BLOUNT COUNTY FIRE & EMS ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 1, 2018 MEETING DALTON MOSS LODGE – PALISADES PARK

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jon Head. Assistant Chief Mel Wade gave the invocation. The following member organizations were represented: Allgood, Blount County Rescue Squad, Blountsville, Brooksville, Dallas-Selfville, Holly Springs, Locust Fork, Mt. High, Murphree Valley, Nectar, Oneonta, Pine Mountain, Remlap, Ricetown, Rosa, Royal, Snead, Susan Moore and West Blount. EMA, Forestry, STV-Blount, BREMSS, Blount EMS, Red Cross and District Attorney were also represented. 9·1·1 Board Member Chief Bob Sanford was also present. 34 people signed the attendance sheets.

GUESTS – District Attorney Pamela Casey sponsored the meal and thanked all departments for the assistance given to the citizens of Blount County as well as to her office. Meredith Smith of the Alabama Public Television network spoke on her organization’s efforts to attract and improve adult education through GED opportunities and also training in specific trades for adults.

Chairman Head asked for the approval of the minutes of the October meeting. Motion by Chief Payne, seconded by Chief Coleman, and carried by voice vote. The Financial Report was approved by a motion from Captain Tuck, seconded by Chief Sanford, and carried by voice vote.

COMMITTEE REPORT

CHAIRMAN – Chairman Head asked for prayers for Chief Gilbert and Chief Booth as they were currently both facing health issues. There was no AAC report as the Committee had not met yet for the month. Firefighter Chance Payne was recognized as Firefighter of the Year for his heroic rescue (twice) of the same individual from a structure fire.

EMA – EMA Director Don Roybal reported that the Fuelman for FY19 is set at $50000. DHS grants are awaiting approval. A Winter Weather Exercise will be held at the EOC on Nov. 7. On Nov 15 at 8:30 there will be an Active Shooter Table-top Exercise at the Courthouse. Don introduced Mike Mitchell who spoke on Hamcram which is designed to help you obtain your Ham radio operators license on Friday, Nov 9.

9·1·1 – No report.

COMMUNICATIONS – Chief Payne announced that Ken Campbell and Brandon Horton are looking into a repeater trunking system. They are working on a portable tower so they can carry to different test locations.

TRAINING – Training Officer Tim Frye, Jr said there was a need to order books in December for a HAZMAT curriculum and that other books needed to be upgraded in the lending library.

FIRE PREVENTION – No report.

EXPLORER POST – No report.

FORESTRY – Ranger Kenneth Cain advised that the Forestry Commission is revamping their emails and a new phone system will be in place soon, phasing out the OTELCO land line.

A percentage of the county funding has been restored to Forestry by the County Commission.

SPECIAL OPS – No report.

ST. VINCENTS BLOUNT – Michelle Adamson reported that there will be an Active Shooter drill at STV-Blount on Nov 16 and a Mass Casualty exercise in May, 2019. The cardiac rehab unit has seen 56 local patients and the tele-med program is working great.

BREMSS – Mike Minor reminded all that the BREMSS banquet will be Nov. 13. The next SEMCC meeting will be at Clanton and cover protocols. Several training opportunities include a BLS Instructor course Monday, Nov 5; PALS Instructor Dec 3; and NCCR the end of Dec/early January.

BLOUNT EMS – Operations Manager Weslie Powell announced that they had completed ACLS training. PALS, ITLS, NCCR and EVOC training will be coming. Email for training information or questions. Weslie thanked all departments for their support when specific lift assistance has been requested.

LAW ENFORCEMENT – No report.

STATE FIRE MARSHALL – No report.

CORONER – No report.

DISTRICT ATTORNEY – Earlier statements.

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

ALABAMA FIRE COLLEGE – Chief Willis advised that the 160 course may change due to NFPA requirements. If you need the mobile Burn Trailer, make your request through Mike Hill. The Alabama Fire Chiefs Conference will be February 5-8 with an ISO seminar on Feb 5.

Reed Vaughn will be sending out a survey to all VFDs asking about training that departments want to see offered through the Fire College.

RED CROSS – Kim Maynor reported that the communication system between 911 and Red Cross for emergency calls is working well.

VOAD – Don asked all interested to attend the next VOAD meeting on Nov 13 at EMA. There is still a need for a volunteer coordinator.

GOOD & WELFARE – No report.