Steve Keable

The board meeting addressed several key areas, including a discussion about the levy and the possibility of increasing the levy amount to address funding gaps for the new station. Training opportunities were discussed, including an EMR class offered at Lane Fire Authority and potential micro grants for wildland training certification and general training. The financial report was reviewed, with a focus on reserve, checking, and donative funds. There was also a discussion about keeping a separate ledger for rebuild expenses. Additionally, potential infrastructure funds available through Lane County and the possibility of using a grant writer through McKenzie CDC were mentioned.

The board discussed the Blue River Station rebuild, including the advertisement for bids and septic test results. They also discussed an AFG Grant for SCBAs and alternative funding options. The board accepted Amy Otoupalik's resignation and the recruitment of a new part-time Administrative Assistant. The Fire Chief's annual performance review was conducted, and the board requested information on the budgetary impact of a salary increase. Financial and Chief's reports were presented, covering account balances and alarm responses. The board also discussed defining sick leave, vacation time, and FTE for the next meeting.

The board discussed the Blue River Station rebuild, including the schedule with Pivot, the RFP, and surveying. There was also discussion regarding a plot of land and the levy that passed. The board discussed budget reserve concerns. A motion was made to give the Building Committee authority to move ahead making decisions leading to the advertisement of the building. The board discussed grants, including a proposal to put the Cedric Hayden Critical Infrastructure grant money into the pot for rebuilding the station. The OSFM Staffing Grant was also discussed. The board also discussed evaluations in December. The financial report was presented, and the Donative Account was discussed and approved to be closed. The Chief's report was attached.

The board meeting addressed several topics, including updates on the Blue River Station rebuild, Pivot meeting report, and the Summer Seasonal Staffing Grant. Open season burning was extended, and there was a discussion about posting minutes and agendas. The board also discussed grants, including the Cedric Hayden Critical Infrastructure Grant and the SDIS Safety and Security Grant. The School Fire Prevention Program and training updates were reviewed. The financial report was presented, including reserve, checking, and donative account balances. A budget was approved for a volunteer banquet, and the possibility of dissolving the Donative Account was discussed.

The Board discussed raising the Chief's salary by the cost of living increase, revisions to the Pay Policy, and possible investments for the Reserve Fund. They also discussed the AFG Grant Report for SCBAs and a new air compressor, community involvement, the Budget Committee, the Paid Family Leave Act, and Fire Chief Plews' Cost of Living Pay Increase. The balances as of December 31, 2022, were reviewed.