest would not allow a trade-in and the City would have to sell the
vehicle. They estimated the City could sell the vehicle for$ 15,000-$ 17,000.
Taufen stated that both he and Honer recommend the Fire Board purchase the rescue van from Arrow
Manufacturing, trading in the existing van with a total capital outlay not to exceed $90,000. After
continued discussion, the Board was in agreement that any of the vehicles from Arrow would work for the
Department, reducing the cost to under$80,000. The Board also agreed to leave the excess funds in
the capital fund for future re-allocation.
Salk made a motion authoring the purchase of a 2012 Ford E450 Wheeled Coach Ambulance,Gas
Engine with remounted and reconditioned vehicle in the amount of$94,900, less a trade in
allowance of($20,000)and letting in the amount of$800.00. The total purchase price should not
exceed$ 78,000.00. The motion was seconded by Janssen and passed unanimously.
November 7, 2012
Page 2 of 2
Tanker Truck: Taufen reported that the department has had continuous problems with the tanker truck
purchased in 1999. The tank has developed leaks and the vendor(Central Fire)was contacted as the
equipment is warranted for 20 years. The vehicle was taken to Central Fire on October 22 and returned
to service on October 26, 2012. While at Central Fire they fixed a few cracks, a fitting that had come
loose, 2 valves that were leaking, replaced bolts that had been broken on the top cover and tried to fix the
bad design on the overflow cover. Since the vehicles has been put back into service, they have not
noticed any problems. Taufen stated that if in the future the tank starts leaking again, the tank could be
replaced by Engle at a cost of$ 30,000. He further stated that this equipment should last longer than the
anticipated 20 years if the tank situation is monitored. Taufen stated that no action is required at this time
and is informational in nature.
2013 Fire Officer Appointment: Taufen reported that the Fire Department is recommending appointment
of the following: Fire Chief, Jeff Taufen—2 year term; Fire Captain, Dave Salzer and Paul Phillipp- 2
year term; and Fire Captain, Dan Muyres— 1 year term. Salk made a motion to accept the
recommendation of the Fire Department recommending the City Council affirm the officers stated
above. The motion was seconded by Janssen and passed unanimously.
Fire Officer Training: Taufen reported that Fire Officer Training is being offered in February in Alexandria
and recommended the Board authorize the attendance of two fire officers. Janssen made a motion to
authorizing the attendance of two firefighters(officers)to attend Fire Officer training paying the
lodging, mileage, per diem and registration fee. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed
unanimously.
Membership: Taufen reported that the Fire Department will have two openings in 2013 and requested
authorization to start the hiring process in January/February 2013 with an anticipated start date of June
11, 2013. Janssen made a motion authorizing the Fire Department to accept applications to fill the
two open firefighter positions,with an anticipated start date of June 2013. The motion was
seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
Adiourn: Salk made a motion to adjourn at 7:04 PM; seconded by Janssen and passed
unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator