1.0 Call to Order / Roll Call
The Regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Red, White & Blue Fire District was called to order by Director Griffin at 0703. In attendance were Directors Perkins, Randall, and Griffin. Director Krugman arrived at 0743, and Director Gothard was excused. Chief Green, Fire Marshal Nelson, Carmen Modglin, Deputy Chief Lori Miller, Captain’s Lynch, Bergbauer, Roberts, Oese, Goosen, Scott and Randall were all present. Wendy Peters and Samantha Kosanovich were also in attendance, as was Patrick D’Augustine from High Country Lodge. Samantha Kosanovich served as Recording Secretary.

2.0 Approval of Minutes
M/S Perkins, Randall to approve the minutes from the October 8, 2008 Board meeting. Voice vote unanimous. Motion carried.

3.0 Citizen Comments and Other Communications
Chief Green began by introducing Patrick D’Augustine, owner of the High Country Lodge in the Peak 7 Subdivision, and who oversees the D’Augustine Foundation. This was the third year that the foundation has made a generous donation to the RWB Fire District and Chief Green wanted to publicly thank Patrick and the D’Augustine Foundation. To date, the foundation has donated nearly $10,000. In the past these funds have gone to procure Defender Shields for every firefighter helmet. Patrick stated that he was very pleased with how everything worked out, and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication.

Chief Green introduced the several Captains present and explained that attendance was part of the Acting BC requirements. He further expressed that he is pleased with the way our succession plan is developing.

Fire Marshal Nelson gave an update about the Blue River fire, and explained that recently there had been a coordinated investigation with the insurance company. He further explained that the underground propane line had been damaged and leaking, it was also discovered that a past attempt at repair had been made with duct tape.

4.0 Approval of Changes to the Agenda
M/S Griffin/Perkins to move items. Voice vote unanimous. Motion carried.

5.0 Chief’s Report & Discussion Topic

Emergency Response Data
Chief Green stated that October was a quiet month aside from the Blue River fire. Although incidents are down overall for October, service calls were up. EMS calls still account for approximately 50% of all incidents. Director Randall asked to have a breakdown on calls per station to which Chief Green responded that he will have those numbers at the next Board meeting.

Ambulance Licensing Schedule
Chief Green stated that there had been yet another EMS meeting the day prior. This was the 4th such meeting, and Director Griffin was there for four hours. Chief Green went on to say that both Copper and Lake Dillon were now very involved, and that there is a fire-based EMS focus throughout the county. Director Griffin stated that he feels there is progress being made, but he wants to ensure that there is always an ambulance on our side of the county. He further explained that both Copper and Dillon also want an ambulance in their respective response areas 24/7. There is a lack of consistent coverage countywide that needs to be addressed. Chief Green explained that this has been a very slow process, and that Red, White and Blue has now offered up four different options to make this work. The end result needs to be a focus on patient care, not funding the current system.

Administrative Notes
Chief Green stated that the next board meeting has been moved to December 4th, and that the November 13th and December 11th meeting dates have been cancelled. He also stated that the County Treasurers office should have the final assessed value by 11/22/08 in hopes of having our mill levy certification by 12/9.

Moving on to personnel issues, there was discussion on regarding worker’s compensation insurance claims and short term disability. Chief Green said that he was astounded by the involvement of the community in regards to the recent fundraiser for Todd Johnson. He also wanted to recognize Captain Scott, all of the crews, and Director Randall for their hard work in making it a huge success.

Chief Green recognized Captain Roberts for the countless hours he spent working on the station remodel. Because of this hard work on both his days on and off, the overall project costswere greatly reduced.

It was also noted that the Fire Chief from Copper Mountain had resigned, and that Asst. Chief Mark Thompson was named as the new Fire Chief effective 11/01/08.

Chief Green asked everyone to make note that the annual Holiday party would take place 12/14/08 at Beaver Run Resort.

Financial Notes
Chief Green stated that the overall 2008 budget is in line with what was put into place, and expects to come in slightly under. A few specific items, however, extend beyond their specific budgeted amounts.

Property/Liability and Workman’s Comp is one of the areas over budget. Chief Miller stated that a continued emphasis on training and safety will help to keep this number in check for the future. Carmen went on to explain further that recent laws make it difficult to accurately budget for this, and that rates were increased due to the ‘Presumptive Cancer Bill’. Director Perkins inquired on the process behind rate increases, to which Carmen replied that she should have more information, as well as the premium for next year, by the next meeting.

Shift Premium was another area that Chief Green stated has exceeded its projected budget. Director Perkins asked if the four new staff members we get with the Safer Grant will have an impact on next years numbers, to which Chief Green explained that they will positively impact overtime. Director Perkins asked that we clarify all numbers to make sure the impact would be understood in the following year’s budget. Fuel was an area in which we obviously didn’t anticipate the dramatic increase. Director Randall explained that he did some research and it would cost roughly $30,000 to put in our own fuel system. In the end, it probably does not pay off. He also asked if Nitrogen was being used to fill the tires, which would cut down on fuel costs. Chief Miller explained that Fleet Services does not like to use Nitrogen but she would research further.

Building Capitol/Facilities came in slightly over budget, but under the Board authorized mid-year increase. Chief Green stated that the South station has seen a huge improvement in living conditions. Captain Oese stated that the water leak was now fixed and the drywall should be repaired soon. Fire Marshal Nelson explained that the water had been leaking for a very long time, but should now be fixed

A. Old-Hire Pension Contribution
The Board Members stated that they would like to make a change to make a contribution in 2008 rather than 2009. Director Randall explained that buying now may be better due to the market…buy low. Director Griffin stated that he thinks that we will end up with a better return. He also asked Carmen to pull old contracts in order to look into the contractual numbers for the old hires, and get the specific details of the pensions. M/S Perkins/Krugman to make a $60,208 contribution. Voice vote unanimous. Motion carried.

B. 2009 Proposed Budget Review
Director Perkins asked that Carmen please add a column titled Budgeted ’08 vs. Budgeted ’09 percentage column to the budget report. Chief Green explained that Wildfire Mitigation Officer Patti McGuire is no longer employed by Lake Dillon Fire. He further explained that the shared position will no longer be funded by the County. The $14,000 that the SFA had contributed to her salary will now be removed from the 2009 SFA budget. The individual fire districts will begin absorbing mitigation enforcement duties with assistance from the Colorado State Forest Service. Director Randall asked if the County can contribute to the efforts of Fire Mitigation, and Chief Green replied that in place of the $30,000 that had been contributed for the position, the County will set aside $110,00 for wildfire mitigation projects. Director Griffin explained that he would like the overall wildland program be better defined. Chief Green stated that right now, D/O Matt Benedict is responsible for coordinating wildfire training, supplies, deployment, etc. On the mitigation side, we continue to coordinate efforts with the Town of Breckenridge, the Town of Blue River and the County. Using consistent enforcement and public education programs we help our community be better prepared to prevent and respond to wildfires. Director Perkins asked how the additional work load would effect the CRM department. Chief Green explained that the actual code enforcement would be minimal as a drop off in new construction is anticipated. According to Patti’s records, there were, on average, five inspections per month. We are already very active with related public education programs.

6.0 Consent
October 2008 Bills List
Director Randall questioned the following items on the Bills List:

♦ Clarification needed on five chip & haul slash pile at Gallagher’s. Chief Green explained that this was a wildfire mitigation grant-related expense and was paid for by grant dollars. Carmen further clarified that it is reflected in the grant revenue line. Director Perkins asked that there be a notation made to state that this was funded by the Town of Breckenridge grant.
♦ Clarification was also needed on the photo shoot for the website redesign. Both Chief Green and Carmen explained that this was for our website, and that the cost was budgeted and would come out of the pub ed line. The Board members went on to question when the new site would be up and running. Captain Scott stated that they were expecting the new website to be up sometime in January.

Director Perkins questioned the following item:

♦ Clarification needed as to what the Fatcow annual charge represented. Fire Marshal Nelson and Carmen explained that it is a yearly charge for our email and routing ISP/Server.

M/S Randall, Perkins to approve the October 2008 bills lists as presented. Voice vote, unanimous. Motion carried.

7.0 Fire Chief’s Performance Review Discussion
Director Griffin stated that the Fire Chief’s Performance Review has not been completed at this time. Chief Green stated that he anticipates this will be completed by the 15th.

8.0 Executive Session

9.0 Adjournment
The BOD came out of Executive Session at 10:07 M/S Randal/Krugman; and then adjourned the regular meeting at 10:09 M/S Krugman/Randall. Voice vote, unanimous. Motion carries.

The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 7:00 am.

Respectfully Submitted:

Wayne Randall, Secretary/Treasurer
Samantha Kosanovich, Recording Secretary