SOURDOUGH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT MINUTES
November 18, 2002

The regular monthly meeting of the Sourdough Rural Fire District was held on November 18, 2002 at the Fire Station on 4145 South Third Road. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 by Chairman Kraft. All trustees were present. Others in attendance were Chief Brian Crandell, Supporter President Kandy Rose, Belgrade Fire Trustee Gil Moore and RAE Fire Trustee Dave Lucus. Members of the Public were Keith and Jean Johnson (left after by-law discussion item) and Jack Harper (arrived after chief's report).

The minutes of the regular October meeting were presented: Larimer moved for approval, Geddes seconded. Passed, and placed in the record.

The Treasurers Report was presented: The trustees reviewed in detail. Bachman was asked about the collateral demand made by 1st Security Bank regarding the new fire trucks acquired through the $750,000 line of credit loan. He has talked with Lee Chase of the bank and agreed to produce the titles to the vehicles when they become road worthy late in the spring. Bachman reported that he had not received the amended title of Eng. #7 which had been surrendered as collateral at the time of the loan signing. He was directed to contact Lee Chase and retrieve the title with the lien holder amendment. Geddes moved for approval; Larimer seconded. Passed and placed in the record. It was noted that Scott will deliver the financial report to the station trustees box a few days prior to the regular meeting so the trustees can review prior to the meeting.

Chief's Report: Chief Crandell related details of the Balsam Drive structure fire and the Stucky Road double-wide fire. Both were life threatening for the occupants. Our team provided exceptional service. Report placed in record.

Distinguished Service Award. Retired trustee Jack Harper, was presented the SFD Distinguished Service Award compiled and prepared by Kandy Rose, recognizing his long service as a volunteer and later, trustee and secretary.

Recess: A short recess as taken to consume some of the goodies provided by Kandy Rose in honor of Jack. Chief Crandell circulated the Scott Heat Imaging System now SOP for Sourdough/Rae, for inspection by the trustees and public.

Strategic Vision Challenges; visions and opportunities: Pete initiated discussion as to the future direction of SFD. This grew out of the Trustee training session presentation by Kandy Rose last month. Chief Crandell was asked to lay out some priorities beyond the on-going district planning and implementation program. Brian's main points are: 1. Prevention of harm, through education and sprinkler installation in new construction; 2. Interface preplanning and defensible space programs; 3. CERT program expansion (example of Grace Bible Church congregation ERT). Potential hazardous circumstances in addition to fire and EMS are Hyalite Dam Failure electronic warning system and chlorine release potential from Bozeman Water Treatment Plant. The trustees decided to devote 30 minutes per regular meeting to this agenda item. Next meeting's topic will be trustee's expression of their expectations for the department.

Trustee's activities: Pete has provided and electronic version of the 1997 by-laws. Chris Grey (attny) is reviewing for potential revisons. Pete arranged of renewal web services from Mtconnect. Order confirmation in record. Don will attend the 11/26 GalCoComm meeting to support annexation of the 3-Trees Ranch property. Don reported on interest of Crested Butte (Colorado) Fire Protection District in considering purchase of Eng. #7 when available. Brian will provide photos and specs for communication to Chief Ems of CBFPD.

Action Plan Implementation: Pete discussed the committee of two and two (C2+2) of Sourdough and Rae meeting to select contractor proposal for the Cottonwood Road station project. Notes of the committee meeting in record. Ground-breaking should be on Wednesday 11/20/02. The weather is forecast to remain mild (for this time of year) and dry for the next 2 weeks.

Public Comment: Belgrade Fire Trustee Gil Moore stated that mutual aid with the valley fire districts was working well. He hoped that SFD would continue to support the state-wide Fire Districts Association.

Other Business as Warranted and further discussion: Brian asked that the SFD support the Valley Fire Alliance initiative asking the County Commissioner to approve the fire protection plan for new subdivision planning and construction. Pete and Brian will draft a letter to all boards to individually support this initiative through written communication with the commissioners.

In response to a question from the Trustees, Brian outlined concerns with the county 911 dispatch service. There have been two recent dropped calls documented within the Sourdough District jurisdiction. Other deficiencies involving management, structure, and technical operations were noted. The Trustees collectively and for the record, expressed deep concern with the allegations presented by Chief Crandell and directed him by consensus to provide a detailed report of the situation and results of his efforts to initiate reform of the system.