BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 5, 2019 MEETING STV-BLOUNT
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon Head. Don Roybal 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, Ricetown, Rosa, Royal, Snead, St. Mountain, Summit, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, 9·1·1, Forestry, Special Ops, STV-Blount, BREMSS, Blount EMS, Law Enforcement, Coroner, Air Evac, Alabama Fire Marshall, Alabama Fire College and VOAD were also represented. 41 people signed the attendance sheets.
GUESTS – Greg Brown and Lisa Morton reported on several accomplishments of STV-Blount. There were no clinical findings in a recent review and a retail pharmacy is expected on site in 30 days. Bill Stevens represented DryTech Fire Services.
Chairman Head asked for the approval of the minutes of the August meeting. Motion by Chief Reed, seconded by Assistant Chief Benson, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Co-Captain Baril, seconded by Assistant Chief Walker, and carried by voice vote.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CHAIRMAN – Chairman Jon Head gave an update on Ken Edwards as he recovers from a stroke. Ken sent word that his motor skills are improving and he is “at 50%”. The August AAC report showed 828 total calls for a 91.1% compliance rate. The next meeting is Monday, October 7.
EMA – Director Don Roybal reported that the August Fuelman was at 115% of monthly budgets. He is working with the Alabama Fire College to complete the scheduling of the ICS 300/400 class.
9·1·1 – Director Neal Brooks advised that there were 740 calls run through Dispatch for August.
COMMUNICATIONS – 911 is taking control of the microwave system between the Palisades and Smoke Rise repeaters. Chief Miller will contact Sheriff Moon to ask for lift assistance from deputies if they are in the area where fire department crews need assistance.
TRAINING – Rosa will host an EMT class in January. Station 12 will host A&O Aerial, the Mobile Burn Trailer and Ropes Training. There is interest in a county-wide Active Shooter training.
FIRE PREVENTION – No report.
EXPLORER POST – No report.
FORESTRY – Forester Matt Tucker reported that the S130/S190 Wildland Fire class was complete. Matt needs a complete tag roster from every department by December.
SPECIAL OPS – No report.
ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – No additional reports.
BREMSS – Brian Gober announced the BREMSS banquet will be November 19. He asked that all transport companies report a hospital destination before leaving a scene. The next SMECC meeting will be November 4 at Orange Beach. Brian is now full time at BREMSS and Dr. Ferguson is the Medical Director.
BLOUNT EMS – Operations Manager Weslie Powell advised that several training classes have been approved. Check their website for details. BEMS received a grant for pediatric transport gear and will be receiving stair chairs soon. He reminded the membership that only licensed providers can cancel air transport units once a request has been made.
LAW ENFORCEMENT – Sheriff Mark Moon reported that the department is conducting trauma training for BCSO personnel. He thanked all departments for on-scene assistance given to deputies.
STATE FIRE MARSHALL – Investigator Fred Cochran said although he is based in Blount County he may be in other state-wide locations on any given day. The SFM office now has drone capabilities. When securing a fire scene for the SFM it is not necessary to maintain a presence at the scene overnight but rather secure with it scene tape.
CORONER – Coroner Lynn Sweatman thanked all for scene assistance. He is working on plans to improve the office situation and add needed equipment.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY – No report.
LIFESAVER – No report.
AIR-EVAC – Julie Ward had no report.
RAMS – Eric Ramon asked that you please call if you need anything from RAMS. They now carry blood products.
ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – Mike Hill announced that Fire College weekend is October 3-6.
RED CROSS – No report.
VOAD – Chairman Larry Stone reported that they had met with the State VOAD group. The next VOAD meeting is October 8 @ 1000 @ EMA.
GOOD & WELFARE – No report.
OLD BUSINESS:
The Oneonta Christmas parade is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10.
Fair booth work schedules were confirmed. The only booth theme will be firefighter recruitment.
NEW BUSINESS:
A Nominating Committee was appointed for 2020 officers along with FF of the Year, EMT of the Year and Dispatcher of the Year. The Committee consists of Chiefs Ivey, Johnson and Reed.
There was a discussion to separate the duties of the elected Secretary/Treasurer due to the expansion of the workload over the past decade. The separation will be divided down the lines of clerical work duties (Secretary) and financial work duties (Treasurer). As this will require a change in the By-Laws, the motion can be made along with discussion but the vote to approve or disapprove will be held at the next meeting. Chief Hill offered a motion to separate the duties of the Secretary/Treasurer in to two officer positions with Assistant Chief Benson bringing a second. Discussion followed and a vote will be called at the October meeting.
Shane Wilson of Mt. High Department won the drawing for the TV from DryTech Fire Services.
The next meeting will be October 3, 2019 at Rosa Fire Department. The meal will be at 6:30 sponsored by Rosa Fire Department.
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Jon Head, Chairman