Boundary County Fire Chief’s Association

Meeting Minutes 4/15/2009

Meeting called to order: by Tony Rohrwasser

Recorded by Michelle Rohrwasser

Members present:

Bonners Ferry Fire Department------Pat Warkentin, John Youngwirth

Curley Creek Volunteer Fire District------Brad Stalcup

Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Association------Brad Lowther

Moyie Springs Fire Department------Ken English

North Bench Volunteer Fire District------Bill McCabe

Boundary Volunteer Ambulance------Ken Baker

Paradise Valley Fire District------Jock Johnson

South Boundary Fire Protection District------Tony Rohrwasser

Visitors------Bob Graham, Dave Kramer

·  Minutes for 3/18/09. Suggested changes are to reflect the word “Volunteer” has been removed from Paradise Valley Fire District and to add “District” to South Boundary Fire. Approved by Ken Baker; second by Jock Johnson.

·  Account Balance/Treasurer’s Report: Attached. Discussed.

Bob said he has been trying to close out the 2006 grant monies and the equipment should be on hand by end of this month. At the LEPC meeting, Bob said the subject was fairly well lined out. The priority for SHSP monies is P25 equipment. Bob said he had mentioned that bids were in and funds would be used to upgrade base station radios in the Sheriff’s Office. Bob said the estimate came to $39,000.00. The amount available only came to $36,000.00 to close out 2006. Bob said he thought the 2007 funds could be used. Tony contacted Bob to inform him only two radios were bid instead of four. The bid was incorrect and another bid had to be submitted. That bid came to $55,000.00, which was more than Bob said they had hoped to spend. Valence Communications called and said the amount of $55,000.00 was a mistake as Valence Communications had given the wholesale cost of equipment not including Valence’s profit. The final bid came to $66,000.00. Bob said Tony got involved in the meantime and found another vendor, Pacific Electronics. The initial vendor work was done through the Sheriff’s Office, according to Bob. Tony contacted Pacific Electronics and gave them a list of what Valence was bidding on and they turned in a bid for the amount of $17,000.00. Tony checked with a technician in Bonner County who verified the validity of this organization. Bob said the intention was to bring four departments up to date. Pacific Electronics said they could honor the bid for $17,000.00. Tony asked if the chief’s new repeater could be put in with the rest of the funds. Another bid was submitted and came back in at $23,000.00. That puts the available funds over $36,000.00. Bob said the bid was submitted to Boise under the Boundary County Fire Chief’s Association, but that rendered the bid unsuccessful as the Chief’s Association is not considered a first responder. It was asked if one of the fire departments could sign off on the equipment. Tony offered. Bob resubmitted the quote to Boise, who agreed on the change to South Boundary. That means Tony will have to make up an agreement with the entities involved for use and maintenance of the equipment. Bob explained that Boise initially rejected the first request because they thought the Sheriff was ordering the equipment, but it is actually the Chief’s Association. Bob said for example, North Bench’s radio in the Sheriff’s Office belongs to North Bench, but the question becomes a matter of control if the Sheriff orders parts for it. Bob said the end total came to approximately $40,000.00. Some of the money will come out of 2007 year funds. Dave said those funds can only be used for communication. Gas meters didn’t qualify. Tony said originally they were going to wait to set up the new Chief’s repeater, but it is being put up now. Dispatch will still be tied into North Bench. The set up is simple and is almost a flick of a switch. North Bench will be turned off and the new chief’s frequency will be turned on. North Bench will still have the repeater, but it won’t be in the Sheriff’s Office. Bob said a few months ago at an LEPC meeting that we are within short order of having a building put up on Dawson Ridge and he thought that was going to take place fairly soon. That whole section of property is owned by Patriot Investments who said they would offer a 20 year, free lease. Bob said when he received the lease two months ago, it wasn’t free. Patriot Investment wanted the road maintained and the county to waive the property taxes on the entire property. The Forest Service owns the land below Dawson and they have agreed to issue a special use permit for a repeater. The new building and antennas will have a little less coverage as approximately 200 feet of height will be lost. The Sheriff’s office will have complete control over the building. Bob said access in the winter will be a bit easier although a specific site has not been chosen yet. Tony questioned coverage for a certain area of South Boundary’s district and Hall Mountain. Bob described the location of the Forest Service road and the access road to the building. That is also where the power line crosses so there so good road access, according to Bob.

Bob said the 44 counties have not used up their 2006 monies and there is $500,000.00 available. Bob said until that time, they have been working on the statement that 2006 information had to be done before the end of April and how he was told there are still a couple weeks left. Bob said his point to the fire departments is if they wish to have a shot at the funds they need to get busy. Bob said for mobiles, if the installation is included in the price it has to be installed by mid May. Tony asked what the cost ceiling is. Bob said Road and Bridge and Search and Rescue are also putting in requests for this. Jock asked if it is better to put in as a district or as the Chief’s Association. Bob said he would recommend one agency to put in a request for everyone. Dave said it would be good to have one point of contact for the submittal. Jock said to see what is needed right now. Dave suggested a cover letter along with a justification sheet. Jock offered for the equipment to be owned by Paradise Valley Fire District. It was suggested to go for a base for everyone. Jock said the ICOM’s cost $1,000.00 to upgrade. Bob suggested making three requests with three vendor estimates on pagers, mobiles and handhelds. It was stated the mobiles have to be installed or installation is not included in the estimate. Brad Lowther said Hall Mountain Volunteer Fire Department would like to have a spot on Dawson. Those present gave their request list. Bob said the problem is Canada. If there is interference with Canada, we will be the ones asked to cut back on the frequency, according to Bob. Bob said if 40 radios are approved, the agencies will decide who gets the radios. Dave said dealing with these grants is a frustration and he explained the multiple years that are being worked on at the same time. Bob said the fire departments need to work with the vendors and at least two vendors need to submit an estimate. It is not strictly based on price, but there should be a justification. Pat said the service provided by GM Two-Way is good.

Dave informed those present that the five northern counties participate in a state funded program called Citizen Corps. Under that they hire a private contractor to provide training exercises. Next Tuesday that contractor is teaching at South Boundary’s Community Room from 9:00 a.m., to 11:00 a.m.

Dave said the draft county Emergency Operations Plan is online and hopefully the plan will be signed on May 11, 2009. The plan is designed to follow the Idaho State plan and the NIMS Plan. The new deadline for comments or changes is April 27th.

Old Business:

May 14th and 28th, 2009 is a wildland refresher course. Dave mentioned the railcar training class coming up.

Dave left the meeting at 7:43 p.m.

The S215 Wildland Urban Interface WUI) training is on May 15th through May 17th. The Fire Fighter I Live Fire Class is on May 23rd, 2009, (Saturday). The time is 8:00 a.m., at Sagle Fire.

Those present discussed gas detectors and listed how many detectors they are getting. Bob said there should be two meters and an incident if at all possible. Avista has been given instructions that they are to respond to any gas leak. That should come from dispatch. Those present discussed the time it takes Avista to get on scene. Bob said the most important measure the county can take is to have the people clear the building as soon as possible. Brad Lowther asked who here has radiological monitors. John said the City of Bonners has two new monitors. Brad explained that there had been an incident near Eastport.

NIMS Equipment Tracking.

Bob left the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

Mutual Aid Updates. Jock said the law was created for a reason and the rural areas like this weren’t thought of. Jock said if he were to change insurance companies it would still be breaking the law. South Boundary Fire still has the ability to assist and will draft a contract with North Bench, Curley Creek and Hall Mountain for services.

New Business

.

Jock suggested that Tony write the request to dispatch to name incidents and call commands. Until then business as usual.

County coverage during NIESA was discussed and those present explained how many personnel from each department would be attending NIESA and which department is covering for whom. The biggest issue will be weather as the forecast is calling for high 70’s low 80’s. Pat said he would have his fire fighters respond to the City’s Station 1 to see who can respond. Ken English said he isn’t sending anyone to training and if there is a true emergency, the City of Moyie Fire Department will respond.

Tony asked if Pat would monitor communications of South Boundary Fire Protection District during the weekend, Tony will be in class in Sandpoint within a 20 minute response.

Open Forum:

Jock suggested reviewing the request list for equipment.

Next meeting- will be held at Good Grief Grill and Grocery.

Ken Baker moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:29 p.m. Ken English second. Motion passed unanimously.

Meeting adjourned.

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