David G. Carpenter

The board meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the annual budget and budget resolution. The board agreed to move the Fire Chief's job evaluation ahead of her contract discussion. Key operational discussions included organizing strategic planning committee recommendations into a timeline, and a report from the Joint Task Force meeting regarding operational improvements and a warning about illicit drugs in the community. Regarding old business, the board discussed receiving a loaned ambulance from Basin Ambulance and arrangements for picking up a gifted ambulance from Applegate Fire Department. The board unanimously approved the purchase of a used ambulance for $89,000, pending inspection. The possibility of a required budget audit was noted, and the board decided to monitor incoming funds. The installation of a new station alarm system and window sensors was reported. The Chief's report detailed May runs, two grant awards for wildland gear/radios and new hoses, coverage secured for a fireworks show, and a payment agreement for volunteers attending 'learn to burn' events. Good and Welfare included a community member offering their property as an evacuation site during a wildfire. In executive session, the Fire Chief's annual evaluation was completed, and upon reconvening, the board unanimously approved a new contract for the Chief, including a monthly raise.

The Board of Directors addressed significant concerns regarding department insurance premiums, which constitute nearly one-third of operating costs, concluding that switching insurers would not yield substantial savings. Key actions included passing Resolution 2026-2 to transition banking services from Pacific Crest to Sage Credit Union. New business covered establishing a procedure for Grant Committee nominations via an open letter to the community, sharing a revised Fundraising Policy superseding the March 2025 version, and passing Resolution 2026-1 regarding Burn Regulations. The board also passed a resolution supporting new state protection measures for private land used publicly. The Fire Chief reported on efforts to secure a radio grant, equipment maintenance, and ongoing wildland training. Public comments focused on a road condition issue, and suggestions for posting call runs and improving the organization's social media content.

The board discussed several items, including investment strategies for available funds and the need to appoint a social media policy manager and webmaster. Agenda items included establishing banking resolutions, updating grant committee outreach, scheduling a work party, and determining policies for posting quarterly budgets and operational run numbers on the department website. Additional topics covered organizational bank account structures, updates on fundraising activities such as monthly Bingo, and adjustments to Volunteers' Association food service protocols. Public comments addressed web site posting standards, grant funding, memorial board maintenance, file management procedures, sleeping quarters maintenance, and camera monitoring systems.

Key discussions during the meeting included the temporary adoption of the Fire Chief job description, which requires amendment for compliance. A motion was passed to adopt the job description as written with the noted amendment. The salary for the new Fire Chief, set at $24,000 net, was also adopted. The Treasurer reported on the need to adopt the Oregon State Fire Code and Wildland Urban Interface codes, with this item moved to the January agenda. The Volunteer Association reported on safety needs regarding road closures and the status of new t-shirts. The Fire Wise Committee reported on the purchase of a dump trailer for community use, with a policy forthcoming. There was also a public acknowledgement of Theresa Peterson for her service on the Board.

The Board Meeting addressed the Treasurer's Report, which indicated current balances and that most taxes had been received. Under Old Business, the Fire Chief job description requires a work meeting for editing before being presented in February. New Business included a report on SB-179, an insurance matter, which will be addressed in policy compliance by two members and presented in February. A question arose regarding adding signage to an undeveloped lot. The Fire Chief reported that radios are completed, a base radio was installed, all members have PPE, a fire 1 class is being organized, and a dump trailer was acquired via the CWRR grant, with 15 calls run in total. The Volunteer Association invited attendance to their meeting on January 19th. The FireWise report noted work suspension due to snow, with the grant concluding on June 30th. The Fundraising Report noted Bingo's continued success, with the next event scheduled for February 13th.