SOURDOUGH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT MINUTES

January 20, 2003

The regular monthly meeting of the Sourdough Rural Fire District was held on January 20, 2003 at the Fire Station on 4145 South Third Road, Bozeman, Montana. Chairman Kraft called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. All Trustees and Chief Crandell were present; no members of the public attended.

The minutes of the regular December meeting were presented. Geddes moved for approval; Dayhuff seconded. Passed and placed in the record.

The Treasurers Report was presented. The trustees reviewed the report. Geddes moved for approval of the report and warrants > $300. Bachman seconded. Passed and placed in the record. Geddes noted receipt of a $200 donation from the Kahn family and will write an acknowledgement and thank you note.

The Trustees noted that the position held by Trustee Larimer will expire in May 2003. Larimer consented to submit a nominating petition for reappointment to this position. Secretary Bachman will notify the County Clerk.

(Bachman neglected to present a draft resolution of election to the Trustees. The following day he contacted Trustees by e-mail. Resolution 2003-1 was approved by each trustee and submitted to the County Clerk. This resolution (included in the record) sets the election date as May 6, 2003. The terms of Kraft and Geddes will expire at that time. The election will also be held to fill the unexpired term (May 2004) of Harper which has been filled by Larimer through appointment. Petitions for these trustee positions must be turned into the County Clerk no later than February 20. Notice of election has been posted in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.)

Chief's Report: (Included in the record) Chief Crandell presented photographs of the new trucks during assembly, which are included in the record. The Cottonwood Station construction is proceeding very well. The non-burn training facility should be completed by 1 Feb. The phase two specs will go out to qualified contractors next week. The 911 situation was presented and discussed. The board (through consensus) expressed continuing interest and concern in 911 dispatch performance, and directed the chief to monitor and report at the next meeting.
The board discussed the Rae Fire Service Board structure and our governance and operational relationship through the interlocal agreement and facility sharing. The two department cross function as one unit operationally for the mutual benefit of their respective customers. Chief Crandell also explained that the proximity of the new station will bring some structures currently served by Gallatin Gateway, within our service area. He will propose an interlocal agreement with GGRFD to formalize our mutual aid response within this area.
Trustee Geddes expressed interest in examining staff and member compensation packages. This compensation would be oriented to ease the time burden of administration and as direct repayment for expenses incurred by the members in the performance of their duties. Further discussion will be generated as the Governance Policy and Department Manual is developed.

Trustee Larimer presented the Draft Sourdough Fire District Governance Policy that was compiled by Kandy Rose from input at the January 2 work session. A clean copy of the Draft Policy is included in the record. The Board reaffirmed the Mission Statement: "The SFD exists to provide offensive fire suppression, rescue and emergency medical capabilities, and general assistance to the residents of the Sourdough Community." Discussion of "Ends" (Goals) and "Means" (Objectives) ensued and continued for about 1 hr. Randy will compile the initial discussion points and circulate by e-mail. Trustees will respond and comment by e-mail for discussion at the next meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 PM

Approved February 17, 2003