Chief raise approved, public comments, questions addressed

SEELEY LAKE – At their June 21 meeting, the Seeley Lake Fire Board approved a four percent raise for Chief Dave Lane with a vote of 3-1. Chair Scott Kennedy and Trustees Rita Rossi and Connie Clark voted for, Trustee Jon Kimble voted against and Vice-Chair Gary Lewis was absent. This was following a closed executive session to discuss Lane’s performance and pay scale.

In other business, Lane provided several updates, the board reviewed new policies and Rossi and Kennedy addressed previous public questions and concerns during the public comment period.

Lane said they had several applicants for the firefighter/EMT position. Following the interview and vetting process, they hired someone who exceeds the minimum qualifications. Once this person finishes their probation, Lane plans to send them to paramedic school.

The District also hired Lynnette Looney as the new administrative assistant. She is currently working through her training and becoming a licensed notary.

Lane said the District will receive a $5,000 check after insurance totaled the utility trailer that collapsed from snow damage. Lewis has a nearly brand new trailer that he would sell to the District for $8,900. The $3,900 can be made up through selling surplus equipment.

Lane said he has researched other comparable trailers and they would run $11,000-$12,000. At Kimble’s request, Lane will provide documentation for other options at the next meeting and ask for approval.

The Board reviewed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Admin 35 “Uniform Allowance,” SOP Admin 36 “Wage Increases” and Standard Operating Guideline Admin 2 “The use of District Members uniform attire.” The SOG was provided for the board’s information and it did not need to be approved.

Lane said the annual uniform allowance of $650 allows paid employees to purchase their own uniforms. The allowance is part of the employee’s wages and benefits. Lane agreed when asked if it would be considered a taxable wage or taxable benefit as part of their benefit package.

Clark felt someone should not be wearing the uniform if he/she is no longer an active member of the District. Kimble agreed adding especially if the uniforms have the District insignia.

The Board voted unanimously to amend SOP Admin 35 to state that upon separation, uniforms are property of the District and are returned to the District.

The Board also unanimously approved the second reading of the 2022-2023 budget.

Public comment:

Rossi said she has been a member on the department since 2001. She is proud of her service and the service of her fellow volunteers, putting her life on the line for others.

“I’m greatly offended by the remarks that have come in these meetings,” Rossi said. “When ignorant people come here to pick apart the calls we’ve been on and we can’t defend or explain ourselves due to HIPPA laws, I find it very one sided.”

Rossi encouraged the public to speak to Chief Lane.

“He is a great chief and has had vast experience the likes of which you know nothing about unless you actually speak to him,” Rossi said.

Rossi said the board is meant to handle financial information and needs of the department. She asked the public to stop comparing them to other departments since they are all different.

Kennedy said volunteers are frustrated.

“We are all here to serve the District’s fire and medical needs and volunteers are crucial,” Kennedy said. “Criticism, derogatory comments do affect volunteers, staff and harming those in need to service. Misleading or false information exacerbates the situation.”

Kennedy answered several comments and questions from the past several meetings (bolded below). When asked if his answers were from him or the board he said, “it was a mix but I accept full responsibility.”

The District Strategic Plan: Kennedy said this is in partial draft stage and is an operational plan under the Chief. He develops, presents and implements based on the needs of the District and ties in with the annual planning budget request. Kennedy said these plans are time consuming and can be costly. They are continually updated.

It was stated Alyssa McLean waived her medical rights to privacy? Kennedy said after reviewing the minutes, McLean refers to the scope “of her exact words.” This does not comply fully waiving her rights in writing or waive the rights of others. “Just because she spoke on her accident does not warrant or grant a response or action from the board, medical providers, staff, other agencies or volunteers with details in public forum violating federal law,” Kennedy said.

How can the public share their concerns? Kennedy said anyone may air concerns, positive or negative. “The board listens and will address appropriately if needed and in the right form or correspondence,” Kennedy said. “Commentaries from the public for themselves or on the behalf of others, which is hear-say, and/or violating privacy rights of patients or involving personnel will not be addressed and will not be considered [for public discussion].” This also includes personnel issues.

He encouraged the public to visit with the chief regarding general procedures, up-to-date protocols, ongoing training as it relates to the general scope of medical services. If there is still a question contact the board chair. If deemed appropriate it will then be placed on the agenda.

“To simply air out negativity, critiquing volunteers, staff or the board with misleading information in public forum is not productive,” Kennedy said.

Requesting the board comment on specific operational actions: Kennedy said soliciting questions or medical comments from the Board about an incident violates the patient’s rights.

“This is not a direct board issue,” Kennedy said. “Discrediting decisions or seeing actions in operations by trained medical responders without first hand knowledge is simply critiquing of the Department’s professional services and volunteers or employees that serve.”

Reiterating HIPPA: HIPPA is a federal law that requires, in writing the scope of release and when in appropriate form.

“The Seeley Lake Rural Fire District does not discuss medical details or participate in discussions whatsoever,” Kennedy said.

While the board does have governance per Montana statue, Kennedy said the board does not manage operations or regulate medical licensures. Operational tasks have been delegated to the chief.

“Just because one may not agree with the Chief’s answer on protocols, guidelines and so forth does not warrant intervention by the board,” Kennedy said. “If a non-licensed medical provider is providing inaccurate or misleading information to the public or about a call, whether on scene or not, they would be or may be in violation themselves of unprofessional conduct under the Department of Labor and Licensing and likely HIPPA if it relates to a patient.”

Statement made that the volunteers respond to five to 10 calls a day in the summer: Kennedy said this statement made by a top volunteer was simply expressing the need for help from exhaustion. The board did not make this statement, no decision was based on that statement and it is not relevant to Frenchtown’s call volume, taxation, charges or income.

Comparison with Frenchtown Rural Fire District: Kennedy explained that every District provides different services funded through different mechanisms. He said Frenchtown has general mill levies, taxes and an additional assessment that taxpayers pay that help provide their services in addition to ambulance fees that were highlighted. He felt the comparison made at the May 17 meeting left out these details, which is misleading, not realistic and inaccurate.

Meeting date and times set in the bylaws? Kennedy said the board has the authority to set the date and time of the regular board meetings and they are not set in the bylaws. They are noticed in three locations. If an agenda item of significance is to be voted on, the public will have ample time to public comment.

Addressing concerns regarding the Board’s lack of research prior to making decisions: Kennedy said board decisions are based on extensive research and provide the best information possible for medical, fire and District financial needs.

The District is an ambulance service, licensed transport for Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support. Kennedy said removing or limiting the transport income, without even considering hiring the new positions, the District would be in “significant financial shortfall.” Prudent financial decisions have provided the expansion of services, infrastructure, new hires and will allow for expansion into the future. He invited the public to visit anytime to see the advancements or discuss issues with the Chief.

“The Seeley Lake Rural Fire District is in good financial condition based on the board and chief’s efforts over the years,” Kennedy said.

Conversations following the board meeting? Kennedy said as long as there is no quorum it is conversations and freedom of speech. He is not aware of any medical discussion as it relates to privacy issues.

How often do both ambulances travel to Missoula? Kennedy said very rarely, possibly two to three times a year.

Dispatch of Missoula ambulance or Life Flight to calls in Seeley Lake? Kennedy said they are not dispatched by 9-1-1 unless requested by the Seeley Lake medical responders on scene.

Volunteers serving as board members? Kennedy said insurance companies serving Montana organizations noted many potential implications to fire boards and other government boards should volunteers not be allowed to serve on elected boards. While not a complete assessment, Kennedy said 32 Montana fire boards operate with volunteers serving on the board of trustees.

“These positions are entirely two different roles. Having this added diversity with volunteers past or present on the board is essential to continuity and providing leadership with knowledge in fire and medical service,” Kennedy said. “Collectively it also provides insight into past performance, past challenges and issues when necessary to facilitate or guidance or proper decision-making and good planning decisions.”

How can an issue be placed on the agenda? Kennedy said requests may be discussed with the chief and will be properly vetted prior to being put on the agenda. Medical issues dealing with issues of HIPPA or personnel will not be put on the agenda for public discussion. Agenda items will have supporting documents that are included in the board packet and be noticed to the public.

“Being disrespectful and demanding to be on the agenda is not the proper method or allowing the following steps in the vetting process for specific agenda items and will not be considered circumventing the process,” Kennedy said. “Operational questions, policies, procedures or concerns can be answered by the chief during regular hours. If an item becomes a board issue for debate then we will address the topic and get the answers that are not known.”

Why is the District’s administrative assistant take the minutes? Kennedy said while the board is responsible for them, they have delegated the duties to the administration.

In closing, Kennedy said the board has more than 90 years of combined board and/or medical and fire volunteer experience on the Seeley Lake Fire District.

“Please don’t be distracted by those misleading, non-factual commentaries or simply lies,” Kennedy said. “We are all so fortunate to have fire and medical volunteers serving their community and dedicated employees.”

The next meeting is scheduled for July 19 at 6 p.m. at the Seeley Lake Fire Hall, 200 Firehouse Lane. The agenda will be posted at seeleyfire.org.