Minutes Board of Directors Meeting 12/13/04


General Board Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss and Mr. Bettag, Chief Svetanics and Ms. Vincent. Also present were Firefighter Captain Bertelsmeier and three Citizens of the District.

Pledge of allegiance led by Captain Bertelsmeier.

There was one addition to the agenda by Mr. Bettag to discuss an addition to health insurance coverage terminology. Agreement made to discuss at open meeting on Wednesday, December 15, 2004.

Motion by Mr. Schloss to accept the agenda, 2nd by Mr. Bettag, roll call vote, all ayes.

Motion by Mr. Bettag to accept minutes from the general sessions of November 16, 2004, and November 24, 2004, 2nd by Mr. Stonebraker, roll call vote, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag gave the treasurer’s report for the month ending November 30, 2004. Mr. Bettag stated that the District Accountant, Joe Schnieders, made adjustments to the 2005 Budget that will reflect the correct hours worked between the general and ambulance personnel and that in 2005 the wages will accurately reflect what the budget states.

Mr. Bettag reported that the medical fund is close to what was budgeted and that tax revenues are as budgeted with no surprises.

Mr. Bettag commented that we seem to be collecting more delinquent tax revenue than last year.

Mr. Bettag confirmed that we collected $29,149 in ambulance fees for the month of November, which is above the monthly budgeted amount. Motion by Mr. Schloss to accept the treasurer’s report, 2nd by Mr. Stonebraker, roll call vote, all ayes.

Chief Svetanics reported that we hired Matthew Pike as a Firefighter/Paramedic and that his starting date will be December 17, 2004.

Chief Svetanics stated that we appointed a new Public Information Officer, Pvt. Johnny Lewellen, to fill the position that Ron Harder left in October. We believe Pvt. Lewellen will prove to be a great asset to the Department in his new role.

Chief Svetanics reported that the annual Christmas party was held on December 10, with 36 in attendance, a great turnout. The dinner was held at Cusanelli’s Restaurant, where the food is always excellent and a great time was had by all.

Chief Svetanics reported that it is time to buy a new ambulance. The City of St. Louis has ordered 13 new ambulances for $128,000 each and we are checking to see if we can add on and also order one without having to advertise for bids since they are a neighboring district and have already done all the research. We are waiting to hear back from the manufacturer with a price.

Chief Svetanics stated that we are in need of roof repairs and that we are looking for the best price on a new treadmill.

Mr. Bettag made an addition to the agenda that we accept the 2005 Budget as proposed by Mr. Schnieders. Motion by Mr. Schloss to agree to the Budget, 2nd by Mr. Stonebraker, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag also read from a letter by Claire McCaskill, Missouri State Auditor, which states our audit report is in compliance with Missouri State Statutes.

Chief Svetanics reported on our community services. We installed 21 infant car seats and gave out 18 bicycle helmets last month. Chief Svetanics also reported that we installed 7 smoke detectors in November and that all crews will start going door-to-door checking to make sure our Citizens have smoke detectors installed in their homes and replacing batteries as we did last year with such success.

Chief Svetanics reported that the opening date for filing for the Board of Directors Election is Tuesday, December 14, 2004, at 8:00 a.m. and that the requirements are that you are 25 years of age, a registered voter and a resident of the District for two years.

Monthly reports presented on training by each crew member, maintenance report, fire incident report and summary, ambulance statistics, P.I.O. report, lockbox monthly credit report, community services report, wage report,

South County Fire Alarm Association report and St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes.

Next general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The regular open meeting for bill discussion scheduled for Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.

Public comment by Ken Harangazo, who stated that he and his neighbors would like to commend the paramedics for their administrations to a patient living in their neighborhood.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to adjourn general board meeting at 7:33 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Schloss, roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,



Jerry G. Schloss, Secretary

JGS/pgv