Draft Minutes Board of Directors Meeting 4/20/04


The General Board Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss and Mr. Bettag, Chief Svetanics, Ms. Vincent, Fire Fighters Captain Jegel, Lt. Michalski, Pvt. Schwenk, Pvt. Harder, Pvt. Immken, and Citizens from the District. Also present for the promotion ceremony were Mrs. Joni Jegel and several family members.

Pledge of allegiance led by Al Klein.

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 sessions of March 10, 2004 and March 25, 2004, and the minutes from the general sessions of March 16, 2004 and March 25, 2004, 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag gave the treasurer’s report for the month ending March 31, 2004. Mr. Bettag reported the District received $152,000 in tax revenue in March, but that as of April, all revenue will be from delinquent taxes. Mr. Bettag stated the District received $34,000 in ambulance collection fees for the month of March. We had been very low for the months of January ($21,000) and February ($18,000), so March was back to normal. We had budgeted $25,000 per month in ambulance fees. 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 this round of hydrant tests were completed. All crews attended Ameren U.E. and Laclede Gas classes.

Chief Svetanics announced that the District installed 20 smoke detectors and 14 infant car seats in March. All members have taken car seat installation classes along with bicycle helmet classes. Now all members will be able to assist citizens with these safety checks.


Chief Svetanics stated that Local 2677 representatives have finalized negotiations on the Memorandum of Understanding and it will be ready to go before the Board of Directors at the next meeting.

Chief Svetanics reported that the crews have been working on the landscaping at the Fire House.

Chief Svetanics reported that we are accepting bids on the new computer system and that they must be in by April 30. The sealed bids will be opened by the Board in May.

Chief Svetanics stated that representatives from the Justice Department came to the District regarding pending litigation and to gather information on St. Louis County hiring practices.

Chief Svetanics stated that he and a few members would be attending this year’s Fire District Instructors Conference in Indianapolis on April 29 and 30.

Chief Svetanics reported the results of the Captain’s Test which were based on seniority, education, and written and oral testing. The ranking order was Tony Jegel, Lt. Brian Heidbreder and Pvt. Chris Taylor. Tony Jegel was promoted to Captain in a formal ceremony. Lt. Heidbreder was promoted to Training Officer.

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, public relations report, installation report, wage report, Captain’s test results and St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes.

Mr. Stonebraker reported that Chief Svetanics has agreed to accept a proposal to extend his contract with the District for another two years, which would make his contract a 5-year contract. Chief Svetanics thanked the Board for their confidence.

The promotional ceremony for Tony Jegel began with Chief Svetanics swearing him in as Captain. Mrs. Jegel pined on his new badge. Captain Jegel thanked the Board of Directors, Chief Svetanics, his crew and his family.

Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. The regular open meeting for bill discussion is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2004 at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to adjourn the General Board meeting at 7:25 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Bettag, roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,
Jerry G. Schloss, Secretary

JGS/pgv