Staff issue IVFD focus
From our weekly issue dated May 14, 2008
(Illinois Valley News photo)
Concerns about sufficient personnel for emergency responses, and help from agencies not meeting training and performance standards, were among topics for directors of Illinois Valley Fire District (IVFD).
The board met Thursday night, May 8 at administrative headquarters.
Chief Harry Rich noted that with only four paid staffers, and a relative handful of volunteers to cover the entire Illinois Valley, responses to medical, fire and other urgent calls for help can be less than desirable. He stated that during a recent significant alarm, only six persons responded, and that Rural/Metro Fire Dept. had to be called in from the Grants Pass area to assist.
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“We have the equipment, but not enough people to staff it,” said the chief.
The chief also introduced Resolution 08-06: “Resolution For Mutual and Automatic Aid.” It essentially states that:
*IVFD supports adoption of a countywide fire district for those areas not now covered by a fire district.
*IVFD will take precautionary measures or restrictions on those providing mutual aid unless they are members of the Rogue Valley Fire Chiefs Association.
The board adopted the ordinance 5-0. Rich indicated that he simply wants to ensure that firefighters coming to the valley to help are certified and that their equipment is appropriate.
“A guy with a water tank in the bank of his pickup” is not suitable, he said.
The board also voted 5-0 to adopt the fiscal 2008-09 budget. It had been approved by the Budget Committee. The budget is comprised of $935,962 in the general fund, $248,216 for bonded indebtedness, and $28,345 in the reserve fund. The total is $1,212,523; the tax rate will be $1.87 per $1,000 assessed valuation.
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In other matters, the board:
*Approved an open-ended medical leave-of-absence for Director Dusty Bouchard.
*Heard from Fire Marshal Jerry Schaeffer that resident Pat Wolke has been fined $1,000 and faces another fine of $7,000 in connection with citations in connection with escaped open burning.
*Learned from Schaeffer that a grant of $3,000 was received from ODOT for child car seats, and that some still remain with a $20 co-pay. Appointments can be made by phoning 592-2225.
*Were told by Schaeffer that ODOT has agreed to a $2,100 grant for promotional and security items related to car seat clinics.
*Were advised that a grant of $3,000 has been OK’d by Oregon Special Districts that will pay for an apparatus lift at Holland Loop Station 4.
*Set the next board meeting for June 12.
