HomeMy WebLinkAbout[02] MinutesFebruary 20, 2013
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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, February 20, 2013 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:
Minutes: Salk made a motion to approve the minutes of February 20, 2013 with a minor correction;
seconded by Janssen and passed unanimously.
Financial Report: Weyrens presented the following 4t" Quarter Financial Summary:
Revenues $ 353,526.62
Expenditures $ ( 476,871.04)
Fund Balance $ 502,851.72
Weyrens reported that financial statement for the fourth quarter is the unaudited year end numbers. The
balance could change slightly as the receivable and payables are entered. Based on the unaudited
numbers, the fund balanced increased approximately $ 56,942 in 2012.
Salk made a motion to accept the 4t" Quarter 2012 Financial Statement as presented; seconded by
Loso and passed unanimously.
State Fire Convention: Taufen reported that annually the Fire Board has authorized two members to
attend the State Fire Convention as does the St. Joseph Fire Relief Association. This year the
convention will be held in Bemidji, June 20 — June 22. Taufen is requesting authorization to send two
members to the convention, paying the reimbursable expenses and registration fee. Loso made a
motion to authorize the attendance of two firefighter to the State Fire Convention reimbursing the
approved expenditures and registration fee. The motion was seconded by Janssen.
Turn Out Geer: Taufen reported that he continues to replace turnout gear that does not meet the NFPA
standards as the gear typically lasts 10 years. Last year the Fire Board approved the replacement of 14
sets of gear and only nine were replaced. At this time Taufen is requesting to replace eight sets at a cost
of $ 1,575 per set for a total cost of approximately $ 12,600. Taufen stated that the funds are available in
the reserve funds. Loso made a motion to approve the purchase of eight sets of turnout gear as
requested at an approximate cost of $ 12,600. The motion was seconded by Janssen and passed
unanimously.
Air Tanks: Taufen reported that over the past three years the fire department has submitted a funding
request to FEMA to update and replace the aging air packs. In 2012 the Fire Board agreed to hire a grant
writer to assist the department and submitted a funding proposal in the amount of $ 93,880.00. The Fire
Department is successful, a match of 5% is required, which is approximately $ 4,714.00. Currently the
department does not have enough certified tanks if a big fire were to occur. While he is hopeful that the
department will be successful in securing funding, the department will still be short approximately 10 air
tanks. Taufen is requesting authorization to purchase 10 new carbon air tanks at $ 700.00 each. Loso
made a motion to purchase ten carbon air tanks at an estimated cost of $ 7,000. The motion was
seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
Training Mannequins: Taufen reported that the Jaycees have offered to fund the purchase of a training
mannequin at a cost of $ 1,7239.78. Loso made a motion to accept the donation of the Jaycees for
the purchase of a training mannequin. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed
unanimously.
February 20, 2013
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Grant Opportunity: Taufen requested authorization to submit a funding request to Mid Continent in the
amount of $ 2,000.00 to purchase a drop tank allowing for transfer of water from tank to tank. The
estimated cost of the equipment is $ 1,500.00. Loso made a motion authorizing the Fire Department
to seeking funding in the amount of $ 2,000 from Mid Continent to be used for a drop tank. The
motion was seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
Service of Vehicles: Taufen stated that Assistant Fire Chie Justin Honer has been reviewing the costs
associated with the City maintenance staff completing routine maintenance on the fire vehicles. Taufen
stated that he and Honer are concerned if the staff is qualified to work on the vehicles and if having an
uncertified mechanic work on a vehicle would impact the warranty. Weyrens clarified that one of the
maintenance workers is a mechanic by trade and is MnDOT certified. When questioned by the Board as
to what the cost difference between outsourcing and using in -house employees, Taufen stated that he
was uncertain, but would research further. Salk and Janssen stated that they would prefer to see the
financial impact before making any changes. Taufen agreed to research and report back to the board at
the next meeting.
Adjourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 7:02 PM; seconded by Janssen and passed
unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator