Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting
of the
Haworth Volunteer Fire Department


CALL TO ORDER:
       The Haworth Volunteer Fire Department held a regularly scheduled monthly business meeting on Monday, April 12, 2004 at the Haworth Fire Station.  Assistant Chief Kyle Batson called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.  Members present were: Aubrey Gray, David Smith, Jimmy Ferguson, Eric Jackson, Floyd Middleton, Chad Wright, Lyndon Farley, Kirk Storey, Vic Marsh, and Kyle Batson.  Guests present: Landon Middleton, Jarrod Campbell and John Harjo.
 
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING:
       Minutes of the previous meeting were presented.  Wright moved to accept the minutes as written.  Smith seconded.  All members in favor.  Minutes approved.
 
FINANCIAL REPORT:
 Beginning Balance:  $21,878.82
 Income:             $        0
 Expenses:           $   105.33     FuelMan – Fuel
 Ending Balance      $21,773.49
       Wright moved to accept financial report.  Middleton seconded.  Financial Report approved.
 
BUILDING USE AGREEMENT WITH TOWN OF HAWORTH:
       Storey presented a copy of the proposed Building Use Agreement with the Town of Haworth, concerning the use of the existing Haworth Fire Station.  Members reviewed the proposed agreement.  Middleton moved to approve the agreement.  Smith seconded.  All members in favor.  Motion approved.
 
JUNIOR FIREFIGHTER PROGRAM:
       Storey reported that he was researching the possibility of establishing a Junior Firefighter Program.  The program would allow 14-18 year olds to participate in the department on a limited basis.  All members agreed that the program would be beneficial for the department and the community.  Members requested Storey to continue researching the matter.
 
DISMISSAL OF FIREFIGHTER(S):
       No dismissals required.
 
HIRE FIREFIGHTER(S):
       Storey reported that the department had one active application on file: Aubrey Gray.  Wright moved to hire Aubrey Gray as probationary volunteer firefighters.  Ferguson seconded.  All members in favor.  Motion carried.
 
2004 FIRE ACT GRANT:
       Storey reported that the department’s 2004 FIRE Act Grant application had been submitted.  The application requested funding to assist in the purchase of a new Tanker/Pumper.  The estimated cost of the apparatus is $236,500.  If the application is approved, the department would be required to supply $23,650 and the Department of Homeland Security would provide $212,850.  The apparatus would be equipped with a 2,500 gallon tank, 1,250 GPM pump, on-board foam system, compartments on both sides, NFPA compliant lighting and siren, pre-piped deck monitor, etc.
 
OLD BUSINESS:
       The department’s grant application with the Bureau of Indian Affairs had been denied.
       The department’s “Community Facilities” grant application with Rural Development is still pending.
       Firefighters won 1st Place in the annual Volunteer Firefighter Challenge at the Dogwood Days Festival in Idabel on April 3rd.
       Members discussed the new Redland Substation project.  Marsh reported that he had spoken with County Commissioner Aubrey Thompson about applying for a REAP grant through the County.  The filing period will open in August.  Members also discussed holding a fundraiser to assist with the project and purchase equipment.  A pie/cake auction will be held on July 19th at 6:30 pm, during the Democratic Party’s political speaking at the Haworth School cafeteria.  Members also discussed raffling a gun.  Batson moved to raffle a .17 caliber rifle.  Middleton seconded.  All members in favor.  Motion approved.
       Middleton reported that the 1986 Chevrolet pickup, water tank, hose reel, and pump unit had been transferred to the Ringold Volunteer Fire Department.
 
NEW BUSINESS:
       The annual fire department cookout will be held on Saturday, May 8th at 6:30 pm at the Haworth Fire Station.
           
ADJOURN:
       Aubrey Gray moved to adjourn.  Smith seconded.  All members in favor.  Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.


Signed:
Vic Marsh, Chief
Kyle Batson, Assistant Chief
Kirk Storey, Secretary/Treasurer