Fire District orders new ambulance

POMEROY-The Garfield County Fire District (GCFD) discussed the new ambulance they plan to order at the meeting March 10. It will take 240 to 280 days from the date of order to receive delivery. Interim Fire Chief, Kyle Pearson recommended to purchase one with a heavier chassis than what is currently used. The 2020 Ford F-450 Diesel was selected for $183,300 before taxes and approved by the board.

Bob Cox, representing the Garfield County Health Foundation, explained that the Ambulance Memorial Fund is now handled by the Blue Mountain Community Foundation (BMCF) as a sub fund. To receive an allocation of money, the board needed to submit a written request to the BMCF. Commissioner Aaron Stallcop was concerned since transferred, funds may not be available to the GCFD and instead used for other uses than the original intent. Cox stated the money is still earmarked for the Fire District to use on the ambulances, and that the application process is simple.

John Hirsch, Garfield County Emergency Management Director, requested to participate in the Alert Sense system that is being implemented in Garfield County. The cost to the County is $4,800 per year, which is being shared by the Garfield County Health District, Garfield County Hospital District, Pomeroy School District, Garfield County Roads Department, Port of Garfield and Garfield County Sheriff’s Office. The remaining balance of $1,700 has been covered by the Emergency Management budget. Hirsch suggested the GCFD join the group with a commitment to provide part of the expense as well. The Alert Sense system is used by most counties in our region and the State of Washington. It allows interdepartmental communication, linking people in the community who sign up for the service. There is no charge to the public, but they will be able to receive messages during times of emergencies on their cell phones through texts or social media accounts, and be alerted to road closures due to accidents, fires or other hazards. The system will contact them as soon as they enter a specified geographic area and give them information about detours. No decision was made by the commissioners regarding GCFD participation.

Jim Melena showed the commissioners some of his designs for the signage on the new fire station. The sign will be an approximately 48 inches by 48 inches of painted steel cutout with a back-lit background. The commissioners approved the design, but a cost has not yet been presented by Melena.

The new fire station has yet to be completely finished. The concrete floor still needs to be buffed and resealed, and the doors finished. Pearson has ordered and received storage racks, and will be getting some heavy duty shelving from Costco in Clarkston. Commissioner Terry John has located a heavy-duty washer and dryer for approximately $3,000 at Largent’s in Lewiston, Idaho. There is still $90,399 outstanding to Wellens Farwell, the contractor, and at least two other bills to complete the project.

Due to U.S. Bank closing their Pomeroy location in June, 2020, the County will be moving all accounts to the Bank of Eastern Washington, which includes accounts for the GCFD.

Zach Hyer, who had been hired temporarily to assist at the fire station office during the search for a new Fire Chief, will finish his time at the office April 10, 2020.

The Commissioners and interim Fire Chief used an executive session to discuss applications received for the position of Fire Chief.

The next meeting of the GCFD will be held April 14, 2020, 5 p.m., at the fire station on Main St.