Arnold Baker

The primary action taken during this special meeting was the entry into and subsequent conclusion of an Executive Session. The Executive Session was initiated to review the performance of a public employee under RCW 42.30.110 (1) (g). No other business was discussed before the adjournment of the meeting.

Key discussions during the meeting included the outcome of the Lot Drawing for Commissioner Walsh, resulting in a two-year term. The financial report indicated no necessary transfers for the month, correction of a financial spreadsheet glitch for January through August, and a discussion regarding the current financial model, specifically concerning funds allocated for the E-51 engine replacement and the built-out cost for the E-55 Chassis. The Board unanimously approved September vendor invoices, noted five fraudulent credit card charges requiring claims processing, and discussed potential cancellation of the E-51 contract in favor of a less costly engine. A motion unanimously approved the expenditure of up to $20,000 for a surplus Command Vehicle purchase, subject to inspection. The Board reviewed Resolution 2025-08 concerning the adoption of a Finance Oversight Checklist for governance. A payroll discrepancy found in July's payroll was noted for investigation. Discussions continued regarding scheduling the Firefighters Association Awards Banquet BBQ. Regarding the Safer Grant, the outcome of a meeting with Chelan Fire & Rescue was reported, noting the FEMA Grant Award for a Training Coordinator position and the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment sets. In Old Business, the Board discussed the logistics for picking up the E-55 chassis and the significant delay in the E-51 replacement delivery, estimated between May and October 2026. Funding for the ST52 Training Facility was discussed, including a $150,000 offer from the Department of Ecology for soil cleanup, with the Board debating the fiscal responsibility and priority of proceeding given increasing costs and prior reprioritization. The Board agreed to schedule a budget workshop. Finally, the Board approved an amendment to the Operations, Driver Training Policy-1 regarding annual refresher training and discussed ongoing work for a Captain Training Officer position.

The regular meeting addressed several financial and administrative matters. The Commissioners approved the transfer of $530,000.00 from the Expense account to the Investment account and approved two November vouchers totaling $35,845.65. Key actions included the approval of Resolution 2025-09 regarding the Reserve Investment Account, and the approval of a new Nepotism Policy, replacing the existing conflict of interest policy. The Board reached a consensus to proceed with a nozzle quote from Curtis Tool for $8,819.42, and approved the Boat 72 Interlocal Agreement. In New Business, the Board discussed the chassis bid closing for E-55 and the need to decide by the next meeting; they also reviewed the ST52 Training Center Project and the associated soil mitigation plan. For the Command Vehicle Purchase, the Board approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford F150 for no more than $56,000.00 including shipping. The 2026 Budget, reflecting salary and stipend increases, was approved at $2,563,999.61 in Expenditures, and the 2026 Levy Certification of $1,440,000.00 was approved, along with Resolution 2025-10 for a 1% increase in the County Tax Ordinance. During Executive Session, Dale England was appointed to the fifth Commissioner seat for a four-year term. Reports covered EMS call volume, October training drills (including a successful live fire training exercise), Deputy Chief's initial assessment, and ongoing concerns regarding the Chelan-Manson Pathway project.

The primary discussion centered on the 2026 Budget review, specifically addressing compliance with budget procedures, bank account structure, and reserve funding requirements. Key points included clarifying the separation of designated funds from the investment account and establishing a dedicated reserve funding account (502 Account) holding 25% of the budget for emergency expenses, requiring a formal resolution to open the third account with Chelan County Treasurer. Budget line items reviewed included projected salary increases (3% for Staff and Officers), the proposed Training Officer position (with debate on whether the role should be operational versus administrative, and concerns about overloading the Deputy Chief), volunteer compensation/points system, and line items for PPE, Equipment Repair & Testing, Facilities, and Capital projects (E-55 Build, E-51 Engine Replacement). Discussions also touched upon incorporating Fire Prevention into Fire Prevention and creating a 'Project Seed Money' line item.

The primary board topic involved a discussion and consensus to approve the Training Officer's requested leave of absence, with an expected return date of January 1, 2026. The Commissioners also entered into an Executive Session to review the performance of a public official and evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office before adjourning the meeting.