BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 2017 MEETING HAYDEN COMMUNITY CENTER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon Head. Doug Smith 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, Rosa, Royal, Snead, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, BREMSS, Blount EMS and the Alabama Fire College were also represented. 9·1·1 Director Caleb Branch and Board Member Chief Sanford were also present. 37 people signed the attendance roster.
GUESTS – Blount County District 2 Commissioner Mike Painter, District 3 Commissioner Dean Calvert and District 4 Commissioner Nick Washburn were present. Each expressed their appreciation for all that the membership does. Commissioner Painter stated he is looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone. The meal was provided by West Blount Fire & EMS District.
Chairman Head asked for the approval of the minutes of the January meeting. Motion by Chief Willis, seconded by Chief Smith, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Chief Ledbetter, seconded by Assistant Chief Robertson, and carried by voice vote.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CHAIRMAN – Chairman Jon Head reminded all departments that are in the Workers Compensation program to turn in their rosters so the annual audit can be prepared. Also, Health Care Authority invoices can be submitted to EMA. Quotes will be accepted until March 31, invoices accepted until May 31. ALS departments will receive an additional $875.00. The 1st Responders Task Force meetings are being planned. Be sure to look for specific times for your areas. The AAVFD meeting information was emailed out earlier. (See attached).
EMA – Director Don Roybal updated the situation on the current grants and training information. VFD Grants have been sent to State EMA; no Blount County departments were approved under the ALEA Grant requests; EMA and the County Commission received a
$10000 CAWACO grant to update the outdoor warning system. The new system should be in by April and will be based on NWS polygon warnings and the appropriate sirens will be set off within those boundaries. CSX is offering free tanker training at their yard in Tarrant. This is one day training offered over several days, Feb. 21, 22 & 23.
9·1·1 – Director Caleb Branch added that each department will need to train the citizens in their coverage area on how the new siren system will work. He also announced that the EMT Academy was going good with 17 students and reminded all that the text and page rosters for each department can be edited if needed.
COMMUNICATIONS – Chief Frye reported that Chief Payne and the committee are still working on some issues on the communication plan. Radios are eligible for Health Care Authority reimbursement. nAll departments need to complete communication training every two years and all new members need to be in a class as soon as possible. Con-Ed hours are available for communications training.
TRAINING – Training Officer Tim Frye, Jr. advised that the Fire College Burn Trailer will be at Mt. High on Saturday, Feb. 11. Block 4 of the Blount County 160 class which is Hazmat A&O will start Feb. 27. Station 92 will host Fire Officer I training and Chief Hill needs numbers for those interested.
FIRE PREVENTION – The Fire Fighter Camp dates are tentative at June 20-22. It was requested that a school and a host department on the west side of the county was preferred. Chief Booth and Assistant Chief Ellison will make the contacts to get the school counselors advised so they can push the program.
FORESTRY – Forestry Project Specialist Terry Helms advised that the landfill checks are being processed. Federal Surplus Property inspectors will be in the area soon to inspect any loaned equipment. Terry asked that everyone make sure that all vehicles have a copy of the insurance coverage in each vehicle at all times.
SPECIAL OPS – Chief Willis had no report.
ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – No report.
BREMSS – Joe Acker cautioned about the use of air transport when it may not be needed. Some agencies are being sued for excessive bills for using air transport. When it is necessary, get it, but don’t use it as a substitute for ground transport when it is not needed. Protocols are set up for limited use of spine boards. STV-Blount is a Level 3 Stroke Center. CEUs will be posted on the BREMSS website. There was a recent report of a 9-hour wall time at one facility. Joe advised that you use your resources that are close by when available. UAB has set a new destination policy in that if a patient meets certain criteria, they will be carried to UAB-Highlands, which includes any orthopedic needs.
BLOUNT EMS – Tammy announced that she is doing refreshers. A CPR class will be at Station 65 on Feb, 18 and Station 8 will host an EVOC class. She also advised that State ALS inspectors are in the area.
AMED – No report.
LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.
CORONER – No report.
STATE FIRE MARSHALL – No report.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY – No report.
ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – Area Representative Mike Hill announced that Blount County met AFC training goals last year and have started out good for 2017. The goal is 25 classes held in the county coordinated through the Fire College. Mike asked that you let him know what kind of training you would like to see.
LIFESAVER – No report.
AIR-EVAC – No report.
RED CROSS – Gabbie Rhett has transferred to a new position. Red Cross has requested that all excess smoke detectors be turned in so they can complete their inventory. If you still need units after that, they can be available if requested through their system.
GOOD & WELFARE – No report.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Head reminded that 2017 Association dues are delinquent after April 1.
Chief Willis highlighted the recent Alabama Fire Chiefs Conference in Tuscaloosa. He thanked the Commissioners for making financial contributions for registration fees. There were a total of 312 people in attendance which is one of the largest turnouts ever. Blount County was represented by 10-12 people which placed Blount higher than any other county per capita which is important because Blount County is also near the top in per capita fire deaths.
Chief Booth has Explorer Leadership applications that must be completed if you are involved in an Explorer Post through your department.
Chairman Head appointed an Explorer Post Committee consisting of Chief Hill, Chief Sanford and Assistant Chief Edwards.
NEW BUSINESS:
The June Fling will be June 3 from 0900 – 1600. Station 12, 14 & 80 will take the 0700-1100 shift; Station 6, 75 & 92 will take the 1100 – 1600 shift.
911 Director Caleb Branch suggested setting up a possible Tanker Strike Team that would activate under a specific CAD event such as “Structure Fire” where a text would go to a specific group for tanker support for neighboring departments. More information on set up and feasibility will follow.
Chief Willis highlighted several fire-related bills that are pending for this legislative session. The Diesel Exhaust Bill would only affect paid departments and the Sprinkler Bill is back up for discussion.
Chief Tim Crowe of Altoona Fire has TYATFP stickers available.
The annual Blount County/Oneonta Chamber of Commerce banquet will be March 21 at World Outreach. Chief Hill brought a motion to purchase a table for $250 for 8 attendees. Chief Willis offered a second and the motion passed with a voice vote.
Jamey Bishop was introduced as the new Fire Chief at Dallas/Selfville.
|
||||||||||||||||
The next meeting will be March 2, 2107 at the Blountsville American Legion Post. The meal will be at 6:30 sponsored by the Town of Blountsville and the Blountsville Business Association.