The regular monthly meeting of the Commissioners of Southern Platte Fire Protection District was held Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, at Station 4, 8795 NW N Highway, Parkville, Mo.

The meeting was called to order by Nelson Hopper at 7:07 p.m. Present were Commissioners Hopper, Michael Newburger, and Gary Judd as well as Chief Richard Carrizzo.

Minutes of the November 2001 meeting (which had been previously provided to the Commissioners) were accepted upon motion made, seconded, and passed.

The December Treasurer's Report was presented and discussed. During, the discussion, Richard Carrizzo suggested refinancing the District's outstanding bonds. The Commissioners asked Chief Carrizzo to look into the possibility of refinancing the bonds. The Commissioners authorized Chief Carrizzo to inquire into refinancing. Mrs. Thomas also brought up the yearly audit. After discussion of the problems associated with last year's work by Mr. Clevenger, the Commissioners authorized Mrs. Thomas to again have David Clevenger perform the audit but with the request that it must be performed in a more timely manner and that the District receive the reports prior to the June 30 deadline for submission to the Missouri State Auditor. The Treasurer's Report was, thereafter, accepted by the Commissioners upon motion, made, seconded, and passed.

There was no legal report as Mrs. Stewart Greene was not present.

Chief Carrizzo reported that all apparatus are up and running. He informed the Commissioners that E1 is now a reserve as it is not cost-effective to use it. He said all vehicles are now garaged. There was discussion of the 1964 International fire truck. The Commissioners decided to restore the vehicle and let it be used as a parade vehicle. There was discussion on how much money to allow for refurbishing and whether the Association should pay for a portion of it although no decision was made on these issues.

Chief Carrizzo informed the Commissioners that there is still about $68,000 owed on Station 4. He is following up on the various drywall tape cracks and will see that they are repaired to the District's satisfaction. The County has not as yet issued an occupancy permit. There are, however, no major issues with the building.

Additionally, Chief Carrizzo mentioned that when the District bought its prepaid propane from Ferrell Gas, that company miscalculated on the amount that would be used. The gas has now been used and will cost 2 cents per gallon more on the new order. The District will buy fuel in bulk from February to April and then will buy prepaid again after that.

Chief Carrizzo then discussed the Department Values Strategic Plan with the Commissioners. Dr. Kelly Gerling will be the facilitator. Chief Carrizzo has met with him and he has a four-month time plan for accomplishing the goal of the Plan. Dr. Gerling wants to meet with the Commissioners.

Under new business, Chief Carrizzo informed the Commissioners that several safety inspections on buildings and restaurants had been made and approved. One public education presentation was made. The District received a Resolution from the Missouri House of Representatives commending the District on its Life Safety Award.

It was noted that all three Commissioners had sent in their financial reports.

There was considerable discussion on signage for the exterior of Station 4's building. Chief Carrizzo was authorized to check on various options including prices.

Chief Carrizzo informed the Commissioners that he needed authority to continue on the bid process/plan for replacement of the brush vehicle. The Commissioners gave him such authority.

Month-end and year-end reports were furnished to the Commissioners.

Chief Carrizzo stated that the District had received a thank you note from Life Flight for its actions at a rollover site in March.

Chief Carrizzo informed the Commissioners that three new firefighters had been hired effective January 28, 2002. He also stated that Ryan Wright had resigned and Craig Hill will be resigning. He stated that with the hirings and the resignations, the District would be overmanned by one the last week in January. The Commisisoners gave their approval to go over the manpower limit. Chief Carrizzo also said that the District has 10 new volunteers. Education classes will be held for these and others.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned to Executive Session at 8:25 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue upon motion made, seconded, and passed.

The Executive Session adjourned at 8:45, and the regular meeting was reopened. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Jan. 21.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned at 8:46 p.m. upon motion made, seconded, and unanimously passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Thomas
Secretary