MINUTES OF PROSPECT HEIGHTS FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 21, 2006

 

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. The following Trustees answered present: James Cagney, Jon Tammen, Thomas Weidman, Anthony Carlin, Robert Arends. Also present ex officio: Chief Donald R. Gould, Jr., and attorney Michael G. Aretos.

 

SECRETARY’S REPORT

 

Consideration of the minutes of the meeting of October 17, 2006 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 Weidman.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 17, 2006 PROSPECT HEIGHTS FIRE PROTECTION              DISTRICT

 

Minutes were submitted for consideration.  After a short discussion, Trustee Weidman made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted with a second by Trustee Tammen.  The motion carried unanimously. 

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

 

Trustee Tammen presented the Treasurer’s Report. He reported the total income for the month ending October 31, 2006 was $189,416.76.  Total expenses however were $216,715.94.  This negative cash flow amounts to approximately $27,000.00 for the month of October.  Trustee Tammen was asked by Trustee Weidman what type of bank account revenue collected on behalf of the Prospect Heights Fire Prevention District is deposited into.  Trustee Tammen indicated that it is known as a Now account which sweeps money from one account to the other so that it can earn interest.  Additionally, excess funds are held in certificates of deposit.  Currently, the fund is earning approximately $10,000.00 a month in interest.  No further report.  Trustee Arends made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as submitted.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Weidman.  

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.

Nayes:              Zero

 

PRESENTATION OF THE BILLS

 

The Chief presented the bills for payment. The Chief reviewed the warrant register and specific bills of interest.  He also indicated that the District will offer CO detectors for sale at $24.50 each. He noted that they did not make any money because of the approximate cost.  However, based on sales of smoke detectors he thought it made sense to order CO detectors.  

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After a long discussion regarding specific line items, which were questioned by all the trustees, Trustee Tammen made a motion to approve the bills for payment as presented.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Arends. 

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends..

Nayes:              Zero.

 

CITIZENS TO BE HEARD:

 

None. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

CHIEF’S REPORT

 

The Chief gave his report and also submitted written reports.  The trustees asked questions regarding whether or not Wheeling has paid 2006 annexation payment.  The Chief indicated that it is not due until December 31, 2006.  However, he has sent an invoice to the Village of Wheeling to remind them of the due date.  He further indicated that he does not anticipate any issues relative to collection of the monies.

 

The call volume in the month of September went down 42 calls less than September of 2005. 

 

Review of Salary Surveys and Provide Staff with Direction regarding pay increases.

 

Trustee Cagney began the conversation by presenting the outline of salary increases as the beginning of discussion.  Additionally, Chief Gould provided significant statistical information regarding salaries within other fire districts and proposals for 2007 salaries.  After an extensive discussion among the trustees regarding the cost of living increase, step raises that have already been submitted, and the overall costs based on benefits, blended into the increase, Trustees determined that for going forward it would be resolved to reach median level salaries among the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District for the year 2010.  Therefore, Trustee Arends made the following motion: The District establishes as its goal no later than 2010, to reach the median salary range for all full-time positions.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Tammen. 

 

Ayes: Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.

Nayes: Zero

 

 

 

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Chief Gould made recommendations for the salary as follows:

 

Two Deputy Chiefs @ $96,250.00 

Three Captains @ 3.5% increase + $2,500 Adjustment + $4,000.00 Step + $72,470.00

Six FF/Paramedics @3.5% increase + $ 2,000 Adjustment + $4,000.00 Step = $51,711.00

One Secretary @5% increase + $1,000.00 Adjustment = $42,757.00

 

Part-time employees should receive a 5% cost of living increase. 

 

Trustee Tammen made a motion to approve the Chief’s recommendations.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Arends.

 

Ayes:                Tammen, Arends, Weidman, Cagney, Carlin.

Nayes:              Zero

 

The budget for 2007 is currently lists a 3% increase showing on salary. That amount will be superseded by the actual numbers voted on at the current meeting.  With respect to the budget, it is possible $100,000 more in income than projected.  Also remodeling costs and small tool purchases for the new Fire Engine in 2007.  The staff has worked very hard on the budget and would be prepared to move forward on approval of it at the December meeting.

 

City of Prospect Heights - Sprinkler Ordinance.  Chief Gould reported that it looks promising that the City will adopt the ordinance.  Currently, the ordinance is being written by the City Staff.  However, it would be presented for approval in Janaury. 

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

The 2007 Trustee Schedule was presented for approval.  It is proposed that the third Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. would be the scheduled meeting dates.  Trustee Arends made a motion to approve the schedule.  Trustee Carlin seconded.

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.

Nayes:              Zero.

 

Illinois Insurance Renewal for Prospect Heights Fire Prevention District.

 

The Chief discussed this renewal.  Chief Gould put together an entire packet regarding the insurance premium policies and summary of the comparison analysis from 2005.  After much discussion and consideration, Trustee Weidman made a motion to approve the Illinois Insurance Renewal as presented by Chief Gould.  Trustee Carlin seconded.

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends. 

Nayes:              Zero.

 

Chief Gould presented for approval the Illinois Insurance Renewal for Worker’s Compensation.  Again, Chief Gould presented a packet which contained the annual premium, the insurance premium history and claim history.  After extensive conversation regarding the matter, Trustee Tammen made a motion to approve the renewal of the 2006 worker’s compensation insurance.  Trustee Weidman seconded.

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.   

Nayes:              Zero.

 

IMRF official elections to be completed by the Board of Trustees.

 

Chief Gould made a recommendation that the Board of Trustees consider appointing Martha H. Rademacher for a five year term and then recommended as Executive Trustee for a two year term Mr. James Raisns.  Trustee Tammen made a motion to accept the Chief’s recommendation.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Arends. 

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.

Nayes:              Zero.

 

Chief asked for permission to purchase small tools in the 2006 budget for the new fire engine and the remaining grant funds for training equipment.  The items he would like to purchase are as follows:

 

                        Training tables

                        Foam replacement

                        Equipment for the new engine

                        Thermal Energy Camera

                        New gas meter

                        Light rit-pak, which allows for long duration of air

                        SCBA -necessary for the additional seat in new engine

                        Air lift bags

                        Stokes basket

                       

These items would be paid for by a combination of monies left in the 2006 budget and grants which have been provided for said purchases.  Chief Gould recommends the purchase of these items.  After due deliberation, Trustee Carlin made a motion to approve the Chief’s budget requests dated November 21, 2006 not to exceed $27,000.  The motion was seconded by Trustee Tammen.

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.

Nayes:              Zero.

 

 

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

 

Trustee Cagney wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

 

ATTORNEY’S REPORT

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Trustee Carlin made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It was seconded by Trustee Weidman.

 

Ayes:                Carlin, Weidman, Tammen, Cagney, Arends.

Nayes:              Zero.

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:47 a.m.

 

 

 

 

                                                            _______________________________________

                                                            Thomas Weidman, Secretary