Draft Minutes Board of Directors Meeting - 4/12/05


General Board Meeting called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Mr. Stonebraker thanked everyone for attending and asked Reverend Kenneth Sievers to give the invocation.

Lt. Heidbreder read the Fireman’s Prayer.

Pledge of allegiance led by Public Information Officer Johnny Lewellen.

Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss, Mr. Bettag and Mr. and Mrs. Meyer, Chief Svetanics and Ms. Vincent. Also present were Reverend Sievers, Mrs. Stonebraker, Firefighters of Local #2677, and Citizens of the District.

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.

Mr. Stonebraker read the following results of Lemay Fire Protection District’s April 5, 2005 Board of Director’s election: David Meyer with 843 votes at 54.11%, Mike Allen with 534 votes at 34.7%, and Al Kline with 178 votes at 11.42%. Mr. Stonebraker announced that with the size of the winning margin the Board felt waiting for final election results from St. Louis County unnecessary and asked Chief Svetanics to swear David Meyer into office.

David Meyer delivered the Oath of Office.

Mr. Bettag, as senior Board member, made a motion to reorganize the Board by electing officers as follows: Mr. Bettag as Chairman, Mr. Schloss as Treasurer and Mr. Meyer as Secretary, 2nd by Mr. Schloss, roll call vote, all ayes.

Comments from the Board: Mr. Meyer thanked Mr. Stonebraker for his years of service and the two opposing candidates, stating that it says a lot about a person who wants to serve their community. He announced that he will stay involved and welcome comments, and be accountable for his actions and decisions.

Mr. Schloss thanked Mr. Stonebraker for his service in that he brought changes in the community and made the District financially responsible. Mr. Schloss stated that the District is better because of Mr. Stonebraker.

Mr. Schloss also stated that Mr. Stonebraker also was implemental in Proposition C, which built the new Hancock High School.

Mr. Bettag thanked Mr. Stonebraker and stated that he brought deep commitment to the District and worked very hard at an uphill battle, but that now they are financially solvent, buying a new ambulance and have a rapport with the Firefighters.

Chief Svetanics thanked Mr. Stonebraker and stated how important it is for the Board to set the policy and to let him run the day to day operations.

Mr. Stonebraker was presented with an award from the Board and Chief Svetanics for his untiring efforts on behalf of the District.

Mr. Stonebraker thanked everyone for allowing him the privilege of serving for six years. (See full text of remarks HERE) The District has needed financial life support and seen structural changes in the budget which is now in excellent financial condition. Mr. Stonebraker reported that the tax rate is actually lower today that it was six years ago.

Mr. Stonebraker stated that Mr. Bettag and Mr. Schloss are the two finest men he has ever met and that they have saved hundreds of thousands of dollars for the District. Mr. Bettag is responsible for the District’s self-insured health care budget, reform and leadership. Mr. Schloss has brought 32 years of administrative expertise to this Board.

Mr. Stonebraker also thanked his wife Miriam for her support, and to Chief Svetanics, Ms. Vincent and the Firefighters of Local #2677 thanks for establishing a great working relationship and mutual trust.

Next general meeting and bill discussion scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 3:30 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Bettag to adjourn general board meeting at 7:30 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Meyer, roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,



Jerry G. Schloss, Treasurer

JGS/pgv