SOURDOUGH RURAL FIRE DISTRICT MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING APRIL 18, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Kraft at 7:45 PM. Trustee Geddes was absent, all others present in addition to Chief Crandell and COC Rose.

• The Consent Agenda containing the financial report for April and warrants > $500 was presented. Larimer asked that future entries shown as labor be indicated as contract payment to reflect the actual nature of the transaction. Bachman moved for approval and Larimer seconded. Passed and placed in the record.
• Regular Agenda: The minutes of the March meeting was presented. Dayhuff moved for acceptance and Larimer seconded. Passed and placed in the record.
• The Chief's operating and run report (for March) was presented and placed in the record. Notable items include overnight staffing of the Cottonwood station, pending purchase of water tender and continued training. The recent fatal fire in Gallatin Gateway was discussed. Thus far in April there have been 29 responses from Sourdough/Rae. Earlier today, the 9 – 12” of wet snow caused power failures in portions of the district including Anderson School and Cottonwood Station. Firefighters provided drinking water (bottles) and positioned the RAE tender to provide flushing water. Trustee Larimer will follow up with Principal Schofield on contingency planning for future responses. The back-up solar power system at Cottonwood performed in specifications seamlessly providing door opening and emergency operating power. Back-up generator provided full power after some hesitancy. The power outage lasted about 6 hours. Service improvement will accrue from the donation of a 1996 Suburban as a command and staff vehicle by Trustee Pete Geddes. Bachman was directed to write a thank-you letter on behalf of the district.
• Unfinished business: Critical needs assessment. Focus was on deteriorating 1965 water tender, and purchase of used replacement from one of several sources. An on-site assessment and oil analysis will be performed before purchase of selected vehicle. To help with the purchase the county will be asked to release impact fees which amount to $6683, at last calculation in April financial report. District Assessment outreach: Larimer reported that district residents he contacted are supportive of the trustees in their effort to provide service but are themselves, reluctant to devote special time to assist in assessing a mill-levy increase proposal. Outreach efforts will continue. The chief presented the Facilities and Apparatus Update Project paper containing annualized mill-levy costs and assessment levels for consideration. Placed in record.
• New business: Review of Policy for members approaching board. The chief reported that counsel was continuing to work on the draft of this policy. It will be circulated prior to the May meeting where it will be considered.
• In response to the needs assessment and agreement for replacement of the water tender, the availability of impact fees is considered to help meet this need. Larimer moved and Dayhuff seconded a motion to direct the County Treasurer to release all available impact fees collected for the District, and authorized Chief Crandell to present himself to receive those fees. Motion passed.
• Trustees activities : Bachman has received the budge request from the County and will turn over to Geddes for development. The Oath of Office was received by Dayhuff and Bachman to be sworn and notarized for records of the Clerk and Recorder Office. They will serve as appointed from May 3 2005 until May 6, 2008.
• Announcements : None
• Public comment : Kandy Rose offered to facilitate greater District public participation in the needs assessment outreach. On behalf of the Trustees, she will develop a Governance Policy response calendar for action over the course of the regular meeting schedule. The Trustees thanked her for the continuing service she provides to the District.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 P.M.

Submitted for approval at the regular meeting of May 16, 2005