HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 [11] Nov 06 November 6, 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 Wednesday, November 6, 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: Justin Honer, Assistant Fire Chief
Financial Report: Weyrens presented the following 3rd Quarter Financial Summary:
Revenues $ 203,673.42
Expenditures $ ( 119,918.69)
Fund Balance $ 586,385.20
Weyrens stated that the report reflects receipt of approximately 79%of budgeted revenues and 42%of
budgeted expenditures which is typical for this time of year. Taufen stated that the only large anticipated
expenditure for the remaining year is the second half fire fighter payroll. Based on projections, the fund
should not need assistance from the reserves.
Salk questioned the fund entitled Refunding Fire Hall and what it represents. Weyrens stated the fund is
the debt service for the Fire Facility. The City had an opportunity to lower the interest rates and refund
the original debt; therefore the new debt service is called refunding. Loso questioned how many years
are left before the facility is paid, to which Weyrens responded the debt will be retired in 2017.
Salk made a motion to accept the 3rd Quarter Financial Report as presented; seconded by Janssen
and passed unanimously.
Pumper Valve-Taufen reported that the department is having issues with the tank fill valve on Engine#1.
The issue is not a factory issue or a warranty issue. The valve is malfunctioning due to firefighter use.
The equipment is not used regularly so members forget how to turn the valve and have a tendency to
overturn the valve causing failure. Emergency Apparatus can replace the run valve with a push/pull valve
which is friendlier for multiple users. The cost for the new value is $ 2,492.88 and the work could be
completed at the Fire Hall. Salk made a motion authorizing the expenditure of$ 2,492.88 to install a
push pull valve on Engine#1 with the work completed by Emergency Apparatus. The motion was
seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
Officers-Taufen presented the Fire Board with the recommendation for officers for the coming year. The
proposed officers are as follows: Assistant Fire Chief-Justin Honer; Two Year Caption -Justin Honer
and Mark Winter; One Year Captain -Dan Muyres.
Salk questioned how the officers are determined and if it based on qualifications or ambition. Taufen
reported that the investigating committee looks at not only their qualifications, but how they work within
the department and the ability to manage. They also look to someone who may be a good leader in the
future and facilitate training. Loso made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Fire Board,
approving the officers as recommended. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed
unanimously.
Membership-Taufen reported that Eric Gillitzer and Jarret Crue have submitted their resignations as
firefighters. Gillitzer is moving outside of the fire district and Crue has a young family and is going to
school; therefore he does not have time to dedicate to the department. The resignations leave the
department two members short; therefore, Taufen requested authorization to begin the hiring process.
Taufen recommending starting the hiring process shortly after the first of the year, with an anticipated
start date of June 1, 2013. Taufen stated that if the City can start the hiring process immediately there is
November 6, 2013
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a good chance that the City can take advantage of the State funding for firefighter I. Funding is limited
and is based on first registrants. Loso made a motion to start the hiring process as proposed by
Taufen; seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
Discussion: Honer questioned why the City does not accept applications year round, rather than
just when there is a current opening. Janssen questioned Taufen if there is any way that the City could
register two for the firefighter I classes right after the first of the year so that we can capture the State
funding that is available. Taufen will check.
Surplus Equipment: Loso questioned the status of selling the old air packs and bottles. Taufen stated
that the equipment was placed on Gov Deals, which is a government auction site and the highest bid was
$ 550.00 air bottles and what amount received. Taufen stated that the Technical College has offered to
pay$ 2,400 for six air bottles; therefore the bid was suspended and the equipment not purchased by the
College will be placed back on Gov Deals.
Adjourn: Loso made a motion to adjourn at 6:25 PM; seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
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Judy Weyrens
Ad nistrator