Minutes Board of Directors Meeting 9/17/03

The General Board Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss, Mr. Bettag, Chief Svetanics, Mrs. Vincent, Firefighter and Local 2677 Secretary Tony Jegel and Citizens of the District.

Pledge of allegiance was led by Tom Call.

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

Motion by Mr. Bettag to accept the minutes from the closed executive session of August 4, 2003, 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Motion by Mr. Bettag to accept the minutes from the general board meetings of August 20, 2003, August 26, 2003, and August 28, 2003, 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag gave the treasurer’s report for the month ending August 31, 2003. Mr. Bettag stated that we are in decent shape but tight financially at the present time and proposed that we start looking at alternative ways to finance a new ambulance. There were copies of our new one page summary of the monthly budget available at the meeting, but full Treasurer’s Report copies are always available for those who are interested to review during the meeting, or copies will be furnished upon request. 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 a representative from the United Way came to speak with all three crews to arrange for donations. Chief Svetanics noted that this is the first time the District will participate in this worthy cause.

Chief Svetanics mentioned that the second week of October is Fire Safety Week and that we are planning an aggressive smoke detector campaign. Pvt. Harder, our Public Information Officer, is making arrangements for the crews to hand out or install 20 smoke detectors and batteries a day, concentrating on areas of greatest need within our District. We will also be taking appointments to install detectors for any of our Citizens so they and the firefighters can arrange for a mutually convenient date and time for installation.

Chief Svetanics reported that we had some unanticipated expenses last month. We had to call in a plumber and electrician when our sump pumps stopped working. Also during the severe heat spell two of our air-conditioners needed repairs

Chief Svetanics mentioned that we finally received coverage from the State of Missouri’s insurance carrier for underground fuel tanks after many months and attempts to obtain coverage. The District had never complied with the State’s code requirements before and was in violation of the strictly enforced codes. Captain Schuessel taught each crew how to take fuel readings and keep exact records per State requirements.

Chief Svetanics reported that Captain Foote was interviewed by Channel 4 News on September 11, 2003, telling of the money collected by the District after 911 and taken personally by a few of our firefighters to New York City for the fireman’s family we adopted. Later that same day, a Citizen of the District came by with a donation collected from generous Citizens and asked that it be forward to the same family in New York City.

Chief Svetanics was interviewed by the Weather Channel about the role he played in the 1993 Flood (as Fire Chief of the City of St. Louis). He was able to report not only on the damage to the City of St. Louis, but also about the loss to Lemay as well. The broadcast will air some time in October or November.

Chief Svetanics also reported that he was elected as Chairman of Governor Holden’s Fire Safety Advisory Board.

Chief Svetanics reported that we have cut back on expensive training classes for now and are concentrating on the many new training packages that we already have received for free from our insurance carrier, VSIF.

Chief Svetanics reported that all business inspections were completed in the District.

Mr. Stonebraker suggested that we once again commend Captain Schuessel for the Maintenance Report.

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, overtime report, public relations report, treasurer’s report from South County Fire Alarm Association (no meeting held at time of this meeting), and St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes.

Mr. Stonebraker stated that we should commend Pvt. Ron Harder for the quality of his public relations report. Mr. Stonebraker reported that both he and Mr. Bettag had watched him on TV during the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon on Labor Day Weekend and stated that he looked good and presented himself well in representing the District.

Mr. Stonebraker reported that Ameristar Casino has offered free dinner and drink tickets to off-duty firefighters for a date yet to be announced.

Mr. Stonebraker announced that Lemay is hosting the next St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance meeting and dinner to be held at Cusanelli’s Restaurant on October 20, 2003 at 6:30 p.m.

Next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. The regular open meeting for bill discussion is scheduled for October 21, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.

Question posed by Citizen: Did we get the State Audit back yet? Mr. Stonebraker answered by explaining that the State Auditor’s Office has to combine information on all the districts and stated that they will not specifically target Lemay, but will put comments or recommendations if appropriate.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to adjourn the meeting at 7:20 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Schloss. Roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,



Jerry G. Schloss, Secretary

JGS/pgv