Mohawk Valley Rural Fire Protection District

The meeting covered several operational areas. Key discussions included the Emergency Preparedness Group meeting with the Safe Center regarding evacuation procedures. The Financial Report for May 2025 was reviewed, highlighting considerations for tax deposits, summer shift workers, dispatch services, staff grant income, fire prevention supplies, and Life Flight annual membership. The Fire Chief's Report detailed activities such as a Multi County meeting on mutual aid, involvement with the OSFM grant committee and a Defensible Space meeting concerning a new application, and preparation for the upcoming fire season. The Training Division Report covered drills, onboarding a new student firefighter, setting new hour requirements for out-of-district volunteers, and organizing equipment. Old Business focused on project and grant updates, including securing a Three Rivers Foundation grant for radios, applying for an ASPIRE grant for a drone, and initiating the Station 4 seismic grant project. New Business confirmed that all incumbents seeking re-election were returned to office. The Board also planned to review policies impacting new shift hires at the next session.

The meeting included a review and approval of the Financial Report for December 2025, noting that fire protection contracts were mostly in, utility costs were decreasing due to LED lights, and all conflagration reimbursements were received. The board approved a resolution to transfer contingency funds and discussed the potential renovation of an antique fire truck for the 2027 anniversary. The Fire Chief's Report highlighted assistance with hiring an emergency manager for Lane County, the completion of the toy drive for the S.A.F.E Center, and aid provided during a recent windstorm and flooding event. The Training Division reported on obtaining several certificates and completing ongoing onboarding. The Maintenance Report noted the completion of annual engine services and the successful certification of the district's first licensed drone pilot. Under Old Business, updates were provided on grants, noting the closure of the Three Rivers grant and the status of the Seismic grant research. Under New Business, the board approved Jeff Litle's reappointment to the budget committee.

The meeting included a discussion of correspondence, including thank you letters and information about an SDAO conference. Updates were provided for the Emergency Prep Group, noting a radio meeting scheduled for January 16th. The Financial Report highlighted that the general fund is higher than the previous year due to the final California conflagration reimbursement being received, and the Chief is commencing budget work. The Fire Chief's Report detailed meeting with the new Director of dispatch, initiating a toy drive for the S.A.F.E Center, and the acquisition, policy development (using EPD's policy as an example), and initial deployment of a new drone with six designated operators. Training highlights included three drills and an end-of-year review issuing 24 certificates. Maintenance reviewed programming for new BK Radios, an oil issue with pump 1451, and a quote for Cintas supplies. The Chief also provided an update on mutual aid, which recently resulted in saving a life. Under Old Business, project updates included the drone project status and awaiting news on the Seismic grant, noting Station 3 still needs LED lighting. New Business covered registration for SDAO classes, the Chief's application to the Incident Management Team (IMT) with potential time away of up to 14 days, and planning for the Budget Committee Vacancy, which the board aims to fill before March. Discussions off-agenda involved clarifying policies around staff/volunteer gifts for the award banquet, with plans for the volunteer association to manage purchases and plan the banquet.

Key discussions during the meeting included a low turnout for the community emergency preparation meeting and the formation of a working committee. The financial report highlighted several expenditures, including general fund withdrawal, grant expenditures, equipment repairs (ladder, suburban tires), and insurance reimbursement. The Fire Chief's report noted increased call volume compared to the previous year and detailed maintenance activities such as organizing the tool bench and performing warranty work. Old business addressed grant applications, noting the seismic grant is proceeding with construction soon, and delays in a full refurbish project for a vehicle box. New business centered on the proposed sale of a surplus engine to Alfalfa Fire, with a motion made to proceed with a contract at a purchase price of $50,000. The board also discussed plans for a July 4th celebration organized by the volunteer association. Furthermore, two resolutions were approved: Resolution 2022-06 to reallocate unanticipated revenue from the General Fund to specific operational funds, and Resolution 2022-07 to transfer Contingency monies to cover expenses like fuel, legal services, and audit costs. Finally, a new board member, Amy Stephens, was appointed and sworn in, and Matt Peterson was introduced as the new Training Officer starting July 5th.

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics. Key discussion items included a review of the financial report, updates on budget preparations and health insurance rates, a staff report covering fire and driveway inspections, and the ongoing records retention project. The board reviewed updates on the seismic grant and discussed strategies for future planning and volunteer retention. New business included a discussion on transferring the emergency preparedness group to the community, the approval of two resolutions concerning salary and contingencies, and the adoption of mutual aid agreements with neighboring fire districts. Additionally, the board reviewed takeaways from the SDAO conference regarding board training and financial transparency.