Portal Rescue Board Meeting Minutes for 2013
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MINUTES
PORTAL RESCUE INC., BOARD MEETING
Wednesday December 18th, 2013, 6.30 p.m.
Portal Rescue Classroom
1.0 Call to Order
President Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.. Seven board members and two active members were present.
2.0 Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted, with the addition of items 5.1 and 8.2. Motion proposed by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Bill Wilbur and carried unanimously.
3.0 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Rick Beno, seconded by Reed Peters, moved to accept the minutes of the September 21st meeting with amendment of item 7.2 by deletion of the words “retired, or ” in line 1. Motion carried unanimously.
4.0 Reports:
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
Jerry thanked all Fire, EMS and SAR personnel for their excellent job in responding throughout the year. He was struck by their efficiency in the difficult task of rescuing a subject who fell off a boulder. Jerry also thanked Dinah Davidson, Lee Dyal and Walter Schoepfle for their service.
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Rick reviewed income and expenses up to December 2013. He noted that the donation drive was very successful.
Revenue: This year, $2,600 has come from grants, $33,837 has been donated, $7,234 has come from fundraising efforts, $16 23.62 from fire income, $125.98 from misc.. Interest income now totals $850 approximately, and rent $525 Revenue to date totals $46,644.47.
Expenses: Expenses to date include $930.11 for office supplies, $2,114.78 for EMS supplies, $3,973.38 for EMS training, $5,785.37 for EMS equipment, $5,735.92, for fire supplies, $1444.97 for fire training, $550 for fire pay from the Enterprise fire, $3,802.17 for vehicle operations, $1,079.76 for radio operations, $8,474 for insurance, $1,569.51 for structure maintenance, $110 for dues, $1, 212.59 for fund-raising expenses, $2,377.71 for utilities, $698.25 for the Rainy Day account (transfer of funds to Credit Union?), and $641.20 for miscellaneous expenses. Expenses total $40,499.72.
Summary of Assets: Currently, our investments total $126,032.71 and we have $40,740.43 in checking. Including petty cash and earned interest, assets total $167, 203.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
“Since Sept 21st,
Operations: We had one false alarm fire and one reported fire that could not be located. There were SAR incidents on Sept 22 [2 wayward hikers], Dec 2 [fallen climber], Dec 9 [walkaway]. Fine teamwork was exhibited during these incidents.
Training: Two fire trainings were held, one of which was well attended. A SAR training was held with poor attendance, but was nonetheless useful.
Maintenance: A battery on Brush 5 and the recoil starter on Brush 9’s pump were replaced. The garage heating system is offline due to a leaking circulating pump.
Countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan: Four meetings have been held and attended. Should be done by Spring.”
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis
“We’ve responded to six 911 calls since September 21st. Several EMTs also assisted in a search and rescue in Cave Creek Canyon.
Attendance at monthly meetings has been good. Everyone is appreciating the emergency scenarios that Rick is coordinating.
Seven EMTs attended the review, held in the Douglas Fire Department, of Tucson Medical Center’s updated standing orders. (TMC is Portal Rescue’s base hospital).
Lee Dyal offered his resignation as an EMT. He will remain active with Portal Rescue as a firefighter. Lee became an EMT in 2006.
Paperwork is being prepared to apply for the Epi-pen grant. I should know by the January 2014 meeting if we are accepted again or not. The donation from Mylan Specialties will save Portal Rescue $1400.00 in replacement costs.”
5.0 Old Business
5.1 Cost of pencils to publicize Portal Rescue’s services.
Jackie Lewis reported that these pencils 576 already-sharpened pencils would cost $104.00 (18 cents a pencil) with a limit of 3-lines of writing. Jeff Gee suggested Jackie explore the possibility of adding a 4th line soliciting donations. This would be discussed at the January 2014 Board Meeting in connection with next year’s budget for office expenses. If the expenditure is approved the pencils should be available for distribution at the Soup Kitchen.
6.0 New Business
6.1 Consideration of adding people trained in Search and Rescue techniques to Portal Rescue membership.
Noting that SAR exercises were hazardous, Rick Beno asked whether SAR-trained volunteers should be required to join PR as members in order to be covered by insurance and/or Workmen’s Compensation.
Jerry Racicot said PR’s insurance policy would cover injuries suffered by SAR volunteers (even if they were not PR members) provided the Fire Chief certified the injured person was acting “under our umbrella”. Board members didn’t know whether Workman’s Compensation would cover such injuries. The Board agreed to discuss changing the by-laws, at the next meeting, to require SAR-trained volunteers to become active members.
6.2 Discussion of Wilderness EMS training.
Jerry Racicot, Jeff Gee and John Yerger proposed that PR support wilderness training for our EMTs because it is more thorough and extensive than regular EMT training and would enhance our EMTs’ skills, giving them more confidence and encouraging them to remain members. As it is, a significant proportion of our EMTs feel their training is inadequate for our non-urban conditions.
Several Board members remarked that state and hospital protocols defined and restricted the medical procedures that could be practiced by EMTs and that some of the procedures offered in Wilderness training were not authorized. What was the point of the training if the EMTs were being taught skills they weren’t allowed to use? Jerry, Jeff and John all explained that EMTs would only perform legally permissible procedures but that as a result of their Wilderness training, they would perform them better than before. Jerry said that both the pre-hospital coordinator and the TMC medical director believed the training was worth while and would help to keep EMS personnel interested.
Jerry reported that sending EMTs to a Wilderness 5-day (56 hours) upgrade (held in March in Flagstaff) would cost $699 per head for tuition only, i.e. not counting meals, lodging and gas. Jackie suggested that it would be cheaper and more effective to bring a trainer to Portal. At the request of the Board Jackie agreed to investigate the matter further and put the expected cost in next year’s budget.
6.3 Discussion of 2014 budget items.
Projections of income were $1200 for grants, $30,000 for donations, $8,000 for fund-raising, $1000 for interest, $500 for rent. Fire income and misc. income could not be projected at this stage.
Projections of expenses, $2,000 for office, $3,500 for EMS supplies, $7,000 for EMS training, $2,000 for EMS equipment, $4,000 for fire supplies, $2,000 for fire training, $0 for fire pay (cannot be projected at this stage) $6,000 for vehicle operations, $2,000 for radio ops, $2,000 for structures maintenance, $250 for dues, $3,000 for utilities, $1,000 for misc.
The total expenses budgeted for 2014 are $43,850, compared with $62,700 for 2013.
7.0 Addenda
8.0 For the Good of the Order
8.1 Articles for 2014 Newsletter
Articles, information and photographs should be sent to Pat Espenak <touchedbythesun2@aol.com>, editor of the Newsletter by January 15th, 2014. Chiefs, members and community members are cordially invited to submit material.
8.2 Key to the Forest Service parking lot at the Visitor Center (and to other Forest Service gates).
Reed Peters said that the County Sheriff couldn’t get into the parking lot when he needed to (for a recent SAR operation), because the only key in Portal was unavailable at the time. The Forest Service is willing to let Portal Rescue Fire Department keep a key. David Newton agreed to obtain one from the Fire Management Officer at the Douglas Ranger station. The key will be kept in the RCO room at the PR Fire Station.
9.0 Adjournment
Bill Wilbur seconded by Reed Peters, proposed adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 8.45 p.m..
MINUTES
PORTAL RESCUE INC. BOARD MEETING
Saturday, Sept. 21st, 2013
3:30 p.m. in Portal Rescue Classroom
1 Call to Order
President Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 3:30 p.m.. Six board members and two community members were present.
2 Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted, with the addition of items 8.2 and 8.3. Motion proposed by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Rick Beno and carried unanimously.
3 Acceptance of Minutes
Bill Wilbur, seconded by Rick Beno, moved to accept the minutes of the July 17th meeting as posted. Motion carried unanimously.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
Jerry Racicot thanked Thomas Morgan of the Arizona Dept. of Health Services for lending us a Stryker gurney, and Dennis McAvoy for his cooperation. The gurney was still in Phoenix, awaiting transport to Portal.
While attending the SATNET conference in August and Fire School in September, Jerry noticed a repeated emphasis from directors on the importance of ongoing training for fire crews and EMT personnel. Although training costs money, it makes firefighters and EMTs a more effective asset to their community.
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Rick Beno reviewed income and expenses up to September 2013. Donations are still trickling through but we are short of the amount we had hoped to have by now.
Revenue: This year, $1,200 has come from grants, $8,604.94 has been donated, and $7,070 has come from fundraising efforts. Interest income now totals $655.14, and rent $225. Revenue to date totals $19,378.70.
Expenses: Expenses to date include $677.24 for office supplies, $1,504.41 for EMS supplies, $2,087.50 for EMS training, $5,785.37 for EMS equipment, $5,735.92 for fire supplies, $1,444.97 for fire training, $550 for fire pay, $2,375.14 for vehicle operations, $639 for radio operations, $6,602 for insurance, $1,569 for structure maintenance, $110 for dues, $1,150.44 for fund-raising expenses, $1,762.37 for utilities, $655.14 for the Rainy Day account, and $641.20 for miscellaneous expenses. Expenses total $33,290.21
Summary of Assets: Currently, our investments total $125,998.60 and we have $20,684.17 in checking. Including petty cash and earned interest, assets total $146,953.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
Since July 17:
Operations: We extinguished a power pole fire on July 31.
Training: Three trainings have been held since the last Board meeting. One was attended poorly, and two attended well, including today’s on vehicle extrication. Jerry Racicot and David Newton attended a four-day class on vehicle extrication at Arizona State Fire School in Mesa.
Grants: Portal Rescue’s grant application to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety was not funded. David finished up spending on the Portal Rescue VFA grant on July 31. He submitted PR’s request for reimbursement for a hose, strainers and adapters, and expects to receive $1,400.
Maintenance: We installed chocks on 3 vehicles, put a cover on the inspection port of the leach field, repaired a rear wheel seal and the brake drums on Tender 1, and put the repeater on an uninterruptible power supply.
County-wide Community Wildfire Protection Plan: A plan has been funded by the Cochise County Board of Supervisors and work on it will begin in a week.
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis
There have been three EMT calls since the last Board meeting.
Nine EMTs attended the September meeting. Rick Beno led training.
Eight EMTs are expected to attend the CPR class, October 1. Three will train for new certification and three for recertification in the IV Therapy Class on the same date. Nine will attend the EMT Refresher Course, October 2-4.
5 Old Business:
5.1 Status of Charlene Noland’s fundraiser. Charlene has not returned emails requesting updates. Item put on hold pending further contact by Charlene.
6 New Business–none
7 Addenda
7.1 It has been suggested that cell phones be supplied to Rescue 4 and the most used fire vehicles. These phones could be used to communicate with the RCO when radio coverage fails. Bill Wilbur reported that Verizon phones costing $5.00-$7.00 can be prepaid and are refillable. Calls, whether outgoing or incoming, cost $2.00 per day. Verizon has relatively good coverage in the valley. Bill agreed to find out whether discounts might be allowed to a non-profit organization.
7.2 Recognition of Portal Rescue members who have recently retired, from fire or EMT service or from membership of Board.
David Newton proposed and Bill Wilbur seconded a motion to show appreciation for active members and Board members by awarding them gift certificates to the value of $10 per year of service up to a maximum of $50. The certificate would be awarded during the annual meeting. The motion was carried with one abstention.
8 For the Good of the Order
8.1 Chiefs’ Meeting/Lunch: November 20.
Chris Wilbur volunteered to organize the catering.
8.2 Letter from Resident.
Jerry Racicot had received a letter from a resident suggesting we distribute pencils that say “Portal Rescue” and are accompanied by cards providing basic information about Portal Rescue (e.g. operating expenses and amount to be raised by the donation drive.) The resident also suggested we run a contest for a mascot and float for the parades. Rick Beno noted that we already use fire engines and rescue vehicles for parades. Further discussion tabled for next Board meeting.
8.3 Calendar.
Chris Wilbur has produced a calendar and has offered to donate the net proceeds of the sale of these calendars to Portal Rescue. The cost of the initial production would be donated by the Wilburs; subsequent print-runs would be paid for by Portal Rescue. The calendar would be sold for $15.00 and should raise $300-$400 for Portal Rescue. The Board appreciated and accepted this offer.
8.4 Election information.
In 2014 four polling sessions will be held in the Portal Rescue classroom and Cochise County will be requested to pay $50.00 per session. The Board approved the practice of requiring the County to pay for use of the classroom.
9 Adjournment
Jackie Lewis proposed adjournment. Rick Beno seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:18 p.m..
Minutes of the July 17, 2013
Portal Rescue Incorporated Board Meeting
held in the Portal Rescue classroom at 6.30 p.m.
1.0 Call to Order by President Jerry Racicot at 6:31p.m. Six board members were present.
2.0 Adoption of Agenda with addition of 7.1 discussion of cell phone usage on calls and 7.2 recognition of long-time retired or retiring members. Motion made by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Bill Wilbur, carried.
3.0 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes. The minutes of the 15th May, 2013 Board Meeting were accepted. Motion made by Rick Beno, seconded by Jackie Lewis, carried.
4.0 Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot – Thank you, Jeannie Williams for writing the letter that was sent with the donation made by Portal Rescue to the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Jerry received thanks from the Massey Farming Company for Portal Rescue’s assistance in putting out the fire on their property.
4.2 Treasurer’s Report: Rick Beno: All expense categories are under budget except structure maintenance. The well pump had to be replaced for $933. Total income to date is $17,000. Total expenses to date are $26,509. This leaves a deficit of $9,410 for the year. The donation drive is in October and typically covers budgeted expenses. A new CD was purchased through Southeast Arizona Credit Union. The checking account balance is $25,185 with Portal Rescue total assets of $151,119.
4.3 Fire Chief David Newton: Since May 15, 2013
Operations: July 2, 24 acre wildfire started by a farmer burning weeds in a ditch. 5 Firefighters participated. July 6, smoldering sycamore tree North of Paradise.
Training: Training last month was mostly rained out. We did maintenance and discussed ICS and extrication.
Maintenance: Brush 5 oil replaced.
Purchases: Hose, adapters, and strainers on VFA grant. Wheel chocks for 3 vehicles.
Grants: I’ve purchased all the equipment for our VFA Grant and will apply for $1400 of reimbursement in August. The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has not made any of their awards, so we don’t know about our extrication grant application.
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis: Since last meeting there have been 4 EMT calls. 7 EMTs attended a specialized equipment training class. The training session was recorded by Rick Beno so EMTs that were unable to attend can watch the training session. 3 EMTs will be attending the Southern Arizona Trauma Conference (SATNET) on August 1st & 2nd.
5.0 Old Business:
5.1 Discussion of Charlene Noland’s fund-raiser idea. Jerry will contact Charlene to see if she has coordinated answers to the questions that the Board presented to her at the May meeting.
6.0 New Business
6.1 Purchase of battery backup for Portal Rescue repeater. Motion made by Rick Beno with background information. Questions were answered. Seconded by Reed Peters, carried.
6.2 Over reimbursement allowance for two rooms at SATNET. Motion made by Jackie Lewis. Discussion about the need to reconsider the $70 amount in the policy since it needs an over-ride approval so often. Discussion will continue at a later meeting. Seconded by Reed Peters to approve the increased allowance for SATNET rooms. Motion carried with Rick Beno against.
6.3 Issuance of credit card for Portal Rescue expenses. Motion made by David Newton. Discussion that issuance of a credit card to the two Chiefs would actually violate current by-laws as neither have signing authority. A change to the by-laws will be addressed at a later date. Rick Beno and Bill Wilbur have agreed to use their credit cards for Portal Rescue purchases that the Chiefs cannot put on their own personal credit cards. Motion tabled.
6.4 Approval of fundraising letter. The Board approved the letter pending changes.
6.5 Discussion on Portal Rescue brochure. Brochure changes will be completed via email to all Board members. Community input is welcome. Please contact Bill Wilbur if you have ideas for an updated Portal Rescue brochure. binaz06@vtc.net or 558-5858
7.0 Addenda
7.1 The suggestion has been made to have cell phones available in Rescue 4 and the most used fire vehicle. Phones are available for $5-7 that can be preloaded and refilled. If used they will cost $2 per day. The topic was tabled to the September meeting.
7.2 Recognition of long-time Portal Rescue members who have retired or recently retired has been tabled to the September meeting.
8.0 For the Good of the Order
8.1 A triple sink has been donated by Winston & Jackie Lewis. Rick Beno, Bob Dearing and Joe Meenach have offered to help with installation.
8.2 Bill Wilbur was contacted by Walmart to find out if Portal Rescue would be interested in applying for their grant once again. Bill will follow through.
Adjournment: Motion made by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Bill Wilbur, carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02pm.
Respectfully submitted by Jackie Lewis, acting secretary.
Portal Rescue Incorporated Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
6:30 p.m. in Portal Rescue Classroom
All community members and active Portal Rescue members are encouraged to attend
1 Call to Order
President Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 6.42 p.m.. Seven board members and one community member were present.
2 Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted with the addition of item 7.
3 Acceptance of Minutes
Jackie Lewis moved to accept the minutes as posted of the March 20th meeting. Reed Peters seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
“Portal Rescue sent a rescue vehicle and fire engine for a presentation to San Simon High School. We received a nice thank you notice from the school.”
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Rick Beno reviewed income and expenses for 2013, year-to-date.
Revenue: This year, $1,200 has come from grants, $7,252.88 has been donated, and $6,898 has come from fundraising efforts. Interest income now totals $235.73 and rent $25.00. Revenue to date totals $15,611.61.
Expenses: Expenses to date include $631.24 for office supplies, $1,504.41 for EMS supplies, $361.84 for EMS training, $4,575.37 for EMS equipment, $1,365.88 for fire supplies, $875.21 for vehicle operations, $189.85 for radio operations, $4,236 for insurance, $474.45 for structure maintenance, $10 for dues, $761.87 for fund-raising expenses, $1,080.91 for utilities and $209.60 for miscellaneous expenses. Expenses total $16,276.63.
Summary of Assets: Currently, our investments total $65,570.19 and we have $93,694.93 in checking. Including petty cash and earned interest, assets total $159,445.12.
Portal Rescue is on target for spending and revenue so far.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
“Since Mar 20, 2013:
Operations: Engine 2 with Racicot and Newton attended the San Simon bus evacuation drill on April 3rd. We provided a Red Cross Client Assistance card on April 15th to a family who had a fire on the previous day.
Training: We’ve had one training. It was poorly attended. (coincided with a garage sale in Rodeo)
Maintenance: A well attended vehicle maintenance morning was held last week and we identified several things to fix. Brush 5 was painted. Thanks to Lee Dyal.
Grants: We received the signed contract for our 2012 VFA grant. We’ll spend $2800 on hose and strainers and be reimbursed $1400. No word from Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety on our extrication proposal. Notification should come this month.
Missed alarm on April 14th: The Hidalgo County “Central Dispatch” operator thought the call was in San Simon; however, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher did not call our tone-out number, and did not have a good telephone number to reach us.
Actions: We’ve now clarified/corrected the CCSO instructions for toning us out and have given CCSO and Rodeo Fire Dept our firebar number.
Plans: We’ll hold monthly tone-out drills, proceed with the project to put the repeater on an uninterruptable power supply and will move the pager to the same supply. Possible education projects for the future include advising the public to provide their actual location on a cell phone 911 call and advising Hidalgo Central Dispatch about the dangers of deceptive location information coming through their 911 system.”
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis:
“One call since last Board meeting.
Nine EMTs attending last training session. E.T. Collinsworth attended a seminar in Tucson. Donna & Joe Meenach and Dinah Davidson will attend the same seminar but in Sierra Vista on the 23rd of this month.
Portal Rescue will be represented at the Friends of Cave Creek Canyon event on 5/25 and the
3rd Annual Portal Rescue Health Day is scheduled for June 1st.
Thank you, Joe Meenach for taking care of rescue vehicle maintenance.”
5 Old Business
Update of approved budget purchases–Jackie Lewis reported that new blinds had been fitted and a new microwave set up with funds donated by Sew What and earmarked for this project. Joe Meenach had been of great assistance in hanging the blinds and moving the microwaves. A shredder has been acquired too.
6 New Business
6.1 Discussion on how best to invest Portal Rescue’s checking account money and maturing CD funds.
Rick Beno reported that Portal Rescue’s $93,694.93 in the checking account is earning very little in interest. Our Edward Jones financial advisor discouraged us from investing this money in a tax-free municipal bond because of the high premium. Another investment possibility was a CD, but the best CD rate (for a 15 month CD) was 0.75%. Rick proposed investing $50,000 from the checking account and the $10,014.65+ from Rainy Day Fund 5 (which is about to mature) in the Southeastern Arizona Federal Credit Union in Douglas. Approximately $40,000 would remain in the checking account. The Credit Union is currently paying 1% interest. David Newton seconded the motion and the vote was unanimously in favor.
6.2 Fund-raiser coordinated by Charlene Noland
Charlene Noland proposed to coordinate a fund-raiser to benefit Portal Rescue. She offered to organize an event consisting of music, food and possibly dancing. Funds would come from the sale of advance tickets in Douglas, Sierra Vista and elsewhere, and expenses would be offset by corporate donations. Tickets might cost $50 a family ticket for up to 4 persons and payment to the coordinators would be negotiable, but probably in the region of 20-30% of the takings. The event would likely draw 200-400 ticket-holders and their families. Board members were concerned about difficulties resulting from the size of the proposed event, in particular, the lack of refrigerated facilities for storing food, the provision of policing and medical services, toilet facilities, sufficient physical space (whether indoor or outdoor) to host the event and parking, and the difficulty of finding sufficient volunteers to sell tickets, set up, cook, control traffic and clean up.
Charlene also suggested that Portal Rescue host a booth at Cochise County Fair, to solicit donations for Portal Rescue and sell tickets for the fund-raiser. Further discussion of this matter was deferred to the next Board meeting.
6.3 Disposal/dispersal of old television and 2 microwaves.
Jackie Lewis reported that the TV has been disposed of. The microwaves would be donated to a charity in Douglas.
6.4 Consideration to purchase a 4th outlying AED.
Jackie Lewis said that we didn’t budget for an AED to be stored in Paradise but recommended that we purchase one because, in one week alone, there were three cases of people with cardiac problems in Paradise. The AED might cost $1500. Bill Wilbur, seconded by Reed Peters, proposed that we purchase the AED. The motion was carried unanimously.
7 Addenda
Rental of table and chairs by non-residents.
The Board agreed that we would adhere to existing policy regarding the rental of Portal Rescue tables and chairs by people who are not residents of our area. The furniture would need to be booked and renters would be asked to pay $50.00 or more.
8 For the Good of the Order
9 Adjournment
Jackie Lewis proposed adjournment. Bill Wilbur seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8.18 p.m.
MINUTES
Portal Rescue Inc. Board Meeting
Wednesday, March 20th, 2013
6:00 p.m. in Portal Rescue Classroom
1 Call to Order
President Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 6.07 p.m. Nineteen active members and sixteen community members were present. In addition, three active members voted by phone.
All seven board members attended the meeting and are included in the above figures.
2 Adoption of Agenda The published agenda was adopted. Motion proposed by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Jerry Racicot and carried unanimously.
3 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Reed Peters, seconded by David Johnson, moved to accept minutes of the January 16th, 2013 meeting, with item 5.2.5 corrected and clarified. Motion carried unanimously.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
“I want to thank everyone who has attended our meeting tonight.
On our Organization:
Throughout the year I have had the opportunity to speak with members, community members and outside fire/EMS departments about Portal Rescue. One thing that has struck me is how Portal Rescue was seen as the “Golden Child” of departments in southern Arizona in the past. This is impressive, given the story that Delane shared about its origins. A group of volunteers got together and built this from the ground up. The EMS equipment was a barrel that had some supplies in it. From there it has grown to what it is today.
It is my goal that Portal Rescue regain its status as the “golden child”. We were there and can surely go back.
On Members:
Our members give a lot; it takes an extraordinary amount of time to serve with the department. They sacrifice greatly to serve and we are all thankful for this.
The beauty of our members is their diversity; we have farmers to engineers and everything in between. I believe this diversity is strength we can use to build up our organization.
We need to be innovative in how to train and retain current members and recruit new members. These conversations need to be started. I’m sure we can all agree that our members are our most important assets. We can have a building, equipment and money, but without our members we are nothing.
I place an open call to anyone who wants to join the department. Give us a call if you want to join or know someone who wants to join. I’m available to talk to anyone about it.
On our Direction:
I believe Portal Rescue needs to look down the road. We should set a goal and direction to meet both our financial and membership needs. Our department will be experiencing attrition, we must fill these positions to remain viable.
In closing, I want to thank all who volunteer, our members, community members who help in so many ways, and finally our Chiefs. They put out an extraordinary amount of work and deserve credit for this. Thank you.”
4.2 Treasurer: Jackie Lewis
Acting Treasurer Jackie Lewis noted we had finished in the black at the end of 2012. Our income was $1,599 below our expenses.
2013:
The Soup Kitchen raised $6,798 with another $2,960 in donations during the same period.
Revenue: This year, $4882.88 has been donated, $6,898 has come from fundraising efforts and $25.00 from rent. Interest income now totals $195.54 (including $83.73 posted o 12/31/12). Revenues to date total $12,001.42
The budget revenue is currently $12.58 ahead of expenses. At this time of year, the income will normally be overspent by expenses, so we don’t worry too much.
Expenses: Expenses to date include $559.26 for office supplies, $1,504.41 for EMS supplies, $118.80 for EMS training, $4,188.12 for EMS equipment, $1,365.88 for fire supplies, $158.79 for vehicle operations, $189.85 for radio operations, $2,363.00 for insurance, and $738.13 for fundraiser expenses, $678.85 for utilities and $100 for misc. Expenses to date total $11,988.83.
Summary of Assets: Currently, our investments total $65,446.63 and we have $94,412.72 in checking. Including $80 in petty cash, assets total $159,939.35.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
“Since Jan 16th 2013:
Operations: none.
Training:
Wildland refresher, heat-related injuries, initial attack exercises.
Grants:
I submitted a grant proposal to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to restore our extrication capability: a $17,000, 100% grant. We’ll know the result in May. We could need to spend up to about $12,000 this year if the grant is awarded.
The 2011 VFA grant has been closed out and we should soon receive $1200 reimbursement.
The 2012 VFA grant will start soon. It’s all for equipment. I’ll quickly spend it and we should receive reimbursement of $1400 this year.”
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis
“There have been two calls since last Board meeting.
At the February meeting we reorganized Rescue 3 and Rescue 4. They were cleaned well and restocked as similarly as possible. Ten EMTs worked on the vehicles. Another EMT was able to create our new vehicle checklist pages.
Nine of thirteen EMTs attended the March meeting and several participated in the St. Patrick’s Day parade following the meeting.
We’ve received and distributed glucometers to the EMTs for their jump kits. Three automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) were ordered and placed with outlying EMTs, Donna and Joe Meenach, Stevie Wayman and Jerry Racicot.”
5 Old Business
5.1 Update on status of approved EMS items purchased.
Jackie Lewis reported that we had bought a new printer under the budgeted amount and the same was true for the first of the mobile radios. Although we had budgeted for a DVD and TV, these items were donated to us. The shredder has still to be acquired
6 New Business
6.1 Bob Morse and Penny Johnston’s names have been added to the Wall of Fame.
6.2 The Board voted unanimously in favor of the grant proposal “Restore Extrication
Capability” to the Arizona Governor’s office on Highway Safety and committed Portal Rescue to meeting the terms of the grant if awarded.
6.3 Update of Portal Rescue website.
6.4 Nominations to the Board were received and elections held.
Active Members:
Jackie Lewis nominated Rick Beno; David Newton nominated Jerry Racicot; Jackie Lewis proposed we elect Rick Beno and Jerry Racicot by acclamation. Unanimously carried.
Community Members:
Bill Wilbur, Reed Peters and Harold Farmer nominated by Joann Julian and elected.
Jerry Racicot thanked David Johnson for his long service on the board.
7 Executive session:
The new Board selected Jerry Racicot as president, Rick Beno as treasurer, Bill Wilbur as vice-president and Harold Farmer as secretary.
8 Addenda–none.
9 For the Good of the Order: Portal Rescue was awarded a certificate of safety from OSHA because we had no accidents.
10 Adjournment
Bill Wilbur, seconded by Jackie Lewis, proposed adjournment. Meeting adjourned at 7.15 p.m.
Minutes: Portal Rescue Inc. Board Meeting
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, 6:30 p.m.
held in the Portal Rescue Classroom
1.0 Call to Order
President Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 6.40 p.m. Seven board members and two community members were present.
2.0 Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted with suggested additions of (a) nomination of Penny Johnston to the Wall of Fame, Item 6.1, (b) approval of $100 for lottery tickets for Soup Kitchen fund-raising expenses, Item 5.2 (c) dealing with New Business, Item 6, before Old Business, Item 5, (d) discussion of buying better narrow-band mobile radios for responders, Item 5.2. Motion proposed by Reed Peters, seconded by Bill Wilbur and carried unanimously.
3.0 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Reed Peters, seconded by Bill Wilbur, moved to accept the minutes of the Dec. 19th, 2012 meeting as corrected. Motion carried unanimously.
4.0 Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
Jerry Racicot had no issues to report.
4.2 Treasurer: Acting Treasurer Jackie Lewis
“2012:
The year ended in the black. Overall–
Revenue: $6,651 came from grants, $32,933 was donated, and $6,905 came from fundraising efforts. Interest income totaled $1,333, and $691 came in as fire income. Counting some other minor categories, revenues totaled $49,875.
Expenses included $1,404 for office supplies, $1,571 for EMS supplies, $8,228 for EMS training, $1,275 for EMS equipment, $1,925 for fire supplies, $1,459 for fire training, $2,925 for fire equipment, $7,127 for vehicle operations, $6,470 for radio operations, $10,244 for insurance, and $2,379 for utilities. Including some other minor categories, expenses totaled $48,276 .
Two checks, one from 2011 and one from 2012, are outstanding and I am looking for 90 cents to balance and close out 2012.
2013:
The budget was set at $61,025. To date income is $530, and expenses $3751.14.
Summary of assets: I have not received the Edward Jones statement so there is no updated balance sheet. Checking has $92,058.87.”
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
“Since Dec 19th 2012:
Operations: None.
Training: No fire training. Dinah Davidson led a SAR training on the Missing Person questionnaire this morning (1/16/13)
Maintenance: Brush 9’s fire pump cracked during a freeze. Replacement pump ($343) arrived yesterday and will be installed soon. This vehicle is parked outside at the Fire Chief’s home.”
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis
“There has been one call since last meeting.
We will be meeting January 19th. Training will include spinal precautions and influenza protocols.
Most of the new EMS supplies have arrived. The rescue vehicles will be reorganized when they are restocked.
We’re having communication problems with the Vertex radios. David Newton is assessing the issues and will offer possible solutions.”
5.0 Old Business
5.1 Sign for Portal Rescue station driveway–It had been suggested that we erect a new sign because people from Douglas couldn’t find us, but the county has now put in a sign. The Board decided to wait and see how well the sign worked before investing in a new sign. (David Johnson researched street signs and found that they would cost about $76.00.)
5.2 The Board discussed purchase of the following items:
1) Laser Printer. Jackie Lewis had identified a suitable HP laser printer costing less than $200.
2) Automatic External Defibrillators for outlying EMTs, costing $1600 each. Three EMTs were willing to take responsibility for housing and using new units. The Board noted it would be potentially life-saving to have these AEDs available at the home of an EMT in Rodeo, near Animas and in the vicinity of Apache, in addition to those that we already have on each rescue vehicle.
3) Cross-cut document shredder, not to exceed $150.
4) T.V. with D.V.D (with wide angle for viewing) for training, costing up to $500.
5) Additional mobile radios. David Newton reported that, in light of the FCC requirement to move to narrow-band frequencies, some responders needed more effective radios for communications. Solutions would include longer antennas on existing radios, or additional vehicle and home radios, depending on the circumstances of the responder in question. New mobile radios with antennas would cost about $250 apiece and three or four would suffice.
The Board decided that it was unnecessary to buy a NEC back-up bulb for the projector at this stage.
Jackie Lewis proposed and Bill Wilbur seconded a motion to add $100 for lottery tickets for the Soup Kitchen, $200 for a laser printer, $150 for a shredder, $1000 for radios, $500 for a TV/DVD and $5000 for AED’s to the budget. Motion carried unanimously.
5.3 Final budget review and approval.
Bill Wilbur proposed and Reed Peters seconded acceptance of the 2013 budget as submitted.
6.0 New Business
6.1 Nomination to the Portal Rescue Wall of Fame
Delane Blondeau proposed and Jackie Lewis seconded nomination of Bob Morse to the Wall of Fame for his outstanding service over the years. Jackie Lewis proposed and David Johnson seconded nomination of Penny Johnston for her much-appreciated pioneering work and sustained support. Both motions were carried unanimously.
7.0 Addenda: none
8.0 For the Good of the Order
8.1 Soup Kitchen: February 11th-13th.
Chris Wilbur is still looking for workers. She needs someone to sit at the post office to sell tickets over 3 weeks (15 days). Greeters are also needed. Vicki Beno will be coordinating soups, breads and deserts. No recipe book will be published this year due to the paucity of contributions.
8.2 The Annual Meeting will be held on March 20th, 2013, 6.00 p.m.
8.3 The 3rd Annual Health Day is being planned by Susanne Apitz. Watch for information.
8.4 Editorship of Portal Rescue Newsletter in 2014. Jackie Lewis is resigning after eight years and Portal Rescue needs someone to replace her. Advanced editorial skills are not required. Anyone who can cut and paste could do the job.
9.0 Adjournment
David Newton proposed and Bill Wilbur seconded adjournment. The meeting adjourned at 8.35 p.m.