It was noted there will be limited activities at the Prophetstown Fire Station for this year’s downtown holiday festivities on Saturday, November 28th. The Light Up the Park Committee has been focusing its efforts on setting up displays at Eclipse Square Park on Main Street, which will be turned on after the Love Light Tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m.
The display at Eclipse Square will be open nightly through the holiday season, with the lights operating on a timer. The committee has enough lights and displays to fill the park and won’t have business or individual displays like they did at the state park. The annual holiday drive-through event started at the state park in 2020 and was originally organized by the Prophetstown First Responders, with a volunteer committee later forming to lead the efforts.
After consulting with the City of Prophetstown earlier this year, the committee decided to move the annual light display uptown instead of the state park, where they had limited time to set up the display, had to ensure roads were cleared of snow and ice, could only be open on the weekends, and had to line up volunteers for the entrance booth. This year’s Eclipse Park display is a trial run.
Light Up the Park’s work in progress at Eclipse Square Park
Agenda
The board approved meeting minutes, Ambulance bills in the amount of $35,887.48, and Fire Department bills in the amount of $20,311.83.
For the Treasurer’s report, trustee Keith Crady reported that the Annual Financial Report is done and filed at the county. Board members need to set up time to work on the tax levy. He noted that if their budget is over $850,000, the district will need to get an official audit next year. He also suggested putting more money in CDs, with the board to discuss it further next month.
The Fire Chief’s report had 34 calls in October. Assistant Chief Trever Richmond reported that the new trailer and side-by-side are in service, with a couple members working on both projects to get them ready.
The Ambulance Administrator’s report had 54 calls in October. EMT Michele Lukehart reported that the November schedule is 100% filled every day.
The district will have a retirement party on November 21st from 2-4 p.m. for Denny Martin, Marcus Sandrock, Rob Hartman, and Chana Kullerstrand.
Following up on old business, Richmond reported that the fire hose replacement has been purchased, and they’re still waiting on a quote for Engine No. 7’s radiator repairs, expecting a ballpark figure next month.
New Business
On the agenda was purchasing radios, with Richmond asking to table it so they can continue to review the line items and ensure the funds match up.
One application was received from Colin Francis, who lives within the Prophetstown-Lyndon-Hooppole district. The board approved hiring him for a six-month probationary period. Richmond explained that probationary firefighters have to pass the program and obtain their license before getting off probation, which can last up to 18 months.
For the Ambulance Department, the Mediacom equipment has been returned and the accounts have been closed.
The next regular meeting of the Prophetstown Fire Protection District Board of Trustees will be on Monday, December 14th at 6:30 p.m. at the Prophetstown Fire Station.
