Minutes Board of Directors Meeting 9/20/04

General Board Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m. by President Mr. Stonebraker. Present were Directors Mr. Stonebraker, Mr. Schloss and Mr. Bettag, Chief Svetanics, Mrs. Vincent, Reporter Julie Randle of the Suburban Journal and Citizens of the District.

Pledge of allegiance led by Aaron Herr.

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

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept minutes from closed executive sessions of August 9, 2004 and August 25, 2004, and minutes from general sessions of August 16, 2004, August 23, 2004 and August 25, 2004, 2nd by Mr. Bettag, roll call vote, all ayes.

Mr. Bettag gave the treasurer’s report for the month ending August 31, 2004. Mr. Bettag reported the District received $14,134 in tax revenue in August and that the General Fund is doing well, as are the Pension and Central Dispatch Funds. Mr. Bettag reported that we budgeted $2,000,000 for 2004, and until now, had never collected 100% of taxes owed. Mr. Bettag stated that so far this year we have collected $2,211,381 and that this is as good a year as we have ever had and are in good shape.

Mr. Bettag reported the Ambulance Fund is running below what we budgeted for the year, which is set at $25,000 per month in collected fees. Mr. Bettag confirmed that we collected $20,166 in ambulance fees for the month of August, which is still just under budget, but that so far this month we are doing better. Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to accept the treasurer’s report, 2nd by Mr. Schloss, roll call vote, all ayes.

Chief Svetanics reported on community response to our motto, “Seeking Opportunities to Serve.” Chief Svetanics stated we are installing car seats at the rate of one a day and smoke detectors are still in demand. Chief Svetanics commented that thanks to donations by the St. Louis County Health Department, we are offering free bike helmets as well as car seats to St. Louis County residents. Appointments are needed for fittings and installations.

Chief Svetanics reported on the Red Cross Blood Drive we held on September 12 to benefit victims of Hurricane Francis, which was a success. We are in the process of arranging another drive to be held in December, as the need for blood is critical.

Chief Svetanics confirmed that we are having an Open House on October 9 as an ending to Fire Safety Week and are hoping to see a good turnout. We will have firehouse tours and will take orders for smoke detectors and batteries and would like a chance to meet parents and children.

Chief Svetanics reported that we are sorely in need of a new ambulance. The City of St. Louis is taking bids on a new fleet for arrival next year and we would like to order a new one for our District with their order, which would save us a considerable sum. Chief Svetanics stated that we have about $112,000 in the Capital Fund and are trying to save enough by next year to be able to purchase one without financing through a bank loan as the cost of a new ambulance would be around $135,000.

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, wage report, public relations report, South County Fire Alarm Association Minutes and St. Louis Metro Fire District Alliance Minutes.

Mr. Stonebraker stated the District installed 14 smoke detectors in August. We also installed 38 infant car seats and checked installation on another 3. The District also has bicycle helmets donated by the St. Louis County Health Department. You must be a St. Louis County resident to be eligible for the helmets and must call to make an appointment for the fittings.

Mr. Stonebraker also reported that the wage report reflects that overtime is down for the year in that last year the District paid $160,000 in overtime. Mr. Bettag stated that 13 sick days used through August of this year proves the effectiveness of our sick leave program. Mr. Bettag commented that both programs seem to be working.

Mr. Stonebraker commented that he would like to commend Mr. Bettag and Mr. Schloss for the hard work they did on the tax rates which were filed with St. Louis County and the State of Missouri. We received a certification letter from Claire C. McCaskill of the State Auditor’s Office of the blended rate as accepted and verified. Mr. Stonebraker also reported that from 1999 to date the taxes in our District has gone down 3 cents.

Mr. Bettag reported that he was meeting with the Executive Board of Local #2677 and Howard Danzig, of Howard Danzig Insurance Company, on Tuesday September 21, 2004 at 7:30 a.m. to discuss health insurance. Mr. Bettag stated that we have not increased members’ insurance premiums in 3 years and that it is time to address the issue of rising costs.

Next general meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 19, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. The regular open meeting for bill discussion scheduled for Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 3:30 p.m.

There were no public comments or questions.

Motion by Mr. Stonebraker to adjourn general board meeting at 7:38 p.m., 2nd by Mr. Bettag, roll call vote, all ayes.

Respectfully submitted,



Jerry G. Schloss, Secretary

JGS/pgv