Draft Minutes Board of Directors Meeting 3/15/05


General Board Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss and Mr. Bettag, Chief Svetanics and Ms. Vincent. Also present were Citizens of the District, including Board of Directors Candidates Mike Allen, David Meyer and Al Klein.

Pledge of allegiance led by David Meyer.

There were no additions to the agenda.

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

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept minutes from the general sessions of February 15, 2005, and February 23, 2005 as presented, 2nd by Mr. Bettag, roll call vote, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag gave the treasurer’s report for the month ending February 28, 2005. Mr. Bettag reported that tax revenue for 2004 is going well and we have $1,910,451 in collections to date.

Mr. Bettag reported that we collected $26,295 in ambulance fees for the month of February, which is just above the monthly budgeted amount.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept the treasurer’s report as published, 2nd by Mr. Schloss, roll call vote, all ayes.

Chief Svetanics reported that Walter “Butch” Kardell, one of the candidates running in the Board of Directors Election, passed away and the District took part in his funeral.

Chief Svetanics also reported that the District took part in another funeral, that of Chief Jerry Buehne of the Affton Fire Department, who died while on duty. The District would like to extend their deepest sympathy to their friends, family and colleagues. They will be missed.

Chief Svetanics reported that we are purchasing a new ambulance from Marque Ambulance for $126,090 with a trade-in by adding on to St. Louis City’s purchase of 13. If buying an ambulance outright, the cost for a comparable ambulance would average $160,000. Once ordered, it should take about five months for delivery.

Chief Svetanics reported that the engineer hired to locate the real cause of our roof leaking recommended the repairs needing immediate attention. We contacted Bade Roofing Company whose bid for repairs is $6,976.

Chief Svetanics read from a thank you letter from Ms. Street, daughter of a former firefighter, Charles Bold, who requested photos of her father with the equipment. Captain Schuessel had worked with Mr. Bold and was able to locate a couple of pictures and sent them with a letter to Ms. Street.

Chief Svetanics stated that we are again trying for a grant for a new pumper. We have just spent $3,400 on repairs and more are needed.

Monthly reports presented on training by each crew member, maintenance report, fire incident report and summary, ambulance statistics, lockbox monthly credit report, community services report, South County Fire Alarm Association report and St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes.

Mr. Stonebraker read from the Legislative Report attached to the St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept the proposal by Marque, Inc. for a new Type I MD 170 Commando 2006 International 4300 Ambulance for the agreed price of $126,090, 2nd by Mr. Bettag, roll call all ayes.

Mr. Stonebraker requested that we mention that the new ambulance will not require a tax increase as we have money invested in a CD to cover this amount.

Motion by Mr. Bettag to accept Option I proposed by Bade Roofing for repair of the roof for $6,900, 2nd by Mr. Schloss, roll call vote, all ayes.

Next general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. The regular open meeting for bill discussion scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.

Question posed by Mr. Call of date new ambulance would be delivered. Chief Svetanics reported it will take about 5 months.

Mr. Call posed several questions, one of which was about our auditors, Sailor & Kahn. Another question regarding comp time was answered by the Board who stated that the Memorandum of Understanding is strict on policies.

Motion by Mr. Bettag to adjourn general board meeting at 7:45 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Stonebraker, roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,



Jerry G. Schloss, Secretary

JGS/pgv