By Jon Huang
The Falcon Fire Protection District held its monthly board meeting Aug. 21 at the Falcon Fire Administration Building on 7030 Old Meridian Road. Joan Fritsche, attorney; Tom Kerby, assistant secretary; Ray Hawkins, treasurer; James Reid, president; Dan Kupferer, vice president; Steve Podoll, secretary; Trent Harwig, chief, attended.
July minutes were unanimously approved.
Public comment
Chaplain Mike Collins asked for prayers for Chaplain Dick Glasgow’s son, Matthew, who was in a car accident two weeks ago when he was hit by a drunk driver.
Treasurer’s report
Harwig presented the numbers through July 2024 with 58.3% of the fiscal year complete. The department has received 98% of the budgeted general fund revenue and 64% of special ownership tax funds. Expenses in the general fund were at 51% of expectations.
The Ambulance Transport Fund was at 73% of expected revenues. Total ambulance transport fees were at 60% of expected revenues. Total expenditures were at 45% of expectations. Four paramedics were recently brought onto the payroll so the latter is expected to increase.
The Capital Project Fund has received 52% of expected revenues. Expenditures were at 17%. The Rural Water Fund had no new activity.
Staff reports
Deputy Chief Jeff Petersma presented the operations report. There were 342 calls in June. Year to date through June showed a total of 2,016 calls, with 1,624 of those belonging to the district. The monthly average response times remained stable. The average response time from June 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, remained stable.
Chief Jon Webb presented the emergency services report. For July, there were 128 transports with total revenues amounting to $82,142, with a cash per trip at $641.73. Year to date showed 915 transports with total revenues of $595,310, with a cash per trip of $650.61. Webb spoke with the new billing company and was told that the old company is still supplying reports because they haven’t completed the changeover in their system. They hope to be able to have one report by the end of the year.
Lt. Curtis Kauffman presented the fire prevention report. Through July, there were 20 building inspections, six follow up inspections, seven fire finals (inspections prior to a certificate of occupancy is granted), one underground hydro test (testing underground water lines) and one underground fuel system removal, no new projects or fire finals, and four EDARPs (Electronic Development Application Review Program). The department is still awaiting updated fire codes from the state.
Jean Fritsche, attorney, discussed the upcoming 2024 pension board volunteer trustee election. The board also includes two retired volunteer firefighters. Nomination forms are due Sept. 11. Ballots will be mailed Sept. 25; an election, if necessary, will take place Oct. 16, with the new term starting Nov 1.
Harwig updated the board on the 2025 budget timeline. The preliminary budget will be submitted to the board by Oct. 15. The public hearing on the proposed budget will be held during the Dec. 11 board meeting. The governor has called an Aug. 26 special session to revise Senate Bill 233 to address budget concerns related to the property tax measures and potentially pull initiatives 50 and 108 off the ballot.
Maintenance building update
Harwig presented Hammers Draw Request No. 4 for an amount of $105,702. He reported that the sewer lines are connected to the building, the water and gas lines are currently being installed and the interior concrete pour is happening now. The erection of the building will begin next Monday. They did hit groundwater on the water line installation and so bedding material will be brought in. The Change Order No. 3 relates to Colorado Springs Utilities needing to extend the main gas line for an additional expense of $10,000, $9,350 of which will be reimbursed to the district. Hammers construction will be paying for this upfront.
Draw Request No. 4 and Change Order No. 3 were unanimously approved.
Sheriff’s office substation update
Fritsche reported that they have not obtained easements for utilities; therefore, the sheriff’s department has no authority to start any work on the fire district’s property. Construction has yet to start. Reid stated he would reach out to the sheriff about this.
Falcon Fire Department 50th anniversary
Kupferer mentioned that community members had spoken to him about having a special celebration for the anniversary, and suggested that members return with ideas to discuss further at the next meeting. Petersma suggested one option was to have an open house BBQ at the administrative building in June 2025.
Stay connected with the Falcon Fire Protection District
Website: http://www.falconfirepd.org
Facebook: Falcon Fire Department
Twitter: @FalconFireDept
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