The following members were present: Commissioner Phil Jeffreys, Chief Paul Dunwell, Chief Tony Mauldin, Mr. Billy Myrick, Chief Ron Roof, Chief Tom Vaughn, Mr. Jeff Frazier, Ms. Cathy Lohr, Captain David Price, Ms. Ann Suggs, and Chief Rodney Privette.
Members absent were: Chief A.C. Rich, and Mr. Buddy Scarboro.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon motion of Ann Suggs, seconded by Jeff Frazier, the Fire Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the May 15, 2003, regular meeting.
Upon motion of Chief Ron Roof, seconded by Captain David Price, the Fire Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the June 30, 2003, special called meeting.
Budget / Fire Tax Financial Report
Ray Echevarria provided a financial report on the fire protection service tax district. No action required.
Station Location / Apparatus Replacement
Ray Echevarria provided an update on the Fire/EMS Capital Facility and Equipment Study. Draft report is due on July 18, 2003. No action required.
HEERY Report – CIP Prioritization
Mr. Myrick provided an update on the HEERY implementation plan development. HEERY is developing proposal to begin design work and preliminary key milestone dates are established for implementation of the report's repair recommendations. No action required.
COMPENSATION STUDY
Catherine Clark began discussion of Wake County Fire Compensation Administrative Guidelines. Fire Commission discussed administration merit pay for employees with salaries that are at the top of or exceed maximum for pay band. Upon motion of Chief Ron Roof, seconded by Mr. Billy Myrick, the Fire Commission approved the following motion:
Send option 2, merit bonus, to committee to include in the compensation administrative guidelines.
The motion passed on a vote of 8 – yes, 1 – no.
Fire Commission then discussed certification requirements for various positions in the compensation system. Upon motion of Chief Tom Vaughn, seconded by Mr. Billy Myrick, the following motion failed:
For the positions of Fire Captain, District Chief, Deputy Chief and Fire Chief, delete the requirement for Fire Instructor and for Fire Officer I and II certifications.
The motion failed on a vote of 3 – yes, 6 – no.
Upon motion of Cathy Lohr, seconded by Jeff Frazier, the Fire Commission approved the following motion:
Send the entire document of administrative guidelines back to the committee for additional review and make necessary corrections.
The motion passed unanimously.
The Fire Commission discussed salary guidelines for new employees hired from outside Wake County. Upon motion of Chief Tom Vaughn, seconded by Mr. Billy Myrick, the Fire Commission approved the following motion:
Delete last sentence of paragraph 2, page 4.
The motion passed unanimously.
Traffic Light Control
Ray Echevarria provided an update on traffic light control. An update was requested but not received by NCDOT. No action required.
Public Safety Worker EMS Fee Exemption
The Fire Commission discussed EMS fee exemption for public safety workers while on duty. Upon motion of Chief Tom Vaughn, seconded by Ann Suggs, the Fire Commission approved the following motion:
Recommend Wake County Commissioners not charge any Pubic Safety responder for ambulance bill not covered by insurance.
The motion passed unanimously.
Draft Open Burning Regulation Language
Ray Echevarria provided draft open burning regulation language proposed to be included in Wake County's code of ordinances. Fire Commission members will provide comments on the proposed language to the Fire/Rescue Division.
"No-man's Land" (Outside Protected Area) District Expansions
Fire Commission discussed proposed district expansions to a maximum of six road miles. Upon motion of Ann Suggs, seconded by Commissioner Phil Jeffreys, the Fire Commission approved the following motion:
Recommend approval of proposed districts.
The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
Service Level Committee
Dewey Poole has resigned from Fire Commission. At its next meeting, the Service Level Committee will discuss Dewey's previous role as Co-Chair of the Service Level Committee. Ann Suggs continues to serve as committee Co-Chair.
Other Business
No other business was brought before the Fire Commission.
Public Comments
Chief Jimmy Keith addressed the Fire Commission regarding funding for the compensation system.
Chief George Gupton addressed the Fire Commission regarding the certification requirements in the compensation system administrative guidelines.
Chief Scottie Harris addressed the Fire Commission regarding voting of the Fire Commission.
Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Wake County Fire Commission is scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2003, at 7:00 PM.