ADOPTED 10/5/1999
Time:
4:30 PM - 5:40 PM
Location:
Wake County Commons Building, Carya Drive at Poole Road
Present:
Yevonne Brannon, Wake County Commissioner
George Mills, North Region/Primary
Phil Mitchell, South Region/Primary (via telephone)
A.C. Rich, North Region/Alternate (arrived at 4:50 PM)
Ned Perry, Citizen/Consumer
Charles Sannipoli, Citizen/Consumer
Tom Vaughan, East Region/Primary
Ray Echevarria, Director-Fire/Rescue Division
Absent:
Cloyce Anders, External Facilitator
Max Ashworth, Citizen/Consumer
Ed Brinson, West Region/Primary
Tony Chiotakis, West Region/Alternate
Ken Farmer, South Region/Alternate
Blaine Parks, Citizen/Consumer(Alternate)
Rodney Privette, East Region/Alternate
Nancy Schwarm, Citizen/Consumer
Bill Stevenson, President of Firemen's Association
Bonnie Woodruff, Citizen/Consumer
Topic:
Discussion & Summary of Topics:
Meeting Called to Order:
The meeting was called to order at 4:45 PM.
The following handouts were distributed:
- Draft of "Proposed" Municipal Contract
- Draft of Memo prepared by Ray Echevarria reference Update on Fire Protection Issues and Fire Commission Activities
Public Comments:
No public comments.
Adoption of Minutes:
Motion to adopt 5-18-99 minutes waived until fall meeting.
Opening Remarks:
Ray recognized and welcomed Mr. David Cooke, Deputy County Manager, and Mr. Tim Lanier, Interim Public Safety Directory.
OLD BUSINESS:
Discussion and Consideration of Proposed Fire Contract:
Ray opened the discussion by stating the Contract & Performance Subcommittee meeting had been very productive and a draft of the revisions for the proposed contract had been mailed out to Wake County Fire Commission members. There were two outstanding issues:
1. Collection Fees
2. Overage Moneys
Chief Mills questioned the wording of paragraph number three.
Paragraph number three was then changed to reflect:
Any fire protection service tax district revenues collected annually in excess of the approved total appropriations shall be maintained in a separate account by the County. The Wake County Fire Commission shall make recommendations to the County for distribution of these revenues. The Wake County Board of Commissioners will issue final approval of distribution.
It was then questioned when monthly payments would be received.
Ray advised he had spoken with Stan Wood of Finance, and Mr. Wood advised that it would be the last day of the month.
Mr. Mills asked if the first payment would be received July 31, 1999.
Ray stated that is correct.
Paragraph number two was then changed to reflect:
A separate fund shall be maintained by the County for the funds collected as a result of the service tax district (after deducting 2.5% for collection and functional support). Funds will be paid in equal monthly payments to said Fire Department on the last day of each month.
Ray commented that paragraph number four had been changed. If departments want to take advantage of County services to save money, they may do so.
Ray also commented that paragraph 16, subsection I, which pertains to fire station construction / renovations, was added.
After discussion, paragraph 16, subsection I, was changed to reflect:
The Wake County Fire Commission shall make recommendations on new fire station locations and major renovations to the Wake County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners shall approve all new fire stations and major renovations financed utilizing service tax district funds. Major renovations include renovations of existing fire stations which exceed $100,000 in total cost.
Mr. Sannipoli commented that he was concerned with the wording in paragraph 14. Does not believe it is rational to maintain a rating if funding is cut.
Ms. Brannon stated that if this affects a department, then that department should make its case before signing the contract.
Chief Vaughan commented to change to fire department will make best effort to maintain rating.
Mr. Perry suggested fire department is expected. If they do not, then we will look at the circumstances.
Mr. Sannipoli suggested to change to best faith effort.
Ray stated that a possible concern for the County is the County is expecting departments to maintain ISO ratings. May be diluting County's ability to have department maintain ISO rating.
Mr. Sannipoli suggested that if a department decides not to maintain ISO rating, then it will affect funding.
Chief Vaughan commented that ISO is not something that can be fixed in 90 days.
Mr. Sannipoli then questioned what ISO do you want departments to have.
Ray commented to keep current rating.
Mr. Sannipoli stated that that is no incentive to improve.
Ray stated that we need to define level of service. The Wake County Fire Commission needs to work to define level of service. Does not feel this should be in the contract. If a situation is beyond a Fire Department's control, this will be taken into account.
Mr. Perry stated concern that we are boxing in the County.
Ms. Brannon stated a good compromise is expected. Failure to maintain ISO rating will be addressed.
Ray suggested changing to fire department shall make a good faith effort as originally suggested by Mr. Sannipoli.
Chief Vaughan questioned what if a department should lose ISO rating.
Ms. Brannon stated if rating lost, addressed by the Fire Marshal and recommendation to Wake County Fire Commission, and then to Board of Commissioners.
Chief Mills then stated concern that County has a goal. How is that communicated if it is not in the contract. How is it communicated to departments. If it is a goal, then it needs to be in the contract.
Ms. Brannon stated she believes it should be in next year's contract. Work on recommendation for next year.
Ray stated there is a need for more discussion and thought on level of service.
Chief Mills questioned who's goal is it and who sets it.
Ms. Brannon expressed the goal should be set outside the contract.
Ray commented that we do have the ability to make amendments to the contracts.
After discussion, paragraph 14, was changed to reflect:
The Fire Department shall make a good faith effort to maintain its current rating, or better, with the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and the Insurance Services Office, Inc. as well as its present nonprofit corporation status pursuant to Chapter 55A of the North Carolina General Statues. The Fire Department shall continuously comply with all applicable laws, ordinances and regulations. The bylaws of the Fire Department shall have reasonable provisions enabling citizens of the District to participate in the affairs of the Fire Department, as determined necessary by the Fire Department Board of Directors. Cases in which a fire department loses or receives a reduced rating will be examined by the Wake County Department of Public Safety, Fire/Rescue Services Division. The Wake County Public Safety Fire/Rescue Director shall make a report to the Wake County Fire Commission containing recommendations for corrective action.
Mr. Perry moved to adopt.
Ray asked to see those in favor. All members present approved. Chief Vaughan called Chief Mitchell by telephone, and Chief Mitchell also approved.
Motion approved.
Chief Vaughan stated there had been a lot of work by a lot of people. Looking forward to taking the summer off and work on other issues when we meet in September.
Discussion of Memorandum to Board of Commissioners:
Ray referred to the handout of the Draft memorandum Update on Fire Protection Issues and Fire Commission Activities. Would like to have memorandum finalized and distributed to Board of Commissioners by Monday. If you have any additions or revisions, please let me know.
Ray was questioned when changes would be made to contract and he stated changes would be made tomorrow.
Chief Robert Pearce, Wake-New Hope Chief, expressed concern over Wake County Fire Commission not meeting during the summer months. Asked how this would affect request with the Planning Subcommittee.
Ray stated the Planning Subcommittee will continue to meet during the summer to prepare report for Wake County Fire Commission.
Mr. Perry stated it would be helpful if Chief Pearce would prepare a letter and let him know how long a meeting would take. The Planning Subcommittee will be working throughout the summer months. Is unsure of meeting dates.
Ray stated there will be no other Wake County Fire Commission meeting this month.
Ray also mentioned the need to discuss couple of options for additional revenue distribution. Could be done on the front end or wait until end of year.
Mr. Sannipoli questioned if this was the same as Mutual Aid money.
Ray stated that Mutual Aid funding is eliminated for FY 99-2000.
Chief Vaughan stated that we are talking about spending money we do not have yet. Leave until end of year and as emergencies come up for departments, then distribute on an as needed basis.
Ray commented that we are unable to take action tonight. Give this thought and vote on this issue at the September meeting.
Ms. Brannon stated this could be something the Budget Review Subcommittee can look at.
Ray then moved to go over a couple of proposed meeting dates for fall meetings.
Chief Mills commented the dates deviated from the rules established by the Wake County Fire Commission.
Ray stated that he would send out a survey to all members to see what is the best date for September.
Meeting Site and Date for the Fall Wake County Fire Commission Meeting:
To be determined.
Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 5:40 PM.