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Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Sept. 20. 2022 audit is clean; 2024 budget direction explored

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Sept. 20, the board received the 2022 audit presentation, discussed the major 2024 budget priorities, and reviewed the board officer by-laws. The board also witnessed the swearing in of Capt. Michael Torres. A brief Pension Board of Trustees meeting preceded the meeting.

From left, Chair Nate Dowden administers the oath of office to the new Training Capt. Michael Torres at the beginning of the Sept. 20 Board of Directors meeting. Family members pinned on the badge and lapel pins during the ceremony. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.
Above: From left, Chair Nate Dowden administers the oath of office to the new Training Capt. Michael Torres at the beginning of the Sept. 20 Board of Directors meeting. Family members pinned on the badge and lapel pins during the ceremony. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

2022 audit presentation

Dawn Schilling, co-owner of Schilling and Co. Inc., Littleton, attending via Zoom, said the executive team had collaborated with her to complete the 2022 audit. She thanked the team and the district accountant for their assistance during the audit, and said:

  • The district received an unmodified or clean opinion as of Dec. 31, 2022, and the financial position of the district “presents fairly.” The opinion could not be higher and there were no significant delays in providing information or disagreements with recording transactions.
  • There was significantly more revenue than anticipated left in the budget at the end of 2022 due to deployments and special ownership taxes. The result left $951 in the budget at the end of 2022, as close to a zero-based budget as possible.
  • Investing in a local government investment such as ColoTrust could net the district 5.4% or about $54,000 a year.
  • There was a dip in assessed valuation of district properties in 2022, and the district attorney should be contacted to seek advice on Proposition HH. (Proposition HH is a question on the November ballot proposing a statewide bill that would implement property tax reductions and allow the state to retain and spend excess state revenue. For information on the fiscal impact of the measures visit https:/leg.colorado.gov/bluebook.) The changes would be significant for special districts if it passes.
  • The board received the audit on Sept. 20, and she would file the audit with the state the following week, allowing some time for questions from the directors, and in time to make the Sept. 30 deadline.

The board unanimously approved the 2022 audit.

Auditor search resumes

Treasurer Jack Hinton thanked the staff and the accountant and said the auditor always does a good job and her fee is reasonable, but the district gets put on the back burner, requiring a two-month filing extension with the state every year, and she almost did not make the meeting. Even though the staff began providing financial information in February, her questions were not received until August. If the district were ever to file a late audit, the state could begin cutting funding. Most auditors are charging much higher fees, but the district should conduct another search and bid out for another auditor to conduct the 2023 audit, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n3.htm#bffrpd.

Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn said a lot of questions were presented during evening hours.

2024 budget development explored

Fire Chief PJ Langmaid said the budget is usually submitted in October for board review, but because of Proposition HH and the increase in assessed property valuations, he requested the board consider:

  • A proposed budget based on the assessed property valuations provided by the county with an assessed 15.24 mills levy to maintain the revenue trajectory.
  • The board made a mill levy adjustment last year in line with the 2018 voter-approved ballot initiative, allowing a mill levy adjustment to compensate for revenue loss after the state dropped the assessment rates.
  • If the board decides to stick with a 14.951 mill levy, there would be a budget shortfall of about $101,000 for 2024. The board could dip into capital improvement funds to make up the difference. See www.ocn.me/v23n1.htm#bffrpd.
  • The key initiatives for the 2024 budget are to pay down the debt on the engine and tender.
  • A cost-of-living allowance increase of 4.7% based on the Front Range data from July/August 2023.
  • Hire six new firefighters to begin using the ladder truck with limited capacity. Three more officer positions will be required with the opening of the ladder truck.
  • The budget resolution will include the historical ballot language, approved by the voters in 2018, and be reviewed by legal counsel. See www.ocn.me/v22n10.htm#bffrpd.

Hinton said through staffing attrition the district has enough salary funding to cover additional staff. The wildland deployments of Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenberg and Dunn saved some salary expenditure. Another staff member was deployed for three months, he said.

Langmaid said if the board agrees, he would like to extend job offers to lateral firefighters the next day. There is a cost savings to hiring lateral entry firefighters due to the avoidance of a three-month fire academy delay, but it incurs an immediate job start and a higher starting salary. The Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) has reduced its Fire Academy Training to summer only, so slots for the district will not be available. Lateral entry firefighters are usually difficult to attract due to the district’s lower wage scale, and staff lose out on accrued benefits when moving organizations, so moves are usually due to family decisions. The district usually receives about 50 applications, but just five were received in the last hiring round, he said.

Hinton suggested moving forward with the hiring, and the determining factor on adjusting the mill levy will depend on the passing of Proposition HH. The city has not yet excluded the remaining two-thirds (about 1,466) of the 2,200 properties subject to dual taxation, and the tax loss for 2025 is unknown, he said. See www.ocn.me/v22n2.htm#bffrpd.

Langmaid also said:

  • Because of the increase in property values, it is not possible to know how much revenue will be lost when the dual taxation residents are finally excluded, but it could be 10% to 20% of the budget.
  • The City of Colorado Springs will be under tremendous political pressure to complete the process that the board gave the city permission to begin in 2017, and once the tax assessments are finalized, those dual taxation residents will be pressuring the City Council to complete the exclusion process.
  • He recommended the board make the budget decision based on the ballot initiative that granted permission in 2018, and not on decisions made in Colorado Springs.
  • Proposition HH, a state decision, proposes to continue ratcheting down the property assessment rates.

If the board agrees with the recommendations, the executive staff will begin developing the budget for 2024, he said.

Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen said the district purchased a ladder truck and should be able to use it.

Hinton said he is in favor of paying off the debt on the apparatus purchases and the staffing increase.

Director Chad Behnken said he is on board with the general vision.

Director Jim Abendschan agreed with the issues, but more clarification is necessary on how the property taxes will be impacted if the board implements the 15.24 mill levy to make up for revenue loss, he said.

Langmaid said he encourages dialogue and direction from the board before continuing to develop the budget for the first presentation in October, but the budget can be changed at any time until December. The original request for an aerial mid-mount ladder truck was to support the growth in Sterling Ranch and the Flying Horse North developments, and the plan was to open up the truck in 2025-26 when additional property tax revenue would have covered the cost. There is no pressure to staff the truck, it is not the main priority, but the district is unlikely to obtain a SAFER grant to hire firefighters and he was not anticipating any success with a potential government shutdown, he said.

Apparatus replacement plan

Langmaid presented the board with the final budget projection for the two Ford F-550 Type 6 brush truck chassis, with one being a full new build for $203,000. The funds will come from wildland deployment revenue. For information purposes, he also presented the cost of a Pierce Enforcer Engine for $868,684. See www.ocn.me/v23n9.htm#bffrpd.

Directors’ bylaws

Dowden thanked recording board secretary Donna Arkowski for providing the board with the updated bylaws, and he requested the following changes:

  • A change to reflect that the board may elect from its membership a secretary/assistant secretary, and/or assistant treasurer.
  • There may be a permanent budget committee with another board officer involved in the budget process.
  • There may be a permanent audit committee.

Arkowski said BFFRPD had not elected a board secretary for 45 years, but the option for both positions needs to remain in the bylaws until such time as the district does not have a recording secretary. The bylaws are not mandatory, just a suggestion by the district counsel, unless indicated that state law be followed as annotated in the bylaws, she said.

Hinton and Dowden questioned the board’s compliance when appropriations are made that exceed the approved budget during the year.

Langmaid said if the board passes an appropriation by resolution to make a purchase mid-year, they are not outside the bylaws, and that is why legal counsel is required to sign lease agreements. There is nothing to prohibit purchasing outright, and he recommended the board continue reading the bylaws and discuss appropriations with legal counsel, he said.

Arkowski said the bylaws set local government and state government apart, the board cannot spend more than they receive, and there are different rules for lease purchase agreements.

Dowden said he was inclined to agree with Langmaid, but clarification from district attorney Linda Glesne should be made to ensure the board remains in compliance.

The board unanimously adopted the bylaws subject to the changes.

Wildland deployment update

Piepenburg said the department still had crews deployed in California, and the U.S. Forest Service had hoped to keep them until November. But due to the government furlough and weather activity, crews will all be back in the district by the end of September.

Director Chad Behnken asked if the frequency of the 2023 deployments were comparable to the 2022 numbers.

Piepenburg said the district is ahead of 2022, with five 21-day deployment rotations, 105 days with the Type 3 (wildland fire engine) and 35 days with the Type 6 (brush truck).

Langmaid said the surplus revenue for 2023 is expected to be about $1 million, the same as for 2022.

August department reports

The August department report and the financial report can be found under Transparency at www.bffire.org.

Staff kudos

Tarvainen said she attended the Echelon Front Women’s Assembly with five colleagues from CSFD, and the women of BFFRPD in attendance were exceptional, and that is a testament to the leadership within the district.

Arkowski said former board member Bill Marchant praised the department for the professionalism demonstrated when his wife needed an ambulance during a life-threatening emergency.

Donation received

Dowden said the district received a note card from the High Forest Ranch community, thanking the department for keeping them safe. The card was accompanied with a donation of $1,370 from Monica Davis of the Social Committee of the High Forest Ranch Homeowners Association. He thanked the group for the generous donation.

Former board director remembered

Arkowski said former board Director Peter Burleson had recently passed away. He served on the board in the 1980s-90s for about 10 years.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Pension Board of Trustees meeting

The BFFRPD Pension Board of Trustees held a short meeting to discuss the fund status, distributions, and expenses.

Pension Board Trustee John Strupp was excused. Trustee Lisa Montijo attended via Zoom.

The board approved the minutes from the Sept. 15, 2021 meeting, 6-0.

Hinton said the beginning balance for the Volunteer Pension Fund in 2023 was about $1.336 million and the ending balance was $1.383 million with a gain of $4,500 in interest. The distributions to the volunteer pensioners were $37,000. Expenses were $4,000, and the fund gained about $47,000, he said.

Arkowski said the financial statement accounted for the first six months of the year, and the actuarial report states that the pension fund is in good condition and a little overfunded. The report recommends the district continue to fund the pension annually, and the pension fund still has 27 members.

Montijo said it is important that the fund is in good shape, because she plans on living forever, and it is good that all the members are still around.

The board accepted the reports as presented, 6-0.

The next Pension Board meeting will be at the beginning of the regular board meeting in September 2024.

The Pension Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, Sept. 27 – Board meeting canceled

By Natalie Barszcz

On Sept. 27 at 2:09 p.m., this reporter received notice that the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District Board of Directors had canceled the scheduled meeting due to the lack of a quorum. For the Joint Factual Summary for the Donald Wescott sub-district dissolution regarding ballot questions 6A and 6B, and information about the October public hearing for the 2024 budget presentation, visit www.monumentfire.org. For details on the proposed 2024 budget, information, and upcoming events see the Monument Fire District article on page < 1 > and the calendar on page < 26 >.

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Meetings are usually held every other month on the fourth Wednesday. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 4:30 p.m., at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Donald Wescott Fire Protection District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Aug. 16 – Apparatus replacement plan revealed; chassis purchase approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Aug. 16 meeting of the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD), the board approved the purchase of Ford F550 chassis for two brush trucks, and approved seeking a proposal from Pierce Manufacturing for the potential purchase of a Type 1 engine.

At the end of the meeting, resident Linda Smith announced that former volunteer Public Information Officer Gary Watson had recently passed.

Vice Chair Kiersten Tarvainen attended via Zoom.

Note: This reporter attended via Zoom, but it was not possible to hear everything Hinton said throughout the meeting. Information was received via the board secretary and the administrative staff to make this article possible.

Apparatus replacement plan

Fire Chief PJ Langmaid said the department had a chance to purchase two Type 6 (brush trucks) F550 white truck chassis for $66,647 each. There is no delivery date, but the district did “miss the boat” on purchasing chassis for the past two months, he said.

Chairman Nate Dowden said the district needed to send a commitment letter by Aug. 18 to avoid losing its place in line.

Langmaid said there is a slim chance the district could get a black or red chassis, but failing that, the plastic stripping would need to be removed from the interior of the white chassis before the department colors black over red could be applied. It will be more labor intensive, but better than nothing, he said.

Dowden said originally the Ford salespeople indicated good availability for red chassis and suggested the district reserve red, and when they were gone, the district was told it should have requested black, and now they are unavailable. The salespeople were not helpful, he said.

Treasurer Jack Hinton said he would need to look at the numbers before an informed decision could be made.

Langmaid said the 2023 budget approved $65,000 for concrete, a capital improvement not acted upon, with no commitment to a contractor. The decision does not have to be based on where the money is coming from right now, he said.

Dowden requested the board approve the purchase of two chassis for a total of $133,294.

Tarvainen said she liked the idea of the “F550 Crew Cab” model after picking and choosing what gear to take to calls in the past, she was all for it, she said.

The board unanimously approved the purchase.

Pierce Type 1 Engine proposal

Langmaid also requested the board review and consider a planning proposal to purchase a Pierce Type 1 Engine for about $882,000. He said the purchase required no money down, with payments beginning in about two years, and if the economy does not allow the district to complete the purchase, it could be sold. Production time is typically two years or longer and costs continue to rise. The supply for this type of engine is dwindling and the configuration is never coming back, as the new EPA standards take effect. It will be a valuable commodity that other departments will want, he said.

Dowden said the board needs more data from Pierce Manufacturing and it could then consider approving a proposal in September.

Director James Abendschan recommended the department get on the list given the production timeline of two to three years.

Dowden requested the board approve that the fire chief proceed with a request for proposal to Pierce Manufacturing for a negotiation to purchase a Type 1 Engine for no more than $882,000, for further consideration by the board.

Getting on the list is a good idea, said Tarvainen.

The board approved the decision to request a proposal, 4-1, with Hinton dissenting.

Hinton expressed his disappointment with the method utilized to approve high-value purchases, stating that the board should be given more time beforehand to study information on the proposals and desired purchases. The board needs a clear definitive picture of what the financial status of the district will be before appropriating large sums of money, he said. More time was needed to study the proposals and take a more measured look at the financial situation and the future property tax assessments. It is disrespectful for the board to be bombarded with high-dollar requests for apparatus, he said.

Langmaid said he believed he was following the board directive to present information for consideration, and the board directed the staff to return with a proposal and pricing, he said.

Resident Smith asked if the district could conduct a search for a used engine. The district was successful last year and saved money by purchasing a used ladder truck in 2022, said Smith.

Langmaid said district mechanic Gavin Smith had looked for a Type 1 engine similar to the Pierce Type 1 Enforcer engine received last year, with just the following criteria: a 750-gallon water capacity, a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, and a low hose bed for firefighter safety, but nothing was available, he said.

Note: The board held a workshop at 5 p.m. before the meeting to discuss the apparatus replacement plan. The district purchased a Pierce Type 1 Enforcer engine in August 2022 via a 10-year lease-purchase agreement; and a tender truck that will cost $346,910 is expected to arrive in fall. See www.ocn.me/v22n9.htm#bffrpd. The district also purchased a used 2005 mid-mount aerial ladder truck in late 2022 that once equipped will require additional staffing. See www.ocn.me/v23n7.htm#bffrpd.

Financial report

Hinton said the district had about $4.1 million in total assets as of July 31.

The financial report provided to this reporter noted that as of July 31, the district had about $2.4 million for General Operations. Deployment operations revenue received year to date was $255,884, and 47.85% of the budgeted $534,729 year to date. The income received year to date was about $4 million, and 93.60% of the estimated $4.2 million. Expenses year to date were about $2.1 million, and 53.53% of the estimated $4 million budgeted for 2023. The financial reports can be found at www.bffire.org.

The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.

Chief’s report

Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn said the department received about $5,047 in ambulance revenue, and the total tax revenue was about $79,108. A payment of $43,879 was made toward the lease-purchase of the Type 1 engine purchase in 2022. The department also received uniform items and forcible entry props for the training center, she said.

Langmaid said the following:

  • The training hours for June were off due to data entry issues, but July training racked up about 1,885 hours.
  • The department training trailer is complete and in service.
  • The department is advertising to hire a lateral entry level firefighter to ensure the board-approved minimum eight-a-day staffing model continues without forcing staff back on shift.
  • Two firefighters completed Driver Operator Pumper certification in Alabama.
  • The wildfire technicians assess the district fire danger and change the signs installed around the district. Signs may not need to change daily, but fuel moisture and weather are monitored for changes daily.
  • No significant calls of unusual nature in July.

Training Complex upgraded

Langmaid said the Training Complex was undergoing an upgrade with the removal of the dead trees surrounding the facility, but to hide the junk cars and Conex containers from neighbors, dirt berms were being formed. He thanked La Foret Conference and Retreat Center for providing the excess dirt, and although it was a lot of work for firefighters, they moved the dirt and the complex should be more appealing to neighbors. The project was a “win-win” for everyone, said Langmaid.

The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., and will begin with a Pension Board of Trustees meeting. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, Aug. 23 – Station 3 rebuild plans revealed; Station 5 remodel approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Sept. 23, the board received a presentation for the rebuild of Station 3, approved a contractor and funding for the Station 5 (Highway 83/Stagecoach Road) remodel, approved securing the production of two engines with a proposal for purchase, and held an executive session to discuss a land purchase agreement.

Secretary Jason Buckingham and Director Tom Tharnish attended via Zoom. Directors Randall Estes and Roger Lance were excused.

Station 3 future rebuild plans revealed

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs introduced Principal Lead Architect Kevin Schaffer and Associate Principal Architect Eric Becker of OZ Architects, and John Sattler, vice president of NV5 Program Management, representing the district during the Station 3 rebuild and the remodel projects for Stations 2, 4, and 5.

Becker and Schaffer gave a presentation on a preliminary design for Station 3, and said the following:

  • The team conducted a feasibility study in 2022 and realized the existing site on Woodmoor Drive did not meet the district’s needs. See https://www.ocn.me/v22n9.htm#mfd.
  • Three sites were selected within the district and the best location for the Station 3 rebuild was determined to be a site north and adjacent to the YMCA on Jackson Creek Parkway.
  • The site is far enough away from Station 1 on Highway 105 and will include the district administration offices, and meet the needs of the growing community.
  • The plan includes four apparatus bays, administration and living areas, bunk rooms, kitchen, a gym, combined workstation areas, apparatus support area, decontamination area, bathrooms, and a workshop.
  • A training and community room function will be included, community accessible, but will remain separate from the fire crew.
  • The site leaves some room for growth and expansion of the station and area, with the possibility of adding an additional bay.

Division Chief of Administrative/Fire Marshal Jamey Bumgarner said the original Station 3 on Woodmoor Drive was built in 1973.

Vice President John Hildebrandt asked if any lessons were learned from the remodel of Station 1 that was completed in fall 2021.

Kovacs said the Station 1 design lacks office space and wished that it had been included earlier in the project, but that has been addressed in the design for the Station 3 rebuild. Quiet space to allow study time for promotional or degree exams will be incorporated into the dorm areas, he said.

Note: The Station 1 remodel added 1,800 square feet of space to include dorms, kitchen, dayroom offices, a training classroom and gym.

The team from OZ Architects answered the board director questions and said:

  • The Station 3 design will be solar ready.
  • Apparatus bays will be 64 feet deep and 78 feet wide to allow double stacking/additional apparatus parking.
  • The selection of room types is standard for today’s fire stations.
  • The original Station 3 site has shared access with Woodmoor Water and Sanitation District, with restricted room to expand the footprint. The new station is estimated to be about 20,320 square feet.
  • The build time will be about 10-14 months depending on when the construction begins.

Kovacs said the district’s administration offices will be located at the new Station 3, architectural design will be incorporated, with parking spaces a priority, and the design will ensure it meets the future needs of the district, he said.

Station 5 remodel

Kovacs said Sattler had reviewed three bids and identified Flintco LLC as the recommended vendor to perform the remodel of Station 5. He requested the board approve authorization for Flintco to perform the Station 5 remodel and approve $422,562 to fund the project. The original budget allowed $250,000 each for the remodels of Stations 5 and 4 (Gleneagle Drive), and just over $1 million for Station 2 (Roller Coaster Road)—all were underestimated. He suggested the board consider completing Station 5 this year, begin Station 4 in early 2024, and begin Station 2 in 2025, and that will allow funds to be rolled over to complete each station. Station 5 was prioritized to accommodate extra staff from Stations 4 and 2 during the remodels, he said.

Sattler said mechanisms are built into the contract to deal with building materials, shortages, and rising costs of steel. The bid is locked in on the prices for a period, and once the contract is executed it is difficult to change prices. This type of contract reduces if not fully eliminates downstream costs for escalation, and it will be the contractor’s duty to demonstrate rising costs beyond its control, but “sometimes monkeys fall out of trees.” Flintco estimates starting on Oct. 10 with completion on Jan. 24 2024 if permits are received on time. The contract is a payment performance bond, said Sattler.

The board authorized Flintco to complete the Station 5 remodel in a 5-0 vote.

Fleet purchase proposal

Bumgarner said ordering engines in 2023 will guarantee receiving the current type of engine before the EPA standards change. Fleet purchases before 2010 were budgeted out for 10 years, and the department staff identified the apparatus, received board approval, ordered the apparatus, and received it within 12 months. Post 2020, the process is the same except chassis are in short supply, difficult to find and can involve using different manufacturers. Availability is delaying production, including motor and engine availability, and when production began again after the pandemic it was slower. Prices will continue to escalate, and the district staff is planning three to five years out. He requested the board scrutinize the apparatus plan to allow the executive staff to make quick decisions, without coming back to the board.

Kovacs requested the board approve the immediate purchase of two engines, for $946,336 each, with financing from OshKosh Capital Credit Union. The executive staff is ensuring only three apparatus are financed at a time, and there are no prepayment penalties. By the time the new engines are delivered, the two engines with the most use will be ready to go into reserve. The new engines have reduced overall height and length, carry 750 gallons of water, and lower hose beds for safety. The shorter wheel base provides greater maneuverability, and the district would expect an August 2026 delivery, he said.

President Mike Smaldino said he appreciated what Bumgarner has taken into consideration, and the district is just one accident from having an engine out of commission, with no backup.

Kovacs asked the board to approve the purchase and allow the executive staff to move quickly in the future to make purchases.

The board approved proceeding with securing production of the engines, 5-0.

Bumgarner said he will sign to secure production and the board will be presented with the purchase agreement next month.

Kovacs said the two stock engines the district recently purchased carry 1,000 gallons of water, and that is causing excessive tire wear and maintenance issues. The district is planning to purchase smaller fire engines in the future after recently spending $20,000 and $15,000 on repairs to engines, he said.

Financial report

Treasurer Tom Kelly read the financial report as of July 31, and said the following:

  • Property taxes received year to date were about $10.9 million, representing 100.4% of the budget with projected annual revenue.
  • Overall revenue received year to date was about $14.3 million, representing 86.3% of the projected income budget set at about $16.5 million.
  • Overall expenses year to date are about $8.2 million, representing 58.9% of the projected total expense budget set at about $14 million.
  • The larger payments were: $6,508 to Rhode & Associates for Wildfire Pre-plans, $69,680 to OZ Architecture for station designs, $20,568 to Seawest Fire Fighting Equipment for Personal Protective Equipment, $9,009 to Wex Bank Inc. for the fleet fuel, and $4,465 to Motorola Solutions for radios.

The total checking and savings balances went up about $3 million from about $13.8 million to $16.8 million; the majority was transferred to the Operations/General Fund that increased from about $7.3 million to about $10.4 million.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 5-0.

Technology for the board

Bumgarner said the district had identified purchasing seven iPads to assist the board with notifications and board documentation for about $7,000 ($1,000 per Apple iPad) and about $35 each per month for cellular, and with Microsoft Office licenses the annual cost will be about $3,528 after the initial purchase of the iPads. The technology will be a good depository for documents, allowing directors to search prior information, and the district will be able to provide information quickly via the included app, he said. Each director will have a district email address.

Smaldino requested the iPad technology for the board at the June meeting to save printing documents and to aid communication. See www.ocn.me.v23n8.htm#mfd.

Kovacs said if the board is in agreement, the cost will be added to the 2024 budget.

Chief’s report

Kovacs said the following:

  • In the latest meeting with state senators, he discussed the issues regarding the state Legislature and the potential impact that Referendum HH might have on fire districts.
  • The district was scheduled to receive the initial property tax assessment in August, but it could change after the election. The outcome of the November election is likely to have a large impact on property taxes.
  • Battalion Chief Shannon Balvanz has taken over as the district training officer.
  • Firefighter/Paramedic Taylor Neill is leaving the district to join the Grand Junction Fire Department. The vacated position will be filled.
  • The mutual aid agencies in El Paso County that respond to American Medical Response (AMR) mutual aid requests are proposing the Colorado Springs Fire Department put its squads into service before AMR calls other agencies.
  • The frequency of AMR requests for assistance continues to trend lower, and the district is billing for the calls.
  • The ambulances take on wear and tear, and a new Frazer ambulance is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2024. The district has three ambulances in service at Stations 1, 4 and 5, and requests from AMR will not be accepted if an ambulance is needed in the district.

Note: The entire chief’s report can be found at www.monumentfire.org.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 8:42 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes 24-6-402(4)(e) to develop strategies for and instruct negotiators on negotiations for a land purchase agreement.

After the executive session, Kovacs confirmed to OCN that no action was taken.

The meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, July 26 – Election called to dissolve subdistrict and complete merger

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) meeting on July 26, the board approved a resolution calling for a coordinated election on Nov. 7, approved a joint resolution of advocacy, a joint factual summary for the election process, and approved funds for the district and subdistrict elections with assistance from Special District Solutions. The district also approved the 2022 audit.

Treasurer Duane Garrett attended via Zoom and Secretary Larry Schwarz joined the meeting in person at 4:40 p.m.

Director Charles Fleece was presumed travelling and was excused.

Election called to complete merger

Background: In 2016, the City of Colorado Springs took about one-half of the district’s territory, prompting the creation of the northern subdistrict over most of the district area that was left, to make sure there was enough revenue to continue providing services. Since then, the district’s jurisdiction and the northern subdistrict’s jurisdiction have been almost identical. Only one small enclave of property remains inside the fire district, known locally as the “Montezuma area” or the “Southern Enclave.” See map.

On Dec. 8, 2021 after about 11 months of negotiations and to better serve the community, the district entered into an operational and administration intergovernmental agreement with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD). At the beginning of January 2022, without warning American Medical Response abruptly withdrew ambulance service from former Station 1 (Gleneagle Drive), six months earlier than anticipated. Due to the agreement to begin unifying the districts, MFD was able to provide immediate EMS service to the DWFPD. See www.ocn.me/v22n1.htm#dwfpd and #mfd.

Since then, district staff have been transferred to the MFD payroll, blended into a five station service area staffed only by professional firefighters, and the firefighters now have new apparatus and ambulances, compatible self-contained breathing apparatus and radios, and wear the same uniforms in a combined district. Stations 4 and 5 (formerly Stations 1 and 2) have been transformed to accommodate additional staff. The Station 4 leaking roof was repaired and rooftop HVAC unit replaced, and the broken bay door fixed. The water heaters were replaced at both stations. The remodel plans for both stations are almost finalized, and both will be completed ahead of the remodel of Station 2 on Roller Coaster Road. The transfer of stations, apparatus, and equipment was approved by the Board of Directors and legally transferred to MFD on Oct. 18, 2022. See www.ocn.me/v22n11.htm#dwfpd.

The district’s attorney, Emily Powell, said a court hearing requesting an order of election took place on June 23. The subdistrict will seek dissolution only if the fire district (Southern Enclave) seeks to increase its mill levy to offset the revenue that will be lost. If only the subdistrict is dissolved, the loss of 14.9 mills would be devastating to the district’s ability to operate. All of the steps and actions the district has taken so far were court approved and now it is time to ask the voters what they think, she said. See www.ocn.me/v23n5.htm#dwfpd.

Powell requested the board approve a resolution calling for the Board of Directors to approve a coordinated election, asking for a mill levy increase for the district (Southern Enclave) and the dissolution of the northern subdistrict on Nov. 7, 2023. The election will be conducted by the El Paso County Clerk, and the Designated Election Official (DEO) will be Fire Chief Andy Kovacs with the assistance of an independent election assistant.

The board approved Kovacs as the DEO for the subdistrict election, 4-0.

Voter education will be crucial, and both ballot measures will either pass together or fail together, said Powell.

The board approved a resolution calling for a coordinated election on Nov 7, 2023, 4-0.

Map of the Donald Wescott Fire District showing the “Southern Enclave.” Map courtesy DWFPD.

Joint resolution of advocacy and factual summary

Powell requested the Board of Directors for the district and the northern subdistrict approve a joint resolution of advocacy on behalf of the district and subdistrict and approve a joint factual summary for both districts. The joint factual summary states:

  • DWFPD provides fire protection and emergency services. It has a 7.0 mill levy base assessed on property tax valuation.
  • The DWFPD northern subdistrict provides additional funding to the fire district and is assessed an additional 14.9 mill levy.
  • The district and the northern subdistrict have almost the same boundaries. There is one enclave of property to the south that is in the fire district, but it is not in the northern subdistrict and is known as the “Southern Enclave” in this factual summary. See map inset.

Issues and proposal

  • Property owners who are in the fire district and the northern subdistrict pay a total of 21.9 mills in property tax. Property owners in the Southern Enclave pay 7.0 mills in property tax because they are only in the fire district.
  • The fire district and Monument Fire District (formerly known as Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District) are currently talking about merging. However, they cannot finalize a merger unless the northern subdistrict is dissolved and there is only one Donald Wescott Fire Agency.
  • To solve the problem, the northern subdistrict decided to ask voters for approval to dissolve, and the fire district decided to ask voters for approval to increase its property tax to make up the lost revenue from the northern subdistrict dissolving. Both ballot measures will be on the Nov. 7, 2023 ballot.
  • Most fire district property owners will receive a 0.5 mill property tax decrease if both ballot measures are approved. This is because if the northern subdistrict is dissolved, it will stop collecting its 14.9 mill property tax, but the fire district will only increase its property tax by 14.4 mills, so there will be a 0.50 mill savings. DWFPD residents receiving services would be assessed 21.4 mills until the merger is completed.
  • Approving the ballot measures would mean that everyone who receives emergency services from the fire district would pay the same rate. This is more equitable, especially to the property owners who are also in the northern subdistrict.
  • The proposed merger with MFD depends on the ballot measures being approved. The merger is expected to provide better emergency services due to having more staff, stations, apparatus, coordinated training, and a more efficient administration. On completion a merger would also decrease most fire district property owners’ taxes by another 3.0 mills, because MFD assesses 18.4 mills to the residents in its area of coverage.
  • Approving the ballot measures will also help save money because it will reduce administrative costs by getting rid of duplicate layers of government and having only one fire agency.
  • The Board of Directors urges voters to vote yes to dissolve the northern subdistrict and increase the fire district’s (southern enclave) property tax in the Nov. 7 election.

Arguments against the proposal

  • Voters in the southern enclave will pay the fire district’s property tax increase but won’t get tax savings from dissolving the northern subdistrict.
  • Some voters might not want the fire district and MFD to merge, and the process is expected to continue if the ballot measures are approved.
  • Some voters might want the fire district to provide a lower level of services, instead of increasing its property tax to offset the revenue that will be lost if the northern subdistrict dissolves.

Arguments for the proposal

  • Most fire district property owners would get a 0.5 mill property tax decrease, because the fire district’s property tax increase (14.4 mills) is less than the 14.9 mills that the northern subdistrict will stop collecting if it dissolves.
  • The same tax rate would apply across the fire district’s entire jurisdiction.
  • Some voters may be in favor of having only one layer of government, which would lower administrative costs.
  • Some voters might want the fire district and MFD to merge, the process of which is expected to continue if the ballot measures are approved. If a merger ultimately occurs, property taxes are expected to decrease by another 3.0 mills.

The board approved the district and subdistrict joint resolution of advocacy and the joint factual summary, 4-0.

Note: The complete factual summary can be found at http://www.monumentfire.org.

Public comment

Resident Gary Nelson said it would be helpful to know how much the residents would be saving per average home price should both ballot measures pass.

Powell said that until the results of the November election are known with regard to Proposition HH, the final property tax assessment rates for 2024 will be unknown, she said. See www.ocn.me/v23n6.htm#dwfpd.

Special District Solutions assistance

Powell recommended Kurt Schlegel of Special District Solutions (SDS) be hired to provide election-related technical services and support for the DWFPD subdistrict election. Schlegel has 17 years’ experience and success with assisting other fire districts in Colorado with similar elections involving mergers. Schlegel will work with the DEO, district staff, and the county election officials from Sept. 8, when the ballot is certified, until the election is completed. The next step in the process is to approve the IGA on Aug. 29, she said.

The board approved hiring SDS to assist with the election process for a fee not to exceed $12,000, 4-0.

Note: SDS services for the election proposals are expected to cost each district/subdistrict between $3,000 and $6,000. The actual cost for services will depend on the hours required, determined by the DEO and the Board of Directors.

2022 audit

Shani Cottrell of Erickson, Brown and Kloster, P.C., said she had worked closely and concurrently during the 2022 audits for DWFPD and MFD, with emphasis on the areas within the IGA. The transfer of capital assets (property, apparatus, and equipment) were reviewed and the depreciation estimates for the net pension assets complied with the Firefighters and Police Pension Association (FPPA) report. Execution of the IGA went smoothly, and was handled very well, along with the adjustments to the IGA for assets transferred and the FPPA pension fund, and the typical property tax amendments, she said.

Last year, a management letter for some deficiencies with the accounting policies was issued, but this year nothing was required. Kovacs and Director of Administration Jennifer Martin, and the district accountants were super helpful during the process and are doing a good job. All financial statements for the merging districts should mirror each other, and they do, she said.

The board approved the 2022 audit with authorization for filing with the state auditor, 4-0.

Financial reports

Garrett requested the reason behind a significant jump in the balance from the May to June financial report.

Kovacs said the increase was due to the quarterly transfer of funds ($782,941) to Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba MFD. The district is receiving fire and EMS service under the IGA for an annual fee of about $3.1 million. See www.ocn.me/v23n4.htm#dwfpd.

The board approved by a 3-0 vote the financial reports for May and June as presented.

Chief’s report

See the MFD article on page < 11 >. The monthly chief’s reports can be found at www.monumentfire.org.

The meetings adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held every other month on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Donald Wescott Fire District articles

Monument Fire District, June 28 and July 26 – Mt. Herman Rd. fire suppressed; 2022 budget amended

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on June 28, the board heard about the retirement of Battalion Chief Mike Dooley, received the 2022 audit presentation, and approved an extension to the Collaborative Working Agreement (CBA). At the July 26 meeting, the board heard about a fire on Mount Herman Road and approved the 2022 audit and a resolution amending the 2022 budget. The board also approved the purchase of a chassis for the 2024 budgeted Type 6 brush truck and the Palmer Lake intergovernmental agreement (IGA) for ambulance services.

Secretary Jason Buckingham and Director Randall Estes were excused on June 28, with Director Tom Tharnish absent. Vice President John Hildebrandt attended via telephone.

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs and Director of Administration Jennifer Martin were absent for the June 28 board meeting.

All directors were in attendance on July 26, with President Mike Smaldino and Director Tom Tharnish attending via Zoom.

Battalion Chief Mike Dooley retires

Division Chief of Operations Jonathan Bradley said Battalion Chief Mike Dooley had retired from the fire service after serving 40 years. Dooley plans to be a part of the department’s history group to preserve the culture of the past. He served 30 years beginning with 10 years of volunteer firefighter service, Bradley said.

Smaldino thanked Dooley for his service.

Battalion Chief Mike Dooley

Director Roger Lance said Dooley showed a lot of leadership, looking out for his crew, he made a difference within the department and the district, and he will be missed.

Mount Herman Road fire

Division Chief of Administration/Fire Marshal Jamey Bumgarner said a fire occurred on July 25 at around 6 a.m. about a mile south of Mount Herman Road from where the road forks with Red Rocks Drive. The mitigation efforts made over the past couple of years in the area, removing scrub oak and thinning the pine canopy is definitely helpful, and the USDA Forest Service staff has plans to continue those mitigation efforts in the area, he said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the district is glad to be taking part in the recently formed regional Type 6 Wildland Fire Strike Team. The goal of the team is to be on the road in 90 seconds; historically teams have responded in 45 minutes. If requested, the team could have been called to the Mount Herman fire. MFD sent two brush truck units, and Battalion Chief Micah Coyle noted the flames were visible from Highway 83 and Hodgen Road, he said.

2022 audit presentation

Mitchell Downs, partner at Erikson Brown and Kloster P.C., said he was the auditor in charge and performed the risk assessment. He instructed the directors on how to read the audit and informed the board that another amendment to the 2022 budget was necessary. This was because the district spent $107,390 over budget after ordering two fire trucks that were placed on lease-purchase agreements. The trucks were on the balance sheet as an asset, but when the audit occurs, those assets are moved to expenses. Budgets are amended all the time and it is not a concern, he said. The district did not purposely overspend and the State Auditor’s Office confirms it is acceptable to go back and amend the budget. The district’s attorney, Linda Glesne, was notified and will issue a notice to amend the budget and approve the audit in the regular month of July, he said.

Shani Cottrell, CPA, said she focused on the IGA with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD). Everything looked really clean and the transactions were recorded correctly, to include the files for the employee transfers. The books for both districts mirror exactly, and no adjustments were needed for the lease-purchase agreements. Three journal adjustment entries were made, one at the request of the district to add all the fixed assets from DWFPD. The executive staff was very helpful during the audit, she said.

Downs said less than five journal entries is normal and equates to a clean audit. It is very rare that nothing needs to be tweaked and the board can rely on the financial statements, he said.

Smaldino asked if the district can avoid an amendment again.

Bumgarner said the district is working with the contract accountants to understand how to alleviate the problem.

Hildebrandt said that in the past the district violated Colorado law by overspending the budget, and it was quite a while ago, but he was always happy as treasurer to receive a statement saying the district did not violate the law and were within the parameters. The district is within the parameters although technically the district did violate the law, but the tower ladder engine asset has not been built yet, he said.

Note: The district purchased a stock engine for Station 4 and made a down payment to place the order for the tower ladder truck to be built in December 2022.

Lance said the district is saving money by purchasing in advance.

The district will be back within the parameters of the law after the budget is amended next month, said Bumgarner.

The board unanimously approved the 2022 audit on July 28.

Note: After a public hearing on the 2022 amended budget at the July meeting, the board approved resolution 2023-04 amending the 2022 budget to reflect increased expenditures and made a supplemental appropriation of additional sums of money to defray expenses, including the costs of additional capital expenditures for a total of $107,390.

The board unanimously approved and adopted the amended 2022 budget.

Meet and confer plus agreement extension

Bradley said the board had extended the meet and confer plus agreement with Local 4319 a couple of times this year. The relationship was working well and a decision had been reached to extend the agreement to buy some time until after the merger is completed.

Local 4319 President/Firefighter Christian Schmidt said the union supports the meet and confer plus agreement extension through Dec. 31, 2025. The agreement does not have a strike and lock-out provision.

The board approved the extension, 4-0.

Kovacs said legal counsel confirmed that all previous language preventing firefighter strikes due to collaborative working agreements still holds.

Palmer Lake Inter-governmental agreement

Kovacs said the Palmer Lake Board of Trustees (PLBOT) would be discussing the revised IGA to provide EMS between MFD and Palmer Lake residents at the PLBOT board meeting on July 27. Glesne agreed with the revised document, with a recalculated fee structure, and only upon request by a Palmer Lake firefighter. Palmer Lake will be invoiced for additional calls beyond the number agreed upon in the IGA and be reimbursed if calls do not reach the agreed amount. A charge of $575 per call will cover the ambulance and staffing, and the patient will be billed independently, as the district does for its residents. American Medical Response (AMR) will still be the primary responder for Palmer Lake, he said. See PLBOT article on page < 9 >.

Bradley said AMR responds to about 350 calls for service to Palmer Lake per year, and typically the district responds to about 15 calls per year.

The board unanimously approved the revised IGA.

F550 chassis purchase

Bradley said the district has been switching vendors to find chassis for ambulances, but it can now purchase a 2023 Ford F550 chassis for $69,360 and avoid an 18-month waiting list. The chassis was originally allocated to another department, and the district is budgeting for a Type 6 (brush truck) in 2024. He requested the board consider approving the purchase and in 2024 the district would need to pay only for the truck build, he said.

Bumgarner said Environmental Protection Agency standards are about to change for fire engines, and new orders now take 30 months to build, with tenders estimated at 18 months before delivery. Purchasing the chassis ahead will allow the manufacturer to build the apparatus in six months and avoid increasing costs, he said.

Kovacs said the district is in the third year of waiting for the Type 3 apparatus, ordered mid-2021 and budgeted for 2022, with an expected delivery sometime in December.

The board unanimously approved the purchase.

Training center and facilities update

Bumgarner said OZ Architects is working on the designs for the ultimate training center to be developed in phases. The redesigns for Stations 2, 4, and 5 are estimated to cost about $82,928. The design for the new Station 3 will be an additional fee, he said.

Kovacs said the Station 4 (Gleneagle Drive) will require sprinklers in the living areas, and that will add an expense to the remodel project. The district is still negotiating a land purchase for the Station 3 relocation, and in talks with the land owner of the Falcon Commerce Center for a potential future Station 6.

Buckingham asked about coverage for the increase in homes on the southwest side of Monument.

Kovacs said Station 4 covers that area, but as commercial development increases on the west side of I-25, coverage will need to be reassessed.

Financial report for June

Treasurer Tom Kelly said the district is at 50% of the budgeted amount and everything is tracking except impact fees that are about 23.7% of the predicted budget. Revenue is about $10 million and 60.9% of the projected annual budget of about $16.5 million. Expenses are within the normal range except the assisted benefits at 60% based upon not receiving the original estimates before approving the budget and adding vehicles to the fleet. Overall expenses year to date are about $7.1 million, about 50.7% of the projected annual budget of about $14 million, he said.

Martin said the district had made the first payment for the assisted benefits in December and seven months had been paid year to date.

The board accepted the June financial report as presented 7-0.

Note: Financial reports, the chief’s report, and minutes can be found at www.monumentfire.org.

Technology request

Kovacs said that because some board directors attend the meetings virtually, discussions had taken place to purchase laptops or tablets to access board packets virtually. The district would own the devices and provide IT support, and hard copies could still be provided to directors. Information could also be shared in real time with the board directors.

Hildebrandt said having an additional device to review documents during meetings would be useful when attending remotely.

Kovacs said the staff would investigate the cost for the technology and present to the board at a future meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m. on June 28 and at 7:57 p.m. on July 26.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

PHOTO

Other Monument Fire District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Fire Protection District, July 19 – Virtual meeting unavailable

By Natalie Barszcz

An article on the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) board meeting for this edition was not possible because this reporter was unable to join the meeting via Zoom due to a password availability issue. After reaching out to the BFFRPD staff to request a password to join the meeting, a response was received the following morning stating, “The administrative staff would try to ensure future Zoom meetings are not password protected.”

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Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, June 21 – Evacuation routes raise concern among residents

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on June 21, the board heard concerns over crowded evacuation routes fueled by increased development, discussed the lack of wildland deployments reducing anticipated revenue, and received a donation to equip the recently purchased 2005 Pierce tower ladder truck.

Director Chad Behnken was excused.

Black Forest Remembers

As the American flag was raised by Colorado Springs firefighters over the Black Forest Community Center on June 10, the 10-year anniversary of the Black Forest Fire, residents and victims of the fire gathered in the rain to pray and hear stories of the day the fire started, the loss of their homes, and the healing process. Many have rebuilt after nearly 500 homes were lost in the 10-day fire. Some moved on, but many have worked to clean up their properties and replant trees and build new homes. The work is still going on 10 years later. For information about fire mitigation and the slash/mulch program or to make donations to help with the cleanup process, go http://bfslash.org. Photo by Marlene Brown.

Evacuation routes raise concern

Resident David Haney of Arrowhead Drive said the planned development Kettle Creek North behind Pine Creek High School and west of Howells Road would bring a total of about 900 homes to that area. The residents living in his neighborhood are concerned about safety should evacuation be necessary in the event of a wildland fire, citing the increased traffic concerns and limited access roads that would hamper evacuation. When he contacted Fire Chief P J Langmaid three months ago, Haney learned the district had not been consulted by the Colorado Springs Fire Department during the process, but it is a fire issue and he had hoped the fire district had more clout when it comes to exits and evacuations. The residents are asking for help from the district, he said.

Langmaid said he advised Haney in March to approach the elected officials and leaders of the City of Colorado Springs. As fire chief, he has no legal standing or authority in that area of the city. See www.ocn.me/v23n4.htm#bffrpd.

Chairman Nate Dowden said he was 100 percent empathetic toward the position of the residents, but the district has zero standing with the Colorado Springs Planning Commission during the decision-making process.

Treasurer Jack Hinton said the Fire Department is limited in the decision-making process.

Langmaid said the district maintains a good relationship with Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), and recently spent 90 minutes discussing operational capabilities, working collectively to bring resources together if another large fire occurs, he said.

Haney said that in the wake of the 10-year anniversary of the Black Forest Fire, he is shocked that the department had not been taken into consideration, especially when many residents would need to depart quickly with animal trailers and motor homes. The traffic study was conducted when the senior high school students were not in class, he said.

Langmaid said typically no one is racing to get out of Arrowhead Drive and Howells Road during school entry and exit times.

Dowden said the wildland urban interface is a big issue with the district.

Zonehaven alerting

Langmaid said the district is working diligently with CSFD and Monument Fire District to address evacuation plans. Decisions are made quickly during a wildland fire evacuation, and this spring the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPCSO) purchased and adopted the Zonehaven software alerting system app for every agency within the county. The app allows information and evacuation instructions to reach residents quickly and accurately, and he highly recommended signing up for notifications.

Note: Residents need to sign up individually at www.bffire.org for Peak Alerts to receive emergency notifications. See www.ocn.me/v23n5.htm#mfd.

Wildland deployments lacking

Langmaid said he had received a request from California for wildland support and it was immediately rescinded, but the district is on the cusp of sending crews on wildland deployments. The district had hoped to purchase two new brush trucks with the net profits from deployment revenue, but district mechanic Gavin Smith conducted an extensive internet search and found three used brush trucks that were about $200,000 each, one had higher mileage than the district- owned brush truck. Wildland deployments have been few so far this year. The net profit from wildland deployments in 2022 was about $270,000; it will likely be less this year, he said.

Note: After the meeting, the district deployed four members of the Wildland Deployment Team for a two-week assignment, patrolling and assisting with a wildland fire in California.

Wildfire mitigation

Langmaid said the wildland crew recently had chance to chip up some neighborhood brush with a chipper borrowed from EPCSO, but that prompted Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg to request speeding up the program to purchase a district chipper. The district wildfire risk assessment includes mapping the whole district and working with property owners that have higher volumes of brush that could impact properties that are mitigated in the community. The decision on purchasing additional apparatus will be discussed after wildland deployment revenue for 2023 has been realized, he said.

Note: The El Paso County Slash and Mulch facility is located at 12375 Herring Road, Black Forest. For hours of operation, location, and information, visit www.bfslash.org.

Plan reviews prove time-consuming

Langmaid said the county has an expectation that he is trying to navigate regarding unfunded mandates on the fire district. Most of the day he had been reviewing contractor and developer project plans. The county agreed the district could charge a fee to review plans, but he is unsure if the developer will pay the fee or if the county is prepared to pay for the manpower or use a costly third party. The county is aware of the burden on the fire districts but is also concerned about conflicts of interest. There is more to unpack and unravel, he said.

Financial report

Hinton said that as of May 31, the district had about $2.2 million in the bank (with about $1.4 million for general operations, $567,908 in combined emergency and capital improvement reserves, and $137,400 in the TABOR reserve fund). The district received about $441,718 in county taxes. It had about $3.6 million in total assets (includes $631,554 for the 2022 Pierce Enforcer 4395 engine). The district was at about 37% of the budget year to date at the end of May.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 4-0.

Operations update

Piepenburg said the district responded to a significant structure fire with Falcon Fire Protection District in May.

Training update

Piepenburg said the following:

  • The weather had put a slight damper on training recently, but staff are still training outside despite the storms. The district completed 1,588 training hours in May, about 20% of their time on shift.
  • Live fire training took place with CSFD and Monument Fire District at the district training center.
  • Firefighter 2 and driver operator pumper practical tests were completed.
  • Orientation training has begun on the tower ladder truck.
  • The district hired Michael Torres as the new training captain to replace Jason Morrison. Torres arrives with 16 years’ fire service experience with the City of Chicago Fire Department and smaller suburban departments.
  • He and Lieutenant Chad Herdt attended Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training in Lakewood. The hope is to include more staff members in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) USAR training in the future. Nationwide, about 28 teams make up the task forces that deploy to natural and manmade disasters.

Langmaid said besides CSFD and Fort Carson, the district is the only agency in the county that participates in FEMA USAR operations. Teams also deploy internationally to assist in disasters such as the recent earthquake in Turkey. Herdt and Piepenburg are a credit to the district, he said.

Note: Herdt and Piepenburg are members of CO-TF1 Lakewood, Colo., West Metro Fire Rescue FEMA USAR taskforce.

Facilities update

Dowden requested an update on the condition of Station 1 after the prolonged spring rains, in comparison to the leakage issues of previous years.

Langmaid said the repairs to the mezzanine appear to have been successful, and the rain had not affected Station 1. Unfortunately, the concrete and run-off repairs at Station 2 had not worked out as anticipated, and water is travelling down the walls and entering through cracks in the concrete. Staff are pushing water away from walls, and after an inspection that afternoon, he noted water entering the bay at Station 2, he said.

Donation received

Father Brad Noonan of Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, Black Forest, presented Dowden with a $7,000 check on behalf of his parish. Noonan thanked the Board of Directors and the district for their support throughout the years, complimenting the board for its foresight in purchasing the ladder truck. It is a beautiful gift to the community, said Noonan.

Dowden thanked Noonan and the congregation for the generous donation. The district will use the funds to purchase equipment for the 2005 Pierce Tower Ladder truck.

In remembrance

Noonan asked those present to remember Benjamin “Ben” Weylin Montoya who passed away from COVID-19 pneumonia on Jan. 16, 2021. Montoya was an emergency medical technician with the department in the 1990s before moving to Kansas in 1998.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

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Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Black Forest Remembers

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, June 28 – Board meeting held after publication

By Natalie Barszcz

The Monument Fire District (MFD) board scheduled its meeting for June 28 which was after this issue of Our Community News had gone to press. Coverage of that meeting will be included in our Aug. 5 issue.

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Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. For Zoom meeting instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, May 17 – Directors elected; ambulance sale approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on May 17, the board elected two directors, approved the sale of a surplus ambulance, and heard about a mass casualty incident (MCI) drill and the development of a regional training consortium.

Directors elected

Chairman Nate Dowden administered the oath of office to re-elected directors Vice Chairman James Abendschan and Treasurer Jack Hinton. Both directors were elected by decree and the May 2 election was canceled.

Board nominates director positions

Board Secretary Donna Arkowski said that officially, the board needed to nominate board positions.

The following directors were unanimously nominated: Dowden—chair, Kiersten Tarvainen—vice chair, and Hinton—treasurer.

Surplus ambulance sale approved

Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg said Peyton Fire Protection District (PFPD) was interested in purchasing the surplus 2007 ambulance for $5,000. The ambulance had about 285,000 miles less than the existing ambulance in service at PFPD, he said.

Hinton said the 2007 ambulance had been donated to Palmer Lake Fire Department in September 2020, but it was returned to the district. It is good to help neighbors, said Hinton. See www.ocn.me/v20n10.htm#bffrpd.

The board unanimously approved the sale.

Gary Nelson, president of Emergency Incident Support (EIS), said the nonprofit organization he leads would have thankfully received the ambulance as a donation if PFPD had not been interested.

Mass casualty incident drill

Dowden asked if a regional MCI training event was scheduled.

Piepenburg said the district was involved with active-shooter refresher training taking place that week with Monument Fire District, Monument Police Department, Palmer Lake Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The district had attended previous events and will also participate in a large-scale MCI drill in June, involving multiple agencies region-wide to include area hospitals. The regional drill was developed by EMS Battalion Chief Sean Pearson and EMS Coordinator Stephanie Soll of MFD, he said. See MFD article on page < 17 >.

Nelson thanked the board for the great work they do and said EIS will support the MCI with logistics, catering, and rehab support. The group’s 35 volunteers will act as mass casualties. The MCI regional drill will be held at Don Breese Stadium at Lewis-Palmer High School, Monument, from June 12 to 16, he said.

Financial report

Hinton said as of April 30, the district had about $3.5 million in total assets, and that includes $1.3 million for General Operations and the reserve funds:


  • Money market deposit account, $137,235.

  • Emergency reserves fund, $236,751.

  • Capital improvement fund, $193,803.

  • TABOR reserve fund, $137,400.

The district received $471,744 in property and specific ownership taxes, and about $6,044 in ambulance revenue. The 2022 Pierce Enforcer 4395 has a loan for $356,731 and is shown in the total assets for the district. The true district assets are shown in the 2021 audit conducted in 2022. The district has spent about 31% of the predicted annual budget year to date, about 2% less than anticipated, he said.

The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.

Wildland deployment reimbursements

Hinton requested Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn record the wildland deployment reimbursements received and the month the deployments occurred on the balance sheet. He explained the deployment line on the balance versus actuals sheet now lists deployments separately to show net income or losses. The precise breakout will provide a true depiction of how much the district makes or loses on deployments. State wildland fire deployment payments can take about six months to receive, and Federal Emergency Management Agency payments could take up to a year. The district had yet to receive payment of $45,128 for the last deployment, he said.

Dowden requested a better breakout on the balance sheet because the $380,060 listed on the balance sheet as receivable income was for deployments billed last year that had not been received.

Piepenburg said it is unfortunate the billing process for wildland deployments is not easy. The bills are loaded into the system and sent to a reviewer and turned around in 30 days. If the reviewer does not send the bill back for correction, the correction is made by the district before being resubmitted to another reviewer. The return process can happen again after being reviewed by another agency. If the process proceeds without delays, it can take just 30 days, he said.

Dunn said billing is usually submitted within 7-14 days, but typically 90% of the bills are returned due to incorrect Government Services Administration rates (per diem reimbursement rates). The deploying crews are required to have a resource order before responding to a fire. The coding process is the last step in the process and involves clarification from the agency responsible for fighting the fire. The bills can be returned at any phase in the process, but once accepted by the state, payment is usually received in 14 days, she said.

Dowden said the reimbursement process is a laborious paper chase.

Hinton thanked Dunn and said the breakout on the balance sheet will allow careful monitoring of deployment reimbursements, help the board make educated funding decisions, and assist with budget planning. The wildland deployment reimbursements are negative year to date, he said.

If the district submits the bills on time, it will not be cut off, and eventually it will receive payment, said Piepenburg.

Department report

Dunn said the following:


  • The 2005 mid-mount ariel ladder truck was received April 28 and is housed in the bay at Station 1.

  • The district received new uniforms.

  • Students at “The School in the Woods” received wildfire education.

  • Remodeling work continued in the training room.

Operations update

Piepenburg said the district responded to 10 fire-related calls and 53 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) calls in April. The district assisted Falcon Fire Protection District with a residential structure fire in Falcon and extinguished a small RV fire within the district. In April, the district deployed two crews to the Gageby Creek Fire, Las Animas/Bent County, for 72 hours with a Type 3 and 6 apparatus. A crew also assisted with the Rampart Range Fire, Teller County, for 24 hours in April, he said.

Training update

Piepenburg said staff had completed a combined total of about 1,281 training hours in April:


  • Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Fire Academy attended Live Fire behavior training in April at the district training center, and the students were scheduled to return for additional training May 20-21 and again for two days in June before graduation.

  • Staff completed the ongoing monthly North Group EMS Airway training with Centura Health and MFD EMS staff.

  • MFD worked on second-floor Live Fire training for three days.

  • The district is joining a regional training consortium with MFD, CSFD, and possibly Fort Carson Fire Department in the future. The consortium is a path to training and working together more often, with similar training structures and mind set. The district regularly trains with MFD.

Hinton asked if districts with similar terrain and vegetation are taken into consideration when choosing training partners and if line staff also deploy to gain experience.

Piepenburg said the district does not pay too much attention to terrain, but more so structural and EMS training with regional partners. The district usually selects one large wildland training event in the spring with CSFD and MFD. The wildland techs hired to fill the deployment roster are the first to deploy with a Type 3 engine, but the line staff that want to deploy to gain experience take a Type 6 brush truck, he said.

The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Director of Public Relations Brooke Reid at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, May 24 – Gleneagle annexation timeline unknown; merger process continues

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) meeting on May 24, the board discussed the timeline for the annexation of Gleneagle, received an update on the dissolution of the sub-district, held an election to determine board director positions, heard about the potential for revenue loss, and received updates on station remodels and new apparatus. The meeting was preceded by the volunteer firefighter pension fund board of trustees meeting.

Directors Charles Fleece and Treasurer Duane Garrett attended via Zoom.

Election of officers

District Attorney Emily Powell of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm requested the board decide the officer positions. After a short discussion, the directors unanimously elected to retain the same positions.

Annexation update

DWFPD Volunteer Pension Board Trustee Dennis Feltz (attending remotely) asked for clarification on the comments made by Monument Fire District (MFD) board Vice President Roger Lance. See www.ocn.me/v23n5.htm#mfd.

President Mark Gunderman said there is no current negotiation regarding any annexation, but the City of Colorado Springs may be interested in annexing Gleneagle in one to 10 years. An annexation would impact all the work the combined districts have undertaken. Fire Chief Andy Kovacs and Gunderman had a discussion over coffee with Town of Monument Manager Mike Foreman, but there is no interest in annexation. The board represents the community for fire service, and Gunderman said he would like to see the merger between Wescott and Monument Fire District progress, to best serve the residents. Town Hall meetings will be held to inform the public of the options, and discuss what the future may look like, he said.

Kovacs said the concern regarding annexation arose from an article and a map that was published in December 2021 by The Gazette.

Note: The map showing potential annexation areas can be found on page < 50 > of Your El Paso Master Plan at https://planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com.

Sub-district dissolution process update

Powell said the petition for dissolution was submitted to the court, and the hearing is set for June 23. Her associate attorney Dino Ross will represent the district via Zoom. The court hearing notice will be published in a newspaper, in Colorado Springs and Monument, before the hearing. See www.ocn.me/v23n5.htm#dwfpd.

Gunderman asked about engaging a public relations firm to help inform the public after the hearing.

Powell said that after the court approval grants the petition, the court orders the election, and then the board and district cannot engage in one-on-one campaigning. A Resolution of Advocacy with campaign-style language can be disseminated, but not by the district. Any interested party or member of the press can request a copy of the Resolution of Advocacy through the Colorado Open Records Act, but any campaign must be away from the district and the board. A factual summary can be disseminated by the district. Beyond that, information must be away from the board and delivered by groups such as the Local 4319, homeowners associations, and other interested parties, she said.

Gunderman said he would discuss getting the message out to the residents with Kovacs after the meeting.

Potential for revenue loss

Kovacs said there is a potential for revenue loss for fire districts in 2024 with Senate Bill 303 and Proposition HH. The bill is a 10-year reduction in property taxes, and some districts could receive back-fill from the state, the stipulation being no more than a 20% increase in assessed property values, but locally values have risen beyond that. The implications are unknown, and every district is scrambling to decipher the complicated language, he said.

Powell said that SB 303 is a massive piece of tax legislation that passed in both the House and Senate and was signed by Gov. Jared Polis on May 2. The bill refers to the voters in November with Proposition HH, with these questions:


  • Shall property taxes be reduced by reducing assessment rates?

  • Shall we de-Bruce the state by 1% and generate about $167 million in revenue?

  • Shall we use that $167 million to back-fill certain local governments that might lose out due to property tax reductions?

  • Other parts are also included in the referendum.

Taking this to the voters in November creates problems for the 2024 budget process, because the district will not know how much revenue will be generated by property tax assessments in time for preliminary budgeting. If the referendum passes, every assessor in the state will be scrambling to re-assess properties. SB 303 may not make the November ballot due to 12 challenges from statewide counties claiming the bill violates the single subject law; it contains at least three, possibly five subjects. Proposition 103 maybe even more damaging, creating a hard 3% cap in revenue increases for local government, she said.

Powell said her law practice is preparing a practical guide to SB 303 to give clients a brief synopsis, such as:


  • How do I budget for the year?

  • What are the deadlines for certifying mill levies?

  • Will the de-Gallagher measure allow the raising of mill levies, or has the new legislation undone previous voter approval?

  • The legislation may also prevent districts raising revenue beyond inflation.

About 20 clients are participating in a cost share for the guide that will be available in a month.

Gunderman said it would be beneficial to have the guide.

Powell said the combined district could share the information and only pay for one cost share.

Chief’s report

Kovacs presented the board with the April Chief’s report, and said:


  • Multiple station projects are in the planning process, with plans to remodel Station 2, 4 (Gleneagle Drive) and “Shamrock” Station 5 on Highway 83.

  • The district will probably build a new Station 3 in 2023 if the district can secure the land. The new station will incorporate the district administrative offices to accommodate the combined district staff with the consolidation, and additional staff will be needed.

  • The combined district ambulances typically last about five years, and the district will receive one ambulance at the end of the year and another is budgeted for 2024.

  • The new Type 1 Pierce Engine 514 was placed into service at Station 4 on April 29, with a community “push-in” ceremony. Squad car 575 was also pushed into service during the ceremony and has been placed at Station 5.

  • The district is expecting a Type 3 wildland engine this year after a delay of two years.

  • The tower ladder truck pre-construction meeting will take place in October and construction is expected to take about six months. The existing ladder truck at Station 1 will be placed in reserve, and the 75-foot ladder truck that DWFPD owned will be sold.

  • The community chipping program has begun and will continue most weekends, except for holidays, through October. The chipper will be staffed by two firefighters, and on some occasions two chippers will be in operation.

For more information, see the MFD article on page < 17 >. The full report can be viewed at www.monumentfire.org.

Volunteer pension board of trustees meeting

At the bi-annual DWFPD volunteer pension board of trustees meeting, the board heard about the passing of a former volunteer firefighter, discussed the status and funding of the Firefighters and Police Pension Association (FPPA) volunteer pension fund, received a trustee resignation, and approved a new trustee.

Former volunteer firefighter passes away

The board passed on their condolences to the family of former volunteer firefighter Larry Coburn. Coburn was also a retired law safety officer and is survived by his wife.

Pension fund status

Trustee Mike Badger said the FPPA had been requesting the board add funds to the FPPA volunteer pension fund since 2015, but none has been added. The fund has no further liability after the volunteer firefighter hiring program was closed. The 2023 budget did not include funding for the FPPA fund, and additional funding should be discussed during the 2024 budget process, he said. See www.ocn.me/v22n12.htm#dwfpd.

Powell said she takes no position on whether the board should pay into the FPPA fund now or not, there is no obligation, but the board has a fiduciary responsibility to keep the pension fully funded. However, on completion of the merger MFD will manage the FPPA fund. If at that time the FPPA fund is underfunded, the board would need to ensure it is fully funded before the merger is complete, she said.

Badger thanked Powell for the explanation and said that any decisions regarding changes to the 2022 Allocation Report could not be made until after the actuarial study had been received. The next actuarial study is expected in September or October.

Kovacs confirmed that no harm would come to the volunteer pension fund and the commitment from MFD will exist in perpetuity, he said.

Note: At the end of the regular meeting, Powell corrected her previous comment made during the volunteer pension board meeting and said that the pre-inclusion agreement stipulating MFD manage the pension fund cannot be drafted until after the November ballot, and only if the dissolution of the northern sub-district passes.

The board received the resignation of trustee Bill Lowes, and unanimously approved the appointment of Dennis Feltz to the vacant trustee position.

The next pension meeting is scheduled for Oct. 25 at 4 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held every other month on the fourth Wednesday at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for July 26 at 4:30 p.m. Meeting attendance is open to the public in person or via Zoom. For joining instruction, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Donald Wescott Fire Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, May 24 – Board director positions change; contractor hiring flexibility approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on May 24, the board held an election to determine board positions; approved a resolution to allow flexibility in selecting contractors for the remodeling of Stations 2, 4, and 5; received multiple updates; and was introduced to the fire technician.

Directors Randall Estes, Tom Tharnish, and Mike Smaldino attended remotely.

Board of Directors’ position election

Kovacs said the directors can self-nominate or be nominated by the board, and if more than one director is interested in a position, a secret vote would be taken.

President John Hildebrandt self-nominated himself as board president and said he would like to continue as president until at least the consolidation process with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District is complete. He, Roger Lance, and Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board President Mark Gunderman started the process on Jan. 9, 2021, when they saw an opportunity to make a merger work. See www.ocn.me/v22n1.htm#tlmfpd and #dwfpd.

Director Jason Buckingham nominated Secretary Smaldino for board president.

Smaldino accepted the nomination and said he agreed with everything Hildebrandt said, but he was in position to commit more to the board compared with even two months ago. After nine years serving on the board it feels like a natural step, he said, and he would like the opportunity to lead the district in the same direction it has been going.

Smaldino was elected board president in a 4-3 secret paper/text vote.

Hildebrandt congratulated Smaldino on his new board position.

Smaldino thanked the board and Hildebrandt for everything he had done for the district and said he wanted to use his skill sets to get over some of the hurdles ahead.

Vice President Roger Lance declined to run again for his position, and Hildebrandt accepted Buckingham’s nomination for vice president. Treasurer Tom Kelly elected to retain his position, and Buckingham self-nominated himself as secretary. The Board of Directors are: President Mike Smaldino, Vice President John Hildebrandt, Treasurer Tom Kelly, Secretary Jason Buckingham, and Directors Randy Estes, Roger Lance, and Tom Tharnish.

Contractor hiring flexibility

Hildebrandt requested the board consider Resolution 2023-03, a resolution for integrated project delivery for the remodel of Stations 2, 4, and 5. The resolution allows the district to reject lower bids should the final product be optimal with another contractor. The resolution would not isolate the district into accepting the minimum bid from a construction company, he said.

Kovacs said the resolution allows the district to hire contractors that are considered the most capable of performing the project, contractors that choose the best product and have the most experience. It allows flexibility as the district begins remodeling the three stations. As each bid is received, the district will present it to the board, he said.

Lance said the lowest bidder usually turns out to be higher with all the additions and change orders.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Station 1 training center update

Kovacs said the district had requested cost estimates from the architects for the initial phase of the Station 1 training center design process. The architects will provide a rough estimate of initial costs to help budget for 2024. The district is planning a phased approach, with prioritization for the props. The cost of materials could be considerably higher in 2023, he said.

Buckingham asked if all the grading and flat work would be laid out as part of the initial phase, and then add structures, or just approach the property in chunks. Once the earth is moved it makes sense to add utilities before adding structures, he said.

Kovacs said the first phase would include earth work, a retention pond, the installation of utilities and a form of a training tower out of Conex containers. Classrooms are a priority, and a warehouse to store equipment, apparatus, and include a workshop for repairs. Phase 2 would include technical rescue, various firefighter training props, and a vehicle extrication area, he said.

Financial report

Kelly said as of April 30, the district is 33.3% of the way through the predicted budget for 2023, and all revenue is tracking as expected, except for impact fees that are deficient by about 20% with about $24,000 received year to date. The projected revenue for impact fees is about $200,000. Overall revenue received year to date is about $7.1 million. The projected annual revenue is about $16.5 million. Expenses for administration and building were slightly over but are coming back into line with budget projections. The largest expense is for general liabilities and benefits, which were higher than expected due to the 2023 budget passing before receiving the actual amounts due for 2023. The increases were due to accident and health insurance for the additional firefighters on the payroll, some additional IT expenses, vehicles, and rebranding. Overall year to date, expenses were about $4.9 million, or about 34.9% of the projected expense budget of about $14 million.

Kelly also noted the Fleet Capital Fund dropped from about $1.6 million to $845,966 after the 2018 and the 2019 Pierce fire engines were paid off for a total of about $825,000.

Kovacs said the district is carrying about $1.6 million in debt for the new tower ladder truck that is expected in 2024, and about $800,000 for the Pierce Type 1 Engine 514 placed into service at Station 4, and the administrative offices. The district hopes for increased revenue next year to begin paying off the debt before a new Station 3 is built (administration offices are included in the design), he said.

The board accepted the financial report as presented.

Fire technician introduction

Kovacs said that during the budget process for 2023, the district requested a fire technician position be added to alleviate some time-consuming clerical responsibilities the shift battalion chiefs and administrative staff were performing. He introduced the first district Fire Technician Carlos Amaya and said he was an outstanding applicant and has remained busy every day since starting in the position in mid-May.

Amaya said his ultimate goal is to become a firefighter and he is looking forward to learning more about the fire service. He is focused on becoming an asset to the district, helping out in any way he can, he said.

The board welcomed Amaya to the district.

Chief’s report

Kovacs updated the board as follows:


  • The district is hosting a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) from June 12-16. Development of the event within the district was a recommendation in the 2019 Master Plan by Emergency Services Consulting International. See BFFRPD article on page < 14 >.

  • Battalion Chief Sean Pearson and EMS Coordinator Stephanie Soll have developed a regional plan for a county-wide MCI that involves the Office of Emergency Management, multiple agencies, and Centura and UC Health hospitals. He is proud of their achievements.

  • The district completed 813 hours of training in April, and he thanked Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) for hosting the Live Fire Training days in April.

  • The district is working on a proposal for a multi-agency training consortium with Colorado Springs Fire Department and BFFRPD.

  • The retirement ceremony for retired Battalion Chief Mike Keough was a great success. Keough is attending a Police Training Academy and will continue to serve the district as a peace officer with the Monument Police Department. See a photo of the ceremony on page < 27 >.

  • A retirement ceremony will be held at Station 1, on June 28 at 8 a.m. for Battalion Chief Mike Dooley.

  • With Dooley’s retirement, the district hired Jarred Picker; a licensed Firefighter/Paramedic previously employed at Larkspur Fire Protection District. Picker will attend the West Metro Academy in August.

  • Two deserving students from Lewis-Palmer and Palmer Ridge High Schools were each awarded $1,500 scholarships from the International Firefighter Association Local 4319.

Note: For additional information, see the DWFPD article on page < 16 >. The full report can be viewed at www.monumentfire.org.

Future revenue concerns

Kovacs said a 10-year Senate Bill 303, with direct impact on property taxes, is intended to lower the impact on homeowners after the sky-rocketing property tax assessments that were due to the sharp rise in home values. If Proposition HH passes in November, the El Paso County assessor would need to re-assess property taxes at the end of the year, and districts will be setting mill levies five days into 2024. The district is waiting for legal counsel to provide more clarification on the details. See DWFPD article on page < 16 >.

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for June 28 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting attendance is open to the public in person or via Zoom. For joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Monument Fire District, April 26 – Potential Gleneagle annexation ignites concern; Hayes recognized

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on April 26, the board heard about the potential annexation of neighboring residents, recognized Director Terri Hayes for her years of service to the district, and approved an extension to the Meet and Confer plus agreement with L4319.

Secretary Mike Smaldino was excused.

Potential Annexation

Vice Chairman Roger Lance said he had read a message from Fire Chief Andy Kovacs about Colorado Springs proposing the annexation of Gleneagle. That would have a serious impact on the fire district, he said.

Kovacs said a resident had made a comment about the potential annexation in early April. The comment gave him cause for concern after all the efforts the district had made to consolidate the two districts over the past 2 1/2 years. Annexation would require the dismantling of the consolidation of the two fire districts, the loss of Stations 4 and 5, and revenue loss. The City of Colorado Springs has been discussing annexation possibilities for a few years, and a map exists showing potential annexation opportunities that include Gleneagle to Hodgen Road and Highway 83, areas that are in unincorporated Colorado Springs.

Meetings with Monument Mayor Mitch LaKind, town manager Mike Foreman, Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) board President Mark Gunderman, and some Gleneagle residents had taken place to discuss a vote allowing the residents to annex into the Town of Monument. Town Hall meetings with the residents are planned for summer 2023 to discuss the benefits of annexing into Monument, he said.

Director recognition

Lance thanked Director Terri Hayes for her contribution to the fire district during her tenure on the Board of Directors.

Kovacs thanked Hayes for providing a unique perspective during the board meetings since 2016. Hayes will be deeply missed by the district, he said. See caption.

President John Hildebrandt (attending via phone) said Hayes had been a wonderful voice for the citizens of the district and brought a lot to the board, and he appreciated her service over the years.

Note: Hayes will be succeeded by Randall B. Estes at the May board meeting.

Meet and Confer plus agreement extension

Kovacs said the district is still working through a revised Meet and Confer plus agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 4319, but due to time constraints a second extension to the existing agreement was needed for another month.

The board approved the second extension to the agreement, 6-0.

Financial report

Treasurer Tom Kelly presented the financial report for March and said:

  • The district had received about $4.7 million in property taxes year to date.
  • Overall revenue received year to date was about $6.2 million.
  • The projected annual income is expected to be about $16.5 million.
  • Overall expenses year to date was about $3.9 million.
  • The projected annual expenses are expected to be about $14 million.
  • General liability insurance is expected to increase with the added employees and equipment.

Lance noted the district had spent another $6,000 on snow removal for March and asked if a decision had been made to find another contractor.

Kovacs said the district had received three responses out of the 20 mailed requests but ultimately decided to keep the contract with Greater Grounds due to the distance of one contractor and the other would not provide any liability. The board approved a snowplow at its March board meeting and hopes that next year the snow removal costs will be lower, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n4.htm#mfd.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 6-0.

Chief’s report

Kovacs said the following:

  • The lease-purchase agreements for two new fire engines had been paid off for a total of about $825,000.
  • He had the opportunity to attend the district’s annual live fire training at BFFRPD for all three days. The firefighters all did an outstanding job.
  • The district completed 639 training hours in March.
  • The district is now averaging a manageable number of requests from American Medical Response (AMR) and accepted three out of five calls for assistance from AMR in March.
  • A retirement ceremony for Battalion Chief Mike Keough is scheduled at Station 1 on May 13 at 8 a.m.

Note: For more information, see DWFPD article on page < 12 > and the Station 4 “push-in” ceremony in snapshots on page < 27 >.

Recruitment efforts continue

Division Chief of Operations Jonathan Bradley said he and Battalion Chief Micah Coyle had participated in a student job fair in Greeley. About 100 fire science students were in attendance, but about 30 fire departments and some private ambulance organizations were also looking for recruits. The district’s application pool is about 50% below previous years. Former colleagues from the mountain fire departments are having greater difficulty recruiting, with staff commuting 100 miles west from Denver to those stations, he said.

Hayes suggested the district recruiting staff try attending local recruiting events.

Kovacs said departments are offering signing and moving bonuses to recruit staff.

First Due software

Battalion Chief Scott Ridings presented First Due software, a system that will tie into the Computer Aided Dispatch system. The software is designed to store important information that can be retained for future calls to aid firefighters before they reach an incident. The residents and business owners will be able to input information such as special medical equipment and pets on the premises. Participants will be required to confirm and update information annually, and will be prompted for a couple of months before data is deleted.

Kovacs said staff will begin collecting information from about 650 businesses in the district. Details will include information such as occupancy, building height, type of store, square footage, special hazards, and stairwells. The information will be loaded into the system by the district staff, identifying the higher-risk buildings first.

Ridings said First Due will tie into the accreditation process. Lance said the software will push the district further toward achieving higher accreditation.

Kovacs said the district will notify the residents and business owners at the end of May with a district-wide mailer, with some print advertising and social media links to encourage participation.

Zonehaven

Kovacs said Zonehaven software was adopted and purchased by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for every agency in the county. Zonehaven is designed to assist with evacuations and lockdown situations, and will tie into the district wildland pre-plans. Residents do need to sign up individually for Peak Alerts to receive notifications, he said. To sign up for Peak Alerts, visit www.monumentfire.org.

Emergency Incident Support

Emergency Incident Support (EIS) board President Gary Nelson thanked Kovacs for a recent invitation to support a mass casualty incident event in June. Without the monetary support from Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, Pikes Peak Club, and more recently Monument Hill Foundation, EIS would not be in a position to provide those services to first responders. EIS is proud to support the event, he said. For more information, visit www.epceis.com.

The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 24 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting attendance is open to the public in person or via Zoom. For joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Above: From left, Fire Chief Andy Kovacs presents board Director Terri Hayes with an acrylic plaque recognizing dedicated service since 2016 to Monument Fire District. Photo by Natalie Barszcz.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, April 19 – Board approves wage compensation schedule; wildland technicians hired

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on April 19, the board held an executive session to discuss a wage compensation schedule and heard about the recently hired five seasonal wildland technicians and the ongoing preparations to combat wildland fires.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:50 p.m., pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402 (3.a.V.), to discuss compensation matters that may be subject to negotiations with employees or employee organizations.

When the board returned to the regular meeting at 8:21 p.m., board Chairman Nate Dowden said a revised 2023 wage schedule had been proposed and presented to the board implementing some modifications for certain positions. He made a motion to adopt the wage increase proposal effective April 17, to align with the next pay period.

The board unanimously approved the new schedule.

Note: After the meeting, Fire Chief PJ Langmaid confirmed the wage increases were primarily to adjust the compensation for the paramedics and the public relations director. Salary increases were also applied to the following positions: fire chief, deputy chief operations, administrative officer, and Firefighter/EMT Class 3 and 4 positions.

Resident Linda Smith asked if the deputy chief of logistics position would be filled.

Langmaid said the position would not be filled. The executive team will fulfill the role and provide additional opportunities for personnel development internally.

Wildland fire preparedness

Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg said the district hired five new wildland technicians about a month ago. The wildland technicians are covering three shifts and work 24 hours on, with three days off, but all the new hire technicians were off shift for the mutual aid calls the district had recently received. The technicians will perform the risk assessments and mitigation efforts, change the fire danger signs, and operate the tenders for the district, he said.

Langmaid said the wildland technicians are working a 42-hour week and are paid with wildland deployment revenue.

Note: Rapid Wildfire Risk assessments continue on each property to help assess the wildfire hazard and mitigation needs within the district. Each property owner will be provided with a score card. To request a more detailed Firewise property assessment with helpful suggestions on how to make your property defendable and survivable, contact 719-495-4300 or email admin@bffire.org with your address and contact information. Additional details can be found at bffire.org.

Wildland fuel testing

Piepenburg said the district received a laboratory oven and supplies to conduct wildland fuels testing. The oven tests vegetation samples for moisture from three locations around the district every two weeks, but recent precipitation had prevented testing. The oven provides a moisture percentage to accurately predict the combustibility of fuels within the district, he said.

Langmaid said only two entities were testing for fuel safety within the county, and the district is happy to be the third entity testing.

Black Forest Fire lessons learned

Smith asked if any of the current staff had served the department during the 2013 Black Forest Fire, and if the fire could have been averted had the district had the current department.

Langmaid said he was unsure, but he and board members lost property and maybe one or two returning firefighters were around during the fire. Hypotheticals are always a challenge for firefighters, but based on lessons learned, under similar circumstances, the decentralized command model the district has in place will allow the shift commanders to make aggressive decisions without compromising safety, he said.

Piepenburg said that every staff member is well versed about the Black Forest Fire, and they know the story very well. It is the role of each staff member to do their very best to ensure it does not happen again. The district also maintains a nationwide wildland fire deployment program to allow staff to gain first-hand experience in operating under austere conditions, he said.

Smith said she feels more protected and safer with the new organization, the additional staffing, and all the training that takes place.

Dowden said hopefully any organization learns from the past, and thankfully the department has changed and improved after such a major impetus. Kudos to the team for moving the district forward, he said.

Community club requests assistance

Three members of the Black Forest Community Club 10th Anniversary of the Black Forest Fire Remembrance Committee requested department assistance in the form of a ladder truck to raise a flag, a Firewise booth to help educate the community, and participation in the form of a speech during the event on June 10.

Langmaid said that all decisions should be made by the committee, but the district staff were happy to help wherever possible. District Public Information Director Brooke Reid would assist with making connections. Langmaid suggested the committee contact the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for traffic control, and he would ask retired Deputy Chief James Rebitski if he could give a speech during the event, but the 2023 budget did not include any funding for the event, he said.

Facilities update

Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn said the district is still waiting for an inspection before the gas meter can be installed in the barn.

Dowden asked why the inspection had been lagging for so long.

Dunn said the 20-year-old building plans had to be tracked down before an inspection could take place, but the vendor now has the plans. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#bffrpd.

Piepenburg said the following:

  • The district staff are “crushing it” and had performed about 1,718 training hours in March.
  • Live Fire Training was taking place throughout the week with Monument Fire District scheduled to join in at the end of the week.
  • Staff continue to work on state certifications.
  • All staff completed a Wildland Refresher course and a Pack Test.
  • The recently hired staff completed a week of Wildland Training and Sawyer training.
  • The district assisted Falcon Fire Protection District with a structure fire and helped during the 125 Fire near Simla, in Elbert County, on March 30.
  • Langmaid said the following:
  • The remodel of the Station 1 community room has been paused to allow the community to use the room.
  • The 2005 Pierce mid-mount aerial ladder truck is close to being transported and delivered, but nothing had been confirmed.

Note: The district received the apparatus on April 26. See www.ocn.me/v22n12.htm#bffrpd.

Extreme ownership

Director Chad Behnken thanked Langmaid for the invitation to attend the Echelon Muster Extreme Ownership Conference in Orlando, Fla., with Langmaid and three of the district lieutenants. Behnken said speakers at the two-day leadership conference presented the lessons they learned during war-time deployments and how those same lessons can apply to everyday situations. The conference teaches extreme ownership of tasks within organizations without looking to the top leadership to blame for missions that fail, how to empower staff, and to prioritize and create a strong organization, said Behnken.

The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, March 15 – Board of Directors election canceled

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, March 15 – Board of Directors election canceled

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on March 15, the board heard the 2023 Board of Directors election had been canceled and that a new recruit had dropped out of firefighter training.

Note: The meeting was held in person in the boardroom at Station 1 due to the remodel of the community room.

Board of Directors election

Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn said the 2023 Board of Directors election had been canceled because there were only two candidates for two seats, saving the district $18,000. The paperwork had been filed with the state. The two incumbent self-nominees Treasurer Jack Hinton and Vice Chairman James Abendschan will serve four-year terms, she said.

Board Secretary Donna Arkowski said the two board members will be sworn in at the May 17 meeting.

Financial report

Hinton said the district received about $1.488 million in property taxes in March, and it is expected to receive about $77,000 for wildland deployments. The district had a total of about $3.475 million in total assets at the end of February. The largest expenditure was $25,840 for structural Personal Protective Equipment.

The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.

2022 audit engagement letter

After the meeting, Dunn confirmed to OCN that earlier in March the district had engaged Schilling & Company Inc., Highlands Ranch, to conduct the 2022 audit. See www.ocn.me/v23n3.htm#bffrpd.

Tender sale discussion

Fire Chief PJ Langmaid said the tender truck sale discussion, although posted on the agenda, was postponed until further information on the market for tender sales could be provided to the board.

Note: The district is expecting to receive a new tender later in the year.

Department report

Dunn said the district received about $21,552 in ambulance revenue and there were no notable expenses for February. The remodel of the community room at Station 1 is still in progress, and the district is still waiting for an inspection to install a gas meter in the barn at Station 1.

Note: The district is installing heating in the barn at Station 1 to create a workshop for the district mechanic.

Recruitment update

Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg said the district had two new recruits enrolled in the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Fire Academy.

Langmaid said the district hired three new recruits, but one quit the academy quickly. The district is changing its hiring process to avoid a future recurrence of issues with high altitude adjustment. The district conducts a nationwide hiring process, and an offer of employment was made to the next candidate on the list, he said.

Piepenburg also said:

  • The district assisted Falcon Fire Protection District with a barn fire.
  • The district assisted CSFD with a 15-foot trench rescue after a worker had fallen into it.
  • The on-duty crews received “Blue Card” command training to ensure the district is using the same language as neighboring departments.
  • Several staff members received their Ice-Rescue Certification at Fountain Fire Protection District.
  • The district completed a total of 1,452 hours of training in February.
  • Wildland Deployment requests for assistance are expected in the coming months.
  • The district’s Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Air-Pak units were flow tested.

El Paso County Emergency Incident Support

El Paso County Emergency Incident Support (EPCEIS) President Gary Nelson announced the organization supported on average about one incident per week in 2022. EPCEIS also provides support during firefighter training and open houses. With 36 active members, the organization is available 24/7, 365 days a year, he said.

Chairman Nate Dowden thanked Nelson and his organization for the continued support.

Langmaid said the department had partnered with EPCEIS in the past and donated an ambulance to the organization in September 2020. EPCEIS volunteers provide countywide food and shelter to first responders in all weather conditions, he said.

For more information on the 501c non-profit volunteer organization, visit https://epceis.com.

Public comment

Two residents of Arrowhead and Mountain View Drives voiced concern over first responder access, the planned paving of Howells Road, the anticipated increased traffic due to new developments, and the two neighboring District 20 schools that would further burden Old Ranch Road.

Langmaid said Howells Road had been annexed into the City of Colorado Springs, and the intent is to pave the road. He said he had received telephone calls on the subject recently and he advised the residents to reach out to the City Council members, the mayor, and the planners.

Dowden thanked the residents for voicing their concerns and said he wished the board could help, but the problems were out of the fire district’s and board’s responsibility.

One resident asked if placing a cistern on her property would be helpful.

Langmaid said water is always helpful to firefighters, and he directed the resident to research cistern recommendations at www.bffire.org.

Executive session

The board moved into an executive session at 7:31 p.m. pursuant to Colorado Revised Statutes section 24-6-402(3.a.V.), for the purpose of discussing compensation matters that may be subject to negotiations with employees or employee organizations.

Dowden said before the executive session that no action would be taken.

The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11455 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, March 22 – Local COVID emergency status ends; vehicle storage agreement approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District (DWFPD) meeting on March 22, the board terminated the local COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration, approved a vehicle storage agreement for two nonprofit organizations, and recommended funding to memorialize a firefighter. The board also received multiple district updates and scheduled a special meeting in April to approve the sub-district dissolution process and amend the budget.

Note: The Board of Directors’ election was canceled due to a lack of additional candidates.

Director Mike Forsythe was excused.

Local COVID disaster emergency terminated

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the district had been under a local disaster emergency since March 17, 2020 due to the SARS-COVID-19 virus, and he recommended the board approve Resolution 2023-02 ordering the termination of the declaration of the local disaster emergency. See www.ocn.me/v20n4.htm#dwfpd.

The board approved the resolution, 4-0.

Vehicle storage agreements

Michelle Ferguson of Ireland Stapleton Pryor Pascoe PC law firm requested the board approve the vehicle storage agreements for two nonprofit organizations: Emergency Incident Support and the American Red Cross. The organizations are using the Sun Hills property (formerly DWFPD Station 3) for vehicle storage and food and beverage preparation. See www.ocn.me/v22n10.htm#dwfpd and www.ocn.me/v22n11.htm#dwfpd.

President Mark Gunderman said the contracts had been changed from a minimum liability of $5 million insurance coverage to $1 million for both parties in accordance with the value of the property.

The board approved the rental agreements, 4-0.

Note: Both organizations will use the Sun Hills property at no cost. The district paid about $7,932 in utilities for the Sun Hills property last year.

Request to memorialize firefighter

Lt. Roger Lance requested funding up to $1,500 for a memorialization plaque in honor of Firefighter/Paramedic Doug McIntyre. Lance said that McIntyre had served the Gleneagle community for 18 years and responded to over 10,000 calls during his career, saving countless lives. For many of the medics, he was their first partner and taught the difference between what was taught in EMT school and how it really works on the street. During his career, McIntyre was recognized by the Colorado State Assembly, by the U.S. Congress and was awarded the medal of valor, but most importantly he was a mentor, a brother, a friend, and an inspiration to the crews at Wescott. McIntyre took a medical retirement in 2017 and passed away unexpectedly in 2021, and the concern is that as time passes, his story will fade, Lance said.

Lt. Kurt Leonberger said that since McIntyre had built the roof on the gazebo at Station 4, the intent is to hold a small dedication service there and install a plaque in his honor.

Gunderman said the board is fully supportive of the project and that the decision ultimately falls to Kovacs.

Kovacs said the district is happy to honor the request, and the funding source will be identified. He requested Lance and Leonberger proceed with the project, and the district will find a day and time to celebrate the life of McIntyre.

Subdistrict dissolution process update

Ferguson requested the district hold a brief special meeting on April 24 at 4:30 p.m. to approve the letter that the district’s attorney, Emily Powell, was preparing for the sub-district dissolution. The letter allows the sub-district to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District dba Monument Fire District (MFD). Until the merger is completed, for legal purposes the district is still Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District and doing business as MFD. The vast majority of the DWFPD residents reside in the sub-district (northern portion of the district). After board approval, a court petition will be filed around May 1, she said. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#dwfpd.

The board approved the special meeting, 4-0.

Board of Directors election canceled

Incumbent Director Charles Fleece, Treasurer Duane Garrett, and Secretary Larry Schwarz all submitted self-nomination forms and will begin four-year tenures in May 2023. There were no additional candidates, and all three directors will continue on the five-member board. The cancellation of the election was posted at www.monumentfire.org in early March. For more information, see www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#dwfpd.

Financial reports

Kovacs said that after the departure of Administrative Assistant Stacey Popovich in late 2022, the district had decided to contract The Accounting Office Inc. to handle accounting. The change in accounting procedures would require the board to adopt an amended budget at the next board meeting. The district had received the bulk of property taxes in early March, and the first of the quarterly fund transfers of $782,498 to MFD was scheduled to be made in March, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#dwfpd.

Gunderman said the December financial report would be accepted after the budget amendment had been approved at the next meeting, and the cancellation of the election would provide $32,000 in additional budgeted funds for the November election.

The board accepted the January and February financial reports as presented, 4-0.

Above: The new Pierce Type 1 engine arrives in Monument on Feb. 13. The engine will receive equipment and be placed into service at Station 4 after a “push-in” ceremony in April. Photo courtesy of MFD.

Chief’s report

Kovacs said the following:

  • An update from district employee Firefighter/Paramedic Charles Ragland, the instructor representing the district at the Colorado Springs Fire Department’s Fire Academy, confirmed the seven district firefighter recruits are performing well.
  • The district completed 824 hours of training in February.
  • Emergency Medical Services responded to three out of four requests for service from American Medical Response. The number of requests remain steady compared to the first quarter of 2022.
  • Station 5 (Highway 83/Stage Coach Road) received back-lit red signage to match Stations 1 and 4.
  • Both water heaters were replaced at Station 5, and the rooftop HVAC unit at Station 4 was replaced. The units cost $15,000 to $20,000 each.

Note: Additional information can be found in the MFD article on page < 21 >, and the monthly chief’s reports are available at www.monumentfire.org.

NEPCO meeting

Gunderman said he and Kovacs spoke at the Northern El Paso County Coalition of Community Associations (NEPCO) meeting on March 11. He talked to a group of about 20 representatives from various Monument and Gleneagle homeowners’ associations about the merger of the two districts, and Kovacs spoke to the group about wildland mitigation, he said. See the NEPCO article on page < 22 >.

Engine crew assist during water main break

Fleece thanked Engineer Golden Rains and his crew for assisting during a water main break in his neighborhood in February. He said that it was lucky the crew had just wrapped up training when the water main break occurred. Academy Water and Sanitation District (AWSD) estimated about 2,200 gallons per minute were headed toward the barn on his property, and Rains and his crew helped for almost an hour until AWSD staff arrived, and he appreciated the Fire Department going above and beyond, he said.

The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.

**********

Push-in ceremony

After the meeting, Kovacs announced that Local 4319 will serve a pancake breakfast and hold a community “push-in” ceremony for the new engine 514 and the squad car on Sat., April 15, 10 am at Station 4. 15415 Gleneagle Drive, 80921. Please check the district website listed below for updates.

**********

Meetings are usually held every other month on the fourth Wednesday at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105, 80132. The board will hold a special meeting on April 26 at 4:30 p.m., and the next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 24 at 4:30 p.m. Meeting attendance is open to the public in person or via Zoom. For joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Donald Wescot Fire Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, March 22 – Four board directors elected; cell phone tower contract approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on March 22, the board elected four board directors and approved a cell tower contract and the first payment on the ladder truck. The board also approved snow removal equipment and heard about a change of plans for a training center and the plans for a station rebuild and three station remodels.

Board of Directors election

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs requested the board approve Resolution 2023-02 canceling the regular Board of Directors election for May 2 and declaring the following candidates elected for four-year terms: Jason Buckingham, Randall B. Estes, Roger K. Lance, and Thomas A. Tharnish. See www.monumentfire.org.

Note: Director Terri Hayes will serve the remaining two months of her six-year term. The new directors will begin their terms after the swearing in ceremony on May 24.

The board unanimously approved the resolution.

Ladder truck payment approved

Division Chief of Administration/Fire Marshal Jamey Bumgarner said the district signed the papers and purchase documents for the ladder truck a year in advance to lock in the lower cost and payment plan after receiving board approval in January 2022. The first lease payment is now due to PNC bank, and he requested the board approve the first payment of $152,009 for the ladder truck.

The board unanimously approved the payment plan.

The ladder truck was approved by the board for a total of $1.575 million and is expected to be delivered in October, said Bumgarner. See www.ocn.me/v22n2.htm#mfd.

Above: Monument Fire District receives the Pierce F550 squad car. The multi-purpose vehicle is designed to carry advanced life support and firefighting equipment and will initially be placed into service at Station 5. For more information, visit www.ocn.me/v22n3.htm#tlmfpd. Photo courtesy of MFD.

Station 5 cell phone tower

Kovacs said the Donald Wescott Fire Protection District board had deferred a rental contract proposal with a cell phone company due to the merger workload, and he requested the board approve a letter of intent for a five-year lease agreement between the district and AT&T for a cell phone tower at Station 5 (Highway 83/Stage Coach Road). The rental of about 1,375 square feet would provide additional revenue for the district of about $32,400 annually and bring fiber-optic capability to the station, he said. See www.ocn.me/v21n8.htm#dwfpd.

The board unanimously approved the contract.

Snow removal recommendation

Kovacs said that after the February board meeting discussion about the expense of contract snow removal, the staff researched the cost of purchasing snow equipment and sent out a request for proposal for snow removal services.

Bumgarner said the following:

  • The district had received three quotes and eight recommendations for snow plow equipment.
  • The staff is considering fitting two or three vehicles in the fleet with plow equipment and possibly adding a sand/salt dispenser.
  • The district has requested Greater Grounds not plow before 4 inches of snow lay on the ground.
  • A request for proposals (RFPs) was sent out to 19 companies for snow removal services and the district had received two and is waiting for additional quotes. Information for the RFP can be found at www.monumentfire.org.

Tharnish said it would be difficult to determine the snowfall amounts at each station due to the size of the district.

Treasurer Tom Kelly voiced concern that crews might not be available due to the typical high call out during snow events and advised an alternate plan.

Kovacs said a contingency plan would be needed. Typically, partner agencies request staff back on duty and pay time and a half for snow clearing, he said.

Buckingham suggested purchasing the equipment and maintaining a contract if district personnel are unavailable.

Kovacs said there was $40,000 in the budget for a vehicle that was unavailable for purchase, and the funds could be allocated to snow removal equipment.

A board unanimously approved the purchase of up to $15,000 of snow removal equipment without a salt/sand dispenser.

Station 1 Training Center update

Division Chief of Operations Jonathan Bradley said the future of the district training center had circled back to the Station 1 property, and the staff will begin laying out the property for a center. The district is discussing shared training facilities with the Colorado Springs Fire Department and the Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, with a goal to reduce costs by avoiding duplicated facilities with a multi-site plan, but plans remain conceptual. The district remains positive and will plan to develop the training site as a group and independently and costs are unknown, he said.

Facilities update

Bumgarner said the district is working with OZ Architects and reported:

  • The architect made changes to the Station 2 remodel plan as requested by the board in February. The design now has brought the restroom out of the weight room and has an added sixth bedroom on the upper level, allowing for a six-person fire suppression crew and a two-person medic unit. A bid to replace the 20-year-old bay doors has been requested due to a bowed door and the smoked glass affecting visibility.
  • The Station 3 contract for the 1.77 acres (north of the YMCA) has been reviewed by the district legal team, and changes were made. The district will bring on an owner representative to ensure a smooth process during contract negotiations.
  • The new Station 3 design will be single story with administration offices and parking for staff and crews. Accommodations to the lot will be limited due to other buildings behind the station. The current Station 3 contract for sale is also in progress.

Kovacs said the design is not compromising anything with a 15,000-square-foot building and four or five additional offices planned for the future additional staff positions. The station will house a ladder truck, the squad vehicle, and the battalion chief vehicle, he said.

Bumgarner said:

  • The Station 4 plan is close to being ready for bid. The architects are providing a plan for alternate bathroom facilities, and the remodel will include the kitchen and a private bedroom for the officer. The large bunk room will be enclosed to create four individual sleeping spaces. The station will have space to accommodate seven.
  • Station 5 will also require enclosing the large bunkroom to create seven rooms, and the station will accommodate nine personnel with the existing rooms.
  • The district is still in negotiations to purchase land for a future Station 6 in the south of the district. See www.ocn.me/v23n3.htm#mfd.

Kovacs said Bradley had visited each station to seek input before the facility upgrades commenced, and said the crews are happy with the plans.

Palmer Lake contract update

Kovacs said in January the district received a notice from the Town of Palmer Lake to terminate the contract to provide ambulance service. The town has since requested an extension to go beyond the 90-day termination notice to allow time to negotiate the terms for a new contract, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#mfd.

Fire technician position update

Bumgarner said the first candidate did not accept the fire technician position but the second candidate did and will likely begin in late April.

Fire Camp recruitment effort

Kovacs said the district will host the first Monument Fire Camp for local high school students. The hope is to introduce and encourage students to consider fire and EMS service careers. The camp will run from June 3-5 and will hopefully continue as an annual program for high school students. The first camp was advertised at the local high schools and on the district website, with a limit of 12 students. The slots were filled within two days, and the district has a waiting list.

Financial report

The February financial report was unanimously accepted as presented.

Note: The financial report can be viewed at www.monumentfire.org.

Chief’s report

Kovacs highlighted the following:

  • Battalion Chief Mike Dooley announced his retirement from the fire service effective June 28.
  • Battalion Chief Shannon Balvanz will fill the battalion chief of training position. The position is currently filled by Battalion Chief Kris Mola who will return to shift battalion chief this year.
  • Battalion Chief Mike Keough retired from the fire service in January 2022, and recently completed an Air Force reserve commitment. A retirement ceremony is scheduled at Station 1 on Saturday, May 13 at 8 a.m.
  • Several members of the executive staff attended the Center for Public Safety Excellence annual conference in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 27 to March 4. Several software vendors were identified to assist the district’s pursuit in obtaining agency accreditation.
  • A bystander was awarded the distinguished service award for going above and beyond to extinguish a fire at a home on Ranchero Drive, Monument. The resident wished to remain anonymous, and the district mailed the award.

Note: For additional information, see the DWFPD article on page < 20 >.

The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m.

**********

Push-in ceremony

After the meeting, Kovacs announced that Local 4319 will serve a pancake breakfast and hold a community “push-in” ceremony for the new engine 514 and the squad car on Sat., April 15, 10 am at Station 4 15415 Gleneagle Drive. Please check the district website listed below for updates.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 18650 Highway 105. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting attendance is open to the public in person or via Zoom. For joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles

Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District, Feb. 15 – Audit officer search continues; replacement firefighters hired

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District (BFFRPD) meeting on Feb. 15, the board approved the hiring of a new auditor and heard that replacement firefighters had been hired. Some of the logistics duties performed by recently retired Deputy Chief James Rebitski could be handled out of district. Also, the board learned that the scarcity of parts for the 2005 Pierce mid-mount aerial ladder truck had further delayed delivery.

Director Kiersten Tarvainen attended via Zoom.

2022 audit officer update

Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn said she had contacted several audit companies last week and is waiting for price quotes.

Treasurer Jack Hinton said the district budgeted $10,000 for the audit, but it is getting “kicked down the road” for larger audit jobs by Schilling CPA. Over the past three years, the district’s audit has consistently been late, and it was pushed back two months last year. Schilling was unable to visit the district staff last year, but after Hinton complained about the audit delay, the audit was presented at short notice by Dawn Schilling at the September board meeting, he said. See www.ocn.me/v22n10.htm#bffrpd.

Fire Chief PJ Langmaid said there had been a litany of excuses from Schilling, to include moving the business and the hiring of personnel that did not prioritize correctly. The audit needs to be completed by September to allow the district to establish the fund balance before developing the next budget, he said.

Hinton said the district ideally needs an auditor at the beginning of the year and cannot wait until the March board meeting to hire a new auditor. He requested the board approve a cap of $12,000 to conduct the 2022 audit, and after the district receives price quotes, permission for himself, Langmaid, and Dunn to conduct interviews with potential auditors, with selection and hiring to be completed before the next board meeting.

The board unanimously approved the hiring of a new auditor.

Replacement firefighters hired

Langmaid said the entry-level testing had been completed in January, and three new employees were hired to replace the three who had left the department. The district received 54 applicants, but some applicants were not qualified to take the test and others did not have the opportunity to test. The district keeps a list of applicants that have completed testing for future offers of employment, but the firefighters at the top of the list are usually unavailable when positions become available, he said.

Deputy Chief of Operations Chris Piepenburg said there are many firefighting jobs available nationwide, and it is not like the fire service that he knew 28 years ago. The job search was tight when he entered the profession, he said.

Chairman Nate Dowden said he recently read a report that firefighters and emergency medical technicians are the second happiest people in their jobs, with physical therapists occupying the top position.

Vacant position undecided

Vice Chairman Jim Abendschan asked if the district would be filling the deputy chief of logistics position.

Langmaid said that he had not decided on the right course of action. The district is looking at all possibilities, and other agencies had approached the district about partnerships. Monument Fire District (MFD) has two full-time EMS staff that could place medical supply orders, reducing duplicated efforts. BFFRPD have an asset with Administrative Assistant Brooke Reid and could reciprocate by providing public relations support to MFD. The district is looking at the true pay scale for some of the tasks that Rebitski carried out. The fire marshal responsibilities on the development side could be handled by the City of Colorado Springs with the current memorandum of understanding in place, he said. See MFD article on page < 14 >.

Note: Rebitski retired from the fire service in January after serving over 32 years. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#bffrpd.

Financial report

Hinton said the district had about $2.298 million at the end of January (includes four reserve funds totaling about $704,000). The district received about $64,600 in combined revenues. The district is in good shape and remains below the predicted budget expenditure for January, he said.

The board unanimously accepted the financial report as presented.

Dunn said the district received $16,275 in ambulance revenue and paid $69,461 for the annual liability insurance policy coverage.

Department liability coverage

Dowden asked how much general liability insurance coverage would be provided should a claim of negligence be made against staff rendering aid during duty.

Langmaid said the district has four separate policies, and all district personnel are covered, including the medical directorate and the board directors. He said he is fairly confident the district is fully covered, and by law the district is required to have coverage, he said.

Dowden said he is overly sensitive to litigation against staff performing their duties, and the district must have protection against frivolous lawsuits. He requested that over the coming months the executive staff ensure the existing policy provides adequate legal protection.

Abendschan asked how many district firefighters were members of a local chapter of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), indicating another avenue for legal protection.

Langmaid said none of the BFFRPD firefighters were members of a local chapter. In order for a Local chapter of the IAFF to step in and help a member during a legal process, the community would have to recognize a local chapter and allow for a labor law, instead of the current compliant law, he said.

Fleet and facilities update

Langmaid said the following:

  • The 2005 Pierce mid-mount aerial ladder truck is further delayed at Brindlee Mountain Fire Apparatus of Alabama due to the undelivered parts needed to complete the replacement waterway. According to district fleet mechanic Gavin Smith, the parts should take only one day to install. See www.ocn.me/v22n12.htm#bffrpd.
  • The district had not heard any further information on the Ford chassis production. See www.ocn.me/v22n11.htm#bffrpd.
  • The cabinets for the training room will probably be delayed, but he is doing a lot of the work on the renovation project for the training room at Station 1. The project is expected to be completed in April or May.

Operations and training update

Piepenburg reported that staff had completed 1,453 hours of training in January and said:

  • The district responded to three working fires (two with Falcon Fire Protection District and one within the district).
  • The department responded to a total of 104 calls for service in January.

Board director election update

Dunn said the district had received one nomination for the May Board of Directors election.

The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the third Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 11445 Teachout Road, Colorado Springs. Meetings are open to the public in person or via Zoom. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. For joining instructions, updates, agendas, minutes, and reports, visit www.bffire.org or contact Administrative Officer Rachel Dunn at admin@bffire.org or call 719-495-4300.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Black Forest Fire/Rescue Protection District articles

Monument Fire District, Feb. 22 – Community outreach/public information officer position approved

By Natalie Barszcz

At the Monument Fire District (MFD) meeting on Feb. 22, the board approved a new staff position and heard the fire technician position would be filled. The board requested a review of snow removal costs and received a presentation on three future station remodels and an update on the district training center. It also received an update on the ambulance service agreement with the Town of Palmer Lake.

Directors Terri Hayes and Tom Tharnish did not attend.

Community outreach/public information officer position

Fire Chief Andy Kovacs said the executive staff had been evaluating all the administrative needs as the organization grows, and future needs such as a mechanic, a data analyst to assist the accreditation manager, fire prevention staff, and an additional training officer. The community outreach/public information officer position would help the department be more efficient as an organization and allow executive staff to focus on primary tasks. The district identified a potential candidate for the position during the fire technician position interviews, but the position will also be open within the department.

Kovacs requested the board approve a community outreach/public information officer position and said a portion of the unused allocated wages from the recently vacated full-time administrative assistant position was available in the budget, and that position will not be filled, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n1.htm#mfd.

The board approved the new position, 4-0.

Fire technician position update

Division Chief of Administration/Fire Marshal Jamey Bumgarner said the district received six applications for the newly created fire technician position. However, only four interviewed, but all were outstanding, and an offer of employment has been extended.

Kovacs said the position is designed for an entry-level person interested in pursuing a career in the fire service, and it is intended to be a revolving-door position. The fire technician is due to start on March 15, pending a background check and physical exam, he said.

Financial report

Treasurer Tom Kelly presented the January financial report and said:

  • The overall revenue year to date was about $225,906 (includes specific ownership taxes $91,871, ambulance revenue $79,866, and impact fees $6,216).
  • The district has projected an income of about $16.5 million for 2023.
  • The overall expenses year to date were about $1.2 million (includes administration expenses $150,948, building expenses $10,470, wages (largest expense) $698,591, and benefits $328,238).
  • The district budgeted about $14 million in expenses for 2023.
  • The district has about $11.5 million in total checking/savings (includes reserves and funds, and about $3.7 million in the operations/general fund).
  • The district expected to receive a small amount of property taxes in February, and the bulk will arrive in March.

The board accepted the financial report as presented, 5-0.

Snow removal cost questioned

Vice President Roger Lance questioned the $4,350 bill for snow removal from Greater Grounds Landscaping that was noted in checks over $2,500 in the January financial report.

Director of Administration Jennifer Martin said the bill covered all five stations for January. Snow is only removed when it accumulates over 2 inches, and the rates are billed per plow, per hour, with extra charges applied for snow removal via truck. The district had received a lower-than-average bid, she said.

Bumgarner said the bill will likely be higher for February, because the snow piles are mounting and may need to be trucked away. The district does have a plow, but there is nowhere to push off the snow, he said.

President John Hildebrandt and Secretary Mike Smaldino both said the cost was outlandish and they had never noticed the snow removal amount in the financial report before.

Kovacs said it was never noticed before because it never exceeded $2,500 per month when the district had three stations, but this is the first winter with five stations.

Hildebrandt said the board needs to know more data on how many times the stations were plowed, for how long and at what rates. At the current rates, the district could be charged as much as $24,000 for six months of plowing, he said.

Kovacs said the bill included four storms, with plowing for 30.5 hours at $140 per hour, which is less than the market rate. Maybe the fire technician could take care of snow removal in the future, he said. The district just needs to establish a vehicle that can handle the plow, which is currently attached to the 1997 Hummer. The district inherited the vehicle and plow during the merger process with Donald Wescott Fire Protection District, but the district is planning to sell the vehicle, he said.

Lance suggested the executive staff and the board discuss the plan for snow removal in the late summer or early fall, but the contract cannot be changed this winter, he said.

Kovacs said the district will request bids for winter 2023-24 and consider other options. In a couple of months, the district will ask the board how they would like to proceed, he said.

Station remodel presentation

Bumgarner presented the board with three remodel designs created by OZ Architects for Station 2 (Roller Coaster Road), Station 4 (Gleneagle Drive), and Station 5 (Highway 83/Stage Coach Road). The district allocated $1 million for the remodel of Station 2 in the 2023 budget.

Smaldino requested OZ Architects revisit the design for Station 2 to include an additional bedroom and said he would prefer the board allocate additional funding if needed to accommodate a more flexible staffing model in the future.

Bumgarner said the design could be reconfigured, and he would revisit the plan with OZ Architects.

Kovacs said expanding the Station 2 footprint is difficult due to the lot size, and he envisioned Station 2 being a single Type 3 Engine station with four personnel rotating with a water tender or a Type 6/Brush Truck. The Station 2 ambulance service would move into the core of the district where calls are highest, and Station 5 would service that area of the district for ambulance service, he said.

Bumgarner said the remodel of both Station 4 and 5 allows for expansion of crew size. All plans are preliminary, and crews will be consulted before moving ahead with the remodels, he said.

Station 1 Training Center update

Division Chief of Operations Jonathan Bradley said the district had narrowed down a few potential companies to build the training/tower building. The partnership between the district, Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD), and Black Forest Fire Rescue Protection District is exciting, and ongoing discussions will ultimately shape the configuration of the training facility. The aim is to avoid the duplication of training facilities in the area. The training center will not necessarily be on one site, but rather spread around the north end of the county at three or four sites and use the different facilities of partner agencies. The district is exploring all the options for the training center and could still use a portion of the Station 1 site for trench extrication/rescue training, he said.

Bumgarner said the district budgeted $500,000 to purchase land for a future Station 6/training center, and the district could purchase land for $12 per square foot in an area zoned for light industrial use off Baptist Road, he said.

Kovacs said the district has identified a parcel just over 4 acres owned by the QuikTrip Corp. The owners have offered to sell the land for the initial purchase price. The 14 acres the district owns at Station 1, initially purchased for the training center, has generated interest from a Front Range repair facility, and the Town of Monument may also want to purchase some acreage for a park. The district may be able to recoup some costs toward the southwest site, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#mfd.

Palmer Lake ambulance contract update

Kovacs said that on Jan. 12, the Palmer Lake Town Council had unilaterally approved a 90-day termination notice of the intergovernmental agreement that provides ambulance service to Palmer Lake. Since the January board meeting, he said Dawn Collins, the Palmer Lake town administrator/clerk, had requested data showing past EMS service calls, ambulance transportations, and canceled calls (the district does not bill for calls that are canceled).

Hopefully a meeting will happen between both parties before the 90 days expire, and the contract can continue to provide a service that is mutually beneficial for everyone, he said. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#mfd and #plbot.

Chief’s report

Kovacs highlighted the following:

  • The Local 4319 has established a $1,000 student scholarship to a student at Lewis-Palmer, Palmer Ridge, and Discovery Canyon High Schools. The local will work with school staff to identify students that demonstrate outstanding leadership and the district’s three core values: character, connection, and commitment.
  • Seven district firefighters are attending the CSFD fire academy in a class of 37 recruits.
  • The district completed 732 hours of training in January.
  • Lt. Chris Keough installed new mounting brackets in each ambulance to secure the cardiac monitors during transit. The monitors were previously secured with bungee cords.

The January chief’s report can be viewed at www.monumentfire.org.

2022 annual report

Kovacs said the 2022 annual report highlights the district’s achievements from the previous year. The report is intended to capture all the good things that happened within the fire district.

The report can be viewed on the district website at www.monumentfire.org, and copies are available at the district administration office located at 16055 Old Forest Point, Suite 102, Monument.

Lance said the report was a good document and very well done.

Board of Directors election update

Lance said that after further consideration he had reversed his decision and will run again for a board position this year. See www.ocn.me/v23n2.htm#mfd.

The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

**********

Meetings are usually held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Station 1, 18660 Highway 105. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for March 22 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting attendance is open to the public in person or via Zoom. For joining instructions, agendas, minutes, and updates, visit www.monumentfire.org or contact Director of Administration Jennifer Martin at 719-484-9011.

Natalie Barszcz can be reached at nataliebarszcz@ocn.me.

Other Monument Fire District articles