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SOURDOUGH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT MINUTES The regular monthly meeting of the Sourdough Rural Fire District, held at the fire station, was called to order by Chairman Dave Kraft at 7:35 PM. Except for Don Bachman, all trustees were present. Chief Crandell was in attendance and member Tim Taheri joined the meeting at approximately 9:30 pm. Minutes of the April 21 meeting were presented. Dayhuff moved for approval; Geddes seconded. Passed and placed in the record. The treasurer's report was presented. Geddes moved for approval of the report and to sign warrants > $300; Dayhuff seconded. Passed and placed in the record. Geddes noted the 2003-2004 budget is due in the county financial offices by May 23rd. He will submit a preliminary budget pending notification from Gallatin County regarding final value of our mil levy. The Chief's Report and Run Report were presented and entered in the record. Chief Crandell led a discussion of progress on the Cottonwood Station. Phase I which includes erection is underway and will be completed in early June. Phase II which includes utilities and interior work will be contracted over summer. Several contract options are being explored and a contractor search is under way. A preferred plan would be to have a qualified individual assume the role as general to sub out specific tasks. The chief discussed alternative plans for truck assembly. Approximately 30 minutes of discussion followed. The board empowered the chief to explore all possibilities. The chief noted RAE trustee Dave Lucas would be returning to town shortly, and his evaluation of the situation will be solicited. The board would like a report from Lucas as soon as possible. The chief concurred. The chief and noted significant improvements to the web site. Trustee Larimer presented the completed Governance Policy, adopted at the regular April meeting. Kandy Rose’s roe in this process was again acknowledged, with all members singing her praises. Trustee Larimer informed the board of our receipt of a grant awarded from Northwest Energy to install solar panels at the Cottonwood Station. Trustees Larimer and Bachman will keep the board informed of progress in this regard. The board thanked Larimer and Bachman for spearheading the grant process. At the suggestion of Trustee Dayhuff, the board moved into a "future goal discussion" focusing on staff recruitment and retention. The board agreed to invite an “expert’, selected by the chief, to make a presentation at the regular July meeting. Member Tim Taheri joined the discussion. After seven years of service, Taheri is leaving in June to pursue other opportunities on the East coast. The board expressed their appreciation for his valued leadership and efforts on behalf of the SRD. The board asked Trustee Bachman to include time in the June Agenda to formally recognize Taheri’s long and outstanding contributions to the department. The board engaged in an informal “exit interview” with Taheri.
The board was particularly interested in what it might do to lower the
costs (in the broadest sense) for members to serve. Taheri expressed
his satisfaction with the efforts the board had taken to date to provide
quality equipment and to set high standards. The board found this 40
minute discuss very helpful considers this item to be a high priority. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 PM. Submitted and approved June 16, 2003 |