CENTRAL OHIO JOINT FIRE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING MINUTES

March 8, 2011

A regular meeting of the Central Ohio Joint Fire District Board was held on Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at the Centerburg Town Hall, located at 49½ East Main Street, Centerburg, Ohio.  The following were in attendance:

Board Members                                                                     Staff

Porter Welch, Chairman                                                           Diane Clippinger, Clerk

Dave Beck                                                                               Chief Joe Porter

Tim Eyster                                                                                John Thatcher, Knox County Prosecuting

Roger Hall                                                                                   Attorney

Public

Lieutenant Dan Rott                                                                  Lieutenant Jason Whipple                    

Gary Walters, Rinehart-Walters-Danner                                    Lieutenant David Miller

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

Mr. Gary Walters, Rinehart-Walters-Danner Insurance Agency, reviewed the District’s property/liability insurance coverage that is currently through the Ohio Plan.  Mr. Walters indicated there was a 4% increase, making the annual premium $11,842.  After discussion by the Board, Chairman Welch made a motion to remain with the Ohio Plan and to increase the deductible to $1,000, to assist in reducing the premium.  Mr. Beck seconded the motion.  On roll call in the affirmative:  Mr. Eyster, Mr. Hall, Chairman Welch and Mr. Beck.  In the negative:  none.  Absent:  Mrs. Frazee.    

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Beck made a motion to approve the minutes from the meeting on February 8, 2011 and Mr. Eyster seconded the motion.   On roll call in the affirmative:  Chairman Welch, Mr. Beck, Mr. Hall and Mr. Eyster.  In the negative:  none.  Absent:  Mrs. Frazee.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Mr. Eyster made a motion to approve the warrants presented and Mr. Beck seconded the motion.  On roll call in the affirmative:  Chairman Welch, Mr. Beck, Mr. Hall and Mr. Eyster.  In the negative:  none.  Absent:  Mrs. Frazee. 

Mrs. Clippinger presented the monthly bank reconciliation, fund status ledger, appropriation ledger, receipt ledger and payment register for the Board’s review and approval.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Strategic Plan –

• In-Charge firefighter – The Lieutenants are currently working on the testing and interview process for this position.  They indicated they would have an SOG completed by the next meeting of the Central Ohio Joint Fire District.
• Impose soft-billing – Chief Porter will have someone attend the next meeting to discuss soft-billing of EMS services.

• Grant Consultant – Mr. Beck questioned whether there were any grants available to assist the District in generating additional revenues.  The Board discussed the option of hiring an individual to assist the District in applying for grants.  Lt. Whipple indicated there was an

individual in the District who was familiar with this process and might be interested in assisting the District.  Lt. Whipple agreed to contact this individual.

REPORTS

Strategic Planning Committee – The Strategic Planning Committee met with Mrs. Clippinger to review the financial status of the District.  It was determined the District would need to obtain additional funds in order to implement the proposed Plan.  The next meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2011 at 4:00 p.m.

Personnel Committee – The Personnel Committee had not met, but Chairman Welch did conduct an exit interview with Mr. John Willis.  Chairman Welch will forward this interview to all Board members.

Chief Porter – See Chief Porter’s report.

Prosecutor’s Office – Prosecutor Thatcher indicated the elected officials of Knox County were compiling a written contingent plan in case of a damaging emergency.  This will include a data recovery plan.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Central Ohio Joint Fire District, at 8:35 p.m., Mr. Hall  made a motion to adjourn until the regular meeting on April 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., unless called upon for urgent business. Mr. Eyster seconded the motion.  On roll call in the affirmative:  Chairman Welch, Mr. Beck, Mr. Hall and Mr. Eyster.  In the negative:  none.  Mrs. Frazee.