Meeting Minutes 03/18/2019 (VFD special meeting)

MINUTES

TRAPPER CREEK COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Trapper Creek Community Center, Milepost 115.2 George Parks Highway. Turn left on E. TC Park Circle.

Teleconference: Locally dial 373-2663 / Participant Code 991090 or dial 907-622-2663 if not in local area

Special Meeting, 6:30 PM, Monday, March 18, 2019

 

  1. Meeting called to order 6:45 pm
  2. Determination of quorum
  3. Board Members in Attendance: Ritenburgh, Miller, Glenka, and Morrill. Members: Shawn Stankowitz, Jason Garrett, George Faerber, Chrystal Mayer and Dave Thompson Guest: Eric Chappel, Talkeetna Fire Chief.

Special Guests: Borough Assembly Representative Tam Boeve.

 

  1. Approval of Agenda
  2. Minutes of the February 18th Special meeting were read as approved as written
  3. Unfinished Business:

Discussion of a Fire Department in Trapper Creek:

The following is from the discussion throughout the meeting:

Response Area:

  • FSA #14 boundaries exist, but were set 20+ years ago
  • A VFD 501c3 would re-establish contiguous boundaries

Equipment Storage:

  • Warm storage is necessary
  • A potential area for storage of equipment until a new, grant-funded building could be built was the Tire Shop. Discussion realized it is not a heated facility
  • Current EMS building (room for a 28? engine) is a possibility with a lease option

Funding:

  • VFD – specific grants are available to possibly cover expenses
  • Could request first year startup funds (for lease?) from Mat-Su Borough
  • Being a 501c3 puts us at top of list for grant requests

Community Safety Meetings / Alternatives to Aid Suppression:

  • Defensible space could be provided by brochures
  • Proper procedure for using fire extinguishers
  • AFFF fire extinguishers contain a foam which produces a skin like covering to help cool and searing temperatures. As well as slashing the temperature, this starves a fire of oxygen and breaks the fire triangle resulting in a struggle for the blaze to stay alight. Eric offered for Talkeetna FD to recharge (TC to pay foam).
  • Fire extinguishers can also be filled with anti-freeze solution which could put out a fire much faster
  • Jason & Chrystal could train others to certain levels
  • Road sign with burn permit info and ratings on Petersville

ISO = Insurance Service Offices:

  • Hurt/injured volunteer coverage is under 501c3
  • Contact an insurance provider for an estimated quote

Equipment Possibilities:

  • Brush truck
  • Skid unit for back of pickup truck $10-15 K
  • TKA has 1984 600 gallon 22? truck
  • Anchorage has surplus vehicles
  • Ken Barkley is already putting aside equip., i.e. hose etc.

Next Steps:

  • Committee formed, so no more special meeting(s) are needed, only committee meetings who will then report to council until non-profit 501c3 established
  • Committee members: Jason Garrett, Chrystal Mayer, Dave Ritenburgh, Dave Thompson, Shawn Stankowitz
  • Formation of a 501c3 and selection of Board of Directors
  • A resolution by council must be submitted to MSB for approval
  • Work in conjunction with the State Fire Marshall for grant acquisition and funding, no other direction or authority
  • Decision regarding whether it will be an: interior (meet Borough standards, go to classes) vs. exterior firefighters

 

  1. Date of next Meeting: Committee meets Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 6:30 pm
  1. Adjournment: 8:05

(Minutes taken by Council Treasurer, Paula Glenka)