THOMAS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY
Board of Directors Meeting
3/15/01
4:00PM
Board Members Present: Ervin Brock, Bobby Brown, Roy Campbell,
Ricky Smith, Earl Williams
Staff: Capt. Ronald Roberts, Chris Jones, Tommy Layton, Ann Powell, Capt. Debbie Carver, Capt. Derrick Ogletree, Capt. Tim Coram, Atty. Keith Allen, Julie Stripling
News Media: Mark Brannan, WPAX
Chairman Ricky Smith called the meeting to order and Earl Williams opened with prayer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Earl Williams made a motion to approve the minutes from the 2/15, 2/27, and 3/2 Board meetings. Ervin Brock seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion carried.
Executive Director Jack Smith introduced Captain Ben Tillman. Captain Tillman has researched Georgia Law and Certification qualifications to determine if a Fire Chief is required to operate Fire Services. The final results are that a Fire Department can operate
without a Fire Chief as long as the Department has a Deputy Chief or Chiefs that will respond to all fire emergencies. These Deputy Chiefs will be responsible for all suppression/line operation at the fire scene. This will also ensure that the ISO rating is not affected. ISO is mainly concerned about incident command management.
Executive Director Smith recommended that the Board create a position that will take care of the Administrative duties of Fire Services. Roy Campbell made a motion to appoint Jack Smith as Chief Administrative Officer/Fire. Bobby Brown seconded the motion. All were in favor; the motion passed unanimously.
Captain Derrick Ogletree reported 1054 total EMS calls year-to-date. There have been no major problems with any of the units and all equipment is in good shape. Capt. Ogletree requested that the Board consider purchasing portable radios and hiring three additional staff members. Many EMT’s and Paramedics are participating in Education and training classes at this time. One example is a Critical Care class that will benefit us in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements. EMS is changing to Class A uniforms that the Fire Department also wears.
Battalion Chief Ronald Roberts reported that the Fire Department has made many improvements recently and is moving in a positive direction. All six of the new fire trucks are now in service with no problems. The equipment committee has been researching aerial ladder trucks. The Fire Department is in the process of constructing much needed storage space for all Departments.
Volunteer Fire Liaison Chris Jones reported that Volunteer Fire Coordinator James Hart has taught and completed a Basic Firefighter Course. There will be combined training between the Volunteers and the Cross-trained EMT’S/Medics. This will benefit both Departments. A new Fire truck was delivered to Meigs last week and a new one will be delivered to Pavo on Friday. Morale has improved dramatically. Mr. Jones stated that a location for hose testing is needed at Cherokee Lake. Roy Campbell stated that he would approach the City.
Ann Powell reported 22,534 calls through 3-9-01. Being short staffed there has been some scheduling problems, but two new dispatchers have been hired and start on Monday. The monthly User Board meetings will resume soon and there will be monthly meetings between E911, Fire, & EMS.
Tommy Layton stated that TRS Wireless has completed the Tower survey and will make recommendations within the next week. There are definite problems that when corrected, will improve communications. The mapping software needs to be addressed for more adequate program services. A new “Reverse 911” (emergency notification) program is being explored. A proposal will be made to the Board in the near future.
With no further business, Roy Campbell made a motion to adjourn. Ervin Brock seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned.