Forest Lakes Fire Department

The Forest Lakes Fire District meeting included discussions on the Finance Committee status and the STRAP plan. Updates were provided on the review of the STRAP document sections and the Organization Chart. The board discussed sick/vacation/holiday leave policies, EMS receivables, and the potential adjustment of Chief Rodriquez's employment compensation. A motion was made to move funds into a future lease purchase account. The Firewise Grant report was reviewed, and updates were given on the Annual Audit. The Fire Chief's report included information on call volume and damage to the 1211 Attack Truck.

This strategic plan update for the Forest Lakes Fire District serves as a roadmap for its long-term direction and financial stability. It focuses on six main strategic goals: continuing Master Facilities Plan projects, upgrading rolling stock, improving non-tax revenues, rebuilding cash reserves, developing governmental relationships for financial advocacy, and identifying and developing future leadership. The plan aims to ensure the provision of comprehensive fire, emergency medical, and search and rescue services through prudent financial management, diversified revenue streams, and sustained operational excellence.

The committee conducted a third pass review of the current Strategic Plan (STRAP) 5 Year proposed FY2019-2020 and 2020-2021 budgets, based primarily on the prior year's STRAP model and the current year's budget. The committee agreed to present a proposed budget and forecast to the FLFD Board on 4-20-2019.

The Master Plan Committee meeting addressed several key areas including the evaluation of current land and buildings, assessment of repairs needed for the annex, potential partner users of the annex space, storage facilities, parking, signage, snow removal, drainage maintenance, landscaping, communication structures, future upgrades for the new fire station, long term plans for crew quarters and equipment space, a public gathering area, a fueling station, and RV hook up sites. The committee discussed the financial picture and funding constraints, including a budget line item for exterior/interior work on the Annex. They also discussed the overall timeline, breaking the effort into two phases, and a proposed charter for the committee.

The meeting included discussions on the HR Manual, Records Retention, Finance Committee Update regarding the FY 2025/2026 Budget and FY 2026/2027 Forecast, and STRAP Update Publication. The Fire Chief reported on the fire danger level and the status of outfitting the Raptor. A board member mentioned creating a spreadsheet of Board procedures.