THOMAS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES BOARD
BOARD OF
DIRECTOR’S MEETING
JANUARY 19,
1999
CITY HALL
CONFERENCE ROOM
Present: Roy Campbell Mayor, Earl Williams Commissioner, Josh Herring Chairman for Thomas County Board of Commissioners, Jim Miller Commissioner
Staff Present: Bruce Woods Executive Director, Scerrell Suber EMS Director, Joe Cole Acting Fire Chief, Don Allen Training/Arson, Captain Bill Eddings, Tommy Layton E-911 Director
County Staff: Mike Stephenson County Manager, Bruce Warren County Attorney
City Staff: Chip Watt City Attorney
Others Present: Mark Brannan WPAX, John McClune Ryder/MLS
Mayor Campbell asking Commissioner Earl Williams to lead the members in prayer opened the meeting.
Minutes of the January 5, 1999 meeting were approved. The motion to approve was made by Josh Herring and seconded by Earl Williams.
Mayor Campbell made a suggestion to table the election of the new Thomas County Emergency Services Board Chairman. Earl Williams made a motion to postpone the election. Josh Herring seconded the motion. The election will be held at a later date.
Review of the
Proposed Legislation:
Mayor Campbell asked Bruce Warren to explain the draft to the members. Bruce Warren presented the proposed legislation to the board. After the presentation Chip Watt asked the following questions:
· Could the name TCESB be changed to “Authority” verses “Board”?
· The language on the proposed legislation needs to be specific regarding how the assets would be returned to each governmental entity in the event the TCESB is terminated.
Bruce Warren responded to the first question. The proposed legislation is a “vehicle” to allow the TCESB powers and duties but the legislation is not creating an authority. The second question raised much discussion between board members, Bruce Warren and Chip Watt. It was determined that the need for essential public safety functions will not cease in the event the TCESB is terminated. In the event of termination of TCESB, assets will be returned to the governmental entity that is providing the service. Mayor Campbell and Josh Herring directed Bruce Warren to include the language that clearly communicates how the assets are to be returned to each governmental entity if the TCESB is terminated.
Bruce Woods asked if it is the board’s desire to expand the TCESB powers under Section IV of the proposed legislation. Bruce Woods asked the board if they envisioned that the TCESB be able to set fees, adopt/enforce life safety codes, and has the power to dispose of surplus equipment. It was determined by the board that the TCESB should have the power to dispose of surplus equipment and set/collect fees for services outside of the scope of regular core services such as fees for reports and water flow tests. The county and city would retain the responsibility to set fees, adopt/enforce life safety codes.
Mayor Campbell and Josh Herring directed Bruce Warren to reflect the changes discussed and have the legislation draft ready for the Thomas County Commissioner’s meeting on January 25, 1999 at 6:00 PM and the City of Thomasville Council meeting on January 26, 1999 at 5:00 PM.
Bruce Woods gave an overview of the contract negotiations with Ryder/MLS. John McClune with Ryder/MLS was present at the meeting to answer any questions that the members may have about the contract. Bruce Woods stated that the county shop costs were not correct. A new budget amount for maintenance has been projected through an analysis of past costs and current equipment. The most beneficial procedure for entering a contract with Ryder/MLS would be for the TCESB to be a department within the city and operate through the city’s current contract. This would be beneficial due to the fact that the older vehicles can be included. The volunteer apparatus could be repaired on a non-contract basis for a cost of $16.40 per hour. Mayor Campbell asked John McClune if the contract included fuel and tires. John McClune stated that tires are included but the fuel is not. Bruce Woods stated that he has spoken with a mobile company in reference to supplying fuel/fluids to the stations. Mayor Campbell questioned Scerrell Suber as to the amount spent on repairs in 1998 for EMS vehicles. Scerrell Suber stated that approximately $9,000.00 was spent for repairs and that amount did not include labor costs. Mayor Campbell asked Bruce Woods to continue the contract negotiations with Ryder/MLS for the department’s maintenance needs.
Review of Capital
Budget:
Bruce Woods reviewed the proposed capital budget plan and mentioned three areas of immediate discussion:
· What is the existing debt for the TCESB
· Ambulance purchase
· E-911 dispatch equipment problems
Bruce Woods stated that earlier in the day he spoke with Tommy Layton in reference to a meeting with a representative from Bell South. The representative stated that the current ANI/ALI system is in fact digital and should be Y2K compatible. This information solved many unanswered questions and significantly reduces the cost of upgrades to the E-911 system. The estimated amount to upgrade the E-911 system is approximately $69,031.00 for software. The current E-911 system can utilize the (800) technology if it is updated. The current console was installed in 1992 and the cost savings for not purchasing the new equipment would be $250,000.00.
Additional costs projected for the 1999 Capital budget were discussed as follows:
· Upgrades to current facilities would be more cost effective than building a new facility. It is estimated that the current facilities could have additions with living areas, bath areas and dormitories for approximately $25,000.00 each.
· Relocating E-911 to City Hall is estimated to cost $10,000.00 to accommodate.
· A ladder truck with a minimum of 100ft’ ladder tower is needed.
· Expansion into county with dual services would require the purchase of new fire trucks. The current fire trucks are out dated and in poor condition therefore, this would cause a higher cost in maintenance.
Bruce Woods stated that the EMS could be updated quickly and inexpensively. This would allow the ambulances to cover Fire Zone #3. The $250,000.00 saving of updating the consoles can be utilized by increasing services. At the next TCESB meeting Bruce Woods will formulate a plan to incorporate priorities into the cash adjustments from the E-911 funds.
Josh Herring stated that he would like to show the citizens of Fire Zone #3 that we are providing coverage to them. In addition, he feels that the prospect of updating the current facilities is cost effective and a good idea. Bruce Woods stated that the Boston and Ochlocknee stations could be manned at this time. He has estimated that the updating of the stations would take (2) to (3) months. It has been planned to send firefighter-first responders to the stations to cover fire calls and medical emergencies until a rescue unit could arrive. Six fire fighters have been assigned to Tanker 1 for major fires in the county. A scheduled priority is the cross training of the staff in March and April. Don Allen will conduct a heavy training program during that time.
Josh Herring questioned the Volunteer Chief’s meeting and how it is progressing. Bruce Woods stated that the meeting went very well and the group is corresponding positively. The morale of the volunteers is not good at this time. They want the protective clothing that they have asked for. Captain Eddings stated that the city morale is good. The concerns of the city employees are the questions involving benefits and retirement. They want clear answers to their concerns.
Mayor Campbell requested a private non-formal meeting with the board members and the executive director to come to conclusions on major issues involved in the 1999 Capital Budget. A luncheon will be held on February 11, 1999 at 11:00 AM to discuss and resolve the issues.
Josh Herring made a motion to enter into an Executive Session to discuss personnel issues. Earl Williams seconded the motion. Present in Executive Session was elected officials and the Executive Director. No action to report. Mayor Campbell made a motion to reconvene the meeting and Jim Miller seconded the motion. After reconvening no further discussion was held.
Mayor Campbell made a motion to adjourn the meeting seconded by Earl Williams.
At this time there is no scheduled date for the next TCESB meeting.
The meeting was adjourned.