Thursday, November 17, 2005
(Audio Replays of the meeting are available upon request)
A regular meeting of the Wake County Fire Commission was held on Thursday, November 17, 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, Ms. Sue-Lynn Hinson, Ms. Ann Suggs, Mr. Billy Myrick, Mr. Dewey Poole, Chief Tom Vaughn, Chief Tony Mauldin, Senator Vernon Malone, Commissioner Harold Webb, Mr. Lucius Jones, Mr. Michael Fletcher, Chief Mike Cooper, Chief Rodney Privette and Chief Chris Wilson.
Members absent were: Chief Paul Dunwell
Chief Tom Vaughan gave an invocation.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ray Echevarria requested the item “Fire Apparatus – Electronic Information Access”, under New Business, be moved up in the agenda due to a guest presenter at the meeting.
With the change noted and upon a motion of Mr. Lucius Jones, seconded by Senator Vernon Malone, the Fire Commission unanimously approved the agenda of the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon motion of Mr. Lucius Jones, seconded by Mr. Billy Myrick, the Fire Commission unanimously approved the minutes of the September 15, 2005, regular meeting.
new business
FIRE APPARATUS – ELECTRONIC INFORMATION ACCESS
Ray Echevarria introduced the request from chiefs to explore the implementation of providing electronic information in fire apparatus. Jon Parks, of the Wake County e-Gov Office, provided an overview of the process to determine the fire department needs relative to this project and a plan towards developing a recommendation for presentation to the Fire Commission. The schedule for this project is structured to produce a recommendation prior to the development of the FY07 budget request, if desired.
OLD BUSINESS
Medical Responder TRANSITION - Update
Don Garner provided an update on the progress towards the transition from the Wake County First Responder certification to the N.C. Medical Responder certification. Information regarding the process has been distributed to all departments and reference books/manuals that can be used to provide assistance in the transition were discussed. Training officer meetings have been scheduled to explain the program and answer any questions that departments may have.
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 that many of the pumper/tankers, tankers, and brush trucks have been delivered. The committee is moving forward to develop specifications for service/rescue trucks.
Facility Update
Mr. Billy Myrick provided an update on the Facility Committee. Ray Echevarria distributed a copy of the submitted County Commissioner agenda item to move forward with Heery Phase II work. The scope of work was reviewed by each fire chief during the development of the project scope. Don Jackowski, of Wake County Facilities Design and Construction, discussed the work included in Phase II and the bidding process. Mr. Jackowski discussed that parking lot improvements were not included in this bid, but would be addressed as part of the budgeted Phase II funding.
Senator Vernon Malone made a motion, seconded by Chief Tom Vaughan, to recommend this proposal to the County Commissioners for approval. The motion passed unanimously.
Staffing Update
Mr. Dewey Poole provided an update on the Staffing Committee. Mr. Poole discussed the VFIS death benefit currently carried by some departments. Pablo Escobar presented a collection of data regarding district demographics, staffing, and the demand for services. The data will be discussed in greater detail in future meetings.
Fire tax district – financial update
Pablo Escobar and Ben Canada provided presentations of the trends in budget appropriations and projections for FY07. Discussion followed regarding closing the gap between the projected expenditures and projected revenues.
new business
fire training strategic plan committee
Ray Echevarria provided information on a committee that has been formed to develop a strategic plan for delivery of fire training. The committee will consist of members of regional representatives of county fire departments, municipal fire departments, community colleges, law enforcement, private industry, EMS agencies, and NC DOI/OSFM.
calendar year 2006 meeting schedule
Ray Echevarria presented a proposed calendar of meetings for calendar year 2006. Meeting locations would be determined and distributed.
Committee Reports
Turnout Gear Committee
David Price presented a report on turnout gear specifications. MES-Carolinas has been awarded the bid and distribution of the gear will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Chair report
Ms. Suggs reminded everyone of the Local Government Credit Union and the services they provide.
Fire/rescue services director report
Ray Echevarria informed the Fire Commission that a draft report has been completed regarding the results of the CAD discussions from earlier meetings. A meeting will be scheduled very soon to discuss this report.
The open burning proposal previously approved by the Fire Commission was presented to the County Commissioners and several questions were raised. County staff will be meeting with the Public Safety committee and County Attorney’s Office and working to resolve the questions. A motion was made by Lucius Jones, seconded by Dewey Poole, to report to the County Commissioners that the Fire Commission proposal to support the original ordinance amendments for open burning regulation stands as recommended, with no changes. The motion passed unanimously.
Other Business
Mr. Billy Myrick inquired regarding issues relative to the 800 MHz radio system. A meeting is scheduled to discuss radio procedures and issues that have come up. Chief Vaughan requested that someone representing the Raleigh/Wake Communications Center attend a future meeting to respond to issues raised.
Chief Tony Mauldin expressed his appreciation for all the support provided to his department during the recent barn fire.
Chief Cooper asked for an update on the alphanumeric pagers. The budget committee approved the purchase of 40 alphanumeric pagers and they are expected to arrive any day.
Public Comments
Chief Gupton requested that the Fire Commission address problems at the next meeting with the 800 MHz system and the CAD system.
Adjournment
The next regular meeting of the Wake County Fire Commission is scheduled for Thursday, January 19, 2006.