HomeMy WebLinkAbout010331March 31, 2001
Halfway, Maryland
A joint meeting of the Board of County Commissioners of
Washington County, Maryland and the Washington County
Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, Inc. (the
Association) was called to order at the Volunteer Fire
Company of Halfway by the Association's President, Jason
Baer, at 1:00 p.m. The following Commissioners were
present: President Gregory I. Snook, Vice President Paul L.
Swartz and Commissioners Bertrand L. Iseminger, Jr., John
L. Schnebly, and William J. Wivell.
REMARKS FROM THE WASHINGTON COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND
RESCUE ASSOCIATION:
President Jason Baer thanked the Commissioners and members
of the Association for attending. He then gave an overview
of the history of emergency services. He extended thanks
to the Commissioners for their support in paying for
insurance for emergency services. He then gave an overview
of the development of the Comprehensive Study of Emergency
Fire and Medical Services conducted by Burracker and
Associates, the development of the Emergency Services
Council (the Council), and the Council's priorities.
President Baer then introduced Jay Grimes, Past President
of the WCVFRA and member of the Council.
Jay Grimes reported the results of the Association's
meeting held earlier in the day. He distributed copies of
the Council's recommendations that were presented to the
Commissioners.
MOTION:
On a motion by Blaine Snyder (Engine 1) and seconded by Don
Shumaker (Company 6), the members of the Association voted
to accept the report of the Council in its entirety and to
have the priorities adopted by 2002. MOTION CARRIED.
PRESENTATION OF PRIORITIES: Jay Grimes reported that
nineteen (19) fire and EMS companies voted on the six
priorities that they would like to submit to the County
Commissioners: 1) the County to pay the cost of fuel and
utilities, 2) increase in the number of career personnel,
3) construction of a training center, 4) provision for the
cost of audits, 5) assistance with fund drives, and 6)
purchase of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs).
REMARKS FROM WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: (Copies of
Fire and Rescue Allocation and Pro -rated Utility Cost and
Allocations to Fire and Rescue Companies were distributed).
President Snook thanked the Association for lunch and for
the opportunity to meet with them to discuss Council's
recommendations on the Comprehensive Study of Emergency
Fire and Medical Services. President Snook gave an
overview of the budget. It was pointed out that priorities
one and six have been placed in the upcoming year's budget.
An update from the companies showed the actual dollar cost
of fuel and utilities needed. President Snook stressed the
importance of a system of checks and balances. He offered
the services of the County Budget & Finance Department to
assist the companies in setting up an auditing system. The
companies were encouraged to utilize the County's
Purchasing Department where appropriate. President Snook
also felt that the Council should stay together to work
with the Association.
Commissioner Iseminger stated that he served on the
Council. He supports the recommendations in the report.
The tentative budget funds 250 of the utilities and the
purchase of AEDs. He stated that the overall process would
take time. Commissioner Iseminger stressed the importance
of individual company audits.
Commissioner Schnebly expressed a desire to keep the
volunteer system functioning in the County. He stated that
the volunteers are the ones who have the expertise in
providing emergency services. In order to assist
financially, however, it is important that actual costs be
known. He stated that other areas of concern include the
need for a centralized purchasing system and equipment
uniformity.
Commissioner Wivell stated that he felt it is important to
retain the volunteer system in the County. He is
interested in helping financially
Joint Meeting - WCBCC/WCVFRA
Page Two
but in order to do this, it is important to have financial
standards and uniform reporting.
Vice -President Swartz stated that the fire and EMS
companies play an important part in the lives of citizens
by protecting people and property. All companies need to
work together to accomplish this important task. He
encouraged all companies to follow their mission statements
and stressed the need for financial standards. He
emphasized his support for the volunteer system.
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES: A general discussion was held on ways
to accomplish the priorities. Fund Raising: Suggestions
included the use of a consultant to develop a fund raising
campaign for all companies to include marketing, public
education, and endowment programs. Recommendation 4.7 from
Council (Policy of Support): The County Commissioners
supported the recommendation to continue the maximum
utilization of volunteers to deliver fire and ambulance
service. Recommendation 5.5 from Council (Citizen CPR):
President Snook stated that all County employees are going
to be trained in CPR. To date, over 200 employees have had
this training. AEDs have been purchased and will be placed
in County -owned buildings. The Association suggested that
a press release be done, identifying the efforts to have
all County employees trained in CPR. The County agreed to
mention this topic during their upcoming joint meetings
with the Board of Education and the City of Hagerstown.
Priority Number 3 (Construct Training Center): Jason Baer
stated that he would like the Commissioners to consider
updating the 9-1-1 Center as part of the construction of
the training center. The current 9-1-1 facility has no
room for growth even though the requirements for training
and services have increased significantly. Commissioner
Snook stated that the training center needs to be addressed
with the City of Hagerstown.
CLOSING REMARKS: Commissioner Snook stated that the
Commissioners realize that different companies have
different pressures. He stated that funding by the County
of 250 of the utilities in FY 2002 is a start, but is not
the final solution. The County accepted the list of
priorities. The Commissioners are hopeful that everyone
would work together to accomplish the goals. It was once
again stressed the importance of audits to see actual costs
and expenses.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion by Charles Shindle, seconded by James Kershner,
the joint meeting of the Association and the Commissioners
was adjourned at 2:30p.m. MOTION CARRIED
County Administrator
County Attorney
Verna M. Brown, Office Associate
IV