HomeMy WebLinkAbout[02] February Minutes
February 1, 2017
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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, February 1, 2017 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 Jerome Salzer, St. Wendel Township Representative Greg Salk. City
Administrator Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Assistant Fire Chief Justin Honer
Minutes: Loso made a motion to approve the minutes from November 2, 2016 as presented;
seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
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Financial Report: Weyrens presented the 4 Quarter Financial Summary:
Revenues $ 311,013.89
Expenditures $ ( 218,751.36)
Fund Balance $ 576,935.51
The financial report as presented represents receipt of 109% of the revenue, which is primarily contract
fees and expenditure of 70% of the budget. The revenue budget also includes various donations from
private entities and from the Fire Relief Association. The expenditure budget includes funding capital
expenditures in future years. The unspent capital expenditures will remain in the capital reserve budget
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in the fire fund. While the report is for the 4 quarter, not all of the expenditures and revenues have been
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incurred; therefore when the audit is completed journal entries will reflect the 2 half fire pay and any
additional costs incurred in 2016 but not paid until 2017. Loso made a motion to approve the Financial
Reports as presented; seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
State Fire Convention: Taufen stated that annually the Fire Board has authorized the reimbursement of
expenditures to afford two fire fighters to attend the State Fire Convention. This year the convention will
be held in Brainerd, June 8 – 11. It is a great opportunity for members to participate in training, hear what
is new in the industry and to network with other firefighters. The Fire Relief Association also pays for the
attendance of two members so that St. Joseph sends four members annually. Salk made a motion to
authorize the reimbursement of expenditures for two fire fighters to attend the annual State Fire
Convention. The motion was seconded by Loso and passed unanimously.
Surplus Equipment: Taufen requested the Fire Board declare the following equipment as surplus: Small
motor pump and old Fire Gear. Loso made a motion to declare the aforementioned equipment as
surplus, allowing to be disposed. The motion was seconded by Salk and passed unanimously.
Class B Uniforms: Taufen requested the Fire Board consider purchasing Class B Uniforms for the fire
fighters, similar to other departments. In checking with the surrounding communities, the Cities of Waite
Park, Sauk Rapids and Sartell all have the uniforms. Currently the City provides all members with a dress
shirt and black coat, which would no longer be provided. The uniform would be worn at special meetings,
fundraising activities, open house, fire prevention, fire department funerals and dedication ceremonies.
The cost to outfit each firefighter is approximately $ 320 with a first time total outlay of $ 9,600.00
The Fire Board was generally supportive of the uniforms but expressed concern with the large
unbudgeted expenditure. Loso stated that he could support budgeting for the expenditure with the 2018
budget. Salzer stated that he supports the uniforms and questioned the ongoing costs. Salk concurred
and questioned how often they will have to be replaced and wanted to make sure that if approved they
would actually be used. Taufen stated that there will be an ongoing cost, but that can be accommodated
through the budget process. The uniform a badge similar to a police badge. Salk questioned the cost of
the badge as it seemed high. Assistant Fire Chief Justin Honer questioned if the Fire Relief Association
would cover the initial start up cost and pay for the first 30 set of uniforms, would the Fire Board budget
February 1, 2017
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and pay for the on-going cost. The Fire Board again stated support for the uniforms but the start-up cost
was too high for an unbudgeted amount. Taufen stated that before the uniforms are purchased, he would
draft a policy. The policy would include that the Fire Department would replace the uniform if it was
damaged in the line of duty; however, it the damage occurred due to actions of the Firefighter, the
Firefighter would be responsible for the cost. Salk made a motion to authorize the purchase of Class
B Uniforms provided the fire department raises the funds for the initial purchase. After the initial
purchase, the Fire Board will budget for on-going maintenance based on the policy adopted. The
motion was seconded by Salzer and passed unanimously.
Donations: Taufen stated that the Fire Department has recently received donations for the purchase of
30 pairs of extrication gloves. The donations from the St. Joseph Y2K Lions ($489.00) and Walmart
($2,500) covered the total expenditures. Salzer made a motion to accept the aforementioned
donations for the purchase of 30 pairs of extrication gloves; seconded by Loso and passed
unanimously.
Membership: Taufen reported that the Fire Department is fully staffed at 30 volunteers.
Adjourn: Salk made a motion to adjourn at 6:50 PM; seconded by Salzer and passed unanimously.
Judy Weyrens
Administrator