The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Jeff Tee - River Rat News
The Oquawka Fire Protection District held their regularly scheduled meeting on October 17.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PRIOR MEETING
Fire Chief Troy Jern asked to modify the Fire Chief Report in the minutes of the prior meeting. Troy said he wanted the minutes to reflect that the Sheriff has mandated that dispatchers will not page any ambulance crew if there is not a on-call crew on the schedule. He gave an example as if an ambulance was needed in Oquawka and there was not an on-call crew on the schedule for the Oquawka ambulance then dispatchers would automatically call another ambulance such as Biggsville. The same would hold true if the Biggsville ambulance was needed and there wasn't a crew on the schedule, then another ambulance would be called. Troy noted this is a state law and is also tied in with the upcoming 911 system which will be directed through Hancock County.
TREASURER REPORT
Treasurer Lori Lipes noted that after a deposit from the fire tax fund of $3,483.60 and after bills paid, their account is now at $69,826.90.
PRESENTAION OF BILLS FOR PAYMENT
Several bills were presented by District President Donna Dunn including $150 to the Illinois Firefighters Association for the training of two young firefighters. District President Donna Dunn noted the young men attending the training would have to have their full gear and it would need to be approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFBA) within the last 10 years. When asked by Dunn if the gear would qualify, Jern replied that it would be cutting it close. After looking at the gear it was determined that the gear was out of date and would not be usable for the men to train in. After some discussion, Greg Steffen, a volunteer firefighter from Leroy, who was there to give an insurance presentation, generously offered to lend the boys some gear from his department so that they could attend their training.
OQUAWKA FIRE CHIEF REPORT
Jern stated about three weeks ago there was a very bad accident near Rozetta Junction in which they assisted Biggsville Fire Department. He stated they had to extricate a little girl from the wreckage using the "jaws of life".
Jern noted the girl had a broken pelvis but was now home and doing well said it was a "good save" by the firemen.
Jern went on to say the firemen went to Build a Bear and got the girl a bear with a fire hat on it and drove to her house in firetrucks with red lights on to present it to her. He stated the girl and her family were very grateful.
Jern noted they had a disaster drill earlier that day and would be attending grain rescue training on October 29th in Gladstone.
Chief Jern stated the pork chops for the fundraiser during the Schuyler Street Stroll had been donated
by Smithfield Corporation and even though the weather wasn't perfect, they made $1840. When asked by Dunn if that was profit, Jern answered they cleared about $1000 after expenses.
Jern stated it was fire prevention week and several firefighters had visited Head Start in Oquawka to talk to kids about fire safety and they would be visiting the elementary school on Friday the 18th.
Medforce will be landing at the track on October 26th at 10am for training purposes.
October 27th will be the fireman's wiener roast.
October 28th the firemen will meet at the station at 6pm to do firehose training.
October 31st the fire station will be open to hand out treats for trick or treaters.
November 2nd the firemen will hold their annual Oquawka toy drive breakfast at the fire station.
OLD BUSINESS
President Dunn, citing the Bergman Trust which will go to the OFPD after the sale of the fire station and equipment is finalized, said the Village has been working hard to get to get the information on income but she didn't know if they had been able to gather all the expenditures yet. Dunn stated she talked to Village treasurer Chris Petersen, and was told she couldn't get expenditures from 2012.
Dunn went on to say the Village hasn't been able to give the age of the septic system or the last time it was pumped. Jern stated it has been pumped within the last five years.
Dunn then said the main issue for her besides the Bergman Trust is the Fire Station sits in the Village street right-of-way and OFPD needs them to vacate the area where the fire station sits. She gave an example asking "would you want to build your house on someone else's property?" She said she doesn't want to sign the purchase agreement until it's done and noted she didn't think it would be difficult to vacate that area. Citing a letter from their attorney, Dunn said he was advising against moving forward until this is done. It was decided to table the signing of the purchase agreement.
NEW BUSINESS
Greg Steffen, Owner and Agent of Compass Insurance Partners in Leroy, IL, was present to discuss insurance for the Fire district. Greg stated his company works with 292 districts throughout Illinois, and he, himself, is a volunteer firefighter and first responder on his local ambulance crew. Among the many coverages discussed, it was noted that the fire station building would be insured at $450,000 and the Brush truck at $70,000. Total premium for all insurances including work comp would be about $8500/year. This quote is valid for 90 days.
MEETING ADJOURNED
Jeff Tee
River Rat News