CENTRAL OHIO JOINT FIRE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES

April 9, 2008

A regular meeting of the Central Ohio Joint Fire District Board was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2008 at the Centerburg Town Hall, located at 49 ½ East Main Street, Centerburg, Ohio.  The following were in attendance:

Board Members                                                                     Staff

Chip Welch, Chairman                                                  Diane Clippinger, Clerk

Phil Haberman                                                              Chief Joe Porter

Patti Frazee                                                                              Jennifer Springer, Knox County

Diana Stockmaster                                                                      Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Public

Lieutenant Tom Grewell                                                            Firefighter Brooks Church

Firefighter Brent Spearman                                                       Firefighter Doug Neighbarger

The regular Board meeting of the Central Ohio Joint Fire District was called to order by Chairman Welch at 7:00 p.m.  

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A representative from the Heart of Ohio Association addressed the Board in regards to assisting with the cost of having Sheriffs’ deputies at the Home Town Celebration in July.  In the past the District has shared the cost of deputies with the Village of Centerburg.  Last years total cost was $1,348.00.  The Board requested an estimated cost for police protection for this year, but agreed they would be willing to share the cost with the Village of Centerburg. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Haberman made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 11, 2008 meeting and Mrs. Frazee seconded the motion.  In the affirmative:  Mrs. Stockmaster, Mrs. Frazee, Chairman Welch and Mr. Haberman.  Absent:  Mr. Cochran.  In the negative:  none. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Mrs. Frazee made a motion to approve the warrants presented and Mr. Haberman seconded the motion.  In the affirmative:  Mrs. Stockmaster, Mrs. Frazee, Chairman Welch and Mr. Haberman.  Absent:  Mr. Cochran.  In the negative:  none.   

CONTINUING BUSINESS

• Driveway Damage – Mr. Welch indicated he had been contacted by the Homer Volunteer Fire Department’s insurance company and it was settled.
• Washer and dryer – Chief Porter indicated the check had been sent for the purchase of the washer and dryer.  Mr. Jim Casner had begun the necessary electrical work.

NEW BUSINESS

• Direct Deposit – Mrs. Clippinger asked the Board to implement an S.O.G. requiring all Central Ohio Joint Fire District employees to have their bi-weekly pay direct deposited.   Mrs. Clippinger indicated there were outstanding payroll warrants from September, 2007.  The Board agreed and Assistant Prosecutor Springer agreed to have the necessary document ready for the next meeting.
• Emergency Vehicle Parking – Mrs. Stockmaster had received a complaint in regards to Central Ohio Joint Fire District emergency vehicles being parked in a no parking zone by Pizza Burg, in the Village of Centerburg.  Chief Porter indicated he would address this issue.

REPORTS

Strategic Planning Committee – The Strategic Planning Committee’s meeting will be April 26, 2008. 

Personnel Committee – There is a meeting scheduled April 19, 2008, 9:00 a.m., at the Central Ohio Joint Fire District Station, with Chief Porter and the lieutenants. 

Chief Porter – (also see Chief Porter’s report)

• Grants – An EMS grant and FEMA grant had both been applied for. 
• Sexual Harassment Training – Chief Porter indicated employees of the Central Ohio Joint Fire District had completed a sexual harassment training course, presented by the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office.
• Trailer lettering – Chief Porter asked the Board to approve lettering of the trailer at a cost of $1,125.00.
• Solicitation - Chief Porter had been contacted by a resident in regards to a solicitation letter requesting donations to benefit the Firefighter’s Disability Fund.  Chief Porter had forwarded a copy of the letter to the Knox County Prosecutor’s office, which they are researching the issue.  Assistant Prosecutor Springer indicated there was nothing legally the Board could do, but to stress to the public to be cautious when receiving soliciting mail or telephone calls.

Prosecutor – Assistant Prosecutor Springer gave the Board an overview of the sexual harassment training, which had been presented to employees of the Central Ohio Joint Fire District.  The Board thanked Assistant Prosecutor Springer for her time.

Chief Porter indicated Firefighter Neighbarger and Firefighter Spearman had four sites chosen for the installation of dry hydrants.  They were currently waiting on the water and soil testing.

Mrs. Frazee made a motion to allow Chief Porter in have the trailer lettered and Mrs. Stockmaster seconded the motion.  On roll call in the affirmative:  Mr. Haberman, Chairman Welch, Mrs. Frazee and Mrs. Stockmaster.  In the negative:  none.  Absent:  Mr. Cochran.

Chairman Welch expressed his and the Board’s condolences to Lt. Grewell for the recent loss of his father.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Central Ohio Joint Fire District, at 7:40 p.m., Mrs. Frazee made a motion to adjourn the meeting until the next regular meeting on May  14th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m., unless called upon for urgent business. Mr. Haberman seconded the motion.  In the affirmative:  Mrs. Stockmaster, Mrs. Frazee, Chairman Welch and Mr. Haberman.  In the negative:  none.  Absent:  Mr. Cochran