Embedded Files
MINUTES
OUTREACH COMMITTEE MEETING
NORTH BANNOCK FIRE DISTRICT
ZOOM CALL
March 25, 2021
The meeting was called to order by Debbie Shell at 7:06pm
Roll call: Mark Hinds, J.R. Farnsworth, Debbie Shell, Wes Johnson, Trina Hall, Leslie Stewart, Jim Sanford
Minutes: J.R. moved and Mark seconded the motion to approve the meeting minutes from February 25, 2021. Motion passed.
Update on Committee Projects:
Mark submitted a rough draft for the second letter to Fire District residents. He included NBFD success stories, and the importance of continuing to build on those successes. He also included how the cost to taxpayers compares to other local fire districts. Discussion about additional information to include took place, with the following ideas for additions:
Consequences of “yes” vote vs. “no” vote
Comments on GIFF agreement
Note that the breakdown would be approximately $12/month per $100,000 property value, and compare this to other standard expenses for things like Netflix, pizza, etc.
Add call volume numbers
Clarify that voters approved $680,000/year for the last two years; asking for $500,000/year
We currently provide equal coverage for residents in the district up to Parks Road – we need to provide equal coverage in areas past Parks Road
Mention that NBFD is applying for all grants possible (some grants not possible until we have trained firefighters and/or three years of data)
Difficulty of/expense of getting home owners insurance if NBFD is not funded and not able to operate
J.R offered to continue working on the letter, with submission to the Outreach Committee for their review before the next Commissioners’ meeting on April 8. The goal is to have a final draft ready for the Commissioners’ meeting.
An open house at the fire station for district residents, prior to the levy vote, and if COVID restrictions allow such a gathering at that time, is being planned. May 8 was set as the date.
A suggestion was made that advertising to vote and for the open house take place on television, radio and newspaper
Open discussion was held about the possibility of the Pioneer Trail System being developed near Pocatello Creek Road. Concerns were expressed about the impact on North Bannock Fire Department, with additional usage and possible fires in that area. Consensus of the group was that development should not take place unless and until a second fire station is available closer to the canyons area of the District, which can only happen if the levy request is passed.
The next meeting will be held in person at the fire station on Thursday, April 22, 7:00pm per consensus of the group.
Motion for adjournment was made at 8:02pm by J.R. and seconded by Mark. Motion passed.
Activities to be working on for future meetings:
Cami – Plan possible open house at station
Wendy – Work on revising and posting the banners
Mark – Investigate insurance for air drops
J.R. – Information on federal grants for air drops
Debbie – Distribute Roy’s ideas for 2nd letter to Committee
Topics for talking points (please come to the next meeting with additions/corrections for this list)
Value of being an independent fire department
Why we’re asking for $500,000 instead of the ~$825,000 we could have asked for
No 3% annual increase
Consequences of a “No” vote vs. consequences of passing the levy
What do I get for my money? (reserves replenished, operations, funding for matching grants, second station in sub-district 3, and others)
Cost of having to contract with Pocatello or Chubbuck
Importance of second station – fire assist available for sub-districts 1&2 from Pocatello and Chubbuck, but no assist available in sub-district 3
Timeline (draft):
2nd letter to patrons – mid-April (first draft due by March Commissioners’ meeting)
Open House – May 8, if restrictions allow
Talking points ready – TBD
Commissioner video answering questions –complete and posted on Facebook and NBFD website
Facebook posts – ongoing. Thank you, J.R.!
Email reminder to vote – TBD
Banners posted – TBD
PowerPoint developed - TBD
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