MINUTES OF PROSPECT HEIGHTS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF APRIL 18, 2006
The meeting was called to order by President Cagney at 8:00 a.m. On a roll call the following trustees answered present:
Robert Arends, Anthony Carlin, Jon Tammen, Thomas Weidman, James Cagney. Also present ex officio: Chief Donald R. Gould Jr., Deputy Chief Tim Jones, Deputy Chief Drew Smith and attorney Stephen G. Daday.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Consideration of the minutes of March 21, 2006 Meeting of the PROSPECT HEIGHTS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
After a short discussion, Trustee Tammen made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted with a second by Trustee Arends. The motion carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Trustee Tammen presented the Treasurer’s Report pursuant to his written reports. President Cagney asked about the status of the income from the County. He noted that the amounts that had come in from the County were somewhat less than 2005. Deputy Chief Jones indicated he felt that it was just a timing issue and we would be in fact receiving all of the money due us on or before May 1. After a short discussion, Trustee Weidman made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report as submitted, with a second by Trustee Carlin. The motion carried unanimously as follows:
Ayes: Weidman, Carlin, Arends, Tammen, Cagney.
Nayes: Zero.
PRESENTATION OF THE BILLS:
Deputy Chief Jones presented the bills from the warrant register for payment. He noted the background check as well as the Certified Fleet bill for the ambulance 39 repairs. He noted the additional bill from Chicago International for ambulance repairs. The showers at station 39 were rejuvenated with marble casting. Further, the new pick-up truck was paid in this round of bills. In addition, the Volunteer Fire Insurance bill was paid. After a short discussion, Trustee Carlin made a motion to approve the payment of the bills as submitted with a second by Trustee Weidman. The motion carried unanimously as follows:
Ayes: Carlin, Weidman, Arends, Tammen and Cagney.
Nayes: Zero.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD:
None.
OLD BUSINESS:
CHIEF’S REPORT:
The Fire Chief presented his reports based on his monthly written reports. President Cagney noted that Arlington Heights was beginning to charge ambulance fees for responses to mutual aid pursuant to a revision to the agreement. The Chief indicated he wished the Board would consider that and would be making a proposal in the next couple of months.
The Chief further
reported on the recent fire at the Prospect Heights City Hall. He noted that the Fire Marshall and the
District investigation team was still in the process of investigating the cause
of the fire and would issue a joint report.
The Chief indicated he appeared at the Prospect Heights City Council
meeting and also made a report to the City Council. The Chief indicated there was significant difficulty with
obtaining adequate water for fighting fire due to the fact that there were no
hydrants in the immediate area and that approximately one mile of hose needed
to be laid to access adequate water.
SWEARING IN OF ADAM ROTHENBERG AS A FULL TIME FIRE FIGHTER.
The Chief administered the office to Firefighter-Paramedic Adam Rothenberg. President Cagney congratulated him on his hiring and swearing in.
STATUS OF PROPOSED PROPERTY
ANNEXATION:
Attorney Daday indicated that meetings were ongoing and discussions were in the process with the Fire Preserve District.
PROPOSAL FROM GLOBAL SIGNAL REGARDING PURCHASE OF AN EASEMENT:
The Chief presented its position with respect to the easement and the purchase by Global Signal. He indicated he felt that the term of the easement was too long and that the financial benefits of the District would not be consistent with the amounts currently being paid pursuant to the lease. Attorney Daday noted that this was the grant of an interest in land and that in the event the property were to be developed and the District needed the land for station expansion, that the easement issue would be a problem with respect to the property. After a discussion, Trustee Carlin made a motion to decline the offer to purchase the easement in the amount of $255,000.00. The motion was seconded by Trustee Arends. The motion carried as follows:
Ayes: Carlin, Arends, Tammen, Cagney.
Nayes: Weidman.
REVIEW OF IMPACT FEES:
Attorney Daday indicated that he still had not been in contact with the City Attorney with
respect to this matter and that asked that it be deferred to the next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Declare
the Crown Victoria surplus and direct the staff to sell the vehicle to the
highest bidder:
After a short discussion, Trustee Arends made a motion to declare the vehicle as surplus and authorize the Chief to sell the vehicle to the highest bidder. The motion was seconded by Trustee Tammen who indicated that he would like to see the staff investigate the sale of the vehicle through the Northwest Municipal Conference. The motion carried unanimously as follows:
Ayes: Arends, Tammen, Cagney, Weidman, Carlin.
Nayes: Zero.
STATUS ON THE PAYMENT OF THE HURRICANE KATRINA PARTICIPATION:
Chief Gould indicated that the District had been reimbursed for their participation in the Hurricane Katrina responses. He indicated that of the amounts received, he would request that the Board place $42,692.00 in the reserve account. After a short discussion, Trustee Tammen moved to accept the staff recommendation with respect to disbursement of the funds. The motion was seconded by Trustee Carlin and carried unanimously.
OTHER MATTERS:
PRESIDENT’S REPORT:
President Cagney expressed his satisfaction to the staff on their response to the City Hall fire. From all reports he received the District’s response was admirable and that all of the processes were followed and although the hall did not survive the fire, the District was inhibited by other extraneous factors. President Cagney also indicated that the five year vehicle replacement goal be implemented as quickly as possible.
The Chief indicated with respect to one issue that unfortunately the ladder truck had been taken out of service for repairs the day before the fire. He also noted that the crash truck had been placed in service at station 39.
ADJOURNMENT:
Trustee Tammen made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 a.m., with a second by
Trustee Carlin. The motion carried unanimously.
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Thomas Weidman, Secretary