THOMAS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY
Board of Directors Meeting
8/17/00
4:00 PM
Board Members Present: Chairman Earl Williams, Ervin Brock, and Roy Campbell
TCESA Attorney: Keith Allen
News Media: Mark Brannan, WPAX and Laura Cassels, Times Enterprise
Board Chairman Earl Williams called the meeting to order and opened the Board of Director’s meeting with prayer.
Ervin Brock made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 20th, 2000 Board meeting. The motion was seconded by Roy Campbell. With all in favor, the minutes were approved.
Darrell Mills with Simmons & Simmons presented the 1999 year-end audit. He stated that the audit went very well and noted only two recommendations: (1) a member of the Board should approve check registers, bank reconciliations, review financial statements and inquire about budget variances. Executive Director Smith said that this has been implemented. Ervin Brock has reviewed the records effective January 1, 2000. (2) There needs to be a deposit security agreement between the Board and Thomasville National Bank. Director Smith said that this document is in the process of being prepared by TNB and after it is presented to their Board we will be receiving it. Expected date of implementation is 8/31/00.
Earl Williams made a motion to reappoint Simmons & Simmons to perform the 2000 year-end audit next year. Roy Campbell seconded the motion. With no one opposed the motion carried.
With the passage of SPLOST, the Board has many issues to discuss. Jack Smith said that the Board members need to plan a retreat to have the opportunity to determine long- term goals. Everyone is to check their schedules and make plans for this some time between today and the next regularly scheduled Board meeting.
Jack Smith informed the Board that the binding bid package with Pierce is only in effect until September 22nd, 2000. If we proceed to commit to order new fire trucks it will take at least 3 to 6 months delivery. This needs to be considered also because there needs to be a reduction in repair expense to existing trucks. Smith recommended ordering four fire trucks and said that the Board has several financing options. Ervin Brock made a motion to order four new fully equipped fire trucks. Roy Campbell seconded the motion. All were in favor; it passed unanimously. The decision about financing will be addressed later.
Executive Director Smith presented a report from EMS with the accounts listed that have had no activity for the past eighteen months. Roy Campbell made a motion to write-off these accounts totaling $72,457.15. Ervin Brock seconded the motion. With no opposition, the motion passed. A collection plan is being developed and will be presented at the next monthly meeting.
A report of the Capital expenditures for items that the Board had approved in December 1999 to replace aged equipment was presented. There is a total of $148,685.10 remaining in landfill funds.
Jack Smith recommended that the Board purchase new vehicles for the Fire Safety and Prevention, Inspection, and Training offices. Chief Cole gave details about the condition of the existing cars. After this, Ervin Brock made a motion to purchase two new cars and one full size pickup truck. Roy Campbell seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion passed.
Director Smith notified the Board that a server and software for the Board activity need to be purchased. The Computer and software’s approximate cost is $5,000.00. With no dissention within the Board Smith will proceed with the purchase.
Chief Joe Cole reported 965 calls for the year 2000 through 7/31/00. For the month of August through 8/11 there have been 55 calls. Two new pumpers have been delivered and will be tested and loaded with equipment and put into service by early September.
The Rescue vehicle has been delivered to Transport Equipment in Albany to have the body remounted. It should be in service in approximately two weeks.
Director Tommy Layton reported 69,301 calls for the year. He has been working with EMS, and the Volunteer Fire Department to get the First Responders set up. The communication problems have been addressed. Indexed maps with all roads in Thomas County will be made and placed in all emergency vehicles. This map book can be easily updated and a major asset to all departments.
Chris Jones, Volunteer Fire Liaison reported 543 calls to date this year. Last month alone over half of the VFD calls were medical assists calls. The First Responder program will be utilized a great deal.
At this time there are two trucks that may be taken out of service.
Work is being done to activate the Dillon and New Hope stations. Identifying interested individuals is currently the focus. State law requires four people.
Shift Captain Derrick Ogletree reported 3108 calls to date for 2000 with 222 calls reported for 8/1 through 8/16. Call volume is a little lower than usual for this time of year. Because of public awareness heat related illnesses have decreased.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned.