Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order at 7:30am. President Kevin Hoult led the flag salute.

Guests

Don Darling, Mrs. Ken Dubuc, Randy Kientz.

Minutes

Matthew Rainwater moved and John Brewer seconded acceptance of minutes for January 24. Motion carried.

Announcements

Phil announced a Governmental Affairs meeting after today’s regular meeting.

Kaj said the DNR is having a meeting, in Olympia, on Tuesday and it would be nice if PABA could be represented to voice concerns.  Kaj was asked to be the representative at that meeting.  The subject will be discussed at Monday’s Board Meeting. Since Monday does not allow for much planning, let Kaj know ahead of time if you have suggestions.

George B. said that the Marine Lab would be doing another Fish on the Fence on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Marc Abshire reminded people that the City Council will be discussing the Halibut Fishing Season Resolution at the Feb. 7 meeting (see PABA minutes for January 24 for more details.)

The Chamber lunch, on Wednesday Feb. 8, will feature Michael Peters from the Lower Elwha tribe.

Committee Reports

NOLA:  Kaj Ahlburg said the group has decided on the membership fees, and interests. Some of those interest will be: Health and Safety such as Medicaid funding, civil emergencies, and mental health. Transportation issues such as the Olympic Discovery Trail, Elwha River Bridge, and the Airport. Timber issues are sustainable harvest level and arrearage. Other issues are storm water, Rayonier, Dungeness Reservoir and McCleary funding.

Program

Port Angeles Fire Chief, Ken Dubuc, aka “Sponge Guy Ken” talked about risks people take all the time without thinking of them.  “Bad stuff happens you are not ready.”

He presented four times to help minimize fire risks:

1. Have a working smoke detector
2. Sleep with your bedroom door CLOSED. You will hear the alarm before the smoke gets to you. More people are killed by smoke than by fire.
3. Have an escape plan for all in the house. It can be simple and quick. Do not go back into a burning building.
4. Be aware of your surroundings, not only in your home but in any building you go into.

Insurance companies base their rate on risk.  The Port Angeles Fire Department saw their rating drop from a 4 to a 5.  They are working to get the 4 back.  One of their problems is the call line of 13 calls a day. (PA ranks 40th in the US for how busy they are.) Ken said the workload, all the training and most of all the lack of personnel makes it hard.  They have 5.5 permanent employees to handle all the work. They can use volunteers and help from surrounding fire districts when available.  The Department has not hired extra personnel for 26 years!

Medical calls make up most of the work and those can take from 15 minutes to an hour.  Those calls can entail from first aid to cleaning up hygiene issues.  Monday mornings are the worst since some people have been without help during the weekend. The public has come to depend on the Department for primary care and 911 assistance.

Ken said they have to have an increase in the Medic 1 rate if they are going to continue as they are now.

Q & A

Q:  Volunteers?
A:  They can always use more. “It is hard work, but it is worth it.”

Q:  Other City rankings?
A:  There are only 1 or 2 that have a 1, but a few more might rank 2 or 3.

Q:  Earthquakes?
A:  The Department has plans on how to work with other agencies but plan to be on your own for many days.

Q:  Earthquake Insurance?
A:  It might be expensive, but in the long run it might be worth the risk.

Q:  Accident Policy? Who Handles What?
A:  The Department Contracts with a private ambulance company and makes the decision on whether to use that depending on life threatening circumstances. No out of pocket costs if you live within the city service area.

Q:  Recommended smoke detectors?
A:  Should have 10 year battery. A wired system should have a backup battery. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide are best.

Upcoming Meeting

February 7: Employment Services

Meeting adjourned at 8:35am.