Minutes Board of Directors Meeting 7/16/03

The General Board Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss, Mr. Bettag, Chief Svetanics, Mrs. Vincent, Firefighter and Local 2677 President Tony Jegel and Citizens of the District.

Pledge of allegiance was led by Pvt. Jegel.

Mr. Stonebraker made a motion to accept the agenda, 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept the minutes from the closed executive session of June 26, 2003, 2nd by Mr. Bettag. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept the minutes from the general board meetings of June 18, 2003 and June 24, 2003, 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag gave the treasurer’s report for the month ending June 30, 2003. Mr. Bettag proposed that we now use the new Summary Comparison of Budget to Actual Expenditures Report prepared by our accountant, Joe Schnieders, to be implemented as a general, more explanatory one page summary to be presented at general meetings instead of copying the full reports for all in attendance. Mr. Bettag commended Chief Svetanics and Mr. Schnieders for working on this report and putting it in plain English so we can all understand it. There will still be full report copies available for those who are interested to review during the meeting, or copies will be made if requested. Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept the treasurer’s report, 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Chief’s Report: Chief Svetanics reported that Western Waterproofing is still working on the garage floor to install a non-slip surface for increased safety. They had to re-do second half of floor but are now finished. South County Fire Alarm will be installing a new printer-frame relay at a cost of approximately $2,458. Carpet and tile in the men’s first floor quarters now finished. We had a fire in the firehouse on June 28, 2003. The microwave in the 2nd floor kitchen caught on fire early in a.m. and was extinguished immediately by Lt. Heidbreder. It was caused by a loose connection behind the circuit box on that floor. We are taking bids to replace a small burn mark on countertop with a drop-in piece of Corning Ware. We also lost a monitor, fax machine, copier, shredder, two AT&T phone system station cards, the custom-made stained glass window neon light transformer, and the boardroom clock.

Chief Svetanics reported there is no alarm in the men’s sleeping quarters. We have taken a bid on rewiring the fire alarm horn/strobe system to include the main bunk hall on first floor from Tech Electronics at a price of $508.

Chief Svetanics also reported that we should look ahead to budget funds for a new ambulance at a cost of approximately $150,000 by the end of 2004.

We have not yet heard about the grant money we applied for this year to purchase a new $600,000 pumper. We do have a chance since there are still grant funds left.
Old Business: Chief Svetanics discussed all old business but wanted to add about the storm that we had 45 calls and were aided by Mehlville, Affton, and the City of St. Louis.

Chief Svetanics also reported that he wanted to compliment the St. Louis County Fire Standards Commission for its accreditation in finally accepting his certification.

New Business: Mr. Stonebraker suggested that we commend Captain Schuessel for the detailed Maintenance Report he prepared. Mr. Stonebraker asked Chief Svetanics if he had received any notification concerning the new fair labor standards amending comp time or overtime. Chief Svetanics replied that he had not. Mr. Stonebraker stated that we have a meeting scheduled with Local 2677 on August 1, 2003 to discuss negotiations.

Monthly reports presented on training by each crew member, 40 hour education schedule for training, maintenance report, fire incident report and summary, ambulance statistics, Gateway monthly credit report, minutes from South County Fire Alarm Association, St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes and Metro Area Training Coordinates Meeting Minutes.

Next meeting is scheduled for August 20, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. The regular open meeting for bill discussion is scheduled for August 26, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.

Question posed by Citizen as to how many fire services use Gateway for billing purposes. Chief Svetanics responded that Gateway does 9 or 10 other fire services.

Mr. Bettag reported that he met with our insurance agent/broker Mr. Danzig and was informed that in the years 1999-2001 medical insurance coverage went up 67%, which for a family plan would average $918 per year. In 2003 alone it would have gone up another $238. The District has been happy to report that it still covers 70% of family coverage and that the members’ rates have not increased.

Motion by Mr. Schloss to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Bettag. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,



Jerry G. Schloss, Secretary

JGS/pgv