MINUTES OF PROSPECT HEIGHTS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. On a roll call of Trustees, the following Trustees answered present: Robert Arends, Jon Tammen, Thomas Weidman, Anthony Carlin, and James Cagney. Also present ex officio: Chief Donald R. Gould, Jr., Deputy Chief Drew Smith, Deputy Chief Tim Jones and attorney Stephen G. Daday.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Consideration of the minutes, of the August 15, 2006 meeting of the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District Board of Trustees. After a short discussion and consideration, Trustee Weidman made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted, with a second by Trustee Carlin. The motion carried unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Trustee Tammen presented the Treasurer’s Report pursuant to the attached status of accounts. After a short discussion, Trustee Arends made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted, with a second by Trustee Weidman. The motion carried unanimously as follows:
Ayes: Arends, Weidman, Tammen, Carlin, Cagney.
Nayes: Zero.
PRESENTATION OF THE BILLS
Deputy Chief presented the bills for payment. He noted several bills that were included in the check register for the month. Of note, he noted the bill to the City of Prospect Heights for fuel. He also noted the bill for Industrial Door for the repair of the garage door. He also noted the bill to R. Shavitz for the roof top heating unit. In addition, discussion was has regarding the liability and health insurance bill, as well as reimbursement for one of the firefighters who failed to attend the University of Illinois training class. The Chief indicated that he had received reimbursement for that payment. After a short discussion, Trustee Tammen made a motion to approve the payment of the bills as submitted, with a second by Trustee Arends. The motion carried unanimously as follows:
Ayes: Tammen, Arends, Carlin, Weidman, Cagney.
Nayes: Zero.
CITIZENS TO BE HEARD:
None.
class=Section2>
OLD BUSINESS:
CHIEF’S REPORT:
The Chief reported pursuant to his written report. Discussion was had regarding the recent airplane crash in the city, from Palwaukee Airport. The Chief gave a summary of the District’s response to the crash.
NEW AMBULANCE
The Chief noted that the ambulance was placed in service on September 8, 2006. He felt that it was a very welcome addition to the District’s fleet of vehicles.
AUDIT
President Cagney indicated that he had a phone conversation with the accountant, and reviewed the questions he had with respect to the audit. The accountant indicated that the revised and corrected audit would be forthcoming; however, the document was not received by the District. Discussion and approval of the 2005 audit was deferred to the next meeting.
BIDS FOR THE NEW FIRE ENGINE
Deputy Chief Smith presented the bids and recommendation for the purchase of the new fire engine. He indicated that he had sent out eleven requests for proposals to various vendors, and received six responses. After a review of the responses, he indicated that his recommendation was to purchase and accept the bid of Alexis. He reviewed the reasons for the recommendation. He indicated that there was one vehicle that the District owned that was manufactured by Alexis.
Discussion was has regarding the financing and payment options. The Chief indicated that the vehicle would not be ready for delivery for more than a year, which would place that well into the 2007 budget year. Discussion was had also as to the timing of purchases for the vehicles in the future for 2007 and 2008, including the engine being discussed and a proposed ambulance purchase. After discussion, Trustee Weidman made a motion to accept the recommendation of staff, and approve the purchase of the fire engine from Alexis. Staff was further directed to negotiate a contract with Alexis for the fire engine in an amount not to exceed $475,000.00. Further, Chief Gould was authorized to execute any documents necessary to formalize the purchase. The motion was seconded by Trustee Tammen and carried unanimously as follows:
Ayes: Weidman, Arends, Tammen, Carlin. Cagney.
class=Section3>Nayes: Zero.
NEW BUSINESS
BUDGETING
The Chief indicated that he wished to have a committee to discuss the employee salaries and increases. Attorney Daday indicated that would necessitate several meeting with respect to the Open Meetings Act. He suggested that the Board meet as a committee of the whole, prior to the next meeting, to discuss employee salaries.
That recommendation was accepted, and the Board will meet as a committee of the whole prior to its next regularly scheduled meeting.
OTHER MATTERS
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Cagney indicated that he understood that the newsletter was going out, and Deputy Chief Jones indicated that it would be again be a full color news letter.
ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Trustee Carlin, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m., seconded by Trustee Weidman. The motion carried unanimously.
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Thomas Weidman, Secretary