On June 24, the Orcas Island Fire Department Commissioners met with six members of the Strategic Plan Review committee to review plans for building wildland attack and structural engines (WAASP), for the permit process for the new Deer Harbor Fire Station, for a five-member Board, and to hear a proposal from the Fire/Medics for filling the Assistant Chief position left vacant when Buddy Wright resigned in March.
Chief Mike Harris read a statement to the Strategic Planners on the recommendations for the WAASP engines. In the statement, Harris referred to Finance Officer Rick Anda’s plan to “continue to grow bond revenue wisely via investment and stagger purchases in a way that would preserve our main capital fund … we could purchase the items needed without a bond and not lose the interest payments.”
Harris itemized the priorities in fullfillment of “the intent of the 1999 excess levy:”
1) Establish the new Fire/Medic 24 hour staffing program at the Eastsound Station.
2) Enhance volunteer benefits
3) Replace the two 70s-era water tenders (tankers)
4) Replace Station 24 (Deer Harbor)
5) Replace older fire engines at Stations 22 (Westsound, 24 (Deer Harbor) and 27 (Doe Bay)
6) Make various improvements to the other outlying stations and training
“That brings us to replacement of older engines,” Harris read. In negotiations with the Washington Survey and Rating Bureau (which determines insurance premiums) Commissioner Clyde Duke was able to obtain approval of a “hop scotch” plan of every other station equipped with a “nimble, off road capable, multi-task, CAF equipped rig.”
The Commissioners authorized $200,000 to purchase five chassis for such vehicles on June 10. Now the Fire Department needs to decide on which fire truck vendor to use to meet the specifications of the fire engine rigs added to the chassis. Harris concluded his report, saying, “We are still on track financially to complete these projects within our budget and by the end of 2009.”
Teri Williams of Permit Resources reviewed the permit process for construction of the new Deer Harbor station. The first step will be to apply for a conditional use permit. Securing a water source is of prime importance and the Fire District will “need to come into compliance with the health department or drill a new well,” Williams said. Application for a building permit will follow, with approval by the Hearings Examiner. If there are no appeals filed during the 21 days after the Hearing Examiner’s approval, “then you can hit the ground running,” said Williams.
Commissioner Jim Coffin stated that due to lack of public support, the suggestion that the Commission be expanded to five members had been dropped.
Members of the 3911 local union of Firefighters/Paramedics – Valerie Harris, Myk Preysz and Patrick Shepherd – presented their draft plan to divide the Assistant Chief responsibilities among them, and to add a fourth “fire/medic” who would learn the duties assigned to each.
The basic draft, which was also presented at the June 10 meeting, calls for the fire/medics to continue to serve as “Duty Officers” for a 48-hour shift, and during the six days between their shifts, divide the duties of the Assistant Chief as “Division Chiefs” in Operations, Training and Education, and Personnel and Administrative positions.
During the public comment session of the meeting, former EMS Chief Garth Eimers said that while adding a fourth paramedic would save $21,130 in overtime pay, there would be an additional $50,000 expense. Commissioner Duke said “Numbers aren’t the issue – it’s the format and concept” at this stage, but the numbers would be analyzed.
Strategic Plan Review committee member Richard Fralick said that in a major reorganization, such as the one proposed by local 3911, the chief executive would work out the proposal and present it to the board. “This presentation seemed to be turned upside down,” said Fralick.
Chief Harris replied that having local 3911’s proposal presented in this way “provides more give and take.”
Bob Phalan, former commissioner, said that the concept was “awesome” and that in addition to overtime for the current three paramedics of about $21,000, the district “was also paying Wright [former Battalion Chief] $75,000 last year to run the department effectively.”
Kathleen Speed asked if there were any other plans to fill the position of Assistant Chief, and said, “We need to see different options and financials.” Harris and the Commissioners indicated that other proposals would be forthcoming.
Joe Nitz, fire department member, said that “it is huge for the community to have a fourth paramedic. It sets the department in compliance regulations.” Nitz added that a residency requirement should be added to any new paramedic contract.
Errol Speed questioned how much continuity would be provided if each Division Chief would be doing one-third of the Assistant Chief position, and how the fourth paramedic would fit in. Preysz commented that they know and do all of the tasks to some degree already and that the tasks could be rotated on a yearly or 18-month basis.
Jonathan Loop said that with the proposal, “We sort of have a triple assistant chief,” and asked “What happens if one or all [members of local 3911] leave?”
John Erly questioned whether the proposal was simply a contract negotiations tactic. Preysz said it was not.
