Portal Rescue Board Meeting Minutes for 2015
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MINUTES
Portal Rescue Inc. Board Meeting
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
6:30 p.m. in Portal Rescue Classroom
1 Call to order. President Bill Wilbur called the meeting to order at 6.45 p.m. Six Board members were present.
2 Adoption of agenda. The published agenda was corrected, then adopted with the addition of item 6.4. Motion proposed by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Jerry Racicot and passed unanimously.
3 Acceptance/correction of minutes. The minutes of the 9-16-15 Board meeting were accepted. Motion proposed by Dave Schurian, seconded by Jackie Lewis and passed unanimously.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Bill Wilbur
Bill thanked Morgan Jackson, Rick Beno and Jackie Lewis for their help with the donation drive; Jennifer Racicot for organizing the Chiefs’ luncheon, Dave Schurian for getting a donation for the new truck; and Bonnie Bowen, Barbara Miller, Keri Esten and Eco Wear and Publishing, Inc. for developing the new phone book.
4.2 Treasurer:
Rick Beno being absent, Jackie reported on his behalf.
Revenue (year to date): $49,495.82
Expenses (year to date): $27,896.20
Summary of Assets: Currently our investment and checking accounts, including petty cash, earned interest, and undeposited donations total approximately $210,000.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
Operations: One structure fire in late November. Smoldering wire under an addition to a manufactured home. Residents smelled smoke and turned off power before smoke alarms went off. Damage limited to that smoldering wire.Thanks to Rodeo Fire Department for their mutual aid.
Training: Training in October had a good turnout—we worked on short staffed responses. Training in November was poorly attended.
Grants: David has not yet moved forward with the awarded AFG grant (for pagers).
Thanks to Jennifer Racicot for putting on the successful Chiefs’ Meetings in November.
4.4 EMS Chief: Jerry Racicot
Calls: EMS responded to 5 calls since last meeting, including a Search and Rescue call north of Portal.
Training: We will hold a joint fire/EMS training on Saturday, Dec. 19th, followed by a potluck for all Portal Rescue personnel. Most EMTs will participate in a refresher course, Jan. 4th-6th , 2016.
Equipment: We are up-to-date with all of our equipment and current on our supplies.
Future: I am looking into the possibility of using an iPad in Rescue 4. We are the last agency that does paper patient care reports with our base hospital. The iPad would also enable us to have the locator book, GPS, and other technical manuals with us on any call that Rescue 4 goes to.
5 Old Business
5.1 Vehicle donations & the state of White Brush 6. Bill has approached Columbus Electric about a potential donation of a vehicle but, so far, has failed to get much of a response. Bill’s efforts continue and he is open to suggestions of other companies we might approach. Jerry reported that White Brush 6, kept at the Racicots’ home is still not working right. It could be replaced by a light EMS and fire vehicle that is reliable and could be parked near his house, where it would be accessible to EMTs in that area. Item tabled for more information.
5.2 Update on shirt order. Jackie reported that the shirts celebrating Portal Rescue were now available and were in all sizes.
5.3 Purchase of signs for the Portal Rescue site. Bill reported that he was ready to order reflective, aluminium white signs with green lettering, reading “Call 911 and request Cochise County Dispatch for Emergency Service.”
5.4 Update on Portal Rescue assisting in Hidalgo County. Jerry noted that Arizona EMTs cannot practice in New Mexico unless they also have licenses valid in that state. Jerry is contacting relevant EMS personnel in Hidalgo County to find ways of getting round this obstacle and extending our help to people in New Mexico.
5.5 Update on Hidalgo County residents calling Cochise Dispatch for Portal Rescue assistance. Jerry explained that although New Mexico residents cannot request us to go into New Mexico, Hidalgo County EMTs can request assistance from us in terms of a mutual aid agreement. Portal Rescue can respond to such requests and would be happy to do so more often than is the case at present.
6 New Business
6.1 Portal Rescue information dissemination. Bill reported that Portal area residents have asked when our firefighters will come to extinguish fires inside houses. Board members noted that Portal Rescue firefighters cannot enter conditions that are immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). What they can and will do depends on their technical qualifications and on the risk to persons and property.
6.2 Old information found on Internet re: Portal Rescue. Bill said that he would make efforts to get obsolete information removed.
6.3 Newsletter.The newsletter is coming out in January and material will have to reach Pat Espenak by about January 15th.
6.4 Rough draft of budget for 2016. The Board reviewed 2015 expenses and estimated how much would be needed next year. The final budget proposal would be presented and voted on in January.
7 Addenda
8 For the Good of the Order
9 Adjournment
Jerry Racicot, seconded by Jackie Lewis, moved adjournment. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8.40 p.m.
MINUTES
Portal Rescue Inc. Board Meeting
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
6:30 p.m. in Portal Rescue Classroom
1 Call to order. President Bill Wilbur called the meeting to order at 6.35 p.m. All seven Board members were present.
2 Adoption of agenda. The published agenda was adopted with the addition of 8.1 and 8.2. Motion proposed by David Schurian, seconded by Jackie Lewis and passed unanimously.
3 Acceptance/correction of minutes of Board meetings of 6-10-15 and 7-25-15. The minutes of the 6-10-15 meeting were accepted. Motion proposed by David Schurian, seconded by Jackie Lewis and passed unanimously.The date of the 7-25-15 meeting was corrected and the minutes accepted as corrected. Motion proposed by David Newton, seconded by Rick Beno and passed unanimously.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Bill Wilbur
Bill reported on the status of repairs to the Portal Rescue buildings. Bob Dearing had inspected the roof and with “Brad” Bradford replaced missing screws and placed sealant. Ceiling tiles still have to be replaced. The crack in the skylight has also been repaired.
Spontaneous updating of Windows 10 interfered with Bill’s use of the locator program during a recent EMT call. Responders need to be aware of this potential hazard; however, Bill is working on the problem with Microsoft.
Bill suggested that we warn residents to have a landline as well as a cell phone because cell phone reception in a recent call was spotty and the number of the phone misled EMTs into thinking the call originated in New Mexico. Another problem with the caller’s reliance on her cell phone was that it took her 911 call to Hidalgo County instead of Cochise County.
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Rick reported that donations are coming in and, thanks to David Schurian’s efforts, a $2,000 donation was made for vehicle repairs by Sulphur Springs Electric Coop.
Rick reviewed income and expenses, year-to-date. Currently we have two bank accounts, one in Chase Bank and one in the Washington Federal Bank. The Chase account, which we intend to close, is being used for expenses only, the Washington Federal for deposits only.
Revenue: (Washington Federal): total $24,179.92.
Expenses: (Chase): total $21,000.
Summary of Assets: Currently our investment and checking accounts, including petty cash and earned interest, total $190,626.39.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
Since 25 July 2015:
Operations: False alarm on July 30th.
Training: OK turnout for training in August.
Vehicle Maintenance: Tender 7 is suffering from the effects of old gasoline. Red Brush 6 was refueled.
Grants: David has not yet applied for reimbursement of our Volunteer Firefighters Assistance grant. Our Assistance to Firefighters grant was funded and a FEMA grant specialist has briefed David on the purchasing and reporting requirements associated with the grant.
4.4 EMS Chief: Jerry Racicot
Calls: Portal Rescue had responded to 4 EMS calls since the last Board meeting.
Vehicles: Rescue 4’s air conditioner was recharged and tested. We have decided to keep testing it every quarter instead of taking it to Tucson for further repairs.
Training: 5 EMTs refreshed their CPR and EPIC-TBI cards thanks to training donated by Dennis McAvoy. On Thursday September 17th, EMTs will attend airway training at the Rincon fire station. Portal Rescue will be holding a re-certification class at the station in January. All EMTs have to re-certify every two years.
5 Old Business
5.1 Vehicle donation discussion. David Schurian is pursuing the possibility of donations from Arizona Power Corporation and various other promising sources.
5.2 Update on shirt order. Jackie Lewis reported that a local supplier’s prices (Sheri Ashley) are the same as those online, so recommended that we keep the purchase local. The Board agreed and felt that the shirts should be acquired as soon as possible so that they would be available for Oktoberfest, the Chiefs’ Meeting and the Soup Kitchen.
6 New Business
6.1 Possible Move of Rescue 3 to a more central location. David Schurian suggested we store Rescue 3 in a location where it might be available more rapidly to EMTs who lived far from Portal Fire Station. Jackie mentioned that moving the truck to New Mexico might raise licensing difficulties and that the vehicle needed to be locked and kept in a locked bay because thieves might think narcotics were stored on it. The Board discussed mapping the location of EMTs, the location of most of our calls and possible storage locations for Rescue 3. The Board noted that a power source and heating were also required for suitable storage. Jackie agreed to research the location and types of calls and the location of EMTs and try to report back in December 2015 or January 2016.
6.2 Large donor recognition. David Schurian suggested putting a thank you note in an appropriate newspaper. After discussion the Board considered that other means of expressing our gratitude, such as hand-written letters from the Chiefs, would be more workable.
6.3 Approval of updated County Mutual Aid agreement. David Newton recommended we sign this document. David Schurian, seconded by Jackie Lewis, moved that Harold Farmer review the agreement and if it looked acceptable to him, the Board would sign it. Motion passed unanimously.
6.4 Installation of signs on the doors of the EMS building stating: “The building is not staffed, call 911 for emergencies.” Jerry Racicot proposed, and Jackie Lewis seconded a motion to install such a sign. The motion was passed by a majority. Bill agreed to order the signs.
7 Addenda
8 For the Good of the Order
8.1 The blood drive will be held in the Portal Rescue classroom on Oct. 28th, with two appointments every 15 minutes, starting at 10.30 a.m. (30 appointments in all). Walk-ins will be taken if all appointments are not filled.
8.2 The Chiefs’ Meeting will be held on November 18th . All Portal Rescue members are invited to attend. Volunteers are needed to clean the classroom beforehand as well as prepare food, serve and clean up after the meeting.
9 Adjournment
Jerry Racicot, seconded by Rick Beno, moved adjournment. Motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8.10 p.m.
MINUTES
Portal Rescue Incorporated Board Meeting
Saturday, July 25, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.
Portal Rescue Classroom
1 Call to Order
President Bill Wilbur called the meeting to order at 4.07 p.m. Seven Board members were present.
2 Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted with addition of item 7. Motion proposed by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Jerry Racicot and passed unanimously.
3 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Deferred until next meeting.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Bill Wilbur
Bill Wilbur thanked the Board members for their cooperation during his recent illness. Bill noted that Painted Pony Resort in New Mexico had thanked Portal Rescue for their recent assistance. The performance of Portal Rescue stood out, even though Hidalgo County Sheriff’s department also attended. Google Earth was a great asset to RCOs on this occasion.
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Rick reviewed income and expenses, year-to-date. Currently we have two bank accounts, one in Chase Bank and one in the Washington Federal Bank. The Chase account, which we intend to close, is being used for expenses only, the Washington Federal for deposits only.
Revenue: (Washington Federal): total $23,416.92
Expenses: (Chase): total $18,013.08
Summary of Assets: Currently our investment and checking accounts, including petty cash and earned interest, total $188,906.83
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
“Since June 10th:
Operations: There was a false alarm on July 4th. Brush 5 was in the Rodeo parade.
Training: We had one training with okay attendance.
Vehicles: We changed the oil in Brush 5 and replaced a couple ignition parts on white Brush 6.
Grants: VFA—All items have been purchased. We will request reimbursement from the State in a couple weeks. Portal Rescue should receive about $530.
AFG—A a few days ago we received an email from a man in FEMA Grants telling us we had to get our direct deposit documents in order immediately. He takes this as a hopeful sign that we’ll be funded ($11K) for our proposed pager purchase.”
4.4 EMS Chief: Jerry Racicot
“Calls: Portal Rescue responded to 3 calls, including 1 in New Mexico.
Training: The July meeting was well attended; we covered standing orders and brain injury procedures. A Tucson Medical Center representative visited Portal station in June for a training exercise which every EMT attended. We will be updating our CPR training in September, with Dennis MacAvoy volunteering his time to teach the course. An EMT refresher course will be held at Portal Station in January 2016.
Vehicles: The air conditioning on Rescue 4 has been repaired by Lance Shultis.
SATNET: Two EMTs will be attending Southern Arizona Trauma Network Conference next week.”
5 Old Business
5.1 Portal Rescue building repairs: Bill Wilbur had inspected the damage himself and also contacted Scott Stamer, Bob Dearing and Jeff Gee for their assessments. Jeff thought that skylight repairs might cost as much as $1500. The crack will be repaired with “Through the Roof”, a clear waterproof sealant. Bob offered to inspect and report on the skylight damage and damage to the side of the building. Bill will work on the side of the building and is waiting for Bob’s report before organizing repairs to the roof. Roofing screws will need to be replaced with larger screws and new waterproof washers. Additional screws will be added to reduce flex caused by the winds.
5.2 What the Board could be doing
5.2.1 Update Portal Rescue bulletin board: Jerry Racicot said that once he obtained the necessary camera he would take action shots and portraits of members.
5.2.2 The Fire-wise program will be coordinated with the Forest Service by Friends of Cave Creek Canyon. FOCCC, not Portal Rescue, will be the main sponsor for this program. At some point Portal Rescue will need to provide a contact person for them. Jerry said that FOCCC would hire a prison crew to do the labor. No action is required from Portal Rescue at this point.
5.3 2015 Donation Drive committee: Jackie reported that she and Morgan Yerger are co-chairs of the committee. Morgan will work on potential donor lists and donation letters.
5.4 Power backup (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for the radio repeater: Rick reported that the unit has been bought and installed and appears to be working.
5.5 GPS for rescue vehicles: Rick reported that he had bought a Garmin 2689 GPS for personal use which cost him about $270. He is considering recommending it for the ambulance and, if he does so, will teach a class on it.
5.6 What to do with White Brush 6: David Newton is waiting to see if the latest repairs are effective. If not, we should replace the vehicle. Dave Elbrock has offered to keep Portal Rescue in mind if he is able to donate a utility vehicle.
6 New Business
6.1 “I Support Portal Rescue” T-shirts. Jackie reported that some community members and members of other fire departments have asked to buy these shirts. The shirts will display the current design with “I Support Portal Rescue” on the pocket patch and the AZ map on the back. Jackie explained the relative costs of ordering or pre-ordering shirts from various potential suppliers. Dave Schurian, seconded by Jerry Racicot, moved to order a minimum of 100 shirts. Motion passed unanimously.
7 For the Good of the Order
7.1 Red Cross Blood drive
Portal Rescue is coordinating this event. Jackie Lewis reported that the Red Cross hoped for at least 14 donors and could take as many as 30. The event will be held from 11.00 a.m.-2.00 p.m. August 26th. Appointments must be scheduled with Jackie: Tel. 558-2287.
7.2 Internet Connection
Rick reported that Howard Topoff had suggested we install an internet connection in the Portal Rescue classroom. Rick said it would cost about $500-$600 per year. He asked the Board to think about the proposal for future discussion.
8 Adjournment
Jackie proposed, Rick seconded, a motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 5.00 p.m.
Portal Rescue Inc. Board Meeting
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
6:30 p.m. in Portal Rescue Classroom
1 Call to Order
President Bill Wilbur called the meeting to order at 6.35 p.m. Six Board members and one community member attended.
2 Adoption of Agenda
David Newton proposed that item 5.3 be moved to 6.7, and that 5.1 be rephrased. Rick Beno, seconded by Jerry Racicot, moved to accept the agenda as modified. The motion was carried unanimously.
3 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Jerry Racicot, seconded by Rick Beno, moved to accept the minutes, as posted, of the March 21st, 2015 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
4 Reports
4.1 President: Bill Wilbur
Bob Zimmerman of the Southern Arizona Grotto of the National Speleological Society contacted Bill to say that the Grotto wanted Portal Rescue to be more aware of issues affecting Crystal Cave. The Association would, therefore, provide us with the phone numbers of some of its members for inclusion in our Radio Communications Operator handbook.
Randy Norrick was concerned that individuals in Rodeo who telephoned 911 had difficulty in calling for assistance from PR. This was an ongoing problem that will be raised at a future Board meeting.
Bill mentioned that he had overheard Border Patrol agents praising PR members for their efficient response to the recent accident at mile marker 404 on Highway 80. Bill congratulated the responders.
4.2 Treasurer
Rick reviewed income and expenses (year-to-date) 2015. Currently we have two bank accounts, one in Chase Bank and one in the Washington Federal Bank. The Chase account, which we intend to close, is being used for expenses only, the Washington Federal for both expenses and deposits.
Revenue to date (Washington Federal): total $20,067.69.
Expenses to date (Chase and Washington Federal): total $10,403.26.
Summary of Assets: Currently our investment and checking accounts, including petty cash and earned interest, total $194,842.04.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
Operations: none
Training: one monthly training session was well attended
Grants: David has purchased all the items for the VFA grant and is awaiting delivery and invoicing. He has not received any word yet on the AFG grant (pagers), but AFG has until September to reply.
RCOs: six new Radio Communication Operators attended a long training session.
Vehicles: White Brush 6 continues its stalling ways. Perhaps the latest attention will fix it.
4.4 EMS Chief: Jerry Racicot
Operations: Portal Rescue personnel responded to 2 medical calls and 1 medical assist to a rollover with Douglas Fire. Portal Rescue EMTs exhibited excellent leadership and teamwork in dealing with these difficult incidents.
Training: EMT meetings have been well attended in the last couple of months. We have added “scenarios” to our training which allows EMTs to practice with equipment and “patients”; this helps to build confidence and familiarity with our operations.
Supplies: Jackie Lewis was able to obtain a grant to replace our Epi-Pens last month. This is a large savings to our budget as the Epi-Pens are very costly. Thank you Jackie.
Vehicles: Rescue 4 was taken to the Benson DMV by Jeff Gee and Dennis McAvoy in order to correct a clerical error with the vehicle registration. We thank them for their efforts. Rescue 4 was also taken to have the air conditioner recharged and is now back in service.
Dates: The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Portal Fire Station on Wednesday August 26, 2015, 11 a.m. -2.00 p.m. Please put this on your calendars and consider donating.
5 Old Business
5.1 What the Board Could Be doing: David Newton listed the repairs that need to be made to the PR buildings. These include cracked skylights in the fire garage, a window falling out in the main building, corroded neoprene washers in the roof (causing leaks), damaged metal trim on the side of garage, and the dropped ceiling in the classroom. Rick Beno, seconded by Buzz Schurian, moved that we ask Scott Stamer for a quotation to effect the necessary repairs. Motion passed unanimously.
5.2 Update Portal Rescue bulletin board. Reed Peters has suggested that PR members’ photos appear on the bulletin board. The Board felt that this was a good idea and that photos of training exercises could be included.
5.3 Donation committee. David Newton proposed that we form a committee to brainstorm ideas to maintain and expand our donor base. The Board noted that JoAnn Julian, previously in charge of fund raising, had offered to help train whoever took over the job. As a first step, JoAnn would be asked for her advice and resources. David and Buzz agreed to be on the committee.
6 New Business
6.1 Expenses to be approved by the Board prior to expenditure.
Rick Beno, seconded by Harold Farmer, moved that payment of uncategorized expenses should get prior approval from the Board either at a meeting or by e-mail. An example of such an expense was the purchase of door prizes to be given at the annual meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
6.2 Power backup (Uninterruptible Power Supply) needed for the radio repeater. Rick Beno, seconded by Jerry Racicot, moved that the necessary unit be purchased. Motion carried unanimously.
6.3 Relocation of repeater. The Board discussed a possible relocation of the repeater to improve reception but felt the current placement was adequate.
6.4 GPS for rescue vehicles. Rick explained how useful the latest GPS might be for the rescue vehicles. Buzz Schurian, seconded by Jerry Racicot, moved that we purchase an up-to-date GPS for $350.00 max. Rick would investigate and make the purchase. Motion passed unanimously.
6.5 Mobile Radio Communications Operator unit. The Board discussed various ways of possibly improving communications in the field but decided that therewas no need to make any changes to the existing system.
6.6 What to do with White Brush 6 – maintain or replace? Elbrock and VTC would be approached to find out whether they might help replace the vehicle.
6.7 Monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly Board meetings. The Board decided there was no need to change the existing bi-monthly frequency of meetings.
6.8 New Portal Phone Book Bonnie Bowen described plans for publication of the new
phone book in early 2016, the proceeds of which will go to Portal Rescue. Publication costs would be met by the sale of advertisements. Updates to existing entries and new entries should reach Bonnie by mid-July. Emails about the phonebook can go to PRphonebook@gmail.com; her personal email is bonnie.bowen@gmail.com. Her home phone is 558-0083.
7 Addenda
County Mutual Aid repeater on Antelope Pass. This radio repeater no longer works, but it is important that it be repaired and maintained because: 1) It is how we communicate with the Cochise County Sheriff in the field; 2) It is essential for our dispatch plans which will be upgraded later this year; 3) It provides clear radio communications for Sheriff’s Deputies when they’re in this area. Jerry Racicot will contact Sheriff Dannels.
8 Adjournment
David Newton, seconded by Buzz Schurian, proposed adjournment. The motion was carried unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 8.20 p.m.
PORTAL RESCUE INC., ANNUAL BOARD MEETING
Saturday March 21st, 2015, 11.00 a.m.
Portal Rescue Classroom
1. Call to Order
Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 11.00 a.m.. Six Board members, six active members and sixteen community members were present.
2. Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted, with a change to the wording of item 6.1 and the addition of items 9.1-3. Motion proposed by Dave Schurian, seconded by Rick Beno and carried unanimously.
3. Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Jackie Lewis moved, seconded by Dave Schurian, to accept the minutes of the Jan. 7th, 2015 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
Jerry reported that we have fourteen firefighters and nine EMTs (three trained in prolonged care). He thanked members for their contributions and the community for their support.
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Windfall: Rick reported that O’Leary Squier had made a $5,000 donation to Portal Rescue, which has just arrived and is not reflected in the reports.
2014 final report: Rick re-presented his report. Revenue amounted to $49,847.06 and expenses to $37,336.65.
Summary of Assets: Currently, our investments consist of $40,930.37 (Edward Jones), $60, 977.73 (Southeast Arizona Credit Union), $45,327.05 in checking (Chase Bank) and $43,337.00 in checking and CDs (Washington Federal Bank) Including petty cash and earned interest, assets total $ 191,112.15 .
Budget for 2015: Our budget is $53,700.00. To date we have received $12,337.00 in revenue and incurred $6287.80 in expenses.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
Since Jan. 7th.:
Operations: One vehicle wet down a helicopter landing zone.
Training: We trained on recovering vehicles in January and had a well attended training session in February when each firefighter was tested for competence in using a radio. Robert Walton attended a two day fire-wise assessor class in early March.
Grants: We applied for a Volunteer Fire Assistance grant for fittings, headlamps, and radio chest harnesses. The VFA grants are 50/50. The results of our Assistance to Firefighter Grant application will be announced some time between April and September.
Other: Thanks to Chris Wilbur and all who helped with the Soup Kitchen.
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis
“2014 Report: During our monthly training sessions we reviewed base hospital standing orders, participated in an extrication exercise, and performed equipment reviews and vehicle and inventory checks. Eight EMTs renewed their certifications. Jackie is out of sync. and will renew this year. Two EMTs were certified for advanced airway and seven for Albuterol administration for assistance in breathing emergencies.
We responded to twenty-four emergency calls and one medical assist** that was not called in through . Our responses included: 7 medical by ground transfers, 2 medical refusals, 3**medical by helicopters, 5 trauma by ground transfers, 4 trauma by helicopters, 4 other, 2 snake bites.
2015 Report (to date): here have been two calls and one cancelled call to date. Six EMTs attended the January, and five the February training sessions. Jeff and Jerry were certified, and ET Collinsworth re-certified in Wilderness Training.
Five community members have expressed interest in becoming Radio Communications Operators and we will schedule a training class. If you are interested and have not yet let Jackie or Susanne know, please talk with us today.
Community Health Day: Please join us on Saturday, April 25th, for Community Health Day, beginning at 10 a.m.. We will cover some basic health care topics, teach you continuous chest compressions and perform blood pressure and glucose checks. You can bring in expired medication (no opiates) and needles (in sealed, puncture-proof containers) for disposal. Several door prizes will be awarded and a community potluck with follow.”
EMS Chief Resignation: Jackie said that she would like to thank everyone for their support during her past five years as EMS chief. She is keeping her EMT certification but is turning the reins over to the newly elected EMS chief, Jerry Racicot.
The Board applauded Jackie for her long service as EMS chief.
5. Old Business
6. New Business
6.1 What the Board Could Be Doing
David Newton said the Board was doing a lot of things well but could be doing more; for example, repairing our building and working towards an increase in donations and outside funding. Rick Beno mentioned the need to be proactive about recruiting both project leaders and new active members. Jeff Gee suggested that we offer an EMT class every three years to make sure that we have sufficient EMTs when existing personnel are, for whatever reason, no longer available. We should also make efforts to continue recruiting firefighters.
Several people supported the idea of making Portal a “fire-wise community,” a project which would increase our safety and help secure fire reduction grants. Reed Peters suggested that our bulletin board at the Post Office display pictures of the active members so that the community would know who they were and could thank them. The Board will revisit these suggestions in May.
Jeff Gee noted that Pete Miller had for years taken charge of recycling the aluminum cans we collect. The Board thanked Pete.
6.2 Nominations and Elections
The following community and active members were elected to the Board. Community members: Bill Wilbur, Harold Farmer, David Schurian. Active members: David Newton, Jerry Racicot, Rick Beno and Jackie Lewis.
7. Executive Session
Board members were appointed to the following positions: Bill Wilbur, president; Dave Schurian, vice-president, Rick Beno, treasurer, Harold Farmer, secretary.
8. Addenda
9. For the Good of the Order
9.1 Recognition of Rene Blondeau
Pi Irwin nominated Rene for the Honor Roll in recognition of his long and faithful service to Portal Rescue. Rene was a co-founder of Portal Rescue and a longtime EMT and firefighter. He did an enormous amount of physical, legal and organizational groundwork for Portal Rescue, including fund-raising and recruiting volunteers to build the large garage next door to the classroom. Rene never really retired from Portal Rescue. Jerry Racicot noted that Rene’s name is already on the plaque. He and Jeff Gee spoke in enthusiastic support of the nomination, which was heartily welcomed by all.
9.2 Calendar Sales.
Vicki Beno reported that her 2015 calendar had realized $1,705.00. She still had calendars available for anyone who wanted to purchase them. She thanked Rick for his support over the long life of this project, and also thanked the many women who were featured in the calendar.
9.3 Announcement for the Yergers
Morgan Yerger won’t be able to clean, move or pack because of her car accident and will need assistance with these tasks over the next two weeks. Jackie Lewis asked volunteers to contact her (Jackie).
10 Adjournment
Jackie Lewis, seconded by Rick Beno, proposed adjournment. The motion was carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 12.10 p.m..
MINUTES
PORTAL RESCUE INC., BOARD MEETING
Wednesday January 7th, 2015, 6.30 p.m.
Portal Rescue Classroom
1.0 Call to Order
Jerry Racicot called the meeting to order at 6.33 p.m.. Seven Board members were present.
2.0 Adoption of Agenda
The published agenda was adopted, with the addition of item 8.3. Motion proposed by Jackie Lewis, seconded by Bill Wilbur and carried unanimously.
3.0 Acceptance/Correction of Minutes
Bill Wilbur, seconded by Rick Beno, moved to accept the minutes of the October 6th, 2014 meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
4.0 Reports
4.1 President: Jerry Racicot
Jerry Racicot thanked all Board members and active members for working so hard last year and all donors for their generous contributions to Portal Rescue. Jerry reported that a community member had suggested we get a volunteer to recruit more firefighters.
4.2 Treasurer: Rick Beno
Rick Beno reviewed income and expenses up to end of 2014. Revenue amounted to $48,493.67 and expenses to $35,938.26.
Summary of Assets: Currently, our investments consist of $40,880.48 (Edward Jones), $60,824.23 (Credit Union) and $83,563.61 in checking (Chase Bank). Including petty cash and earned interest, assets total $185,348.32,at the end of 2014.
4.3 Fire Chief: David Newton
“Since Oct 6th:
Operations: Oct. 14th, Rick Beno eradicated a bee hive threatening a home owner. Oct. 16th, we mopped up a tiny roadside fire started by a rogue tractor trailer and stomped out by passersby.
Vehicles:
Brush 5 spent a few weeks up in San Simon having its fuel density compensator bypassed. We’re hoping this will solve the fuel in oil problem we’ve observed.
Engine 2 ate a v-belt that powers the air brakes and was immobilized in our parking lot. Fixed in a couple days.
Training: October training was good, but only four attended. Three firefighters attended November training. December training was cancelled.
Jennifer and Jerry Racicot completed a six-day Rope Rescue Course and are now both certified rope rescue technicians, level 1 and 2.
Grants: A 95%/5% $11,000 AFG grant application for fire pagers was submitted to FEMA on Dec. 2nd. Decision in March. We received final reimbursement of $1,079 for our VFA grant.
Other:
Bob Walton and I drove Brush 5 up to San Simon school on Oct. 23rd for their annual bus evacuation drill.
I’ve tested a cell phone alerting system. It works well, but without a dedicated “dispatcher” it will be too cumbersome to initiate at the start of an incident.
We provided traffic control at the Rene Blondeau burial.
In November Portal Rescue hosted the monthly Cochise County Chiefs’ Meetings. Thanks to all who helped, but especially to Chris Wilbur who saw that the arrangements and feast came together from start to finish.”
4.4 EMS Chief: Jackie Lewis
“There have been eight calls since the October Board meeting.
Five EMTs attended the October training. November training was cancelled. Seven EMTs attended December training. IV certified EMTs completed the required number of IV starts for Tucson Medical Center to continue their certification.
Rescue 4 has new batteries and a new starter. Rescue 3 has the batteries from Rescue 4. Joe Meenach has been doing road checks and Lance Shultis has been doing the repairs.
Jeff Gee and Jerry Racicot have registered to attend the Wilderness EMT training in Flagstaff in March. Total tuition is $700 per person. We will reimburse attendees for gas, lodging and meals. John Yerger would like to attend but timing is not agreeable with the new baby’s expected birth date. If he can find another class he will attend it later in the year.
We’re attempting to set a date for the Community Health Day. Saturday, March 28 or Saturday, April 25. Tentative 10am – noon with lunch following.
I will be moving walkers, wheel-chairs, crutches, etc. from Mary Willy’s garage into the ambulance bay attic. I will be the contact for entrance so people can borrow the items.
Joe Meenach and I attended San Simon Bus Safety Day.
I will be approaching Mylan Speciality to see if we can get Epi-pens donated again. They will cost $1600 if not donated.”
5.0 Old Business
5.1 Scheduling of training for Radio Communication Operators
Doug and JoAnn Julian, Maya Decker and Gerry Hernbrode have retired as RCOs. Suzanne Dyal will wait until we have new volunteers before scheduling a training session.
5.2 Status of Certificate of Deposit
Rick Beno, seconded by Jackie Lewis, moved that we invest the difference between the amount in the Chase Bank checking account and the amount budgeted for 2015 in a 5-year term CD offered by the Washington Federal Bank. Motion carried unanimously.
6.0 New Business
6.1 Approval of Standard Operating Guideline for responses by Emergency Medical Services
Jackie Lewis, seconded by Bill Wilbur, moved that the Board approve guidelines drafted by Jerry Racicot and Jackie Lewis. Motion carried unanimously.
6.2 Application for Assistance to Firefighters Grant equipment
David Newton, seconded by Jerry Racicot, moved that the Board approve the application. Motion carried unanimously.
6.3 2015 Budget
Rick Beno presented a draft budget for 2015:
Revenues: grants $1200, donations $33,000, fundraising $8,000, interest $1,500, rent $500, fire income $0, misc. rev. $0, Rainy Day draw $8,450. TOTAL $51,550