Scott Breeze

The regular board meeting included the review and acceptance of the December 2025 minutes and the Treasurer's report, which detailed account balances as of December 31, 2025. Bills for December were approved for payment. The Chief's report noted the acceptance of a resignation, the recommended promotion of a Firefighter/Paramedic to full-time status, updates on intern progress, the scheduled Appreciation Dinner, and the status of a new door lock system installation. The Chief also highlighted several pending legislative bills that may impact the Fire District's operations (HB 105, HB 220, SB 44, HB 37, HB 206). The Board accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 financial report and authorized the Board Chair to sign a contract for a replacement grant writer. No reports were provided by the Budget, Building, or Investigative Committees, and no old or new business items were presented.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several items following the call to order and roll call. Key discussions included the acceptance of the November 2025 Secretary's report and Treasurer's report, showing substantial balances in various accounts as of November 30, 2025, and the subsequent payment of November bills. In the Chief's Report, the biennial promotional process was completed, leading to the acceptance of the 2025 Promotional List. Furthermore, two probationary members, FF/EMT Chris Huster and FF/MED Brad Oeffler, were approved to move to the active roster, and the contingent appointment of Seth Garnett and Lacee Tyson as Academic Interns effective January 1, 2026, was approved. The District also received notification of an upcoming Public Education award from the Northern Kentucky Firefighters Association for its Citizens Fire Academy program, and the date for the Appreciation Dinner was set for February 6, 2026. Committees on Budget, Building, and Investigative matters reported no findings.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the acceptance of the Secretary's report and Treasurer's report, as well as the payment of bills for October 2025. The Chief's report recognized newly hired full-time personnel and those who graduated from training programs, noted that Lieutenant Congleton returned to full-duty status while Firefighter/Paramedic Cozadd remains off work post-surgery, and confirmed the completion of the Station 1 kitchen remodel. A significant recommendation was the approval to purchase five LifePak 35 cardiac monitors for $233,665.00, with delivery and payment deferred to mid-2026 to secure the current pricing. It was also reported that Truck 460 is out of service for radiator replacement and other maintenance. Funds received from the sale of retired equipment were noted, and details for upcoming community events like the Independence Christmas Walk and Breakfast with Santa were shared. A board member also expressed thanks for the department's assistance following a recent car accident.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the election of officers: Bill Eggleston as Board Chair, Pat Cook as Treasurer, and Adam Wilson as Secretary. The Treasurer's report detailed account balances totaling $4,945,509.99 as of June 30, 2025, and bills for June totaling $103,581.81 were approved for payment. Under the Chief's Report, the results of the District Board member election were noted, and Pat Cook's reappointment was confirmed. A new ambulance order was placed, and Regency Manor achieved compliance regarding fire inspection violations. Authorization was granted for Chief Breeze to sign a memorandum of agreement for the Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) program. Several personnel changes were approved, including moving five individuals to the active roster, approving the retirement of Firefighter/Paramedic Laura Maines, and hiring Cory Garnett as a full-time Paramedic. Equipment surpluses included a treadmill and a 2006-01 pickup truck, and approval was granted to purchase a replacement vehicle up to $60,000. A tax hearing was advertised for August 4, 2025, which resulted in moving the August Board meeting to the same date.

The Board of Directors meeting included several key discussions and actions. The Treasurer's report detailed account balances as of July 31, 2025, and the payment of bills for July was approved. The Board accepted the recommended committee appointments for 2025-2026. A public tax hearing was held where the tax rates for real and personal property were set. Updates were provided on the ongoing installation of the new media/conference system and a discussion regarding the Ryland Heights Fire District. The Board approved bids for two capital projects: the demo and replacement of kitchen cabinets and countertops at Station 1, to be completed by W. Stephens Cabinetry and Design, and the installation of a new door locking system at all stations, awarded to Gravity Technology Solutions. Additionally, the Chief was authorized to execute a statewide emergency management mutual aid and assistance agreement. The retirement of Lieutenant Sean Fortney, effective August 31, 2025, was accepted, and Sean Barth was approved for promotion to Lieutenant effective September 1, 2025. A brief recess was taken to finalize the meeting minutes.