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Cahaba Valley Fire & Emergency Medical Rescue District
145 Narrows Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35242
MINUTES OF MARCH 9, 2022, BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
ATTENDANCE
Board members: Joe Sarver, President
Alan Reyes-Guerra, Vice President
Dr. Andrea Lamberson
Staff: Chief Buddy Wilks
Deputy Chief John Yancey
Captain Russ Bradley
Captain Stephen Gunnels
Citizens: Grant Wilkinson
Firefighters: NONE
Other: NONE
- Mr. Sarver called the meeting to order at 5:58 P.M.
- The minutes from February 9, 2022, Board Meeting were presented. Dr. Lamberson made a motion to approve the minutes and Mr. Reyes-Guerra seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
- The agenda was presented. Dr. Lamberson made a motion to approve the agenda and Mr. Reyes-Guerra seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
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REPORT OF THE FIRE CHIEF
- Chief Wilks presented the operations report (see attachment).
- Community Focus Group Meeting was held on February 16, 2022.
- Discussed firefighters pay, increasing operational cost and strategies to raise funds.
-The current and future needs of the department were presented to the group.
-The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session.
- The consensus of the group was that base firefighter pay needs to be improved to improve firefighter retention.
-The group understood that current budget model will not continue to support the needs of the district in the future.
- Many of the attendees wished to see a 5- and 10-year budget projection
- One model presenting the current budget
- One presenting the required dues increase
- Several resignations- must begin working on raising firefighter/EMT pay
- Five resignations
- Four – 2-year commitment ending this month
- Three- jobs taken at other departments (still working with us)
-Chief gave a report on the Dunnavant fire
-Battalion 188, Engine 183, Engine 185, and Rescue 185 responded with Dunnavant and Vandiver Fire on a residential structure fire with a person trapped. Crews from Battalion 188 and Rescue 185 were able to rescue the trapped person who was transported to the emergency department with minor injuries.
Chief gave report on fire in Mt Laurel
- This was the first significant structure in the Mt Laurel community. The department has run many small cooking, chimney, and various other small fires in the community, but this was the first residential structure fire. This fire presented several challenges including three firefighter MAYDAYs. No firefighters or civilians were injured. The department was running a minimum staffing that day with only two on each engine. Automatic aid companies were delayed because of other calls in the area. The lack of initial on scene manpower contributed to tasks not being completed as quickly as it would have with a full response. The outcome was relatively good considering the amount of fire and the conditions that were found by the initial arriving crews. The fire was contained to the rear of the structure with a lot of smoke damage throughout. Many of the contents of the structure were saved and recovered for the homeowner.
FINANCIAL REPORT
- The audit is underway. Dent Moses has been communicating with Capt. Bradley to obtain information and records to complete the audit.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Policy
-Progressive Discipline- Dr. Lamberson made a motion to approve the Progressive Discipline Policy and Mr. Reyes-Guerra seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
-Late / AWOL- Dr. Lamberson made a motion to approve the Late & AWOL Policy and Mr. Reyes-Guerra seconded. The motion passed by unanimous vote.
OLD BUSINESS
- Articles of Incorporation – Have spoken with lawyer on this item. She is researching and will report back.
- Three members attending the National Fire Academy March 13 thru March 26 cancelled- Airfare for 2 members $800- fully reimbursed from FEMA budget 53063 Training / National Fire Academy
NEW BUSINESS
- Board members Ward Tishler and James Nolan stepped down from their position.
- Consideration of New Board Members
- Barry Clemmons and Grant Wilkinson are interested in the two open Board Positions.
- Board of Trustees Entered Executive Session: 6:28 p.m. to discuss Barry Clemmons and Grant Wilkinson’s appointment to the Board.
- Board of Trustees Exited Executive Session 6:32 p.m.
-Mr. Reyes-Guerra made a motion to appoint Barry Clemmons to Place 5 on the Board and to appoint Grant Wilkinson to Place 4 on the Board, to complete the remainder of Ward Tishler’s and James Nolan’s terms. Both appointees are pending the completion and approval of qualification package that must be submitted to Shelby County Probate. Dr. Lamberson seconded the motion and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
-Election of Board Officers- Dr. Lamberson made a motion for the officer positions to remain as is: Mr. Joseph Sarver, Board President, Mr. Alan Reyes-Guerra, Vice President, and Dr. Andrea Lamberson, Secretary / Treasurer. Mr. Reyes-Guerra seconded, and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
-Dr. Lamberson made a motion to update the By Laws to reflect the new meeting location: 145 Narrows Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242. Mr. Reyes-Guerra seconded, and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
- Chief Wilks discussed the possibility of the District receiving funds from the American Rescue Plan. Currently looking into what it would take to be eligible for receiving funds. He will be talking to the Shelby County manager and to legal council to gain a better understanding.
- Mr. Sarver tasked Chief Wilks in seeking options for new legal council for the District. Chief Wilks will explore using the Shelby County attorney as well as seek other options and report back to the Board.
- Chief Wilks has been notified by the Insurance Service Organization that CVFD is due for regrading and that our ISO representative will be reaching out soon initiate the process. Chief Wilks will keep the Board up to date through the process.
- Mr. Reyes-Guerra made a motion to adjourn, Dr. Lamberson seconded, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Submitted by: ______________________________________________
Approved by: ______________________________________________
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