BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF MAY 3, 2018 MEETING

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH – DALLAS/SELFVILLE

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon Head. Joe Ray Dailey gave the invocation. The following member organizations were represented: Allgood, Bangor, Blount County Rescue Squad, Blountsville, Cleveland, Dallas-Selfville, Holly Springs, Locust Fork, Mt. High, Murphree Valley, Nectar, Oneonta, Pine Mountain, Remlap, Ricetown, Rosa, Royal, Snead, St. Mountain, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, BREMSS, Blount EMS, Coroner and Red Cross were also represented. 9·1·1 Director Caleb Branch and Board Member Chief Bob Sanford were also present.  43 people signed the attendance sheets.

GUESTS – John Wilson with NAFECO sponsored the meal and thanked all departments for their business. NAFECO is celebrating their 50th year of business and offers all equipment from gloves to apparatus. A new facility will soon be opened to increase their uniform capabilities. The meeting was advertised as a political forum for all candidates but none were present.

Chairman Head asked for the approval of the minutes of the April meeting. Motion by Chief Hill, seconded by Chief Willis, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Chief Gilbert, seconded by Chief Booth, and carried by voice vote. One correction to the financial report was noted, only Brooksville has not paid their annual dues at this time

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CHAIRMAN – Chairman Jon Head recognized Caleb Branch who reported that the monthly AAC report stood at a 94+% of on time ambulance runs. The next AAC meeting will be Wednesday, May 9 with an additional focus on air ambulance calls. Vice-Chairman Ken Edwards discussed briefly the AFC District II meeting (see attached) with the most important item as the law regarding use of flashing lights on a private vehicle which is illegal. Workers Compensation rosters need to be submitted now for the annual audit from those departments participating. Chief Willis reported on the recent Career Day program for all Blount County 10th graders. The Fire Service had lots of exposure and many students who stopped to talk had family involved in the Fire Service.

EMA – Director Don Roybal announced that Blount County would not be eligible for potential disaster money from the March storms.  Fuelman usage was at 111% of monthly budgets.

9·1·1 – Director Caleb Branch reported that there is an AT&T app for a push-to-talk option for Fire 1. He encouraged all Chiefs to update their notification lists with the 911 Center. If you have personnel that would like to sit in with a dispatcher shift, notify the Center for arrangements. If any department needs any additional reports, let Caleb know. He thanked all departments for providing food during Telecommunicators Week.

COMMUNICATIONS – Caleb advised that the mobile communication tower was repaired and operational with the exception of one item. The Committee is in contact with Representative Palmer’s office concerning a grant for communication equipment.

TRAINING – Block 4 of the West Blount 160 class starts the week of May 7. A Mobile Water Supply class will be held on May 4 at 1800. The weekend of May 5-6 will be Fire College weekend at Springville.

FIRE PREVENTION – Chief Booth announced that flyers are printed and they are still pursuing donations. Apps for student registration are on the Education Foundation website. There are applications for adult volunteers from Chief Booth. The Academy will be held 0800-1500 each day with 80 students signed up.

EXPLORER POST – No report.

FORESTRY – Forester Matt Tucker had AFC Grant Checks available.

SPECIAL OPS – Chief Willis had no report.

ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – No report.

BREMSS – Brian Gober reported that Joe Acker retired with Michael Minor assuming most of Joe’s duties. NARCAN will be available through the District Attorney’s office and will be distributed to volunteer departments first at 3 units per department.

BLOUNT EMS – Weslie Powell has been appointed the Operations Manager for Blount EMS. EMS Week is May 20 and BEMS & 911 have joined to co-sponsor a Basic EMT class for 40 people. Brent Dierking added that he is working with the AAC to ensure BEMS is meeting the contract requirements.

LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.

CORONER – Lynn Sweatman thanked all departments for their support and help on his scenes.

STATE FIRE MARSHALL – No report.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY – District Attorney Pamela Casey was attending the Sheriff candidate political forum.

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – Chief Booth advised that Alzheimer training is offered on-line through the Fire College. Contact AFC rep Mike Hill. Many departments acknowledged they are using the on-line con-ed training opportunities.

LIFESAVER – No report. AIR-EVAC – No report. RAMS – No report.

RED CROSS – Kim Maynor reported that the National office dispatch center will notify the local Red Cross responders when they are needed on a scene.

VOAD – Don Roybal said that VOAD Coordinator Nicole Singleton will have a booth at the June Fling in conjunction with EMA.

GOOD & WELFARE – No report.