Since then, the Prophetstown Fire Protection District Board has made a few changes to the by-laws to bring in more candidates. They’ve also encouraged attendance at regional upper-level training courses, and Armstrong has been working with interested members on reporting requirements.
At their meeting on Monday, March 11, the board learned that two viable applications were received for the chief and assistant chief positions. The final decision will be made at April’s meeting, also after the department’s annual elections of officers. The deadline for the applications closed on March 11, and the board didn’t announce the candidates’ names.
Fire Department Agenda
The treasurer’s report, minutes, and bills in the amount of $11,393.50 were approved.
Armstrong reported 11 calls in February. During recent Air-Pak testing, they found one leaky gauge that was replaced at a cost of $119, and a couple hoses that were replaced under warranty. The new light bar has been installed on Prophetstown’s Engine 6.
Eighteen personnel recently participated in a fit test. Armstrong said the “numbers are going down,” and they still need four others to complete it. They’re coordinating with Erie Fire for more testing. There were three trainings last month, including two at a house in Lyndon. The burn had a good turnout with four other departments participating. March training is ladders and hand tools in Lyndon.
The department’s antenna on the grain bin was damaged, possibly weather-related, and is only emitting 5 watts of power. Though it works fine in town, it’s not enough to reach Hooppole without static. Armstrong said it might be a pricey repair, estimating $ 7-10,000. He wasn’t sure how it happened, but inspections showed a hoop broke off and is leaning towards Morrison.
Armstrong also reported that two department members were in Peoria taking 300-400 level classes. PFPD paid for their motel and will reimburse them for other costs after receipts are submitted.
There’s an interested buyer for the Hooppole 2001 squad vehicle, which the department acquired from Lyndon many years ago. It’s “just sitting there not being used” and they’d have more room and storage if moved. Ambulance Services Director Julie Pope will check about transferring the license, and the board will vote at next month’s meeting on whether to put it out for bids.
Armstrong also requested using the Fire District’s insurance for the DNR’s requirement for Fourth of July fireworks, which they’ve done in the past. Their policy is for $2,000,000.
At a special meeting on February 20, the board approved the TIF extension agreement with the City of Prophetstown. Gutter repairs were approved and have since been completed on the long roof at the Hooppole Fire Department, following the snow and ice damage. The work was done by Two Brothers Seamless Gutters at a cost of $585.
The District Appreciation Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 21 recognized members for their service.
New Business
The board voted to split 50/50 the Property Replacement Tax between the fire and ambulance departments. It always went to the fire department first and disbursed from there.
The board approved having alcohol at a Hooppole Dept. pool tournament on March 16. They also discussed repairs to pipes at the Hooppole station, with Armstrong wanting to build a fill station and shed over the well. They agreed to look at pricing and consider it for the next budget. They also agreed to purchase a banner for recruitment of Fire and EMS personnel in Hooppole.
The board approved one fire department application for Prophetstown. They discussed whether to get post office box for security reasons but agreed to buy a new locked box for the station. They discussed whether to purchase new front shields for fire helmets but delayed action until the next meeting. When the new budget year starts, they will switch over to QuickBooks so they can start fresh.
Ambulance Department
The board approved meeting minutes, payroll, and bills that totaled $37,263.33.
Pope reported 41 calls in February. EMR classes are wrapping up with testing and certificates for two firefighters in the class who are “doing excellent.”
National EMS Week is May 19-25, and this year marks 50 years for Prophetstown EMS. They’re planning on an open house and other ways to mark the milestone.
IDPH inspections are scheduled in May, but they’ll be self-inspections this year since the director resigned.
The only action item was to approve a Time Clock Program at a cost of $8,269. Pope said the members are ready to go but it’s still a long process. The TCP implementation team will set up a meeting and talk them through the set-up process, with an app available for employees. They’ll continue to utilize the current payroll system for now but hope to have the new system running within two weeks.
The next regular meeting of the Prophetstown Fire Protection District Board will be on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Prophetstown Fire Station.
The Prophetstown Fire Department at dusk.
