Thursday, September 15, 2005
(Audio Replays of the meeting are available upon request)
A regular meeting of the Wake County Fire Commission was held on Thursday, September 15, 2005, 7 p.m., in the Wake County Commons Building, Carya Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina. Ms. Ann Suggs presided as chair and called the meeting to order.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
The following members were present: Chief Scott McCollum, Chief Tony Mauldin, Ms. Sue-Lynn Hinson, Chief Chris Wilson, Ms. Ann Suggs, Mr. Billy Myrick, Mr. Dewey Poole, Chief Tom Vaughn, Senator Vernon Malone, Mr. Lucius Jones, Mr.Michael Fletcher, Chief Mike Cooper.
Members absent were: Chief Paul Dunwell, Chief Rodney Privette, and Commissioner Harold Webb
Mr. Lucius Jones gave an invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon motion of Mr. Billy Myrick, seconded by Mr. Dewey Poole, the Fire Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the July 21, 2005, regular meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Medical First Responder Committee Recommendation
Dr. Brent Myers opened discussion of the Medical First Responder Committee recommendation. Mr. Don Gardner of Wake County Emergency Medical Services provided a presentation on the Committee’s recommendation to transition to the state’s Medical Responder certification and on the continuing medical education process. Fire Commission members were concerned about the impact of the state certification on volunteers. Staff from Wake EMS confirmed that assistance will be available to fire personnel to achieve the state certification.
Dewey Poole made motion to adopt the new policy and move forward with it. After a second by Chief Tony Mauldin, the motion passed unanimously.
Fire Service Long Range Business Plan update
Fire Apparatus Update
Chief Tom Vaughn provided an update on the Apparatus Committee. Chief Vaughn informed the Fire Commission the committee is moving forward to recommend extension of the pumper/tanker bid for an additional 12 months.
Facility Update
Mr. Billy Myrick provided an update on the Facility Committee. Fire/Rescue Director Raymond Echevarria informed the Fire Commission that he is updating information related to Western Wake Station #2 and Cary. Raymond Echevarria presented a Capital Improvement Form created by the committee. This form will be used to identify requested capital improvement projects and allow explanation of the project to bring before the Facility Committee. Upon motion of Chief Tom Vaughn, seconded by Mr. Lucius Jones, the Fire Commission unanimously adopted the Capital Improvement Form as presented.
Staffing Update
Mr. Dewey Poole provided an update on the Staffing Committee. Pablo Escobar informed the Fire Commission that he is now gathering data to see how many man-hours are used in each department. The forms are being sent out to each fire chief and the deadline to return the information is October 7, 2005. Catherine Clark informed the Fire Commission that the compensation plan provides for a market survey to be completed every three years, and it is time to complete the survey. Upon motion of Chief Tony Mauldin, seconded by Chief Tom Vaughn, the Fire Commission voted unanimously to begin the market survey, authorize Catherine Clark and the compensation committee to use up to a maximum of $5,000 to engage a compensation specialist to conduct the market survey, and to first ask Wake County Human Resources to conduct the survey before hiring an outside specialist.
Fire Commission Rules of Procedure
Raymond Echevarria reviewed updates to the Rules of Procedure. Upon motion of Mr. Billy Myrick, seconded by Chief Scott McCollum, the Fire Commission unanimously accepted the Rules of Procedure as revised.
OPEN BURNING ORDINANCE
Raymond Echevarria reviewed a revised ordinance amendment to regulate open burning. Upon motion of Mr. Dewey Poole, seconded by Chief Mike Cooper, the Fire Commission voted unanimously to recommend the proposed ordinance amendment to the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
SMALL VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS – ROAD TAX COST
Raymond Echevarria informed the Fire Commission that the Fire Commission’s previously approved motion to pay up to $3,500 for lights, lettering, siren, etc., did not include the road tax cost. Mr. Billy Myrick motioned for the $3,500 that was approved previously to be used for what it was intended to be used for, and if there are any funds left over, those funds will go towards the road tax cost, and if there are no funds left, the County will reimburse up to the actual cost of the road tax, and for the County to pay 100% of the road tax cost on the large vehicles. After a second by Mr. Dewey Poole, the motion carried unanimously.
OTHER OLD BUSINESS
Chief Scott McCollum inquired about the alphanumeric pagers and if the pagers can be ordered. Chief Mike Cooper motioned for the Budget Office to support purchase of pagers for replacement of damaged pagers and provide pagers for new members, and for the Budget Committee to handle the details. After a second by Chief Tom Vaughn, the motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
Fire Commission Appointments (2) to EMS Education Committee
Raymond Echevarria informed the Fire Commission that two representatives from the Fire Commission are needed on the EMS Education Committee. After discussion, the Fire Commission agreed to solicit interested persons from each regional representative, to forward those names to Chair Ann Suggs, and for the Chair to appoint the Fire Commission representatives.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Turnout Gear Committee
Raymond Echevarria informed the Fire Commission that bids from eight companies were received for the turnout gear. The committee is meeting Tuesday to begin evaluating the proposals and bids and draft a recommendation.
Chair report
No report.
Fire/Rescue Services Director Report
Raymond Echevarria informed the Fire Commission that an e-mail has been generated by Chief Williams about computers in fire trucks. Mr. Bill Scanlon has agreed to facilitate a feasibility study to put computers in fire trucks.
Other Business
No other business.
Public Comments
No public comments.
Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Wake County Fire Commission is scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 2005.