Gabe Buldra

Key discussions during the meeting involved committee reports and special recognition. The Finance Committee reviewed and accepted the January 2026 financial and bank reconciliation report. The Legal and Insurance Committee discussed a PSPRS bill in legislation and noted the next Prop 207 fund disbursement schedule. Fire Department Operations and EMS/Ambulance Operations reports for January 2026 were presented, covering incident data and EMS Division updates. A detailed update on Treatment in Place (TIP) fee revenue collection, which exceeded budget, was provided, with a resulting discussion on potentially funding a low acuity unit. Resource Management reports covered new vehicle projects, equipment updates, and facility maintenance. The Training Division reported on the ongoing Recruit Class 26-1, the upcoming Captains Promotional Process, and the implementation of new Adashi C&C technology funded by a state grant. Administratively, the board directed the Fire Chief to investigate billing homeowners' and auto insurance companies for suppression activities, without billing the citizens directly. A proposal for new computer equipment, necessitated by aging hardware incompatible with Windows 11, was approved not to exceed $40,000. Public comments included concerns about the TIP fee potentially causing a decrease in call volume and an update from the union regarding funding initiatives and MOU negotiations.

The meeting included several key discussions and actions. Under the Consent Agenda, the Board approved the minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting. Correspondence included thanks to the crews for their kindness during a recent fire and recognition for numerous personnel based on their years of service, including presenting pins to two Battalion Chiefs/Captains. One Firefighter retired after twenty years of service. The Budget and Finance Committee report included the acceptance of the December 2025 financial report, and a discussion on potential tax liabilities for non-profit entities like Royal Oaks and Banner Boswell Hospital. Under Legal and Insurance, Resolution 26-0127A to adopt 2024 International Codes Local Amendments for fire and life safety codes was approved. Operational reports for December 2025, covering fire department incidents and ambulance operations, were presented. The EMS division reported on training, EPCR enhancement, and provided an update on Treatment in Place (TIP) calls, noting a discussion regarding the 3% fee assessed for credit card payments. Resource Management included approval for the purchase of a new EMS cargo van not to exceed $55,000. The Fire Marshal reported that the department achieved the top national ranking for compliance by Brycer. Community outreach served 257 citizens in December. Unfinished Business involved a report on the cost breakdown for sending recruits and Recruit Training Officers to academies. The Chairperson announced his intention not to seek re-election.

The meeting began with the approval of the November 18, 2025 Board of Directors Board Meeting Minutes under the consent agenda. Special recognition was given to several individuals. The Fire Chief reported on the auxiliary's successful fund drive and a letter of appreciation received for an employee. The Budget and Finance Committee presented the November 2025 financial and bank reconciliation report, which was accepted, and the 2025 auditor's report, which resulted in an unmodified opinion, though the Sun City Fire Firefighters Relief and Pension Fund due remains an issue. Under Legal and Insurance, revisions to Sick Leave, Personal Leave Time, and Vacation Leave policies were accepted, specifically increasing the annual cash-in limit for sick/personal time and changing termination payout for sick leave to 100%. The West Valley Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) for apparatus sharing was also accepted. Updates were provided on the 2025 PSPRS fund evaluation and expected Prop 207 payment. Reports covered Fire Department Operations and Ambulance Operations for November 2025, including EMS documentation training and grant awards. Resource Management reports included updates on new vehicle projects, PPE replacement, and facility maintenance. The Training Division reported on completed tactical training, upcoming academy graduations, promotional processes, and the enhancement of the Peer Fitness Training Program. Public Education/Community Outreach reported on volunteer hours, citizens served, and inspections completed. Fire Prevention reported on construction inspections and noted no formal fire investigations for November, along with updates on large community projects. As new business, the Fire Chief was tasked with preparing a report on the cost of firefighter recruit training relative to attrition. Public comments included updates on local apartment/road projects and details about upcoming toy drives and a golf tournament.

The meeting addressed several key areas including committee reports and operational updates for October 2025. The Budget and Finance committee presented the financial and bank reconciliation report for October 2025, which was accepted by the board. The Legal and Insurance committee received approval to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) related to Firefighter Cancer Screening. Operational reports were provided for fire department incidents, EMS/ambulance operations, resource management (covering new vehicles, PPE, and facility maintenance), and training activities including updates on recruit classes. Public Education/Community Outreach reported 63 volunteer hours for October and that 657 citizens were served, with lock box installation scheduled through mid-December. The Fire Prevention section detailed construction inspection summaries and noted six large community projects ongoing in the Sun City District and three in Youngtown.

The agenda for the meeting includes the Call to Order, Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance, and Invocation. Key discussion areas are structured across several sections. Under the Consent Agenda, the Board is scheduled to review and approve the Minutes from the November 18, 2025, meeting. Committee reports cover Finance (including financial reports, bank reconciliations, and acceptance of the 2025 auditor's report), Legal and Insurance (including revisions to leave policies and an Intergovernmental Agreement for apparatus sharing, plus updates on PSPRS and Prop 207), Fire Department Operations, EMS/Ambulance Operations, Resource Management (fleet and facilities reports), Training, Public Education/Community Outreach, and Fire Prevention matters. New Business includes a discussion item on the cost of sending a firefighter to a recruit academy. A section for Public Comments is reserved, followed by a report from the United Sun City Firefighters Association.