FORT LEWIS MESA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

BOARD of DIRECTORS’ MEETING MINUTES

June 4, 2024

 

Attendance:

Outgoing Directors:
Debbie Lee
Ginny DeJong (via phone)
Brent Van Den Berg (Absent)
Paul Richardson (Absent)
Ted Stahl

Incoming Directors:
Emily Horvath
Garrett Vogel
Travis Schmitt

Others:
Jeannine Glasby (Dist. Office Mgr.)

Visitors:
Phil M.
JC Brown
Kory Zufelt
Brandon Brown
Kathy Zufelt
Ciera Brown
Amanda Zufelt
Troy Brown
Kaison Zufelt
Frances Horvath
Brad Ray
Mike Horvath
Kathy Ray
Cheryl Vogel
Kerry Dixon
Deb Moore
Debbie Lee called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.  

All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. 

Brent Van Den Berg was brought into the meeting, via phone. 

Minutes Review: Ginny motioned, and Debbie seconded approval of the minutes for  the April 8th Board Meeting. Minutes were approved. 

Debbie Swore in the new Board Members. Emily Horvath, Garrett Vogel, and Travis  Schmitt. The new Members signed their Oaths of Office.  

Jeannine Glasby left the room and submitted the New Member’s Oaths of Office  and Bond to the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder, via email. 

As the outgoing Board Members were leaving the room there were questions posed,  and comments made by the public in attendance. 

Board Positions (Officer Nominations & Election) 

Garrett made the comment that without the other two Board Members in  attendance, Election of Officers might not be appropriate. Jeannine then noted  resignations that had been laid by her Board Meeting folders, for Paul Richardson  and Ted Stahl.

Special Meeting Minutes FLMFPD Board 06/4/25 Page 1 of 4 

It was decided by the Board Members to nominate and elect the President and  then wait for the vacated positions to be filled by appointment and then hold  nominations and election of the Vice President and Treasurer, at that time. Garrett Vogel nominated Emily Horvath for President of the FLMFPD Board of  Directors. Travis Schmitt seconded the nomination. Emily Horvath was declared  elected. 

Emily asked if there were any more resignations. Jeannine then reported to the  Board letters of resignation for Liberty Sheek, Michael O’Donnell, and Chief John  Lee. 

Emily opened the meeting for Public Comment. 

Public Comment: 

Topics from the public included comments and concerns regarding: 

• A legal review of the severance package paid out to Chief Lee. • Conflict of interest-no spouses in management positions. 
• Firefighters should be able to be on the Board of Directors. 

There was a discussion that maybe Firefighters could be in advisory positions. • Appreciation for transparency (meetings being video recorded). • Felt negative things being said about previous administration had been  proved. 

• Fiduciary responsibilities and legalities of previous board actions. 

Garrett suggested reaching out to Captain Luke Reitz (away at training), on where  he stands with his employment with the District. 

There was discussion about appointing an interim chief. Questions were voiced about who would be doing reports and completing training (education). Brad Ray was  asked if he would agree to be an Interim, Interim Chief. He did not commit. 

Emily recessed the meeting for a few minutes at 7:52 pm. 

The meeting was reconvened. 

Public Comment Con’t 

• Will restructure of the pay scale happen with a new chief. Emily and Garrett  said they would like to. 
• Can Pay Per Call increase. Garrett commented that the combination  department is here to stay.

Special Meeting Minutes FLMFPD Board 06/4/25 Page 2 of 4 

• Fundraisers for department. 
• Thought three new board members would bring a fresh start. • Volunteers need to commit 
• Kory Zufelt said he filled out an application. He stated that he thinks  standards need to be set for applicants. 

Emily said she would like to set up committees for areas such as transparency,  qualifications (standards), etc. 

Treasurer’s Report:  

Garrett motioned the Treasurer’s Report be postponed until next meeting. Travis  seconded. Motion passed. 

Public Comment/Correspondence 

None 

Office Managers Report: 

• Jeannine reported still working on the audit. 
• New Board Members completed the Bank Signature information forms.  Jeannine will work on getting things set up for signature card preparation at  TBK Bank. 
• Jeannine said the Board Members are being registered for the SDA Regional  Workshop. She will register any appointed Board Members as well. • The annual Backflow testing was completed at Station 1. 
• Jeannine apprised the Board Members of the grace period for legal  challenges ending (July 1st) for Government website ADA Compliance. • Emily read the CSD Pool Repayment Agreement (insurance). Garrett  motioned for the Board to authorize acceptance of the Repayment  Agreement. Travis seconded. Motion carried. 

Chief’s Report: 

None 

Unfinished Business: 

Action Item Review:  

Garrett suggested postponing until the next meeting. It was postponed.

Special Meeting Minutes FLMFPD Board 06/4/25 Page 3 of 4 

New Business: 

• Staffing has been discussed in the meeting. Jeannine was asked if she was  planning on staying. She said she would as long as she is able. She expressed  her thoughts on pay for the position. 
• Cody Lyman was hired as a temporary Wildland FF, previously. There was  discussion on his position with the District. 
• The Board decided to hold the next Board meeting, June 10th @ 6:30pm. • There was more discussion about Interim, Interim Chief. Brad Ray agreed to  be the Interim, Interim Chief until an Interim Chief can be appointed by  the Board. Brad asked what their expectations were. Travis said:  Accountability on Calls, making sure everything is functioning and put back  in order after calls, reports done. Other names were fielded for an Interim  Chief. Travis motioned to approve Brad Ray as Interim, Interim Chief. Garrett seconded the motion. Motion carried. Jeannine will send out email  to all FLMFPD members letting them know of the Appointment. The Board  decided Brad should drive Command 71. 
• Locks on stations will have the codes changed 

Executive Session: 

None 

 

Meeting adjourned 8:55pm 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jeannine Glasby

Secretary to the Board

Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District

 

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