At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, the Nederland Fire Department held their Regular Board meeting remotely. Board President and chairperson Ian Irwin-Powell, Vice President Guy Falsetti and Treasurer Todd Wieseler attended the meeting, as well as Chief Scott, directors Jess McElvain and Russ Panneton.

The Treasurer’s report was presented and was considered financially better than in January 2021. A tax revenue influx is also expected. Todd Wieseler foresees new software expenses for 2022 as they focus on improving technical capabilities that will make the department more efficient.

Moreover, the department discussed the increase in the monthly expenses, $16,000 more than last year that are mostly related to administration costs. They are planning $40,000 for vehicle maintenance. Overall, the team agrees that this is a reasonable start.

Next, Chief Scott reported that county chiefs are considering changing the patient transportation carrier and that Nederland’s current contract depends on the City of Boulder and City of Longmont, so there may be a change in providers during the summer.

Director Jess McElvain brought to the Board’s attention the current Standard Operation Guidelines (SOGs) and Chief Scott agreed that reviewing current guidelines and adjusting them as needed; is a priority for the fire department. Mostly, they agree that a discussion must be had on current definitions and teaching methods.

A serious point brought by Chief Scott was the fact that Frozen Dead Guy Days approaches on March 18th - 20th and there will be less law enforcement present at the event due to payment and contracts, therefore more presence of EMS will be necessary.

Chief Scott reported on the changes made pertaining to EMS. He has transferred the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) licensing from Dr. Dorfman to Dr. Sovndal. Moreover, the team has removed expired medical stock from ambulances and supply rooms while organizing it. The Nederland Fire Department plans on submitting an EMT application soon, as it would benefit the entire mountain community area.

The Board brought up the need to purchase a new fire truck and discussed if it should be a diesel or gas vehicle. No decision was made on that topic. Treasurer Wieseler brought up the option of special financing for the vehicle in order to not use much of the budget planned.

On New Business, the board adopted a new firefighter pay policy that describes the standard work period, overtime calculation and unpaid time off rules for firefighters working a 48/96 shift pattern. This policy defined that firefighters shall be paid 1/12th of their annual pay for each month worked, provided that all scheduled hours have been worked. An hourly pay would be calculated for each firefighter and overtime would be 1.5x the normal rate.

Finally, the Timberline Fire Manual Aid Agreement resolution 2022-6 was also discussed, as well as resolution 2022- 7 of the County Mutual Aid Agreement.

Overall, the Nederland Fire Department had a busy month, with 33 calls, including 18 EMS calls and 15 fire calls.

The Nederland Fire Department is located at https://www.nfpd.org/ or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NFPD.org.

The next meeting of the Nederland Fire Department will be on March 16, 2022, at 7 p.m. and information is available on their website to join by Zoom.