FORT LEWIS MESA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

BOARD of DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

April 8th, 2025

 

Attendance:

Directors:

Debbie Lee
Ted Stahl
Ginny DeJong
Brent Van Den Berg
(Excused)Paul Richardson

Volunteers:

Iesha Williams
Danny Moore
Deb Moore

Others:

John Lee (Fire Chief)
Jeannine Glasby (Dist. Office Mgr.)
Luke Reitz (EMS Captain)

Visitors:

Garret Vogel
Nick Schmitt
Travis Schmitt
Martha Schmitt
Glen Christiansen
Ciera Brown
Frank Greer
Brandon Brown
Pam Petrie
Kory Zufelt
David Lee
Kerry Dixon
Emily Horvath
Frances Horvath
Spring Reitz
Isaac Daulton & Family
Joe Kueffler
Toby Sutton
Lance Meador
Peter Rietz
Danielle Watkins
Colton Black
Brad Ray
Others etc.

 

Debbie Lee called the meeting to order at 6:28 p.m.

All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Ann Terry (Special District Assoc. – CEO) presented via Zoom. Ann informed the

attendees; SDA provides training and advocacy to members (as FLMFPD

  1. is) but not legal counsel; She said a board focuses on fiscal oversight,

does not manage day-to-day operations; Boards have many statutory

duties; Ann encouraged the future board to develop public trust, act

with unity and support the final vote of the board. Ann signed off at

6:52 after losing and regaining reception at one point in the Zoom.

 

Debbie noted the Board Meeting was not a candidate forum.

Debbie motioned to suspend the agenda order to accommodate public comment;

 

Ginny seconded. Motion carried.

 

Pam Petrie-Asked if the Board could introduce themselves.

Debbie addressed all who signed in, and gave them time to comment on their topic:

 

Public Comment:

Glen Christiansen -Asked how to obtain a ballot.

Pam Petrie – Asked what the term of a board member is.

Garrett Vogel – None.

Travis Schmitt- None.

Kory Zufelt – Asked where Board Meeting notices are posted

Emily Horvath – None.

Frances Horvath – None.

Nick Schmitt- Said his CORA request hadn’t been received. Debbie said it

would be addressed.

Spring Reitz-Commented on progress of District, strong sense of

connection, vital to invest in future, prioritize safety, meeting needs,

leadership & dedication to community, conditions have changed and need to

adapt, advance, think forward, move forward. She thanked the Board, Chief

for empowering volunteers, and Volunteers.

Martha Schmitt- None.

Brandon Brown- How to run for Board.

Cierra Brown-None.

Frank Greer-Concern re. management of funds.

Isaac Greer-None.

Lance Meador- None

Peter Reitz (Pastor of Baptist Church)- Growth of fire Dept. from 3

volunteers to 20+ volunteers, in last 20 yrs sees equip, buildings, training,

things are going to change, and we can’t go back. How much is having a fire

dept. worth? Has seen nothing but good.

Danielle Watkins- 10yrs in community. Didn’t think about the fire dept. until

needed it. Now I am very aware. Fast response. Niece would not have

survived if I had to wait for a response from Durango. Thanked dept.

 

Colton Black- Noticed a change in dept since moving here, budget question-

prudent in spending (no debt).

 

Brad Ray- What will status of the Board be, who will remain on the Board

after election.

No Other Comments.

Debbie gave information about the election and its location. She related

that term limits of board members are two, but that they can be appointed

to the Board if there are no candidates for vacated seats.

This meeting’s agenda and location had been posted on the website (24 hr.

notice required) and was posted at Station 1.

Debbie responded to the CORA response- qualifications and requirements

of personnel and gross and net pay. Debbie clarified the request did not say “net”. Debbie asked if Jeannine had information on Nick Schmitt’s CORA

request. Jeannine said the request had been sent.

Debbie covered how to apply to be a board member. Brandon Brown

expressed an interest in giving support.

Debbie addressed the budget and said that FLMFPD didn’t have any debt,

and no budget overruns. She said we use reserves when needed and refill

them and that the Board is conservative and prudent in fiscal spending. She

reported the tax revenue is $654,290 for 2025.

Nick inserted a question. Debbie stated the comment section was over.

Ted Stahl and Paul Richardson would be remaining from current Board

members.

 

Debbie addressed contradictions:

Too much pay; not enough responding; too many responders

She stated 32 hours is statutory to what is considered full-time

employment.

Debbie noted the Chief is on 6 nights/wk., he coordinates coverage.

Debbie said the ISO rating was at a 9X and was updated to 6X with the

addition of stations which occurred under Chief Ebner.

She responded to the question about what tax revenue is being used on. She

stated the dept. is strong and healthy

Kory Zufelt stated we don’t want the dept to fail. Debbie said in 2015 there

were 5 responders, now there are 26. Debbie also reported that this chief

provides lifesaving training, equipment, and organization.

Debbie stated that reasoning for the severance package for Chief Lee, is

that he is the longest serving chief, effective, protection (PPE), training,

infrastructure created (such as the expansion of Station 1, acquiring of

“Station 6” land, by eminent domain, water storage etc.) which has been in

this chief’s tenure.

 

Debbie addressed comments made on social media:

She talked of successes and strengths.

Other items Debbie provided clarity on:

Recognized there is a core of responders who respond regularly, both paid

and volunteer. Paid people are allowed to take time off. She said there are

few benefits given and no health benefits. We are required to pay into FPPA

or Social Security. The district employees opted out of FAMLI (paid time

off). Some Board members serve for a long time. Which would be a

combination of elected position and appointed to position. The Board is

volunteer and doesn’t receive payment.

 

Debbie addressed a comment from Frank Greer of all responders being out

of district on a call. She said the average response is 4 people. Sometimes 9

people show up, once 13 responded. Prior to 2019 there was 1 non-response

call. In 2016, 5 calls went unanswered. The volunteers understand the needs

of the district. They come when they can and when they are needed.

Recruitment and retention improve when they know there is a baseline crew

to respond. They can avoid guilt of not being able to respond. When there is

multiple calls, they show up. Debbie said it is harder to manage low call

volume as opposed to high call volume for volunteers.

Salary levels – within a good range (even a little lower) as compared to other

depts.

Fiscal Responsibility-only budget based on tax revenue projected.

Volunteer Pension is solvent, with increased contributions.

Since 2017 Approx. value of 29 grants awarded is several thousand

dollars.

Since 2017 Federal Fire income- $492K, no money is made from employees,

only equipment. The chief decides who and what equipment goes out. He is

under no obligation to send resources.

Hiring based on staffing needs, including Scheduled Shift, which helps to

alleviate “Burn out” on the Chief. There is a need to be competitive in the

labor market. Debbie talked about the cost to staff 24/7 basic EMTs. She

reported a Ridgeway consultant recommended they pay $157K for a chief.

Debbie told of the search in the past, for a chief, which was extensive.

He only lasted 90 days and said he couldn’t believe the responsibilities.

Training: 2025 to date-206 hours of training.

EMT’s- 12 EMTs in the District most combo departments can anticipate

30% being EMTs.

5 FF I and II; 2 in training.

Duties and Responsibilities; Debbie named some of the duties of staff and

volunteers: Maintenance of apparatus, building, grounds, hoses, tools,

repairs and regular compliance – local, state, federal. Incident reports to

national database, maintain certifications, medical director, infection

control, ISO ratings, coordination volunteering for outside organizations,

EMS Council/HazMat coordination & meetings, Chief’s Association-sets

policy for La Plata County (Fire bans, etc.) There is no fraud, waste, or

abuse.

Pay per Call is considered reimbursement and given to volunteers for calls

they respond to.

 

Equipment: It was stated, too many apparatus- some have been sold when

not needed. Since 2017 there have been SCBAs, power gurney, and LifePaks

and Ambulances (with 90/10 cost share) etc. acquired.

Debbie reported approximately. 100K has been paid locally for services and

labor.

Long Range Planning-identify what we want to grow into. A volunteer

organization-strong leadership and organization is key.

Debbie said the job of the paid staff is to take care of the volunteers.

Nick reiterated, he is concerned with salaries.

Debbie said the volunteers are the heart of the organization and the staff

are the glue.

Debbie expressed appreciation for community involvement.

Debbie asked if there were any questions or concerns:

Debbie said to Nick Schmitt, “before the end of the night we would give you

your record request. Nick expressed that “going from a volunteer dept to a

combo dept, seems like we are spending a lot.”

Debbie: “We have been a combo dept since 2013”

Nick Schmitt: “The jump from Steve to now seems exponential”

Debbie: “Have addressed the salaries”

Nick: “I want to keep farming and keep my costs low”

Colton Black: “Other departments in the county have changed from

volunteer/combo to career departments because they can’t recruit/retain.

The ability of FLM Fire to recruit and retain is a direct reflection of

current leadership”

Nick: “In the 80/90s there were 30+ volunteers. 2016 was a bad yr.

Volunteers went down when people started getting paid.”

10 min. Break – 8:30pm

 

Minutes Review: Ginny motioned and Ted seconded approval of the minutes for the

March 11th Board Meeting. Minutes were approved.

 

Treasurer’s Report:

The March financial reports were reviewed and discussed. The financial reports

were accepted.

Public Comment/Correspondence

  • Jeannine reported on boxes and boxes of Girl Scout Cookies donated

through – Sherri CR 122. Also donated were .51 cents from a 6 yr. old girl.

Thank you letters will be sent.

  • Record Requests were discussed earlier in the meeting. Jeannine will email

Nick Schmitt’s response to Travis as requested by Martha.

 

Office Managers Report:

  • Jeannine reported working on the audit line items.
  • Jeannine informed of the Election May 6th 7am – 7pm. She has contracted

with 3 election judges from a list given to her by Tiffany Lee La Plata Cty

Clerk and Recorder. Ballots have been printed.

Chief’s Report:

  • CDPHE Ambulance Grant in the build process and will possibly be ready for

June pickup.

  • The Williams Grant was approved, which will go to purchase LifePak 15

batteries.

  • The Medical Director to the district, Dr. Oury, was onsite this morning

regarding an infectious disease protocol.

  • Community CPR class has 9 students. another class will be held in June for

Cub Scout Leaders doing the Day Camp.

  • Excess equipment auction sold; old ambulance will sell next as a condition of

receiving the new ambulance.

  • 26 responders on the roster. 21 responded in the rolling quarter, 8

responders on the largest call, which was a flight for life; 12 board

certified EMTs, 5 IV, 3 EKG certified. 1 getting ready to test in May.

  • 2 applications for new members.
  • Gravel for Station 1, new signage for Station 3, Station 4 tank reschedule to

move. Hydrant and tanks on CR 105 “Station 6” will be in service for wildland

season. Mancos fire will fill and use if needed.

  • Provider Grant 90/10 cost share applied for.
  • Government Fire total to come.
  • Fire and EMT training: 1FF in Hazmat & RT 130, ! EMT seat open in Upper

Pine, Rural FF state course this fall- 3 scheduled to attend. Pac Test

  • Ian Campbell board accepted after motion by Debbie, seconded by Brent.

 

Unfinished Business:

 

Action Item Review:

Items were reviewed.

  • Item #s 384 complete- Board adopted Board Bylaws. Item #382 ongoing.

Ted said Doug Wood may be able to help with the generator.

  • Long Range Plan update next meeting.
  • CSD insurance credit after 2 more staff complete training
  • Review those needing Heart Health Testing and Screening for benefits at 5

years.

  • Discussion on selling unused LPWWA water taps, Chief suggested using one

at Station 5 when Phase 2 gets there. Tap prices may increase. If they are

not costing us anything maybe they should be kept.

 

New Business:

  • Resolution 2025-0401, To Adopt Hazard Mitigation Plan. Need to correct

the year from 2018 to 2025 on the second page. Debbie will sign.

  • Public Interaction Report- Responder 725, Williams, submitted a written

report of an incident with public bystander inserting himself at a scene of

an accident. Lt. Greer had established command. The patient was refusing

treatment. It was said that there was no excuse for behavior. Iesha said

she had not met Travis Schmitt before and would be hesitant to have him as

her superior. Williams said he did apologize at some point during the time of

this Board Meeting. Debbie said she did not feel like there was a need for a

restraining order, but she said it does need to be in the record. The Chief

responded and agreed no restraining order was necessary because there

was no escalation on the scene.

  • Debbie allowed question from Frank Greer about what the Good Samaritan

Law. Garrett Vogel gives input on what Good Samaritan Law is.

  • Pay Per Call was discussed and there was a suggestion that the Volunteer

officer’s reimbursement increase by $5 to $25. Stated the fund should still

not exceed the $20K budgeted for it. Ted motioned to approve; Brent

seconded it. Motion passed.

Before the Board entered Executive Session with the chief, all other

attendees left the room and building for the duration of the session.

 

Executive Session:

  • An Executive Session was held for Personnel matter 24-6-402(4)(f), C.R.S.

9:40pm

After exiting the Executive Session, there was discussion.

 

The Addendum to the Chief’s Severance Package was motioned for approval by

Ginny, Debbie recused herself, seconded by Brent. Approved by unanimous vote.

Ginny asked if there was a motion to approve a 10% salary increase for Chief Lee.

Debbie recused herself from the vote. Ted motioned to approve. Brent seconded.

Approved by unanimous vote.

The Board asked that a certified letter be sent to Travis Schmitt regarding the

return of an engine the district had purchased. Jeannine will send.

Joshua C. Lyman (Cody), the Chief’s choice for Wildland FF, was motioned to hire

by Ginny, and seconded by Ted. Motion approved unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 10:49pm

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jeannine Glasby

Secretary to the Board

Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District

 

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