Chairman Love called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. The following members were present:

No motion made to approve the agenda.

DuCharme continued the previous work session’s discussion of the Fire District's operations. He reviewed a organizational chart showing the staffing levels. He discussed their responsibilities. He noted that the probationary fire fighters have been assimilated into the various companies of fire fighters. The probationary fire fighters are those who have completed training but are on probation for a one-year period.

DuCharme explained how the Orono area would be included into the organizational chart. Discussions have just begun on how things will be laid out with the east side station.

Bolles asked when the Fire District would start responding to calls in Orono. DuCharme stated they would be starting on January 1, 2004. He continued to explain the new fire operation in Navarre.

DuCharme explained that the rescue boat operators have completed Coast Guard boating training and have logged in the necessary hours.

Skrede asked if Hennepin County would have jurisdiction over the rescue boat. DuCharme stated that would be true.

Love asked if the County's permission would be required to fight a fire from the water. DuCharme indicated it would not. Board members discussed rescue boat responses.

Skrede stated his City Council would like to know what equipment and personnel will be at the east side station. DuCharme stated that would be discussed at the July 15 Board meeting. No equipment will be deployed to the Navarre station. He noted Orono has determined their budget for equipping the Navarre station.

Love stated he has discussed the appointment of an ex-officio member of the Board who would be an active fire fighter. Skrede discussed the importance of communication between the Board and the fire fighters. He would not be opposed to having an ex-officio member from among the fire fighters, but also wanted the Board to discuss establishing a Grievance Committee for the fire fighters that could perhaps be comprised of the Trustees who were elected by the fire fighters. Dawson asked if this would be something that would require a amendment to the joint powers agreement, or if it would be less formal. Love suggested a motion be made to see how it works for a two-year period.

Hill asked if there are job descriptions for the organizational chart positions. DuCharme stated there are, and he would provide them to the Board members.

Board members continued discussion of the proposed ex-officio member. Keller didn't believe the person would have to be at all the Board meetings.

David Hoo, fire fighter, discussed the role of the fire fighter trustee.

In response to a question from Hill, DuCharme discussed term lengths for the various EFD officers.

Love suggested the ex-officio member could very well be an EFD trustee. DuCharme suggested they could be staggered terms between the three existing trustees. Hill suggested DuCharme develop a process to handle fire fighter complaints.

DuCharme noted the organizational chart would be revised.

The Board recessed at 6:45 p.m. and reconvened at 6:50 p.m. at which time Sara Irvine left the meeting.

DuCharme reviewed calls, noting that 50% of the calls are medical calls. He explained how the various pieces of equipment are used on calls. He described the different levels of first aid.

He discussed the EMT-training course that eighteen are currently going through. Refresher courses are required every two years. He noted as of 1/1/05, those with more than twenty years of experience would not be required to acquire EMT status. Those who have under twenty years and do not complete the training will not be allowed on medical calls after 1/1/05 but would not be terminated from the Fire District.

Board members discussed training requirements in detail. Skrede explained in detail why he was very concerned about losing any fire fighters who do not meet the training requirement. Hill suggested an incentive be offered for any additional training. DuCharme again informed the Board that those who do not complete the training will not be able to go on medical calls after 1/1/05 but would not be terminated. Skrede emphasized the importance of a diversity of training.

Love stated he would like to hear the fire fighters' point-of-view and discuss this again.

David Hoo gave a background on the history of medical responses and discussed its importance to citizens of the communities.

It was moved by Keller to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Hill seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.