2020-07-20 MinutesMeridian Rural Fire Protection District
33 E. Broadway, Suite 210 - Meridian, Idaho 83642
Meeting Minutes — July 20, 2020
Call to Order:
The Meridian Rural Fire Protection District meeting held on July 20, 2020, was called to order at 4:00
p.m. by Commissioner Ward. Roll call was taken.
Attendees: Commissioner Marvin Ward, Commissioner Derrick Shannon, Commissioner Randy
Howell, Fire Chief Mark Niemeyer, Deputy Chief Charlie Butterfield and John Fitzgerald attended via
telephone (John Fitzgerald verified that he could hear everything being said. Chief Niemeyer verified
that this meeting meets the requirements of the open meeting law, with doors open, public access and
appropriate signage directing attendees to the meeting)
Approval of the Agenda:
Motion was made and seconded to approve the meeting agenda as presented. Motion approved.
Business:
1. Fire Stations 7 and 8 and Rural District Foregone taxes - continued discussion.
Chief Niemeyer discussed the proposed plan for building Fire Stations 7 and 8 simultaneously and the City
of Meridian's current plan of not taking a tax increase for FY21. Chief Niemeyer has been working with
Finance and the Mayor on options for building fire stations 7 and 8 simultaneously or spreading the
construction out over a few years. At this time, Chief recommended the District not pursue taking any
foregone taxes this next budget year as the District does not have a specific plan or need for the money at this
time. The construction of Fire Station 7 is still on track for 2023 with the design phase still planned for
2021. The timeline for construction of fire station 8 is still under consideration. At the Rural District's last
meeting, there was a brief discussion of the District possibly contributing to the initial cost of fire personnel
wages and benefits for one of the stations. That discussion will be put on hold for now and revisited next
year.
2. Preliminary discussion on the FY21 Fire Department budget and subsequent FY21 Rural District Budget
including a Resolution to accept the MRFPD Fire Contract service fee calculation of 8%.
Commissioner Howell presented the draft budget for review and approval for publication. The City's
suggested percentage the District should contribute for Fire protection in the District has been calculated at
8%. The City used population and assessment values to determine an 8% contribution rate from the District
to the City for FY21. Commissioner Howell's draft budget is based on the Fire Department's proposed
FY21 budget. Discussion followed on the District's draft base budget, new budget requests, and capital
expenses. Chief Niemeyer explained the new budget requests and also touched on the replacement and
repair budget items. One of the new requests is for an additional fire inspector. The narcotics vaults new
request was a DEA requirement to ensure proper tracking of narcotics. The Heart Saver Tones at the Fire
Stations are new tones that reduce stress by using a ramp -up tone. Studies indicate reduced heart disease for
firefighters when using these types of tones over time. The AED request is to complete the number of
AED's through the police department and Meridian parks. The new ladder truck request is mostly funded by
impact fees, but 21% of that cost will need to come from the general fund. Some of the operating and
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Meridian Rural Fire Protection District
33 E. Broadway, Suite 210 - Meridian, Idaho 83642
Meeting Minutes — July 20, 2020
equipment costs for the ladder truck will also come from the general fund. The status monitors are for
apparatus and incident call tracking at each station; Station 6 has been equipped with a status monitor and
these new requested funds are to add the status monitors to the remaining five stations. Another capital item
is the vehicle for the new fire inspector. A portion of this vehicle is eligible to be paid by impact fees. The
District's share for this vehicle is 8% of the 21 % that would come out of the general fund; the same
percentage share as the ladder truck. Chief Niemeyer discussed other items on the draft budget, including
the cardiac monitors and the Fire Chief vehicle that are on the list for replacement in FY21. Commissioner
Howell explained the expected revenue for the District listed on the draft budget including taxes and
inspection fees.
Chief Niemeyer explained the difference between the Capital Improvement Fund (or Fund Balance) and the
Contingency Fund. The difference between anticipated revenue and expenses historically had been placed in
the Contingency Fund, but in working with the previous District Treasurer and Auditor over the past few
years, it was determined that it was better to articulate to the public what these funds will be used for by
placing them in the Fund Balance or Capital Improvement Fund. These funds will be used for capital
purchases in coming years when the need arises.
Motion was made and seconded to approve the Meridian Rural Fire District Draft Budget for FY21 and
authorize the Treasurer to proceed with the publication of the draft budget prior to the budget hearing on
August 10th. Motion approved.
The budget hearing will be August 10th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. which will include the formal adoption of the
resolution to adopt the budget.
Motion was made and seconded to accept the City's calculation of 8% for the District's cost share for FY21.
Motion approved.
Motion was made and seconded to adjourn the July 20, 2020, meeting of the Meridian Rural Fire Protection
District. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
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