NCFPD recognizes outgoing directors, approved new fee schedules

To kick off the meeting of the North County Fire Protection District on Tuesday, Oct. 27, Chief Stephen Abbott began by speaking about and recognizing each of the retiring board members, directors Ruth Harris, Bob Hoffman and Fred Luevano.

Harris was elected to the board in 2004 and finished her 16th year as a director. Hoffman and Luevano were elected to their position in 2016 and are finishing their fourth year.

“Know that your service is appreciated, it doesn’t go unknown,” Abbott said.

The board then approved the Consent Agenda which included reviewing and accepting policies and procedures in career development, reviewed the monthly operations activity report for September, and reviewed and accepted the first quarter emergency service overtime tracking report.

According to that report, “overtime expenditures are at approximately 52.21% of budgeted amounts, with $320,000 outstanding for mutual aid, which will reduce overtime to 22.08% when reimbursed; the adjustment will bring overtime 3% below the current quarter percentage.”

The board also reviewed and accepted the third quarter customer satisfaction survey program which reported a score of 98% in the "excellent" range, with 27% (81) surveys returned.

The calendar was completed with an annual overview of district facilities that included the needs and direction for the remainder of 2020.

In action items, there was a public hearing regarding the proposed approval of a resolution adopting the ambulance fee schedule and ambulance transport revenue policy by Deputy Chief Kevin Mahr and Chief Abbott.

It was approved unanimously.

They also approved adopting the proposed cost recovery fee schedule and cost recovery policy.

“The only charge that’s being added is for false alarms,” Chief Abbott said.

The board also reviewed and approved a revised ordinance adopting the fire prevention fee schedule and fire prevention fee policy and appendices.

Chief Abbott presented and the board ultimately approved a plan policy for facilities replacements.

The board also approved the filling of three positions in December at a cost of $30,000.

They also reviewed and approved a resolution adopting an updated pay schedule which was amended due to additions and changes in job classifications.

Finally, the directors reviewed and approved nominations for the LAFCO Special District Advisory Committee.

Jeff Pack can be reached by email at [email protected].