Waunakee Area Fire District

Waunakee Area Fire District 401 West Second Street Waunakee, WI 53597-0472 December 11, 2024, Fire District Meeting Minutes December 11, 2024 The Regular Monthly Meeting of the Waunakee Area Fire District was called to order by Chairperson John Cuccia. Roll call showed in attendance: John Cuccia, Nila Frye, Gary Endres, Matt Wright, Robert McPherson, Kristin Runge, Chief Gary Hansen, Deputy Chief Ryan Schwab, and Batt. Chief Brian Adler. Correction of October 28, 2024, Minutes – The minutes stated that Kristin Runge made the motion to adjourn the meeting. A correction was made stating that Matt Wright made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Compliance with Open Meeting Laws: Chairperson Cuccia asked if we were compliant with Open Meeting Laws, and it was determined that we were. Public Comment: None Meeting Minutes: A motion was made by Gary Endres and a second was made by Nila Frye to approve the October 2024 Meeting Minutes. Motion carried. Bills: A motion was made by Robert McPherson and a second was made by Nila Frye to approve the October and November 2024 bills. Motion carried. Old Business: 1. Fire Department Study – 1. Fire Department Study – Chairperson John Cuccia informed the Board that the district’s Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that is currently in place is reviewed every five years, with the last time being in 2022, meaning the current IGA is in place until 2027. Chairperson Cuccia then made a motion to keep the current IGA in place while a new Fire Commission is established or until it expires and a second was made by Matt Wright. A vote was called and John Cuccia, Matt Wright, and Gary Endres voted in favor of the motion and Nila Frye and Robert McPherson voted against the motion. Motion carried. A discussion was then held regarding whether the IGA or the new fire commission should be completed first. The board also discussed how to select commission members, and the number of members needed. The board will reach out to other communities to see how they established their commission, the commission’s responsibilities, and what bylaws they have in place. No additional action taken. New Business: 1. Code of Conduct – Nila Frye explained that she received an email from a citizen who was concerned about a social media post from a WFD member. It was determined that the member who allegedly posted a comment on their own account, not representing the fire department. Chief Hansen informed the board that the department will begin working on a code of conduct as part of the job descriptions required by the newly established Fire Commission that will address social media behavior and future posts that could jeopardize the public’s trust in the department. Other Business: Chairperson Cuccia asked that a review of the district’s new Fire Commission to be added as an agenda item for the next meeting. Cuccia encouraged all the committee members to research and reach out for guidance on fire 1 commission format and content requirements to be prepared to review and move forward with the new Fire Commission documentation. Fire Inspector’s Report: Battalion Chief/Inspector Adler shared the October and November 2024 fire run report. He also shared that the fire department’s annual payroll was completed in early December. Next Meeting: The board agreed to postpone December 23, 2024, until January 27, 2025. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Nila Frye and a second was made by Matt Wright. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Brian Adler Battalion Chief/Fire Prevention Inspector Waunakee Area Fire District 2