Marion Fire District
P.O. Box 939, 180 Gopher Lane, Marion, MT 59925
Phone: (406) 854-2828 | Fax: (406) 854-9330
Website: www.marionfd.org
Board of Trustees – July 2024 Minutes
Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Place: Marion Fire District Community Center, 180 Gopher Lane, Marion
Board Trustees in Attendance: Jesse Theis, Paul Mullis, Krista Pluid, Betty Heino, Peter Loyda
Other Guests Who Attended: Neil Heino, Tasha Townsend, Katie Mast, Sue Dexter
Pledge
Meeting called to order at 6:31 PM.
Peter Loyda added a discussion item regarding 4th of July funding recap. Motion by Betty Heino to approve agenda; seconded by Jesse Theis. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Krista Pluid to approve June 26, 2024 minutes; seconded by Jesse Theis. Motion carried unanimously.
- Claims/Warrants: Approved. Motion by Jesse Theis, seconded by Krista Pluid. Motion carried unanimously.
- Treasurer’s Report: 78% of yearly budget spent as of June 30.
- Pintler Account Update: Presented by Sue Dexter.
- Total Calls to Date: 138
- 22 calls since June 26:
- 16 Medical (10 BLS, 6 ALS)
- 1 MVA Non-injury
- 1 Recreational Burn
- 2 Smoke Investigations
- 2 Wildland Fires (MM 83 & Carson Field)
- 4 volunteer applications in process
- Equipment/Station Updates:
- Water Tender 1193 – tank and light package arriving
- Command Vehicle 1161 – at MT Truckworks for outfitting
- Ambulance 1123 – in Kalispell awaiting inspection & install items
- Engine 1131 – awaiting axle assembly from CMS
- Projects:
- Graphics quotes for 1193, 1123, 1161
- Bitterroot fill site – to be completed by July 19
- Community Events:
- Freedom Day Booth – $681 raised
- Ashley Lake Pancake Breakfast – July 20
- Subdivision Reports – Bernhard Creek, Bitterroot Flats W&E
- Other:
- Truck 1181 on assignment in California
- Reimbursement expected for Carson Field fire
- DNRC-funded severity work expected this summer
6. Action Items
- MFD Chief Interview Panel Selection
- Five-member panel approved: Krista Pluid, Betty Heino, Brian Eagan, one local chief (to be chosen), Bob Blankenship
- Motion passed unanimously
- Updated MFD Chief Interview Questions
- Motion passed (4–1) to allow interview panel to select final questions
- Trustees may submit questions by July 27 to Krista Pluid or Betty Heino
- Select Date to Review Chief Applicants
- Set for August 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- Krista Pluid, Peter Loyda, and Katie Mast to review applicants
- Preliminary 2025 Budget Approval
- Reviewed by Katie Mast
- Motion to approve by Krista Pluid, seconded by Paul Mullis. Motion carried unanimously.
- Logo Rebrand
- Reviewed by Board; deferred final decision to staff
- Motion passed 4–1
7. Additional Discussion Items
- Closed Session Reminder: Employee Performance Evaluations
- 4th of July Budget Recap:
- Expenses: snow cone machine, candy, soda
- Home Depot tool kit will be raffled later
- No extra staff wages paid; on-call staff were already scheduled
- Discussion on community support and participation
8. Public Comment
Tasha Townsend requested more opportunities for volunteer input and stated the importance of listening to their feedback. The Board appreciated her input and committed to creating time to hear from volunteers.
9. New Business:
None
10. Announcements:
None
11. Suggested Action Items for Next Board Meeting:
- New Ambulance Remaining Fund Allocation
- Approve 2025 Final Budget
- Discuss 2024 Chief Performance Review (Closed Session)
- Approve Paid Staff Reviews & Pay Raise Proposal
12. Next Meeting Dates:
- Chief Application Review: August 1, 2024 at 6:00 PM
- Regular Board Meeting: August 29, 2024 at 6:30 PM
13. Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM. Motion by Krista Pluid, seconded by Paul Mullis. Motion carried unanimously.
*** CLOSED Meeting Session ***
- Katie Mast presented evaluations for two paid staff
- Pay raises discussed
- Decision to be made at August 29, 2024 meeting
- Closed session ended at 9:20 PM