Adam Cole

The agenda for the Board Meeting included the review of minutes from previous meetings, public comment opportunities, and a presentation of a Kindness 911 Certificate to Meals on Wheels. Financial reports, including Balance Sheets/Combined Cash Accounts and the Ambulance Service Financial Report, were scheduled for review. Committee and Fire Chief reports were expected. Old Business was set to address the Ambulance Service Plan. New Business was also on the schedule, concluding with board members attending an annual Christmas Dinner.

The meeting agenda included reviewing the minutes from the January 26th Board Meeting, public comment session, financial reports (Balance Sheets/Combined Cash Accounts and Ambulance Service Financial Report), and committee reports, specifically the Urban Renewal Report. Key discussion items involved the Fire Chief's Report, which updated progress on the Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) project, participation in the Fire Defense Board Chief Training and Readiness Committee, legislative support for the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) bill, and involvement in the hiring process for the new Hood River Fire Chief. Operational reports covered staffing, facility maintenance, ambulance unit status, EMS program adjustments regarding inter-facility transfers, and updates on the ASA Plan work sessions. The Prevention report highlighted year-end reporting, budget preparations, and planning for the 2026 Wildfire Safety Summit. The Training report noted the successful certification of two new paramedics. New Business included a discussion on the Electronic Payment Process to account for ACH transactions, appointment of the Budget Officer, approval of the Budget Calendar for FY 2026-27, and declaring items as surplus property. The meeting concluded with an executive session to review the performance of the chief executive officer.

The combined meeting agenda covered several significant items, including the review of minutes from previous meetings, public comment procedures, and presentation of financial reports such as balance sheets and the ambulance service financial report. Committee reports included an update on the Urban Renewal. Key discussion points in the Fire Chief's Report involved the ongoing dispute regarding the Ambulance Service Area (ASA) plan updates, noting concerns about the county's deviation from established procedures, and the Chief's participation in the Oregon Health Authority's Rules Advisory Committee for EMS regulations. Other topics included updates on the Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) system implementation, goal setting for 2026, and budget preparation for FY 2026-27. New Business featured a resolution to change authorized check signers, information sheets regarding the appointment of a Budget Officer and the adoption of the 2026-27 Budget Calendar, and a proposal to declare specific property as surplus. The agenda concluded with a planned Executive Session to review employment-related performance.

The key discussion topics for this public meeting include the review of minutes from the previous Regular Board Meeting (December 15, 2025) and Special Board Meeting (December 22, 2025). Financial reports, including balance sheets and the ambulance service financial report, are scheduled for review. Committee reports, specifically the Urban Renewal Report, will be presented, followed by the Fire Chief's Report. New business items include a resolution regarding authorized check signers, and information sheets pertaining to the appointment of a Budget Officer, approval of the Budget Calendar, and surplus property. The meeting is also scheduled to include an Executive Session to review and evaluate the performance of staff members.

The board meeting agenda and minutes cover a variety of administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included financial reports regarding ambulance service and general fund activity, an update on the Computer Aided Dispatching project to modernize dispatching, and preparation for the upcoming budget year. Operational reports highlighted staffing levels, facility maintenance projects, and wildfire prevention efforts. Additionally, the board discussed the electronic payment process, reviewed surplus property declarations for old ambulance and cot equipment, and heard reports from division chiefs regarding emergency response and training.