S.A.F.E.R. Board of Directors
Regular MeetingWeston, WI · September 9, 2014
Minutes
OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
SOUTH AREA FIRE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE DISTRICT
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 @ 6:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
The regular meeting of the South Area Fire and Emergency Response District Board of Directors was
called to order at 6:04 PM by SAFER Board Chairman Loren White.
MEMBERS PRESENT – Loren White, Barb Ermeling and Keith Langenhahn. Excused: Allen Opall and
Fred Schaefer. Weston Finance Director John Jacobs, Rib Mountain Administrator Gaylene Rhoden,
Chief Wirth (*arrived later), Deputy Chief Meilahn and Shift Commander Andy Schlagel were also
present.
2. Comments from the public on issues related to the SAFER District
There was no public comment or correspondence.
3. Consent Items
a) Approval of prior meeting minutes from Tuesday 8/12/2014.
Motion by Ermeling/Langenhahn to approve meeting minutes from August 12, 2014.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. Business Items
a) Discussion and action on sale of training mannequin to NTC
Deputy Meilahn presented a proposal to sell the simulation mannequins (med-e-man) to
North Central Technical College (NTC). The mannequins were originally purchased by
the former Rib Mountain Fire Department. However, the mannequins are in need of updating,
which is estimated to cost $10,000. NTC has two similar mannequins and they are willing to
purchase them from SAFER. The requested price is $8,000. NTC is willing to allow SAFER
to continue to use the training mannequins.
Motion by Ermeling/Langenhahn to enter into an agreement with North Central Technical
College outlining the purchase of the SAFER mannequins for $8,000 and terms of use of the
training mannequins by SAFER subject to the Attorney’s review. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Staff Reports
a) 1. Budget status
Finance Director, John Jacobs provided a financial and budget status report. Billing is a
month behind, but overall revenues are at the appropriate level for this time of year.
Expenses are below anticipated budget. John indicated the books would be left “open”
until March to ensure all revenues/expenses are counted within Fiscal Year 2014. It was
suggested that quotes be sought for the audit. *Chief Wirth arrived.
Initial budget meetings have taken place on the staff level. The budget will be discussed
further at the next SAFER Board meeting. Chief Wirth indicated he is working with the
Village of Kronenwetter on an agreement similar to what Weston had with its service areas.
Anticipated write-offs would be billed up front instead of later.
Chief Wirth informed the Board that one of the trucks was damaged. They are determining the
cost of repairs and whether it is worth submitting a claim for insurance.
SAFER received a two year recognition from CAAS (Commission on Accreditation of
Ambulance Services). SAFER is one of only two EMS departments in the state to receive this
Recognition.
Chief Wirth submitted his formal retirement resignation. His effective retirement date would be
October 12, 2014; however, he will be utilizing vacation the week of October 6. Chief Wirth
requested that Deputy Chief Meilahn serve as the interim Chief until a final decision is made on
how to fill the position. Motion by Ermeling/White to accept Chief Wirth’s letter of
resignation from SAFER. Motion carried unanimously.
Chief Wirth asked whether the Board would like to issue a press release. If so, he requested
that it be submitted by his office. At this point in time, no press release will be issued.
The Board discussed future meeting dates. The Board agreed to schedule a special Board of
Directors meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at 5:00 p.m.
b) Reports from Administrators
No Reports from Administrators
6. Remarks from the Directors (No motions will be made, and no action will be taken related
to policy affecting the S.A.F.E.R. District as a result of this agenda item).
The Board was informed that Rib Mountain representative Fred Schaefer has stepped down from
the SAFER Board due to work commitments. Administrator Rhoden stated the Town Board would
be making an appointment next Tuesday to replace Mr. Schaefer.
7. Set next meeting date and discuss items for next committee agenda.
Next meeting date is scheduled for September 23, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.
8. Adjourn
Motion by Langenhahn/Ermeling to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectively submitted by, Gaylene S. Rhoden, Administrator
Agenda
OFFICIAL NOTICE & MEETING AGENDA
of a Board, Commission, Committee, Agency, Corporation, Quasi-Municipal Corporation, or Sub-unit thereof
Meeting: S.A.F.E.R. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Members: L White {c}; A Opall ; B Ermeling; F Schaefer; K Langenhahn;
Location: Rib Mountain Town Hall; 3700 North Mountain Rd, Wausau
Date/Time: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 @ 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION (All items listed may be action upon)
Notice is hereby given that a majority of the S.A.F.E.R. Fire Commission may be present at the
above noticed meeting due to the proximity of meeting time/location. This constitutes a meeting
of the S.A.F.E.R. Fire Commission pursuant to State ex rel. Badke v. Greendale Village Bd.,
173 Wis.2d 553,494 N.W.2d 408 (1993), and must be noticed as such, although the S.A.F.E.R.
Fire Commission will not take any action at this meeting.
1. Call to Order.
2. Public Comment Period – This period is an opportunity for members of the community to
come before the Directors and present to them their comments related to the financial and
administrative management of the SAFER district. No action will be taken on comments
received at this meeting.
3. Consent Items.
a) Approval of prior meeting minutes from Tuesday 8/12/2014.
4. Business Items.
a) Discussion and action on sale of training mannequin to NTC
5. Staff Reports.
a) Reports from Fire Chiefs.
1. Budget status update
b) Reports from Administrators.
6. Remarks from Directors (No motions will be made, and no action will be taken related to
policy affecting the S.A.F.E.R. district as a result of this agenda item).
7. Set next meeting date and discuss items for next committee agenda.
8. Adjourn.
This notice was posted at the Municipal Centers and sent to the
Wausau Daily Herald newsroom on 09/04/2014 @ 3:30 p.m.
Please note that, upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through
appropriate aids and services. For additional information or to request this service, contact the Rib Mountain
Town Municipal Center at (715) 842-0983.
OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES
SOUTH AREA FIRE & EMERGENCY RESPONSE DISTRICT
Board of Directors Regular Meeting
Tuesday, August 12, 2014 @ 6:00 P.M.
1. Call to Order
The regular meeting of the South Area Fire and Emergency Response District Board of Directors was
called to order at 6:00 PM by SAFER Board Chairman Loren White.
MEMBERS PRESENT – Loren White, Village of Weston President; Keith Langenhahn, Town of
Marathon Chairman; Barb Ermeling, Village of Weston Trustee; Steve Meilahn SAFER Deputy Fire
Chief; and Allen Opall, Rib Mountain Chairman. Paul Wirth, SAFER Fire Chief and Fred Schaefer, Rib
Mountain Supervisor was absent and excused. Three audience members were present.
2. Comments from the public on issues related to the SAFER District
There was no public comment or correspondence.
3. Consent Items
a) Approval of prior meeting minutes from Tuesday 6/10/2014.
Motion by Opall/Ermeling to approve prior meeting minutes from June 10, 2014.
Motion carried unanimously.
4. Business Items
a) Discussion and action on intercept agreement with Birnamwood Ambulance.
Deputy Chief Meilahn briefly reviewed the agreement. He stated SAFER would provide
advanced life support as a last resort. Ermeling questioned the billing and collection language in
the agreement. She is particularly concerned with any write-offs that may occur under this
agreement. Meilahn explained any write-off would be assumed by SAFER only if they transport.
Ermeling stated at some point she would like to see how much write-offs amount to.
Motion by Opall/Langenhahn to approve the intercept agreement with Birnamwood
Ambulance. Motion carried unanimously.
b) Discussion and action on proposed wages for new hire contingent on Commission approval.
Motion by Ermeling/Langenhahn to approve proposed wages for new hire contingent upon
Commission approval. Motion carried unanimously.
c) Discussion and action on sale of training mannequin to NTC.
Item deferred until the next SAFER Board of Directors regular meeting.
d) Discussion and action on options for filling two current Shift Commander vacancies.
Meilahn stated there are currently two vacant Battalion Chief positions. He reviewed
an option for an interim training position meant to be temporary allowing a Shift Commander/
Battalion Chief 3 to gain experience and finish any job requirements.
Motion by Ermeling/Opall to approve the Shift Commander 4 position contingent upon
Commission approval. Motion carried unanimously.
5. Staff Reports
a) Reports from Fire Chiefs
1. Budget status. Item discussed under Finance Directors report.
b) Reports from Administrators
No Reports from Administrators
c) Report from John Jacobs, Village of Weston Finance Director
Jacobs reviewed a budget report included in the packet which reflects financials through 7-31
(Chief Wirth joined the meeting at this time).
6. Remarks from the Directors (No motions will be made, and no action will be taken related
to policy affecting the S.A.F.E.R. District as a result of this agenda item).
No remarks from the Board members.
7. Set next meeting date and discuss items for next committee agenda.
Next meeting date is scheduled for September 9 and September 23, 2014.
8. Adjourn
Motion by Langenhahn/Opall to adjourn at 6:33 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Prepared by Rhonda Christiansen on August 28, 2014
Presented for consideration to the Board of Directors on September 9, 2014.
Item #_________ Med E Man purchase by NTC
Issue:
As part of SAFER the department has a simulation mannequin (med-e-man) while this is a valuable tool
the maintenance and up keep is very expensive. Currently this mannequin is in need of updates and
repairs. The estimated costs are in excess of $10,000. Northcentral Technical College (NTC) currently
has two similar mannequins and is interested in purchasing our mannequin. The chief’s report on
March 11, 2014 discussed this option. NTC is willing to pay $8,000.00 for our mannequin, have it
repaired updated and placed on their maintenance agreement s. As part of the purchase NTC would
allow SAFER to utilize the mannequins for training, supply a technician who is trained on the operation
along with using scenario’s created by NTC for the advanced training of our staff.
The funds from this sale could be held to help fund upcoming equipment requests for the 2015 budget.
Actions to be taken:
1. Approve the purchase by NTC as recommended
2. Approve the purchase by NTC with changes
recommended by SAFER Board
3. Deny approval of purchase.
Item 5, Staff Reports
Reports from Fire Chief’s
Report for the South Area Fire & Emergency Response District.
August 2014.
Shift Commander/Battalion Chief Positions, while the posting was open until 4pm on Friday
August 29, we received applications from 6 internal candidates. Though it was intended to be an
internal posting it was not listed as such on NeoGov, subsequently we have received 4 outside
applicants. We will review the external candidates just to make sure we would not be missing the
perfect candidate. The intention is still to use the position of Shift Commander IV as a training
position to develop one of our own personnel.
Run statistics for the Month of August are attached. As one of the common questions involves the
number of interfacilitites. During the month of August the department completed 23 interfacility
transports along with covering 8 special events. While the interfacilities seem to be picking up
again we are still working on options to increase these numbers for the next years.
The department is still having exploratory conversations with other agencies to determine what
options are available for the following years for contracts or partnerships. At this time nothing is
definite, at least the conversations are continuing.
If there are any questions or concerns with any of the information in this report, please let me know.
Respectfully,
Chief, Paul Wirth
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