Chris Downing

The Lakeside Fire Protection District's meeting included discussions and resolutions regarding several key operational and financial decisions. The board considered the appointment of Robert Schiwitz as the Interim Benefits Officer, the remounting/refurbishment of an ambulance, and the approval of SC Fuels as the provider of gasoline and diesel fuel. Additionally, they discussed and considered approving Municipal Emergency Services (MES) as the provider of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and BIT Pros Inc. as the sole provider of mechanical services.

The agenda includes items such as cash disbursements and financial reporting for May 2023, approval of special and regular board meeting minutes for June 13, 2023, and adopting the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 23-2024. Also on the agenda is a resolution for intention to continue receiving charges within CSA 69 Reorganization Boundary for FY 2023-24, directing the Fire Chief to sign the apparatus agreement with Fire Apparatus Solutions, adopting the Heartland Communications Facility Authority Amended and Restated Agreement, and approving a memorandum of understanding for central zone joint emergency responses for fire and rescue resources. Additionally, there is a SB 1205 status report of state mandated inspections and reports from the Director, Fire Chiefs, Staff, Counsel, and Firefighters Association.

The board discussed the establishment of a fee schedule to recover costs for services, including fire protection, emergency response, and rescue services. The board also discussed the potential of the County turning over CSA-69, and the Fire Chief reported on HR matters, including interviews for the HR Analyst position. Additionally, there was a report on the Lakeside Firefighters Association scholarship for El Capitan Highschool Students.

The board meeting included discussions on various topics such as approving the director's request to participate remotely, cash disbursements and financial reporting for August and September 2025, and the quarterly investment report for FY25/26 Quarter 1. The board also considered Resolution 25-046 to continue making payments to spouses of deceased employees and Resolution 25-048 approving the tentative agreement between Donald H. Butz and the Lakeside Fire Protection District. Additionally, there was a public hearing for Ordinance 25-02 regarding the 2026 Lakeside Fire Protection District Fire Code and Ordinance 25-03 concerning the 2026 Lakeside Fire Protection District Wildland Urban Interface Code. The meeting also involved reports from directors, the fire chief, staff, legal counsel, and the firefighters' association.

The agenda included discussions and actions related to employee contract negotiations, and a public employee evaluation for the Fire Chief. The board considered engaging a financial team for pension obligation bond financing and adopted a resolution to take necessary actions for issuing bonds to refinance the District's Unfunded Accrued Liability. A resolution was adopted to authorize teleconferenced public meetings, and the board discussed the disposal of surplus property, specifically a 2000 IHC/Master Body Type 3 Fire Engine, and the purchase of a Type 1 Fire Apparatus. Additionally, the board approved side letters to employment agreements with several employees, updating their titles, duties, performance evaluation processes, and wages.