CALL TO ORDER
The Haworth Volunteer Fire Department held a regularly scheduled business meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2000 at the Haworth Fire Station.  Meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Chief Middleton.  Members present were: Storey, Hattabaugh, Batson, Farley, Donaldson, Hall, Middleton, White, Bennett, and Owens.  Others present were: Jim Ferguson and Vic Marsh.

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of the previous regular meeting were presented.  Hattabaugh moved to accept.  White seconded.  All members in favor.  Minutes approved.

Minutes of the previous special meeting were presented.  Hall moved to accept.  Hattabaugh seconded.  All members in favor.  Minutes approved.

FINANCIAL REPORT
        Beginning Balance:  $       47.76
        Expenses:               $       89.05   (Country Store: Fuel)
        Income:                  $     250.00   (Farmers Union Insurance - P. Murray Fire)
        Ending Balance:      $     208.71
Hattabaugh moved to approve financial report.  Batson seconded.  All members in favor.  Report approved.
 

VOTE ON PROBATIONARY MEMBERS
Middleton reported that three members, Richard Owens, Brett Bennett, and Keith Donaldson, have completed their one-year probationary period.  Hattabaugh moved to accept all three as permanent members of the Department.  Batson seconded.  All members in favor.  Full memberships approved.

PURCHASE OF PUMPER
Middleton reported that several pumpers have been located through Firetec.  He suggested establishing a price range and approving the purchase of a pumper falling within the price range, to avoid having to call for a special meeting.  He also reported that the Town of Haworth had deposited the funds that the Association had transferred into the Fire Department’s account for the purpose of paying the remained of the expenses for the construction of the new station, approximately $4,200.00.  Storey suggested using this money to fund the purchase of the pumper, rather than paying it on the original loan and then having to refinance the loan in order to purchase the pumper.  Hall moved to purchase a pumper up to $4,500.00, with a minimum pump capacity of 750 GPM.  Batson seconded.  All members in favor.  Purchase approved.

APPOINT NEW ASSISTANT CHIEF
Middleton reported that he had approached Smith about his lack of recent participation.  He told Smith that if he thought he would be able to devote more time to the duties of the Assistant Chief position, to contact him back prior to this meeting.  Otherwise, a new Assistant Chief would need to be appointed.  Middleton stated that Smith had not contacted him prior to this meeting, and that it was necessary to appoint a new Assistant Chief.  Middleton then appointed Kyle Batson as Assistant Chief.

OLD BUSINESS
Middleton reported that a great deal of progress has been made on the new station.  It is nearing completion.

Middleton also reported that the booster hose reels are now in the possession of the Shinewell Volunteer Fire Department, and that they were extremely appreciative.

Pollard area residents are continuing their efforts to build a Substation.

NEW BUSINESS
Storey reported that three active applications for membership were on file.  Middleton stated that the applications will be acted upon as soon as possible.

Storey asked members their opinion about dropping the State Firefighters Pension and Retirement System.  Currently, the Town of Haworth is required to pay the Pension contributions on all firefighters enrolled in the system (approximately $900.00), and the Fire Department is required to pay each member’s State Firefighters Association dues ($555.00 in 2000).  Storey also stated that in addition to the financial savings, the Department could then add as many members as needed, whereas, currently the Department is limited to a total of 20 members. Members expressed agreement with the proposal.  Middleton requested that members take some time to think the matter over, as the contributions and dues for 2000 have already been paid.  Issue tabled until future date.

Members discussed driving safety.  Bennett reported that Trooper Byasse was an Emergency Vehicle Operator Course Instructor.

ADJOURN
Middleton moved to adjourn.  Batson seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

Signed,

    Floyd Middleton, Chief

    Kyle Batson, Assistant Chief

    Kirk Storey, Secretary/Treasurer