2018-07-05 Minutes

BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF JULY 5, 2018 MEETING

PINE MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY CENTER

 

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon Head. Chief Frye gave the invocation. The following member organizations were represented: Allgood, Bangor, Blountsville, Brooksville, Cleveland, Dallas-Selfville, Holly Springs, Locust Fork, Mt. High, Murphree Valley, Nectar, Oneonta, Pine Mountain, Remlap, Ricetown, Snead, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, BREMSS, Blount EMS and RAMS were also represented. 9·1·1 Director Caleb Branch, Operations Manager Neal Brooks, Communications Officer Susan Blackwood and Board Member Chief Sanford were also present.  40 people signed the attendance sheets.

 

GUESTS – Josh Bankston of RAMS sponsored the meal. James Chapman was present and introduced John Hallman as his choice of Chief Deputy should he be elected as Sheriff. Tommy Liverett of Royal Restoration was also present.

 

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

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

CHAIRMAN – Chairman Jon Head reported on the medical issues of Chief Booth who is being evaluated for heart issues. There may be a heart valve replacement procedure scheduled in the future.  The AAC Report reflected a 95% compliance response with 2 calls running over the 30 minute response time.  There were 48 facility transfers.  Vice-Chairman Ken Edwards will attend the AAVFD Conference which will be held in Florence the weekend of July 14.

 

EMA – Director Don Roybal announced that the Department of Homeland Security grant has an application deadline of August 15.  June Fuelman usage was at 105% of monthly budgets.

 

9·1·1 – Director Caleb Branch reminded all department that text contact updates are available upon request.   There will be a Dispatcher rookie school over the next several weeks.  The new AT&T upgrade device works like a 2-way push-to-talk unit through the repeater.

 

COMMUNICATIONS – Chief Payne advised the mobile repeater tower is still under repair.

 

TRAINING – Training Officer Tim Frye, Jr reported that all student handbook materials in the Training Library are the latest versions available.

 

FIRE PREVENTION – 42 students from multiple counties attended the FF Academy which included a full complement of training subjects and formats. Many attendees are already training in limited capacities with departments.

 

EXPLORER POST – No report.

 

FORESTRY – Forester Matt Tucker introduced Ranger Kenneth Cain who is a Cleveland area resident. Matt asked that all departments with Federal surplus FEPP equipment see him concerning equipment audit updates.


SPECIAL OPS – Chief Willis announced his resignation as Chief of Oneonta Fire & Rescue Service to accept a position as the Section Chief of Training at the Alabama Fire College, effective August 1.

 

ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – No report.

 

BREMSS – Brian Gober announced two meetings – MDAC on Monday, July 9 and the Executive Committee on Wednesday, July 11.  The new protocol class is a 6-hour on-line class with test questions at the end. There were no operational guidelines presented at the last SMECC meeting and no timetable provided for their release.

 

BLOUNT EMS – Operations Manager Weslie Powell reported that the EMT Basic class was going good. They need volunteers to serve at the Extrication class to be held in August at the 911 Center.  NCCR CEU refresher courses will start in the Fall, 2018.

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.

 

STATE FIRE MARSHALL – No report.

 

CORONER – No report.

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY – No report.

 

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

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – No report.

 

RED CROSS – Any emergency response for family needs will be serviced out of the Birmingham office.

 

VOAD – No report.

 

GOOD & WELFARE – No report.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Ÿ The Fire Safety Summit will be held at the Hoover Met on July 20.

Ÿ A brief report was received from the Committee organized to research the suggested HAZMAT supply list for departments. A final suggestion list will be formed and recommendations presented at the next meeting.

Ÿ Ken Edwards will deliver the Association proxy votes at the AAVFD Conference on July 14.


NEW BUSINESS:

Ÿ Blount will host the next AFC District II meeting on July 26, with a probable location of Top Hat BBQ at Blount Springs.

Ÿ The Association needs to look at possible BREMSS Board Member changes that represent the Association.  With the resignation of Chief Willis and Tammy Pierce not working with an associated Blount agency, new Board Members may need to be appointed.

Ÿ Several departments have voiced concerns with how some homeowner’s insurance companies have not been up front with homeowners about the long-term costs of house insurance based on ISO ratings. Departments are encouraged to help educate their coverage area homeowners as to how to work with their insurance agents when discussing rates.

Ÿ Dallas/Selfville Fire Department has equipment available to move:

-        Rescue van

-        Pump

-        250 gallon poly-tank

Ÿ Departments that use the Association Workers Compensation policy coverage can expect invoices for the 2018 / 2019 policy once actual rates are finalized.

Ÿ The issuance of ALS drugs through STV-Blount may change due to a change in federal programs.

Ÿ The 2019 Health Care Authority grant request will be submitted for a total of $42500, which is level funding from last year.

Ÿ STV-Blount will request a transport ventilator through the HCA. This unit will be owned and maintained by STV-B but will be transported and returned by Blount EMS when used in patient transport.

Ÿ Christopher Garrison of Blount EMS won the TV drawing from Tommy Liverett of Royal Restoration.

 

 

 

The next meeting will be August 2, 2018 at STV-Blount Cafeteria. The meal will be at 6:30 sponsored by STV-Blount.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Jon Head, Chairman