Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Carol Johnson at 7:30am. Cherie K. led the flag salute.

Thought of the Day:

Peggy gave a history moment.

Minutes:

Jack moved to accept June 11 meeting minutes, seconded by Matthew. Motion passed.

Guests:

Charlie McCaughan, Deputy Chief Patterson and paramedic Gear, Ann Marie Henninger candidate for Hospital District 1, Jeanette Painter, Rita Beebe.

Teacher Karen Scott’s memorial service is this weekend.

Corey Lindsay from US Border Patrol is speaking Thursday at Kiwanis.

Welcome Mrs. Senior USA Cherie Kidd.

Irwin Dental will have an open house July 19 at 6pm.

WA Policy Center dinner information was passed around.

Program:  Clallam County Fire District 2 Commissioner Forum

Opening Remarks:

Steve Hopf has been a firefighter for 35 years, a resident for over 55 years and has lived through explosive growth.

Keith Cortner moved here from FL 2 years ago and has 18 years history in retail, volunteer fireman, then an administrative position to a 12 county-wide department, and fire chief. He has strong financial and budget experience.

Richard Ruud has been with the fire department for 50+ years as fireman, chief, and now commissioner.

Open to questions:

What are the duties of a commissioner?

Steve cited RCWs, they assist the fire chief in filling the community’s needs. Keith said they help provide what the station and personnel needs and stay fiscally responsible. Richard said they set a level of service and goals.

Fireworks?

Keith said there is a time and place for them, depends on the year, use and circumstances. Richard said they’re fine, but not for public use. Steve said they should be in the hands of trained people over a safe area.

What data is used to affect financial and employee decisions?

Richard said they have a budget, other than that he can’t say, it fluctuates. Steve looks at all variables to choose what is best for the community and talks to residents. Keith would do a needs assessment by an impartial company. Steve said he assisted in writing the master plan. Richard added they have been working on revising the master plan and that a firetruck costs $500K and up and an ambulance is $190K.

How do you attract more firefighters?

Richard said they used to have lots of volunteers, now people are too busy and ask for money. Steve would make it streamlined for them, easier for them to help. Keith would work with the business community and schools to help fill daytime hours.

Where is the district’s territory?

Steve said 89 square miles and into the park by agreement with 4 stations. Kevin said it’s difficult to spread volunteers throughout the district. Richard said he can’t answer. Steve added that this district started the countywide address system.

How many commissioners are there, how do they interact with other fire districts, how does it help with response times?

Keith said there are 3 commissioners and is not sure how they work together, but normally districts have mutual aid agreements. Richard said yes, mutual aid and Steve added yes, 3 commissioners, mutual aid and smart usage in their agreements.

Regarding timber harvest?

Richard said they’re fighting over the same funds. Steve wants to take time to study it. Keith said any funding source is a good thing, he’d want to learn more and it’s not a guaranteed fund so they can’t rely on it year to year.  It’s important as a reserve. Richard added he treats timber funds as a gift, with no guarantee.

Who is in charge when arriving at a scene?

Keith said the person with the highest level of training is in charge, could be forestry. A vehicle accident depends, police direct traffic, firefighters extract victims. Richard agreed that it depends. Steve said there is a unified command, whoever has the most training in a particular task.

How is the department staffed?

Richard said both men and women, it’s hard to establish, almost as many women as men. Steve said about 40 volunteers, 9 paid staff with no gender distinction to do the job. Keith added 4 women graduated recently from fire training, all had families.

Firefighters are compensated for traveling out of state.

Candidates gave closing statements.

Carol said there are 3 more forums before the primary.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40am.