White River Township Fire Protection District
	Staff Meeting
	December 13 & 14, 1999
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Monday (13th) meeting called to order at 1300 hours.  Present: Mike Dutton, Eric Brown, Mike Tibbetts, Jeremy Pell, Bruce Alexander, Jim Taulman, Wayne Fletcher, Carey Slauter, Jory Cox, Dave Manlove, Joe Marsh, Mike Combs,  Joel Thacker, and Kim Clawson.

Tuesday (14th) meeting called to order at 1300 hours.  Present: Mike Dutton, Eric Brown, Mike Tibbetts, Scott Cassin, Joel Thacker, Kevin Skipper, Dave Sherfick, Jeff Smith, Jerry Harder, and Kim Clawson.

IF YOU WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND, REMEMBER TO CONTACT YOUR LIEUTENANT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REGARDING ANYTHING THAT WAS DISCUSSED.

1.        Personnel update.  John Hawkins has resigned from the fire department, and Jason Tibbetts has been promoted to compensated.  Sean Atkinson resigned on Tuesday, 12/14. 

2.        Chief Dutton gave an update on the budget.  It’s still tight, but not as bad as we were originally told.  We will be trying to obtain approval at Tuesday’s District Board meeting. 

3.        The next District meeting will be December 14 and will be when the final decision is made regarding the future of Station 53.  The corporation is granting the property on Mullinix Road to the District.  Chief Dutton has made the recommendation to Scott Alexander (Board President) that the coporation Board and the Chief work together on the next budget. 

4.        We have received a memo from Kirk Schilling regarding recent pranks taking place involving Medic 51.  Effective immediately, anyone caught tampering or “pranking” someone else’s equipment will be terminated.  This is absolutely unacceptable and, if not stopped, could cause serious problems.  This includes soaping windshields, turning gear inside out, strapping cots to ambulance ceilings, etc. etc. 

5.        EMS Updates:

-          Lt. Alexander mentioned that he spoke with his shift on 11/25 regarding the fact that engine

crews are NOT to wait, or ‘drag their feet’, on the scene until the ambulance arrives.

-          Bruce also mentioned that he would like to make a proposal to the District Board regarding the purchasing and staffing of our own ambulance.  It is an expensive program to start and would always be operating at a loss.  Chief Dutton mentioned that EMAS has offered to lease an ambulance to us for $1.00.  Bruce said that he did not know this and would keep it in mind at the time of the proposal.  Chief Dutton also cautioned him to wait until Station 53 is well underway so as not to overwhelm the District Board.

-          Bruce assured everyone that all the necessary drugs are in stock and on the trucks now, after some recent problems with CHI procedures.  Dr. Fried refused to sign for drugs for those agencies he sponsors.  Therefore, a doctor out of Community East signed for them. 

-          Bruce is working on our new protocols and they should be ready at the first of the year.

-          Chief Dutton mentioned that if there is enough money left over from the 800 mhz system, he will consider purchasing a 12 lead EKG.

6.        Any problems regarding PMT employees must be documented or no corrective measures can be taken.  This is especially important with patient care issues! 

7.        Chief Dutton mentioned that he recently read an article in ICHIEFS magazine which may possibly help us with the 40 hour week situation. 

8.        Chief Tibbetts has discussed recent attendance problems with Chief Dutton.  They have agreed that those persons who are chronic call-offs/no shows, will be scheduled the minimum number of hours  that will allow them to make their semi monthly commitment to the Department.  Chief Dutton warns that everyone is to be treated fairly and equally.  Chief Tibbetts will be reviewing and recommending changes to the absence policy. 

9.        Chief Tibbetts gave an update on the Aerial.  It is approximately 98% completed and the committee is leaving Wednesday for the final inspection.  After it leaves KME, it will go to Hoosier Fire to get its equipment.  Then it needs to get the radio installed and various logos/striping added.  We are looking at training on it in January.  It will not go in service until people are properly trained. 

10.     Chief Tibbetts stated that some of the crews are taking upwards of 5 minutes to mark en route to a run.  Officers should insure that all apparatus marks en route in a timely manner. 

11.     Chief Tibbetts will be asking the Corporation Board of Directors to review their pay scales for the 2001 Budget.  At this time, (some) master certifications are only worth a $.05 raise. 

12.     Chief Dutton urged that if you know anyone in the construction business, have them bid on the various Station 53 packets.  Also, Chief Brown gave an update on the sewers.  It looks like we will be able to split the cost with West Grove Elementary, Speedway Gas Station, and perhaps Mr. McCarty.  

13.     Chiefs Dutton & Tibbetts met with Chiefs from Perry Township FD this morning to discuss our entrance into MECA.  The actual meeting where we will be recommended will be December 17. 

14.     Due to recent problems receiving emergency calls from constructions sites (usually due to cellular phones), Chief Dutton suggested that we determine if an information packet be handed out with building permits which are issued in our district.  This packet would include, above all else, a form which must remain posted at the job site that shows the correct numbers to call from a cell phone in case of emergency.  Chief Brown will be working on this project. 

15.     Lt. Marsh reminded everyone that if a piece of equipment is out of service, be sure that it gets tagged. 

16.     Chief Brown stated that all of the pre plans have been updated and we are only missing information on approx. 44 occupancies.  Information sheets have been sent out on those and we have already started getting them back.  We will be using the computerized pre plan forms so if you’re not familiar with them, check FireHouse (Hampton’s Market is a good one) or see Chief Brown or Lt. Sherfick.  Some are missing drawings so the crews may be sent out to get them. 

17.     Chief Brown stated that we are still having problems with certain people not entering run reports into the computer.  If you are having problems, see Chief Brown or Lt. Alexander.  Lt. Slauter asked why new information is not getting uploaded to station 52.  When this was brought to the attention of Chief Cassin, he stated that he needs to see this when it happens so he can see what the computer is doing.  He mentioned that one thing to be aware of is not to open too many windows in FireHouse (ie:  Occupancy, Journal, and a Fire Report).   The new CAMEO is in but we are still waiting on the new NFIRS. 

18.     Carey – fit testing.  Cannot find, in either OSHA or NFPA, where a computerized test is required. 

19.     Jory has been working on the boat trailer and it should be in service Wednesday.  

20.     Chief Dutton stated that there will be a goal setting meeting next year, at which time we will ‘fine tune’ the ten year plan and bring everyone up to date on 1999’s accomplishments. 

21.     Lt. Marsh stated that preliminary plans have begun for the new Engine.  He will be placing this list on the computer, in a read-only format.  Please feel free to look it over, and submit your suggestions to him, in writing. 

22.     Nominations for Firefighter of the Quarter and Officer of the Year are needed BY THIS FRIDAY! 

23.     Be sure to review the pre plan for Emmanuel Baptist Church to re-familiarize yourself with the location of the hydrants as well as the annunciator panel. 

24.     The structure formerly known as Country Gardens (Smith Valley Road @ the rail road tracks) is soon to re open as a country store carrying flea market type items.  It now has an alarm system. 

25.     When staging at a hydrant, be sure to test that hydrant before you leave.  We have been finding several hyrdrants in our area that are out of service and no one knows about them.