by Richard Uhlhorn
At last Wednesday’s Chelan Fire and Rescue commissioner meeting, the district received a surprise gift from the Undercover Quilt Club. A group of the membership got together and created a quilt specific to the Chelan’s department.
Chief Brandon Asher swore in the district’s newest firefighter, Chad Cohen.
Commissioner’s reports:
Russ Jones reported that the Chelan Fire and Rescue boat has been repaired and is ready for summer service.
Mark Donnell remarked that upcoming increases in taxes will probably impact the Fire district.
Fire Chief report:
Chief Brandon Asher reported that the budget is on track and that the district has received the new boat at a cost of $20,000 of which $10,000 for its acquisition was from the Firefighter’s Association. “The money spent on the vessel was for its electronics,” said Asher. The boat was free.”
Windemere Real Estate donated approximately $1,600 to the district from its Shredding Program.
Asher reported that in April alone, the District responded to seven brush fires. The recent May brush fire in Washington Creek was handled quickly. “We got lucky,” Asher remarked at the Saturday Pancake Breakfast. “It got into a bowl and just swirled around. We would have still gotten it if it had escaped.”
The fire season has descended on the area and it is important to inform the community and visitors of the danger. With another hot summer coming, the fuels will be extremely dry.
The department applies for all relevant grants it can and Asher reported that they have a CWDG (Community Wildfire Defense Grant) pending consideration at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that would fund the district for five years and amount to $2.5 million dollars.
In addition, another grant application is in for $25,000 for personal fire gear.
RiverCom is currently installing radio equipment on Slide Ridge which will help increase the District’s current radio communications.
Chelan is also updating the old Orondo Fire District response plan which is outdated and will help RiverCom dispatch proper equipment during emergencies.
The WSRB, is company who helps insurance companies, their customers evaluate data for properties to help establish fire insurance premiums. “There is a lot of momentum now to extend the boundaries from five to seven miles,” said Asher.
Volunteer recruitment coordinator:
Mark Donnell stated that the districts are looking for a regional coordinator. “We have a better chance at a regional position,” said Donnell.
Ron Simmons added that a training coordinator is an important position which he would like to see continued after the three year grant expires.
Assistant Chief Shaun Sherman remarked that the District subscribes to the MRSC which is a statewide resource providing general legal and policy guidance for local government entities.
The District has a goal to celebrate its 100 year history next April.
The District needs to find out who the contact is at the Forest Service. “They’ve had so much turnover. We need to follow up on who has the position.”
Assistant Fire Chief report:
Sherman reported that they would be sitting down with District 5 Chief Arnold Baker to discuss operational planning.
TIF:
Russ Jones stated that he won’t be convinced about TIF numbers until he walks through the numbers the City has provided and assesses the increase in property values. Asher replied that the District counterparts around the Northwest are also studying TIF structures.
In other business:
The District is considering hiring a second mechanic. “Not sure whether it would be full-time or part-time.” Apparently Chelan EMS has talked about sharing that position for their mechanical needs.
All Things Lake Chelan 