BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF MAY 2, 2019 MEETING BLOUNTSVILLE AMERICAN LEGION POST

The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Ken Edwards. EMA Director Don Roybal gave the invocation.

GUESTS – None

Vice-Chairman Edwards asked for the approval of the minutes of the March meeting. Motion by Chief Reed, seconded by Chief Payne, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Chief Hill, seconded by Co-Captain Baril, and carried by voice vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

CHAIRMAN – No Report

EMA – Director Don Roybal introduced the new Deputy Director Ken Evans (who was unable to attend). ICS 300/400 classes were discussed. There have been 28 people sign up for the class. The earliest the classes will be available for administration will be July. Each class will be one weekend. Fuelman costs were $4740.60 while the budgeted allowance was $4166.66. Don Roybal also mentioned the 2019 Homeland Security Grant cycle, this grant has a 100% match and quick turn around. Due to the P25 Digital radio requirements, radios are not an eligible use of this grant. Don also mentioned LEPC (Emergency Ops Plan for Blount County) and looking for help.

9·1·1 – Neal Brooks announced that they have lost Lifesaver and the Rainbow City base. Met with RAMS to discuss coverages to use only 1 provider for your area as a 1st call basis. 911 will continue to use HEAR radio to communicate with Airflight through the remainder of 2019. Allowing agencies time to ensure VMED 29 has been programmed to their radios.

COMMUNICATIONS – Chief Payne informed there was no change, and that they are still working towards Mototurbo. Chief Payne also mentioned that there are no VHF frequencies in the public safety range for our area, and that they are looking for 1 more if you know of an agency that is willing to sign over their registration.

TRAINING – No Report

FIRE PREVENTION – No Report

EXPLORER POST – No report

FORESTRY – Ken Edwards discussed that Forestry is changing the tag list. They will need signed rosters supplied by the fire chiefs.

SPECIAL OPS – No Report

ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – No Report

BREMSS – Brian Gober announced that EMS week is May 19-25. On April 1, Dr. Robbins retired as the Regional Medical Director and has been replaced by Dr. Will Ferguson. EMS C transport grants (20) were all awarded. TCC is installing FirstNet and Nextel Linc communications. Brian also mentioned that a HA instructor course is coming

BLOUNT EMS – Operations Manager Weslie Powell announced that May 11 A-EMT NREMT skills test will be held and St. Vincent’s Blount and is looking for proctors. Blount EMS had an extremely busy month with 598 calls. They are also needing Full time Medics. Blount EMS also received a 92.48% compliance rating. Blount EMS is redoing demand analysis to try for additional staffing, and are also still looking at a tactical class.

LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.

STATE FIRE MARSHALL – No report.

CORONER – No report.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY – No report.

LIFESAVER – No report.

AIR-EVAC – No report.

RAMS – Discussed early activation. Do not feel pressured about canceling if flight is already in the air

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – No report.

RED CROSS – Disaster Program Specialist Debra Dolph mentioned that Red Cross is in the middle of Save a Life campaign. The next physical years starts July 1. Looking for smoke alarms for Blount County.

VOAD – Chairman Larry Stone stated that they were continuing training, shelters, and certs. VOAD will become a nonprofit organization. The next VOAD meeting will be May 21.

GOOD & WELFARE – No report.