Public comments, Chief's report shared

SEELEY LAKE – With no old or new business listed on the agenda for their Jan. 18 meeting, the Seeley Lake Fire Board heard public comment asking about the status of the mill levy, hiring and community discussions regarding the vision for the department. They also received updates from Fire Chief Dave Lane regarding call volume, membership and the paramedic/EMT positions.

During public comment, Seeley Lake resident Kristy Pohlman asked the board about the status of hiring a firm to come in and help with mill levy communications. She said the board discussed hiring a firm at their April and May meetings as well as holding community meetings and enlisting board and community members to ensure the vision of the community aligned with the vision of the department for the future. There was one informational workshop in June and nothing since. The board approved the money to hire the firm but Pohlman said, unless she missed it, it does not appear to have been spent.

“I noticed the agenda items seem to be missing these promised steps,” Pohlman said and requested an update at next month’s meeting.

Pohlman pointed out that Shirley Goudzwaard’s comments and questions from November were not included on this month’s agenda.

“I understand that we are suppose to go to the Chief with all our concerns and questions and no longer bring them to the board meeting, I do feel it is essential to keep the department transparent,” Pohlman said. “You as the department are receiving public taxpayer funds and with that comes the responsibility of transparency. With six to 15 minute board meetings in the past few years to discuss a budget that has grown exponentially in the past seven years it seems that you have lost the element of transparency and ensuring the community the voice they are entitled to.”

Vice Chair Gary Lewis asked Goudzwaard, who was in attendance at the meeting, if her questions were addressed. She replied yes her questions were answered in a private meeting following the November board meeting.

Pohlman also commended Vice Chair Gary Lewis for how he runs meetings.

“Voices are heard, you treat people with a professional courtesy and respect and that is greatly appreciated,” Pohlman said. “You run a thorough ship that allows for a meeting to be met with accomplishments. I just want to say thank you…I appreciate your kindness in the board meetings.”

In the Chief’s Report, Lane said they had 307 total calls in 2020 and 366 in 2021, an upward trend that is being felt across the country. The Department’s call volume in December was five calls less than December 2020.

Lane said they have recruited three new people in the last two months – two are working through their tasks books and the third person just turned in his application. Lane said none of them have EMS certifications but that is a possibility for the future. There are currently two department members that are taking their EMT training. They will have completed their training and be eligible to take their test in March.

Lane said there has been no response to the paramedic position. He has received one application for the EMT position but Lane explained to the applicant that the position has not been approved yet. He would like to discuss the paramedic position at the February meeting.

The agenda for the Feb. 15 meeting includes publicaly addressing Goudzwaard’s questions from the November meeting and discussing the potential mill levy, paramedic position and ambulance fees.

The meeting is held at 6 p.m. at the Fire Hall. The agenda will be posted at seeleyfire.org.