The Haworth Volunteer Fire Department held a Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 1998 at the Haworth Fire Department.  Meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Chief Floyd Middleton.  Members present were: Storey, White, Batson, Smith, Wilcox, Middleton, & Boyd.  Guest present were: Sandra Cofer, Joyce Brown, Mayor Jack Brown, and Sonny Joe Carrell.

Minutes of the previous meeting were read.  Smith moved to accept.  Batson seconded.  All members were in favor.  Minutes approved.

Storey reported that the Department's only expense for the previous month was: $27.11 to Wal-Mart for a caller ID unit and batteries.  The income for the previous month was a $2,500.00 operational grant from KEDDO.  Current balance is $3,724.44.  Middleton moved to accept the financial report.  Smith  seconded.  All members in favor.  Financial report approved.

Middleton reported the yearly training hour totals for all firefighters.  Middleton quoted Town of Haworth Ordinance 1993-1, which states that all members required to attend all meetings and training.  He also reported that currently a minimum of 12 hours of training is required of all members of the department.  This is required in order to maintain the department's current ISO rating.  Middleton stated that beginning this year, that all firefighters would be required to obtain a minimum of 12 hours of training provided by Oklahoma State University - Fire Service Training.  This is due to the abundance of OSU-FST training that is conducted locally, free of charge.  In the event that OSU-FST becomes unavailable locally or for free, this order will be rescinded.  Middleton reported that beginning this year, fire drills will be conducted a minimum of four times each year.  This will allow for more points in future ISO rating surveys.  Smith reported that he would be conducting one hour of in-house training after each regular meeting, when time permits.  Middleton then reported that three firefighters failed to obtain their mandated training: Mark Kates, Michael Smithson, and Jason Green.  Middleton moved to dismiss them, as required by Ordinance 1993-1 and ISO standards.  Batson seconded.  All members in favor.  Kates, Smithson, and Green dismissed.  Storey was directed to make the appropriate notifications.

Middleton reported that there was now two empty seats on the local pension and retirement board; seats two and three.  The floor was opened for nominations to fill seat number two.  Boyd nominated Wilcox.  Smith seconded.  No other nominations offered.  Smith moved to approve Wilcox. All members in favor.  Wilcox elected by acclamation.  The floor was then opened for nominations to fill seat number three.  Boyd nominated Smith.  Batson seconded.  No other nominations offered.  Middleton moved to approve Smith.  Smith elected by acclamation.

Middleton opened the floor for nominations for Secretary/Treasurer for the Fire Department.  Middleton moved that Storey retain the office.  Smith seconded.  All members in favor.  Storey selected as Secretary/Treasurer by acclamation.

Middleton reported that two additional Captains were needed on the department.  He further reported that he had selected Boyd and Batson for the positions.  All members in favor.  Boyd and Batson promoted to Captains effective this date.

Middleton reported that  he would like for the department to dispose of the electric booster hose assemblies on Engine-1 and Engine-2.  These would then be replaced with 1 1/2" crosslays.  The 1" hose in inadequate to protect firefighters and this change is sought for personnel safety.  All members in favor.  Disposal approved.  Middleton reported that the proceeds from the sale of the booster hose assemblies would be applied toward the purchase of the crosslays.

Middleton reported that, as required in Ordinance 1993-1, new members n the department are to be voted on at the end of their probationary period of one year.  Probationary members due for vote this month were: Batson, Lacy, and Smith.  Votes on whether to retain these members were held.  Batson was unanimously approved.  Lacy was unanimously approved.  Smith was unanimously approved.

Storey reported that there were no inactive firefighters this month.

Middleton reported that there was one opening on the department.  Storey reported that there were currently two applications on file:  Sonny Joe Carrell and Sandra Cofer.  Middleton requested a vote by departmental members on which application to approve.  Vote was by show-of-hands.  Results of voting was:  Cofer - 0 and Carrell - 7.  Carrell hired as firefighter effective this date.

Goal and objective for 1998 were discussed.  Smith stated that he felt the department should work towards obtaining a Class 7 ISO rating.  To accomplish this, the department must begin an equipment testing program and continue with the personnel training plan.  Appropriate records must be maintained for these activities.  Middleton reported that Fire Drills will need to be held occasionally throughout the year, as this will allow the department to obtain more points toward the lower rating.  Smith suggested that the department save enough money to purchase the needed equipment to perform the tests on equipment and apparatus.  Middleton and Smith are to consult with Robert Peavy to ascertain what testing equipment is needed.

Another goal for 1998 is getting the 1980 Ford equipped and placed in service as an Engine at the Redland Sub-Station and having the sub-station rated.  A written lease is needed in order to obtain this rating.

Another goal will be the moving of the department's repeater system to the Pine Cable tower on the Northern edge of Haworth.  Storey reported that he had spoken with Jerry Whisenhunt concerning this matter, and he was willing to allow the system to be installed on the tower.  Storey also reported that he had spoken with Lindsey Communications and they will move the system for approximately $400.00.  Storey is to research the matter and report his findings at future meetings.

Old Business: Storey reported that he was awaiting word from Glenn Gee of Southwestern Bell Telephone concerning the grant request he had submitted to them.

Middleton reported that he had contacted KEDDO and transferred the two items discussed during the previous months meeting to the Shinewell Volunteer Fire Department.

New Business: Middleton reported that he would be requesting a meeting with the Chiefs of the Tom and Shinewell Volunteer Fire Departments in order to establish coordination and command procedures for mutual aid calls.  This will be done in order to promote firefighter and civilian safety at fire scenes.

Middleton moved to adjourn.  Smith seconded.  All members in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.

Signed,

    Floyd Middleton, Chief

    Richard Smith, Assistant Chief

    Kirk Storey, Secretary/Treasurer