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SFD June 6 Budget and Special Business Meeting Minutes

Sedona AZ (June 8, 2012)The SedonaEye.com publishes minutes as received from the Sedona Fire District Board meetings without editorial comment:

Sedona Fire District 2860 Southwest Drive, Sedona, Arizona 86336 – Telephone (928) 282-6800 FAX (928) 282-6857

NOTICE AND AGENDA OF SFD PUBLIC BUDGET AND SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING

Station # 1 – 2860 Southwest Drive – West Sedona – Multipurpose Room

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

5:30 PM Board Public Business Meeting and Executive Session Meeting

6:00PM Public Budget and Special Business Meeting

~ MINUTES ~

I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL. 

Board Present: Ty Montgomery – Chairman; Corrie Cooperman – Clerk; Craig Dible; Nazih Hazime ; Diane Schoen – Members

Staff Present: Fire Chief Kris Kazian; Assistant Chief Terry Keller; Fire Marshal Gary Johnson; Finance Manager Sandi Schmidt; Communications Specialist Lead Supervisor Jeff Jennings; Executive Assistant Recorder to the Board Tricia Greer

Others Present: Bill Whittington, Attorney; 15 Members of the Public

II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND MOMENT OF SILENCE TO HONOR ALL AMERICAN MEN AND WOMEN IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY, FIREFIGHTERS, AND POLICE OFFICERS. 

Chairman Ty Montgomery led the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence.

III. BUSINESS – 5:30 PM.

A. Discussion/Possible Action: Resolution #2012-04 concerning William R. Whittington as attorney for SFD Board; use of various legal counsel on an ongoing basis; possible limitations and control of the same. 

Mr. Montgomery opened this discussion and referenced the Resolution regarding hiring William R. (Bill) Whittington as Board counsel. Fire Chief Kris Kazian said a cover letter was included which he thought was copied to the entire Board, but was only sent to the Chairman.

Mr. Whittington explained the cover letter set out what he believes to be expectations of the relationship and fee, and indicates SFD wants to use his firm on at will basis, and allows the Board to use other attorneys they choose. He said the hourly rates are set out from $145 to $175 for lawyers depending on their expertise and Mr. Whittington’s charge is at $175 per hour, which is $25 per hour more than he formerly charged SFD; he said paralegals are set at $125, and the Resolution calls for reimbursement of expenses; it states he will attend one Board meeting a month with no time charges for travel, although he will charge for mileage; he said if the Board wants him to attend more than one meeting monthly, he reserves the right to charge for that travel time.

Mr. Montgomery stated this Board discussed its goal for what legal costs should be, what they used to be, and what they have become, and that Mr. Whittington understands this Board is trying to keep legal costs in line and indicated a willingness to help with costs.

Mr. Whittington said his plan is to call before traveling to make sure the Board needs him in order to decide if the expense is necessary. He said the Resolution is, he believes, a duplicate of the former Resolution which states anyone on the Board can contact Mr. Whittington, as well as the Chief or his designee, but there is an obligation to let the Board know he was contacted; he said that has not always happened in the past, but he will not “police” the Board to make sure that information is shared; historically over the last 27 years or so, he reported his contact with SFD has been 80% management and about 20% from the Board.

Chief Kazian stated he would make sure all Board Members received a copy of the cover letter.

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Board Member Craig Dible pointed out the last sentence of the Resolution states, “any such contact or discussion shall be reported by the Chief or Board Members to the Board as a whole”; therefore, he said the responsibility is on the Board Members to report the usage, not the attorney.

Mr. Whittington replied although he could inform the Board, it would “bump up” legal costs and does not really fall under “legal services”; he believes the burden of letting the other Board Members know about legal usage should be on the Board Member who contacted him, and the Chairman should be responsible for “policing” that information; monthly legal invoices would reflect usage.

Mr. Whittington said the Board would not have to disclose usage at a public meeting, but rather, it could be done in writing.

Board Member Diane Schoen asked if this could be achieved by notifying the Board Chairman and for him to notify the rest of the Board; Mr. Whittington said that would be permitted. Mr. Montgomery stated he would like everything sent from Mr. Whittington to him to also be copied to all Board Members; Mr. Whittington agreed the default position could be to send all information to all Board Members.

Mr. Montgomery stated he felt “out of the loop” of information from the former Board and believes all information should be sent to the entire Board. Mr. Montgomery then entertained a motion to approve Resolution #2012-04, as presented; Mrs. Schoen so moved; Board Clerk Corrie Cooperman seconded, and the motion unanimously passed.

Mr. Montgomery said regarding the second part of this Agenda item, Mr. Whittington has been brought up-to-speed on all current legal issues and indicated he is willing and able to take over the pending matters; Mr. Montgomery stated he does not see the need to maintain secondary legal counsel with the expense that could potentially incur; Chief Kazian pointed out our EMS billing department uses a separate legal firm, and Recording Clerk Tricia Greer stated the Public Safety Personnel Retirement Local Board also has a separate attorney, both of which the district wants to maintain. Mr. Montgomery said he is just looking to “stem the flow of money” and is not interested in “firing” attorneys, but does not believe SFD needs six attorneys; he asked how to semantically get to the right place.

Chief Kazian said we are trying to streamline and control the access point to legal counsel and if the Board directs that Mr. Whittington be the primary counsel, perhaps additional attorneys could be used through recommendation of Mr. Whittington. Mrs. Schoen asked if Mr. Whittington and the two other attorneys previously mentioned would be the only attorneys used; Mr. Montgomery said, primarily, he is talking about not continuing to use Blake Whiteman and Scott Wakefield of the Ridenour Law Firm.

Board Member Nazih Hazime said he does not believe the Board needs to take formal action to rule out the usage of any specific law firms. Mrs. Schoen asked if Mr. Whiteman and Mr. Wakefield would turn over the legal documents prepared for SFD to Mr. Whittington; Mr. Whittington said that is up to the Board and that he has not contacted them. Mrs. Schoen stated the Board could take formal action to direct Mr. Whiteman and Mr. Wakefield and their firm to turn over any pending matters to Mr. Whittington; Mr. Montgomery suggested tabling this discussion until the next Board meeting Agenda.

Mr. Whittington said he believes the current contract with Ridenour calls for contact with that counsel to be made by the Board Chair; Mr. Dible said there is a termination clause that states formal Board action must be taken to “jettison” the Ridenour law firm; Mr. Dible said he believes that would be unwise with the pending litigation, as long as the understanding is that Mr. Whittington would be the primary lawyer; he said there was a formal Board Resolution on November 29, 2011 with the Ridenour firm. Mr. Dible indicated the Board would need to formally remove that agreement and he is uncomfortable doing so with pending matters, but there could be the understanding we do not have to use them from this point on. Mr. Montgomery said he does not want the Ridenour firm to be doing work of which the Board is not aware. Mrs. Cooperman stated information could be misdirected to the Ridenour firm regarding work for SFD. Mr. Montgomery asked that this item be included on the next Agenda for discussion.

At 5:53 PM, Mr. Montgomery entertained a motion to go into Executive Session under ARS 38-431.03(A)(3) and (A)(4) regarding receipt of the Lowell Johnson Demand Letter; Mrs. Cooperman so moved, Mr. Hazime seconded, and the motion unanimously passed.

IV. EXECUTIVE SESSION. DRAFT 6-6-12 Public Budget and Special Meeting Minutes.doc Page 3 

A. Vote to go into Executive Session:

1. Pursuant to ARS 38-431.03(A)(3) Legal Advice and (A)(4) Instruction to Attorney – Re: a. Receipt of Lowell Johnson Demand Letter.

2. Reconvene into Public Session – Re: Discussion/Possible Action Demand Letter.

The Board reconvened the Public Session at 6:45 PM. Mr. Montgomery announced there would be no action from Executive Session and apologized for the delay.

V. PUBLIC FORUM.

Carolyn Fisher – Village of Oak Creek : I’m here as President of the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council… I would like to just explain a little something to the Board and apologize for an e-mail that went out from the Big Park Council on May 25th that was erroneously sent out.

It appeared to be… of course, as you probably all know, we work purely with volunteers and the volunteer who is currently sending out e-mails, got an e-mail that they believed to be facts from your Board meeting on May 23rd, I think it was, and it wasn’t. It was an individual’s summation of it, so it got sent out. That’s my fault for not making clear enough to the individual who she could send stuff on to. So, I just want to apologize to the Board for that e-mail having gone out initially. I had a good conversation with the Chief about it. I subsequently sent out an e-mail stating that this was an individual’s presentation of what they heard at that Board meeting and that people should refer to the fire district’s website for… and at that point, you already had the video up for the official video or the Minutes. I apologize. Thank you.

VI. PUBLIC BUDGET MEETING.

A. Discussion/Possible Action: Proposed Fiscal Year 2012/2013 Budget.

Chief Kazian said the Board held a Budget meeting on May 23rd and had been provided updates of the budget; he said there are changes, and asked them to recall his past presentations of a $12.3 million budget with the exception of any operational or capital purchases that needed to be added; with direction from the Board at the last meeting, considerations for the Midway Station and potential financing options, have been included in the budget update.

Mr. Montgomery asked Chief Kazian to read the list of changes; Chief Kazian stated money allocated for housing pursuant to his contract will no longer be needed in the upcoming budget for a “refund” of about $27,000; a grant contingency was budgeted at $80,000 and has been reduced to $50,000 because one of the grants was not received; increased the amount to establish eligibility hiring lists; $125,000 was allocated for a Firefighter Reserve program; $25,000 was added for post-secondary education; $25,000 was added for sick leave buy-back to reduce liability to the district; buy-back liability for possible retirements next year in the amount of $97,000 was added; estimated permitting fees for the Midway Station are included at $40,000 and after consideration, staff is recommending a lease purchase for 10 years to build the station. Chief Kazian said $1.5 million is estimated to build the station, which is hopefully on the high-end and that number is only being used as a placeholder until a decision is made for the architect and builder; he clarified the true cost of this station is still undetermined at this time.

Mr. Montgomery asked if that figure was projected by LEA architects for its design; Assistant Chief Terry Keller responded that was a projection based on the square footage in the revised plan from LEA based on similar projects at that time in the Phoenix area market. Chief Kazian said the length of the financing term, materials, and other factors could change the number, but $175,000 is allocated for the first year’s lease-purchase payment, although due to timing, no payment may be needed next fiscal year.

Mr. Montgomery said Mr. Dible wants to discuss some options for the total cost of the station. Chief Kazian said the proposed budget, as it sits, is $12,754,677 with the additions listed, which represents about a $430,000 change; he also reminded the Board this figure includes the Cost of Living Adjustment and step increases, with the proposed Training Officer moved to the training budget to more accurately track the cost. Mrs. Cooperman asked for clarification for the money set aside for the Midway Station; Chief Kazian said $75,000 is allocated in the capital budget for re-doing the architectural plans, $40,000 for permitting fees in capital budget, and under capital debt service repayment is $175,000.

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Mr. Dible said regarding the COLA, he looked at the Consumer Price Index summary for the last 12 months, which is at 2.3%, but the Social Security Administration COLA is at 3.6% for a three-year “catch-up” and stated his recollection is SFD has not given COLAs for three years; he said he believes the proposed 3% is within a reasonable margin and is not an excessive figure.

He said the tuition reimbursement program has dropped from $49,000 to $25,000; Chief Kazian pointed out last year, there was no money allocated in the budget for education; Mr. Dible said, philosophically, his thoughts are education to maintain skills is fine, but as a retired teacher, when he went back to school to get more money, he was responsible for the cost, and asked if this allocation is mainly to maintain job skills or is it for career advancement; Chief Kazian said there are two issues, and although he is not sure how it was handled in Beverly Hills (where Mr. Dible taught), typically, teachers hit different benchmarks in pay for education rated on the degrees achieved; he said SFD does not pay their firefighters for achieving educational goals, although there are requirements for promotional opportunities; he said equally important is that those who attend classes and get education make better firefighters, which translates as a “win/win” because even if they never promote, SFD still has more educated employees.

Chief Kazian did an impromptu survey of Verde Valley fire departments, and most have an educational assistance program, although some have been reduced or put on hold due to the economy, such as SFD did; he stated employees’ education is their responsibility, but also, his philosophy is providing employer assistance to make those things happen is a benefit to the organization.

Mr. Dible said the Communications Center has been under discussion for more than a year, and he enthusiastically supports the concept of a joint facility, but there is some uncertainty of who takes the first step; he asked if there was a figure included for this potential project; Chief Kazian said he believes there is either $20,000 or $25,000 included; he said if SFD chooses to continue the project, we would be responsible for partially funding architectural renderings, or we also have the option to not participate.

Mr. Dible requested about 10 minutes to discuss the Midway Station; Chief Kazian stated this is the Budget portion of the Agenda and he is requesting confirmation of the mil rate to have the final budget figure for approval to publish at the next meeting. Mr. Dible asked if there would be an opportunity at subsequent meetings to consider alternatives before making a final decision; Mr. Montgomery confirmed, right now, there is only a placeholder of $175,000 for a 10-year lease purchase towards $1.5 million in the budget; Chief Kazian pointed out that figure is an estimate of a 10 year loan at 3%, but the number could change after deciding details of the station. Mrs. Schoen stated she would like to discuss the Midway Station tonight, although a decision does not need to be made now.

Mr. Dible looked at many station designs around the country, and found a couple of interest, with his focus being on a station in Glenwood Springs, Colorado; he referenced a folder of information about that station. Mr. Whittington interjected he wanted to make sure the purpose of this conversation is because it dovetails with the possible proposal for a modification of the total budget amount for a station.

Mr. Dible referenced photos showing the station and other images, a description of Glenwood Springs Fire Protection District, and letters from Robert West, its architect, with whom he has been in contact. He said in the letter dated 11/9/2011, the Glenwood Springs Station was built in 2003 at a cost of about $1 million or about $200 per square foot, and another station based on a similar design was recently completed in Boulder, Colorado at a cost of $154 per square foot.

Mr. Dible said subsequent to that letter, he was in contact with Mr. West and referenced a letter from him dated June 4th with details of his proposal as follows: change the existing asphalt roofing to more reflect the Sedona location, such as tile or metal; in 2003, the plans were made using an AutoCAD system, which has now changed to a three dimensional planning scheme that has to be converted to make the plans current; revision of code issues, local requirements, climate, and fire department revisions; revise the structural system to fire-resistant metal studs and steel structure; utilize composite cement board siding in lieu of cedar; add steel columns at porch element instead of wood and that these types of structures have a 50 year life span if maintained properly. He said snow loading requirements are not as high here, so structurally, it would not have to be as strong.

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Mr. Dible said Mr. West offers two options – Option 1 is expensive and means they would handle almost everything and Option 2 is a design-build where West provides SFD with a model of the design at a schematic level with conceptual drawings for $20,000, which would then require working drawings to obtain a building permit; he checked with a retired architect, who estimated that would be about $25,000. Mr. Dible said the conceptual drawings plus working drawings would be estimated at less than $50,000.

Mr. Dible referenced a floor plan and reviewed changes of going from 6,885 to 5,000 square feet. He pointed out the space-saving design elements and the re-design of the bathroom allows for both female and male firefighters; the mezzanine was eliminated; individual offices were removed allowing for one to be maintained; separate kitchen is combined with the dayroom; and the large physical fitness room was eliminated.

Mr. Dible stated this new design can accommodate six firefighters and noted Chief Kazian had said probably four, maybe five; Chief Kazian interjected this station would be staffed with three firefighters and wanted to make that clear; eventually, in future years, there may be the need for five firefighters, but there is no intention to staff it with more than three initially and even for the foreseeable future. Mr. Dible said the community training room could be the physical fitness area because the Jewish Community Center and Lutheran Church are next door, and both have meeting facilities. He said the two one-bedroom dorms could be converted to offices during the time the crew is at three firefighters; he and his wife easily converted two of the four bedrooms in his home to offices.

Mr. Dible said this is his alternative and at $200 per square foot would be $1 million maximum, but pointed out the last station they built using a similar design in Colorado was at $154 per square foot. He said the site preparation has already been done and pointed out the architectural firm to which he is referring is a large firm all over Colorado, with additional offices in Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, as well as an architect of record in Tempe, Arizona named Andy White and stated he prefers local.

Mr. Dible then reiterated it would be under $50,000 to get plans in working order, with a total cost of $1 million or less, although there are trade-offs and the design does not have all the features listed in the original design, but would still “get the job done”; he said if there are no design efficiencies, which he has not seen, this is his proposal for the Midway Station.

Mr. Montgomery thanked Mr. Dible and asked for comments.

Mr. Whittington interjected that this item was not listed on the agenda for debate and although he takes Mr. Dible’s presentation as an argument for considering a lower budget, if the Board wants to debate the merits, that would need to be agendized. Mr. Montgomery said the Board could still agree to move forward with the placeholder figure for the station, which could be reduced. Mr. Dible agreed. Chief Kazian said the Midway Station will need to be agendized at a future meeting, possibly for the next Board meeting.

Mr. Dible then stated if the Board approved, he would make the PDF file of his information available for the SFD website. Mrs. Schoen said if this item is going to be agendized, there could be alternate plans from other Board Members and asked that this PDF not be placed on the website, as she does not believe it should be given to the community at this point; she said SFD had an appointed citizen committee to discuss building the Midway Station and she believes today’s presentation was an unfair representation of that committee’s report. Chief Kazian said based on what Mr. Whittington said, he is uncomfortable with further debate, but would include the placeholder figure in the budget.

Mr. Montgomery asked Mr. Dible if he was comfortable postponing posting the PDF on the website until further Board discussion; Mr. Dible said he is fine with whatever is the pleasure of the Board.

Mr. Whittington said for the sake of clarity, the document provided is a matter of public record, whether or not it fairly describes what the Board’s expectations are for the station design; Mrs. Schoen stated she understands it is a public document, but her problem with placing it on the SFD website is it delivers a message to the community that it may be the only option; Mr. Whittington said that is a policy decision to be made by the Board; Mr. Montgomery said it could be available by request as a public document.

Chief Kazian asked if there could be a motion relative to the mil rate, and pointed out his recommendation was $1.63, which provided $20,000 less in taxable revenue across the entire district, and mentioned again due to the different taxing parcels in the district and differing rates between the two

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counties would result in varying taxes to district residents, but at the end of the day, “net/net”, SFD would take in $20,000 less in tax revenue, if the mil rate is set at $1.63.

Mr. Montgomery entertained questions. Mr. Dible asked about a cash option for the Midway Station; Chief Kazian said he and staff do not feel comfortable paying for it up-front today; this would cause the mil rate to be increased exponentially quicker because the next two years are predicted to be at lower assessed values; he reminded the Board there were reserves previously that could have been used to purchase the station, but because the mil rate was kept at $1.40, reduced taxes were collected, and during hard economic times, SFD borrowed from those reserves as a thank you to taxpayers, but now, to try to build this station and other items that need funding, we are short $5 million that was left in the taxpayer’s pocket, so funding the entire cost of the station would require a large increase in the mil rate. Therefore, his recommendation is to not fund for cash, but to re-evaluate in the future and possibly, pay off the loan.

Mr. Whittington asked if the budget material presented to the Board tonight reflects the $1.63 mil rate; Chief Kazian said it is based on $1.63, and pointed out if the rate is set at $1.50, that would require taking more money from reserves. Chief Kazian said staff wants to make sure the direction is at $1.63 in order to present the final proposed budget at the next Board meeting, which will then be published for public viewing for 20 days, as well as be published on the SFD website, and subsequently, be presented for approval at a Public Budget Hearing at the July Board meeting.

Mr. Montgomery stated he does not believe there is the need to vote on a mil rate tonight, but rather, have consensus to move forward. Chief Kazian asked what material would need to be supplied to the public; Mr. Whittington replied it would be information supporting the mil rate. Mrs. Schoen said the mil rate information was presented during the public budget workshops; Mr. Whittington asked if the material was available if a member of the public had requested it prior to tonight’s meeting; Chief Kazian stated what is in the budget document is the recommended budget figures; Mr. Whittington pointed out the Board does not have to be specific about the mil rate, but if the Board is going to give direction about a particular mil rate they want to achieve, then, the public needs to be advised of that. Mr. Montgomery stated the Board is giving direction of what the budget number needs to be. Mr. Whittington stated the Board can do that, but if you want to change that conversation to give specific direction about a mil rate, it needs to be placed on the agenda.

Mr. Montgomery stated he believes the Chief is projecting what mil rate would be required to achieve the budget he is proposing, and that budget figure would be presented at the next meeting. Mr. Whittington clarified law requires the Board approve a budget, and the mil rate is a natural result of the budget chosen, but there is no statutory provision to give a mil rate, although it is an option; the statute just provides for the Board setting a budget figure, and the county will figure out the mil rate, but if you want to discuss the mil rate, it should be agendized as such.

Mr. Dible pointed out the mil rate going from $1.40 to $1.63 is a 16.5% increase and although the Chief has provided good arguments supporting the proposed budget, Mr. Dible will still call it a tax increase and clarified he is not saying he is against the budget amount. Chief Kazian said he would still disagree with that perspective.

Mr. Hazime asked if there were any changes on the Five Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP); Chief Kazian said he does not have that document with him, but there have been modifications in the budget that could affect it. Mr. Hazime asked if the amount would remain the same at $785,000; Chief Kazian responded, “no” and rather than a fire engine replacement, an engine would be refurbished which changes the $425,000 shown on the CIP to $150,000, but the CIP document has not been physically updated. He said the budget has been altered to meet needs, but there may be listed items in the CIP that are no longer included in this year’s budget. He pointed out there have been reductions at every level in the organization and some of the projects listed need to be addressed “sooner than later”, but there are no specific, earmarked funds for some of those projects in this budget. At this point, Chief Kazian said staff is comfortable with where the budget needs to be to “keep the place working” and although there could be more “band aids” to projects, we are making it work.

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Chief Kazian stated he believes the only outstanding issue he has that is not in the budget is about potential growth in the district, and the possible need to look at parcels to help solidify Station 4 long-term, and if the Board wants to consider that option and agendize it. Mr. Montgomery said Chief Keller brought that to the Board’s attention at a previous meeting; Mr. Dible asked for the figure; Chief Keller reminded the Board that item was discussed in Executive Station. Chief Kazian said there is a parcel in Uptown listed for $272,000; it would need to be discussed by the Board and included, if desired.

Mr. Dible said buying that parcel was an option for the joint effort Communications Center , but was not chosen. Mr. Montgomery said he does not feel that could be put in this budget. Mr. Whittington recommended the budget Agenda item for the next meeting be more specific, but the staff needs direction, which could be by consensus tonight. Mr. Dible asked for the proposed budget amount to be restated; Chief Kazian said it is $12,754,677. Mr. Montgomery asked for Board consensus for the staff to move forward and received same from the Board. Chief Kazian said the Agenda would be properly put together for next week to approve publication of the budget.

VII. BUSINESS.

A. Discussion/Possible Action: Reschedule June 27, 2012 Regular Board Meeting to June 13 due to scheduling conflicts. 

Chief Kazian stated there were scheduling conflicts for June 27th, and as the budget does need to be approved for publication quickly, he is requesting that meeting be rescheduled for next Wednesday, June 13th.

Mr. Whittington said he has a 6:00 PM Board meeting previously scheduled at another district for that date, and if the Board wants him to attend telephonically, it would need to be held earlier. Chief Kazian said he is not sure an Executive Session is needed, but if so, that could be held telephonically with Mr. Whittington before 5:30 PM.

Mrs. Cooperman said the next item addresses the time of meetings.

B. Discussion/Possible Action: Reschedule time of Regular Monthly Board Meetings.

Mrs. Cooperman requested this item on the Agenda; she is suggesting future Board meetings be moved to 4:30 PM. Mr. Hazime stated his support of earlier meetings. Mrs. Schoen said she would not be in favor of morning meetings because that is too difficult for working members of the public to attend. Mr. Whittington said many districts hold their meetings in the “middle of the day” to avoid staff overtime, but many also believe it is easier for the public to attend in the evening, and SFD used to have their meetings at 3:00 PM. Mrs. Schoen said she is willing to compromise on 4:30 PM, and believes Mr. Whittington should be available for the discussion of final budget approval. Mrs. Cooperman then moved to change the start time for Board meetings to 4:30 PM or 4:00 PM, if an Executive Session is needed; Mrs. Schoen seconded; the motion unanimously passed. Chief Kazian clarified those at the staff level who attend Board meetings do not incur overtime.

Fire Marshal Gary Johnson then asked if the Board needed a motion to reschedule the June 27th meeting to June 13th. Mrs. Cooperman then moved to move our previously scheduled June meeting to June 13th at 4:30 PM; Mrs. Schoen seconded. Mr. Whittington asked for the motion to be restated. Mrs. Cooperman restated the motion that the meeting scheduled for June 27th be moved to the 13th, and also that it begin at 4:30 PM; Mrs. Schoen restated her second; the motion passed unanimously.

VIII. ADJOURNMENT.

The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Corrie Cooperman, Clerk of the Board:tg

 

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8 Comments

  1. Wanna Bet Me? says:

    Anyone want to lay any bets on this?

    For the past several months there were rumors circulating that the reason why Verde Valley Fire District (VVFD) Chief Hazime was running for the SFD board was to position himself to become, once again, the SFD Chief. That rumor was circulating during the last recall election. Once again, that rumor is now circulating in the email circuit, but this time it’s being stated that Chief(now also SFD board member) Hazime wants to become the fire Superchief. Supposedly, his intention is to convince the rest of the SFD board to consolidate services with the VVFD, get rid of or demote the present chief and take his old job back. Once he has accomplished that, he will step down as SFD board member. The only individual who can gain from that action is Chief Hazime himself? By becoming the Fire Chief for both districts( and possibly many others), he would expect a hefty increase in his salary. What gain will there be for the SFD taxpayers?

    We have the lowest mil rate than any of our adjoining districts, our properties are assessed at a higher level, we have more fire stations, a larger number of fire and EMS rolling stock, as well as newer pieces of equipment, and we cover the largest square mileage in the area. In addition, we are the envy of the surrounding fire districts. Why on earth would we want to consolidate with a smaller district with fewer amount of stations, older equipment, no fire ambulances and transport, much higher mil rate, and lower property assessments? We, the SFD taxpayers, would be subsidizing the VVFD, and any other neighboring districts that would be part of this consolidation. It just does NOT pencil out! Thanks to the actions of the previous board, we now have a highly qualified, educated and energetic fire chief who is NOT retired on the job, who has a good grasp of his organization and it’s financial components.

    The recalled SFD board members have been attending all of the VVFD board meetings (and will definitely attend all of the future VVFD meetings till election day, November 2, 2012) monitoring Chief Hazime’s and his board’s actions regarding any desire to consolidate with the SFD.

    If this is ONLY a rumor, all VVFD Chief/SFD board member Hazime has to do is come out, state clearly and unequivocally that he has no intentions of becoming the Superchief in our immediate area (specially the SFD). If it’s only a rumor, it would vanish in an instant! But, if it’s NOT a rumor, he will take NO action denying this? What action do you think he will take? Anyone want to lay any bets on this?

  2. I will be the first to get in line. Please give me your $$$$, I can see an organizations like Clarkdale Fire or even Montezuma Rim Rock wanting to consolidate with Verde Valley Fire District. It only makes sense to help bring cost down merging smaller organizations. There has been discussions of consolidation for 10 years with the above mention organization. Please bring something new to the table besides scare tactics. Oh ya bring the money you’re wagering also.

  3. I agree with the fact that consolidation of fire districts has been discussed for several years. But the reason why this rumor seems to be more credible is that Chief Hazime would most probably like to get his old job back, plus be the chief for other neighboring fire districts. Wouldn’t it be much simpler if he were to deny the rumor, once and for all, and reassure the SFD taxpayers that he has NO intention of doing that? If he expects to run for reelection on the SFD Governing Board this November and win, he must do that! Don’t you think?

  4. Eric, the only reason that the rumor even exists is because of people like you and “wanna bet me”. We all know that any consolidation involving the whole Sedona Fire District makes no sense. You apparently seem to have no problem with the discussions of consolidating Sedona Fire dispatch with Cottonwood. Sedona then will lose control of the quality control, as well as have to battle the combined Police dispatching for priority. Stop the scare tactics and spend your time getting educated about the true issues. Chief Hazime has 3 very intelligent and responsible Board members serving with him who will make decisions that are in the best interest of the Sedona Fire District, not the interest of one individual. You ought to try that approach yourself.

  5. Dick, if that’s the case why doesn’t SFD Governing Board member Hazime shut that rumor off by stating that he has no intention of taking his old job back, since we have a very competent fire chief?

  6. Josh says:

    Wanna bet me? … did you believe the President when he showed his birth certificate? Why does Hazime need to respond to a rumor that someone else started and that you continue to circulate. Conspiracy theories are for the tinfoil hat crowd.

  7. Josh, First of all, Hazime is NOT the President, even though there is a slight resemblance. Rest assured that the President was vetted and if not, between the Secret Service, FBI, CIA and Homeland Security Security, that issue would have been resolved BEFORE he took office and became a Senator. So, you are comparing apples to oranges. This is NOT a conspiracy theory. Would it REALLY take that much of an effort for Hazime to squash that rumor? If he plans to run for reelection on the SFD Governing Board and expect to be elected, he will have to clarify where he stands on this issue.

    If you look at some of the individuals who were candidates for the Republican Presidential slate, they either dropped out or denied the allegations being made against them. Why is Hazime going to be an exception? What are you afraid of? The taxpayers in the SFD have the RIGHT to know!

  8. I have been following all of these entries and wonder if people are aware of the fact that if there is any move for any consolidation, it will have to go to the voters for approval. That’s what happened when Cornville joined the Verde Valley Fire District and the same will apply here in the SFD. So, let’s cool off, stop these rumors and be civil with each other.

    Abe Koniarsky
    VOC

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