City Hall Conference Room

Board Members Present: Ervin Brock, Bobby Brown, Roy Campbell,

Ricky Smith

Board Member Absent: Earl Williams

Executive Director: Jack Smith

Staff: Deputy Chief Larry Griffin, Capt. Debbie Carver, Capt. Tim Coram,

Capt. Derrick Olgetree, Chief Ann Powell, VF Liaison Chris Jones,

Julie Stripling, Secretary, Keith Allen, Board Attorney

News Media: Mark Brannan, WPAX

Chairman Ricky Smith called the meeting to order and Roy Campbell opened with prayer.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Roy Campbell made a motion to approve the minutes from the 12/06/01 Board meeting. Bobby Brown seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Executive Director Jack Smith presented a request from EMS for write offs. Bobby Brown made a motion to write off $375.00 for delinquent accounts. Roy Campbell seconded the motion. With no opposition, the motion passed.

EMS has been researching areas for cutting costs and increasing revenues. Some of the areas involve patient assessment fees and non-transport fees ($50.00 flat fee). Profitability will be assessed in the first quarter of 2002. Ervin Brock inquired about charges for special events. Non-public for profit events will be charged $350.00 for 4 hours and than $75.00 per hour for every hour over 4. Mr. Smith pointed out that state law requires an ambulance on scene at football games and if we charge a fee the unit must remain there at all times. Soccer tournaments are being looked at.

Mr. Smith reported status on Fire stations. There is potential use for existing property for the station in Ochlocknee. Plans for the Remington station need to be looked at and revised. Coolidge construction is underway and proceeding.

Proposals on bids for the 2002 financing for operating funds will possibly go out next week.

Brock Butts with Unlimited Mobility has agreed to honor the Ambulance contract price of $70, 350.00 per unit that we have had for the past two years. Ervin Brock made the motion that we purchase two ambulances totaling $140,700.00 from Unlimited Mobility. Bobby Brown seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

E-911

Chief Ann Powell reported 109,678 total calls dispatched year-to-date through December 14^th, 2001. E911 is presently at full staff. All are receiving EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) training. Executive Director Smith stated that he and Chief Powell had met with Mr. Lacey from Valdosta concerning Phase I & Phase II cellular. The entire ESA Board was in agreement to authorize Mr. Smith to make a formal presentation to the Thomas County Board of Commissioners requesting that they proceed with a resolution that will allow for collection of fees on cellular phones.

FIRE

Deputy Chief Larry Griffin reported that heavy construction is underway at Fire Station 1. He is concerned about the housing of fire trucks during office and by construction. This will be addressed.

EMS

Captain Tim Coram reported 4,882 calls for EMS year to date through December 26, 2001. Capt. Coram also voiced concern about housing ambulances due to cold weather.

VFD

Volunteer Fire Liaison Chris Jones stated a need for a 1500-1700 gallon single axle tanker/ pumper to put at one of the manned county stations.

CLOSING

Chairman Ricky Smith said that he has enjoyed serving on the ESA Board for the past two years and that he appreciated the opportunity to serve for the County. He will be happy to continue to serve if the Commission desires. With no further business, Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting.