THOMAS COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES AGENCY
Board of Directors Meeting
2/21/02
4:00PM
Board Members Present: Bobby Brown, Roy Campbell,
Elaine Mays, Ann McCrickard, Earl Williams
Staff: Capt. Debbie Carver, Deputy Chief Bobby Hart
Chief Ann Powell, VF Liaison Chris Jones, VF Coordinator James Hart
Julie Stripling, Secretary, Keith Allen, Board Attorney
Guest: Jimmy Williams
Chairman Earl Williams called the meeting to order and opened with prayer.
Roy Campbell made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 31, 2002 Board meeting. Elaine Mays seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion carried.
Executive Director Jack Smith commended the career and Volunteer Fire Departments on their quick response time and great effort in fighting the structure fire at the home of former Board member Ricky Smith. Director Smith asked the Board to consider purchasing 1-2 tankers (water type trucks). These trucks, strategically placed in the County would be of great benefit and would also help lower ISO ratings.
Mr. Smith presented a request from EMS for write offs. Roy Campbell made a motion to write off $38,142.61 for delinquent accounts. Bobby Brown seconded the motion. With no opposition, the motion passed.
ESA is making progress in grant research and Elaine Mays is actively involved and assisting.
A letter from Probate Judge Sallylu Hart has been received requesting the use of Fire Station # 2 on Pinetree Blvd. For a voting precinct involving 5 dates in 2002. Mr. Smith recommended that we grant the request. After discussion, Elaine Mays made a motion to allow the use of Fire Station #2 as a voting precinct for 2002. Ann McCrickard seconded the motion. All were in favor, the motion carried.
Executive Director Smith presented a recommendation that the Board appoint Chris Jones as acting Emergency Management Director. GEMA strongly suggests that the EMD have a working knowledge of all Divisions in Emergency Services and Chris has this experience. Elaine Mays made a motion to appoint Chris Jones as acting Emergency Management Director. Roy Campbell seconded the motion. After several questions, the motion was tabled and Bobby Brown made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss hiring and compensation. Elaine Mays seconded the motion. The meeting closed.
After the meeting reopened all voted in favor of appointing Chris Jones as acting EMD.
Chairman Williams introduced Mr. Jimmy Williams, food coordinator at Southwestern Hospital. He is the honorary City Council member for February.
Mr. Smith reported that progress is being made and a plan has been implemented regarding addressing. The County ordinance has been provided to City Manager Tom Berry so that the City ordinance will follow the same language. This will provide an enforceable uniform standard for both the City and County. Once the City adopts their ordinance a formal direct mailing will be sent informing the public that it is the law to display addresses. ESA Safety Educators and the Thomasville Police Department are going to include educating children about this.
Chief Ann Powell stated that Volunteer Fire Departments in other counties use addressing displays as fundraisers for their individual Departments. This is a good concept to help purchase equipment and defray costs. The Board was in agreement.
Two new ambulances were delivered February 21, 2002. M-3 will be taken out of service M-5 will be sent to the Pavo VFD. The unit that Pavo uses now will be sent to Meigs VFD.
Mr. Smith brought up for consideration by the Board to set a limit on the number of Volunteers to support each station. Workers Compensation, equipment needs and gear costs are some items to be factored into the decision.
Elaine Mays gave the figure on the Boston Fire Station submitted by Lyndall Knight with the Thomas County Board of Commissioners. The costs for a turnkey job are $222,129.30 plus a 10% fee for the County. This does not include site work. The County will not be able to start until October of this year. Figures on the Coolidge Station will be given to Board members to be able to more accurately compare costs.
Commander Carver with EMS received unofficial notification today from the National Highway Safety Association that the ESA has been awarded a $2500.00 grant based on community education and in-house training.
Mr. Earl Williams suggested a called Board meeting for next week to tie up some loose ends. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 5 at 4:00pm.
Chris Jones stated that the Georgia Forestry Department has a grant program called “Helping Hands”. It provides funds for the purchase of a wild land fire gear that costs $413.00 per set. The net cost to ESA is $100.00 per set. The gear is designed for ground cover or brush fires in rural areas. Mr. Jones asked the Board to approve the purchase of 27 sets. Elaine Mays made a motion to expend $2700.00 to purchase 27 sets of wild land gear for the Volunteer Fire Department. Ann McCrickard seconded the motion. With no opposition, the motion carried.
With no further business to discuss Chairman Williams adjourned the meeting.