The meeting opened with a brief closed session, with new trustee positions announced after the board’s return: Tony Wade will remain as Board President, Keith Crady as Treasurer, Joe Pratt as Asst. Treasurer, Corbin Anderson as Secretary, and Valorie Armstrong as Asst. Secretary.
Agenda
The board approved payment of bills totaling $60,529.30 for Ambulance and $61,391.51 for the Fire Department.
Each department had leftover funds from last year’s budget, amounting to $16,095 for Ambulance and $16,375 for Fire. Since the money was allocated but not spent, the board had to vote on where the funds should go. Both departments requested moving the funds to the equipment budget, which the board approved.
Fire Chief Mike Thompson reported 34 calls in August. The pancake breakfast on Sunday, Sept. 6th went well, with around 500 served. Lyndon Fire Station is planning a raffle fundraiser within the next month or so.
Ambulance Administrator Julie Pope reported a busy month in August with 60 calls, and they’ve already started off busy this month. Funds from monthly billing are starting to pick up.
New Business – Ambulance
Pope reported that the benefit for EMT Amanda Wegner is Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Prophetstown Fire Station. She requested department volunteers to help clean up and ready the station at 6 p.m. on Friday night, as well as set up at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.
The fundraiser will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature hamburger meals for $10, hot dog meals for $7, and a silent auction. The meal also includes chips, potato salad, and a drink. There will be drive-thru available or dine-in seating at the station, and department members will also make deliveries to local facilities by calling 815-632-7806 or 815-537-2215. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to Wegner to help her through her cancer journey, especially now as she’s taken a leave of absence due to her worsening condition.
Pope said she’s extremely “appreciative for everyone coming together in town” and that she’s had lots of helpers and generous donations. The event will have over 30 raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. Pope reported that a bank account has been set up by Trustee Crady at FNB for anyone wishing to donate, with only Wegner having access.
The fundraising benefit has been a joint effort between Prophetstown and Tampico EMS. Pope said the two departments plan to split costs for food and t-shirts and asked if PFPD would be willing to supply funds to cover those costs so all proceeds can go to Wegner. The board approved up to $1,250 in the memorial fund to be used for the benefit.
The board approved one application from Justin VanDellen of Fulton, a full-time Clinton Fire and Ambulance member, who will help pick up a few shifts each month.
New Business – Fire Department
Chief Thompson first discussed the possibility of selling the 1992 Hooppole Engine 7, which is the oldest in the fleet and “not really in use.” He reported that the truck was scheduled for a hose test but didn’t arrive due to an antifreeze leak. They can try and sell it as is for $15,000.
The board asked for an update on the Hooppole station, with Thompson reporting they have two firefighters who consistently show up, as well as four members available when not at their jobs. He’s been maintaining good communication with Captain Sheldon Miller.
Thompson said it’s nice to have the engine at the station but wondered about its capabilities and the small crew of drivers. Hooppole also has the two newest trucks in the Fire Protection District. Their department runs about 20 calls a year, while Prophetstown runs 30 a month. Thompson said Hooppole has a sense of pride with their equipment, but the engine is a district truck, and if they can’t get it to Prophetstown they need to come up with a plan. He suspects the truck hasn’t moved since the last hose test and needs lots of maintenance.
The board said it’d be a tough decision but agreed to do some more research and look at numbers, offers, any repairs needed done, especially the radiator, and any equipment that would need to be removed. Crady said if the department pushes back, trustees can go and meet with them, adding that they “don’t have to sell it tomorrow.”
Thompson next reported that the Special Ops trailer outfit is close to being finished after “lots of repurposing” and working to get it in service. The project has a special line item in the budget with $10,000, and he requested spending up to the budgeted amount to finish the project, with the board giving approval.
Thompson announced next that the Moore Foundation has awarded PFPD $30,000 for a side-by-side, which can be used for events, on local trails, and any rescues and emergencies. They’ve already received the check, and he plans to purchase a Polaris Ranger 1000 from Brenny’s Motorcycle Clinic in Bettendorf for $29,228 at a dealer discount rate. The gray side-by-side has a roof, HVAC, and three seats and should be ready for pick-up later this week. Thompson requested up to $15,000 from the reallocated budget funds for a skid unit and an aluminum trailer. Thompson said he’s excited to get the vehicle added to their fleet, and they’ll have to move some things around in the station to store it.
The board next approved up to $1,000 for retirement plaques and celebrations for members Denny Martin, Charles Powell, and Rob Hartman.
The board received three applications for the Lyndon Fire Department, with Thompson crediting Lyle Armstrong for working with three young men who have “really good potential.” The board approved Jonah Connelly, Elijah Wetzell, and Luke Purchase as department members, with Thompson saying they’ve already attended a meeting and watched a truck inspection.
The board scheduled a special budget meeting for Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 4:30 p.m. Their next regular meeting will be on Monday, October 12th at 6:30 p.m. at the Prophetstown Fire Station.
