Eric Kiphart

The Special Meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners was convened to conclude the review period for benefit charge petitions established under RCW52.18.070. The review board considered 145 petitions based on reasons such as square footage, financial hardship, and monitored fire alarms, resulting in a reduction of 67 compared to the previous year. The board recommended approval for 13 petitions, resulting in a total adjustment of $1,225.50. Public comments raised significant concerns regarding a substantial year-over-year increase (approximately 25%) in benefit charges for condominium owners, noting that the charge for some units now exceeded property tax payments to the fire district. The Board acknowledged the concerns regarding the calculation method for multi-unit residential properties and committed to taking a hard look at the calculation formula and risk factors for condominiums in the coming year.

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgment of an excused absence for Chairman Baruso. The minutes for the regular meeting on January 27th and the special meeting on February 17th were approved separately after procedural confirmation. The agenda was modified by removing an item that would have constituted an executive session. During commissioner comments, several members briefly offered remarks, including one regarding a shared vision document. Committee reports included an update from the finance committee noting that change orders were discussed, and the administrative team reported on issuing an RFP for a standards of cover and master plan, which aims to provide direction for future fire station locations over a projected five to six-month process. Furthermore, approval was sought and granted for change order requests totaling $73,524.85. The February budget report indicated the entity is currently under budget year-to-date by 1.7%. Financial approvals included payment vouchers for mid-month disbursements, accounts payable, payroll, EFTPS, and medical claims, totaling $4,563,888.95. The administrative team also mentioned upcoming recruit graduation events.

Following a return from executive session, the commission addressed an action item. A motion was passed to accept the South King Fire Board of Commissioners expectations for Fire Chief Brian Woody.

The meeting commenced with the call to order, followed by commissioner comments. The primary action taken was the decision to convene into an executive session to consider the minimum price at which real estate will be offered for sale or lease, pursuant to RCW 42.30.114C30.1N1C, with the stipulation that final action must occur in a public meeting. The executive session included key personnel and was scheduled to recess until 1321 hours.

The discussion during the executive session involved action on an employment matter. A motion was made to extend a conditional offer of employment to Scott Lewis, subject to a background check, psychological evaluation, and successful negotiation of a personal services contract. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.