By LC Grady
The Falcon Fire Protection District held its regular board meeting April 19 at the new Falcon Fire Administration. Directors Thomas Kerby, Dan Kupferer, Cory Galicia and Ray Hawkins were present. Mike Collins teleconferenced in. Fire Chief Trent Harwig and attorney Joan Fritsche, legal counsel for the district, also attended.
Treasurer’s report
Harwig presented the treasurer’s report and said that 25% of the fiscal year was complete as of March 31. The General Fund had received 41% of its budgeted revenues. Expenditures across all General Fund categories were at 23%. The Ambulance Transport Fund has received 58% of budgeted revenues and spent 21%. of its annual budget. The Capital Projects Fund was at 27% of budgeted revenue. Total expenses are at 16%. There was $630 expenditure in the Rural Water Fund in March.
Staff/operations reports
Harwig informed the directors that there is a focus in various districts on cybersecurity. The district signed a contract with Simpleworks IT to review and enhance overall cybersecurity across the district websites. The district has also been awarded a grant from the Special District Association to audit the district’s cybersecurity. If the district passes the audit, the SDA will increase the cybersecurity insurance coverage to $1 million at no additional costs. Jeff Petersma elaborated on the cybersecurity audit process and answered the directors’ questions regarding the security of equipment and information. Petersma also updated directors on automatic and mutual aid given and received and ambulance aid statistics with adjoining districts. Reserve hours were 134.5 for March and are going to drop down significantly as the reservists were hired. Jon Webb updated the board on March transports — there were 130 transports resulting from 197 calls. Year-to-date numbers reflect 381 transports and 575 calls.
Unfinished business
Harwig said the final payment was made to the administrative building contractor and the building is now finished. Harwig said there is no further information about the sheriff’s substation.
2023 Election update
There are three four-year positions and one two-year position for FFPD board members that need to be filled on May 2. Fritsche reported that election ballots have gone out and are coming back. Four individuals agreed to be election judges, and their training will take place at the fire department administration building. Two will serve as polling place judges and two as counting judges. The canvas board will meet May 10, the first day available after the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act ballots are due back. Per Colorado statute, director oaths must be filed with the county clerk & recorder before directors can take any action. Galicia as the officer of the district can administer the oaths.
Outgoing Director Mike Collins said it was an honor and privilege serving on this board for the past eight years. He commended Harwig and Petersma for their leadership and dedication to the district. He will continue serving as a chaplain with the department. Outgoing Board President Thomas Kerby read from his prepared letter — he thanked all the staff, firefighters and paramedics who provide aid and comfort with the highest degree of professionalism to people during what’s frequently the worst times of their lives. Kerby complimented Harwig and his officers for providing an outstanding work environment for their staff. He thanked fellow board members for their dedication to the district and stressed it was the board’s job to provide Harwig with all the tools necessary to be able to do his job. He closed with a statement that he believed the district was on the correct course heading for a bright future.
Board meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. in the meeting room at the Falcon Fire Administration building, 7030 Old Meridian Road. All meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions.
Stay connected with the Falcon Fire Protection District
Website: http://www.falconfirepd.org
Facebook: Falcon Fire Department
Twitter: @FalconFireDept
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