Quincy Fire Protection Districts

Board of Directors Meeting

Date: May 9, 2025

Time: 08:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Location: Feather Publishing Co. Board Room

Address: 287 Lawrence Street, Quincy, CA 95971

I.  Call to Order:

     a)  Chairman Mike Taborski called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. with Vice-Chairman Johnny Mansell, Treasurer Andy Ryback, Fire Chief Frank Carey, and Administrative Secretary Karrie White in attendance.

II.  Public Comment:

     a)      None

III.   Approval of April 10, 2025, Meeting Minutes:

     a)  Chairman Taborski asked if the board members had reviewed the minutes. Treasurer Ryback said yes and made a motion to approve the April 10, 2025, board meeting minutes, with Vice Chairman Mansell seconding the motion. The motion was carried.

IV.  Financial Committee Report: Treasurer Ryback:

      a) Treasurer Ryback’s Financial Report:
Karrie presented a detailed financial report, including a balance sheet indicating a total account balance of just over $2.5 million. Income statements for March and April were reviewed, with no anomalies noted in April. Key expenses were highlighted:

•  Approximately $12,000 for communications equipment, identified as a radio purchase from Sierra Electronics.
•  $30,000 for property insurance through LP.
•  $2,500 for truck maintenance in March.
•  Nearly $5,000 for professional services, with March reflecting higher expenditures than in April.

Additionally, a $950 Amazon charge on the credit card was discussed and clarified as the purchase of new cameras and DVR equipment for the burn trailer. This replaced outdated and damaged equipment to enhance safety and monitoring capabilities.

     b)  Financial Transfers 
Treasurer Ryback made a motion to transfer $35,000, which was seconded by Vice-Chairman Mansell. The motion carried.

Secretary White reported the following reimbursements and revenues:

• $8,800 was received for water tender repairs related to the Gold Complex Fire.
• A $16,000 check from the recent auction sale of the ladder truck.
• An IRS reimbursement of approximately $3,700, resulting from a duplicate tax payment made by both the county and the department for fiscal year 2022–2023. This overpayment was discovered and corrected following an audit                                                                                                                                                                               

      c)  Review and Sign claims:

      a)  Karrie presented claims, reviewed, discussed, and approved for signature.

V.  Fire Chief Report: Frank Carey

      a) The department responded to a total of 55 calls during the month: 44 EMS calls, 9 fire-related incidents, and 2 hazardous materials calls. The average personnel attendance per call was 4.

      b) The fire academy is scheduled to conclude on Saturday. Four recruits — Nick Fitzgerald (a railroad crew driver), Daniel Waltermire (a safety officer at Sierra Pacific), Alicia Hinojoso (a college student with wildland firefighting experience), and Jackson Brenzovich (a high school student whose father is a retired U.S. Forest Service captain) — are expected to remain with the department. All four are currently listed on the department roster, with full membership contingent upon completion of the required training signoff.

      c) Chief Carey reported an upcoming meeting on Monday with the maintenance department and Current Electric and Alarm to plan the installation of a new fire alarm system at the Plumas County Courthouse. The current system is outdated and in need of replacement.

      d) The department has submitted an application for the 50/50 Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant, requesting up to $40,000 to purchase new radios to replace the aging Bendix units. It was noted that previous grant-funded radios were designated for officer use, and additional radios are now needed to ensure all personnel entering hazardous environments are properly equipped. Chief Carey acknowledged Dale Ready for preparing and submitting the grant application.

VI.  Fire Drill Report: Frank Carey

a)  On 5/1/25, we had our officers’ meeting to review monthly training, corporate financials, and upcoming events.

b)  On 5/13/25, Wildland shelter deployment, mobile attack and tactics

c)  On 5/20/25, Pig Rog and Knots Training focused on Rope Rescue Techniques, including Pig Rig systems and knot-tying skills.

d)  On 5/27/25, The department will conduct training on Wildland Progressive Hose Lays. Coordination is underway with the U.S. Forest Service to hold this as a joint training exercise.

VII.  Other District Business, Discussion, and Possible Actions:

1) Fire Station 2 replacement: Fire Chief Carey

a)  Chief Carey and board members discussed whether to remodel the existing building or construct a new one ideas included eliminating the upstairs, raising the roof, enlarging doors, and extending the building.

Chief Carey reported Skip Partlow had his building and property appraised at $500,000 with his business valued at $300,000 and was seeking a total of about $600,000. Vice Chairman Mansell expressed interest in reviewing the appraisal and clarified they are not interested in acquiring the business component.

The building was described as a large metal structure with two doors on one end and a larger door on the other, which is suitable for drive-through parking of up to four vehicles. The building includes an office (laundry area) and a restroom (in need of renovation) and currently uses a wood stove and heating unit.  Chief Carey discussed the need for modifications to improve insulation, possibly with spray foam to better serve operational needs and accommodate equipment.

VIII.  Discussion and possible action regarding the progress of the LaPorte facility project:

a) Taborski inquired about any updates regarding the LaPorte parcel. Mansell reported we are waiting on the County Council. The process which involves surplus land rules requires offering the property to government agencies and nonprofits, and possibly land developers interested in subsidized housing this is a lengthy slow process.

Chairperson Taborski entertained a motion to adjourn our regular session and go into a closed session. Ryback made a motion to adjourn the meeting, with Mansell seconding the motion, and the motion was carried.

IX. Closed Session:

1.  Public employee performance evaluation: Chief Frank Carey

     a)  Administrative Secretary White’s performance was reviewed, and it was reported she is meeting expectations. Facilities Manager Marten Munoz's performance was reviewed and is meeting expectations

2. The Board of Directors reported the following action taken in closed session:

     a) The Board of Directors held a brief discussion with Chief Carey regarding the board’s expectations, the outcome of the employee evaluation, and the previously adopted pay scale. Chief Carey confirmed that Administrative Secretary White has been promoted to Level 2 of the pay scale of $28.41. Marten Munoz promoted to level 3 of the pay scale of $ 31.59. Made retroactive to March 1, 2025.

The meeting was adjourned by Chairperson Taborski at 8:45 a.m.

Submitted: _______________________    ________________

                   Chairperson Taborski                   Date