CWWFD2 welcomes new fire rig, discusses upcoming elections

WAITSBURG-The Columbia-Walla Walla Fire District 2 met Wednesday, May 12, for a regularly scheduled meeting. Fire commissioners discussed the upcoming elections in each county and a new vehicle that Commissioner Jake Long was able to secure.

District Clerk Anne Higgins provided a financial report following the approval of minutes. She noted that the report was missing several Columbia County expenditures because the county had not yet processed them.

Commissioner Deb Fortner reported that Station 2 was scheduled for a final walk-through with the contractor to go over finishing projects on May 18. She has been in touch with the insurance company to arrange payment methods that align with the district's budget process. Fortner also wanted to note that the contracting company changed its name to First Onsite from Interstate Restoration.

Interim Chief Colter Mohney reported that one potential volunteer had contacted him about necessary paperwork for the district. Higgins reiterated that volunteers may not participate in district functions, including training, until the paperwork is completed.

Commissioner Long reported that he received a letter from the Walla Walla County Elections Department informing the district of upcoming election information, including voter's pamphlet requirements. Voter pamphlet costs are shared between entrants; Long said the county was not able to provide an estimated cost.

Higgins shared that the district had the option to write to the county commissioners, requesting that they not be included in the pamphlet because it would cause financial hardship. Requests need to be submitted at least 60 days before publication, which leaves only a few days. The fire commissioners voted to write a letter and submit it to the county commissioners in Columbia and Walla Walla counties.

The district has two commissioner seats, one four-year term, and one six-year term up for election this year in Walla Walla County.

The Fire Chief Hiring Committee reported meeting three times since forming at the April meeting. Ashley Strickland said they had explored all options, including contracting a chief and looking for help from neighboring departments. He said the best option is to revamp the job description, modify the job listing, and send the listing out to as many places as possible.

Strickland said the committee decided on a basic set of qualifications for a future chief and basic qualifications for officers and volunteers. All committee decisions will be sent to the commissioners for consideration. Strickland said that he would be formally presenting the committee's suggestions at a later date.

Commissioner Fortner said she is researching signage options for Station 2, including permit requirements with Waitsburg's City Administrator. One Dayton FFA member has permission from the school to help with laser cutting the district's logo, according to Fortner. She also said that she was exploring solar lighting options for the station on Preston Avenue.

Commissioner Long said that the Department of Natural Resources recently contacted him about the availability of a surplus 2003 International 5-man cab fire pickup previously used at the Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, WA. He said that the engine had been out of use for roughly a year, but it passed water testing and presented no major problems. The vehicle will replace a 40-year-old engine currently used by the district. The newer vehicle is being stored at a local barn until the district decides the future of the current fire rig. According to Long, there are minimal costs associated with the vehicle for the first year. After a one-year trial, ownership of the vehicle can be transferred to the district at a minimal cost. Long did not specify what the cost would be at that time.