BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF MAY 4, 2017 MEETING LOCUST FORK COMMUNITY CENTER

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon Head. Chief Tim Frye gave the invocation. The following member organizations were represented: Allgood, Bangor, Blount County Rescue Squad, Blountsville, Brooksville, Cleveland, Dallas-Selfville, Holly Springs, Locust Fork, Mt. High, Murphree Valley, Nectar, Oneonta, Pine Mountain, Remlap, Ricetown, Royal, Snead, St. Mountain, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, STV-Blount, BREMSS, Blount EMS, AMED and Coroner were also represented. 9·1·1 Director Caleb Branch, Operations Manager Neal Brooks and Board Member Chief Bob Sanford were also present. 49 people signed the attendance sheets.

GUESTS – Billy Atchison of Sun Belt Fire sponsored the meal and thanked everyone for letting him be part of the Blount County Fire Family. He highlighted his equipment line including air packs and breathing apparatus. Blount County District 3 and District 4 Commissioners Dean Calvert and Nick Washburn were also present.

Chairman Head asked for the approval of the minutes of the April meeting. Motion by Chief Payne, seconded by Chief Frye, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Chief Frye, seconded by Assistant Chief Robertson, and carried by voice vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CHAIRMAN – Chairman Head recognized a couple of milestones for 2 Chiefs. Chief Booth celebrated a birthday and Chief Willis and Marcie were married earlier that day. He also reminded everyone of the May 31 deadline to submit HCA reimbursement invoices. Chairman Head covered some updates on the Ambulance Advisory Committee actions up to this point:

·       AAC has met twice

·       Goal is to provide quality EMS service on a timely basis

·       AAC is reviewing resource data and trip history

·       Comments can be submitted by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Captain Steven Tuck of the Blount County Rescue Squad was recognized and asked to give a detail of their capabilities as well as equipment they have that can assist other departments during any incident.  They can help assist all departments at any time with a variety of skills and specialized equipment. Ken Edwards highlighted information from the recent District II Forestry meeting.

EMA – Deputy Director Avery Gibbs reminded all departments of the need to provide EMA a list of out-of-county neighboring departments that would respond in mutual aid.  There needs to be MOUs on file for these departments that would respond. The new outdoor warning siren software will be installed soon that will automatically warn and set off sirens for those sirens located in the affected polygons as detailed by the National Weather Service. CSX training will be held on one night during the weeks of July 17, 24 & 31. It was decided to request the training for multiple nights at1800 on July 17, 18 and 20. Attendance of only one session is required if interested.  Fuelman use was at 99% of budgets for April.

9·1·1 – Director Caleb Branch announced that the drone has been ordered and will expect delivery in late June.  The current EMT Academy graduated 6 new paramedics.

COMMUNICATIONS – Chief Payne suggested tabling this item until more interest was generated by other departments.

TRAINING – Training Officer Tim Frye, Jr. advised that the FF II class has started. The Alabama Fire College is offering certification classes for volunteers that might fit different hours of availability.  St. Mtn has an on-going EMT class with 10 students.

FIRE PREVENTION – Chief Booth updated the Firefighter Academy for the dates of June 20 – 22 at Hayden High School. The school will provide breakfast and lunch for the students who attend. There is still a need for financial support and other donations. The following departments have committed resource & personnel support:

STA 7-12-14-28-72-84-93 & AMED

EXPLORER POST – Chief Booth reported the Billy Curtis of the BSA wants to meet to discuss who would fill the role of Advisor for the Association’s Post.

FORESTRY – Forestry Project Specialist Terry Helms advised that Forestry Grant checks and possibly landfill checks will be available at the June meeting.

SPECIAL OPS – Chief Willis had no report.

ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – Kira Schnittker announced that the new Administrator for STV- Blount is Greg Brown.  Dr. Brian Valentine is the now over Medical Control.

BREMSS – Joe Acker delivered BLS PCRs for those departments needing them and some will also be stored at the EMA office. He asked that everyone check the BREMSS website for instructor courses.  Joe also thanked those individuals who work at their professions.

BLOUNT EMS – Shawn Gregory asked that if you have any questions, let him know.

AMED – Tammy Pierce reported that there will be two BLS ambulances staged in Oneonta 24/7 to assist with the workload.

LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.

CORONER – Coroner Mark Vaughn had no report.

STATE FIRE MARSHALL – No report.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY – No report.

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – There were some concerns about the lack of representation from the Fire College Regional Coordinator for Blount County departments. Chief Booth will pass on these concerns to the AFC administration.

LIFESAVER – No report. AIR-EVAC – No report. RED CROSS – No report.

GOOD & WELFARE – No report.