The regular monthly meeting of the Commissioners of Southern Platte Fire Protection District was held Thursday, Feb. 21, 2002, at Station 4, 8795 NW N Highway, Parkville, Mo.

Nelson Hopper acted as chairman of the meeting and called it to order at 7:22 p.m. Present at the meeting were Commissioners Hopper and Judd. Commissioner Newburger was present via telephone. Also present were Chief Richard Carrizzo and Dale Minton, Union Representative.

Minutes of the January 2002 meeting which had been previously e-mailed to the commissioners were approved and accepted upon motion made, seconded, and passed.

The treasurer's report was presented and discussed. It was approved and accepted by the commissioners upon motion made, seconded, and passed.

The following Old Business was brought before the meeting:

1. Legal Issues. There were no legal issues presented

2. Apparatus Update: Chief Carrizzo reported that everything was up and running in January. The ladder is out of service for repairs. Commissioner Judd questioned possible problems with one truck. He was informed that it was merely a turn signal problem.

3. Station 4: The final payments will be made on the station the end of February or first of March. There have been some additional miscellaneous small problems with the building, but they are being addressed.

4. Department Values/Strategic Plan: Chief Carrizzo reported that the three chiefs met with Dr. Gerling. There will be sessions with officers and employees and the strategic plan will begin in April or May.

5. Status of the brush truck was questioned by the Commissioners. Chief Carrizzo reported that the committee continues to work on the matter.

The following New Business was brought to the meeting:

Chief's Report: Chief Carrizzo stated that a thank you note had been received from the Platte County Sheriff's Department for the District's help on Jan. 12.

There was discussion about changing the date of the March Commissioners' meeting because of the non-availability of the Commissioners on its scheduled date. The March meeting has tentatively been scheduled for April 2.

Chief Carrizzo informed the Commissioners that the District did not participate in the Missouri Department of Conservation's Grant Program as it does not meet the requirements.

The medical director's new contract was discussed. The District has previously paid $80.00 per hour. It will be $100.00 per hour beginning in May 2002 and then $120.00 in April 2003. The Commissioners accepted the contract.

Chief Carrizzo told the Commissioners he had talked with UMB about the outstanding District bonds. They are not callable until 2009.

The Commissioners amended and approved the 2002 budget upon motion made, seconded, and unanimously carried. A new benefits package was presented as were the tower specifications. Chief Carrizzo reported that the tower will soon be placed for bids; and upon acceptance of the bids, it will be put out for contract. He is hopeful of an August completion. The benefits package was also approved by the Commissioners. They also authorized the advertisement for bids on the tower.

Commissioner Judd reported that he had recently attended the Fire District Board Orientation meeting. He said there were approximately 50 people in attendance--mostly from St. Louis County.

Chief Carrizzo reported that the recruit classes were going well.

He also reported that the FEMA grants are again available. Several area districts are applying as a group. SPFPD will be applying for a Hazmat Cascade System.

The northland fire departments have developed a Hazardous Material Team for the northland. The group team will be made up of members of each fire department who will be trained to be hazmat responders. The District will pay overtime to cover staffing of those who will be training. Tri-County will serve as they model for the group team although there will be more fire departments/districts participating.

Chief Carrizzo announced that the annual appreciation dinner will be held March 9, 2002, at the National Golf Club. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. No members of the press have been invited this year.

The Chief's Report was accepted and approved.

There being no further business to come before the meeting, it was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Thomas
Secretary