REGULAR MEETING MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, May 19, 2009 at 0900 hours City of Seattle Joint Training Facility 9401 Myers Way South Seattle, WA 98108 Motions are noted in red font. Action items are noted in blue font. Call to Order Chief Soptich called the meeting to order at 0900 hours. He stated the Association will meet again next month, but will adjourn for the summer months of July and August, and reconvene in September. Roll Call Roll call of the Association was held in an effort to help all get to know each other. The roster is attached to these minutes. Spotlight: Chief Rowe from the Snoqualmie Fire Department was in the Spotlight this month. He was born and raised in south King County, Burien, and is a second generation firefighter; his father was a 25 year veteran in Seattle. Chief Rowe grew up a station brat attending firefighter camp outs and picnics; their family s closest friends were in the fire service. He grew up knowing the path he wanted to take. He began volunteering right out of high school at SeaTac, and attended LH Bates Fire Service program. Chief Rowe became a resident firefighter at age 18 and was commanding fire ground operations before the formal ICS program was introduced. He was there before Medic One in King County and went on their first call. He remembers the scoop and run days. Hired in Burien in 1978 as mechanic / firefighter, he transferred to suppression within six months and was there for the next 20 years. It was a small department, and busy, which afforded him to gain knowledge in all aspects of fire department from budgeting and program development to managing large incidents with limited staffing. Spending his career in the area has allowed him to follow many of the current fire chief s careers through the ranks. In 1999, Chief Rowe saw an opportunity to start a fire department from ground zero in Snoqualmie and was hired on January 1 st, and was tasked to take over service by January 19 th. It was more of a challenge than expected but they did it. Eleven years later he is still going strong. He was appointed as the Director of Emergency Management for City. Although he is unable to attend these meetings regularly, he lives vicariously through the Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

2 minutes. Chief Rowe has been married for 29 years (total), has a vacation place on Blue Lake, near Ephrata, and enjoys spending time with his granddaughter who keeps him busy. Action: Next month Chief Bob Van Horne from the Bothell Fire Department will be in the spotlight. Mario La Costa, newly appointed Deputy Chief of Woodinville Fire and Life Safety District was introduced. He recently moved from Cathedral City, (next door to Palm Springs) California, to join the Department and has been with the fire service since 1986. He retired from the state of New Mexico before moving to California. He has been in job for two and a half weeks. He and his family live in Bothell where he is adjusting nicely, and busy. Approval of Meeting Minutes Motion: Chief Van Horne moved to approve the meeting minutes from the April 21, 2009 meeting. The Motion was seconded by Chief Dean and approved unanimously. Treasurer s Report: The Treasurer s Report for April 21, 2010, through May 19, 2010 was presented. The balance in the checking account is $1,230.97. The balance in the savings account is $17,499.87. The total of the two accounts at May 19, 2010 is $18,730.84. Chief Soptich reported that it has been suggested we use Association dues to purchase everyone apparel that helps to promote the KCFCA and asked if anyone had any concerns in doing so. The budget amount was approximately $40 each, with about 30 to buy for. Hearing no objections it was decided to go ahead with the purchase, with a couple of people needed to work on the design. Motion: Chief Merritt moved to approve the Treasurer s Report for the reporting period of April 21, 2010, through May 19, 2010. The motion was seconded by Chief Peterson and approved unanimously. Return and Report: Chief Soptich asked if any members had contact with legislative folks to report. Chief Dean and EMS Interim Director Plorde are attending the June 2 nd meeting. Chiefs Peterson and Van Horne will be attending in July. Chief Soptich encouraged all to attend a Council Committee of the Whole, scheduled on Wednesdays, 0930, at the Council Chambers, King County Courthouse, 10 th Floor. He suggested arriving early to greet, leave your card, and represent the Association. Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

3 OLD BUSINESS: King County Fire Prevention Division/Fire Marshal No business to report. DDES Director John Starbard will be meeting with us next month. NEW BUSINESS: County Executive Office Public Safety Sales Tax Measure Government Relations Director Gail Stone introduced herself and Sung Yang from the KC Executive s office. She reported that the KC Council is deliberating a Public Safety Sales Tax Measure that would increase sales tax by.2% and would be placed before the people of KC in the August primary. This Measure would help to preserve programs essential to the health, safety, and justice of KC residents. It would include funding for sheriff s deputies, prosecutors, family court and probation services, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, public defenders and critical community public health services. 40% of collected revenue would be returned to the 39 cities in KC, based on population, with the requirement that 1/3 has to be expended on criminal justice functions. Ms. Stone stated the Measure needs a 50% favorable vote from the Council, felt the urgency to bring the information to the Association, and wants to hear from constituencies, that County Council would appreciate hearing from city officials. She stated the vote takes place at the Council meeting on Monday at 1:30 p.m. Chief Soptich led the discussion stating in past the body has been hesitant giving endorsements. He sated for fire districts it would mean less police which means it becomes less safe for boots on the ground. He realizes the value of the Measure is going to be seen differently by each department, but thought it safe to say the additional revenue the cities would receive would help the fire service. He proposed this one of those times, courageous leadership to take a stand and make endorsement. Chief Soptich stated he would be able to go and speak at Monday council meeting. Motion: Chief Crossen moved that the KCFCA endorse the Public Safety Sales Tax Measure. The motion was seconded by Chief Dean and approved unanimously. Action: Chief Soptich will email the Association endorsing the Measure and asked for as many members to be at the Monday meeting that can be there. Crisis Clinic Presentation The Crisis Clinic presentation is deferred until next month. Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

BoardUp (Scene Protection/Security) Presentation Rod Heivilin, BoardUp Director of Emergency Services, provided the Association an overview of his organization. BoardUp has over 100 offices nationwide and staffed by active or retired fire officers who understand the job. After a fire occurs, the biggest problem is taking care of the family; it is where BoardUp excels, they work closely with the Red Cross. Their services provide: Victim Assistance Board Up Structural stabilization Temporary Fencing Winterization Roof Tarp/Covering BoardUp answers live 24/7 and (90% of time) provides a one hour response, works with the insurance companies with zero out-pocket expense to the fire department. All are licensed, bonded, and fully insured. They have partnered in raising over $1.5 million for fire and police charities in 2009, and are rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau. Question: Where do BoardUp s services begin along with the Red Cross? Both respond; sometimes call each other depending on circumstances. Red Cross takes care of long term accommodations. BoardUp helps with short term accommodations; put families up overnight or up to three days. Helps families with insurance. Mr. Heivilin stated an advantage with BoardUp on the scene with a cell phone; if they find hot spots, BoardUp calls the fire department, not 911. Question: What is the ultimate goal for BoardUp? The ultimate goal to have every department use BoardUp. The company sponsors in Seattle, with the ultimate goal to get the restoration job. Nationally, they get 30% of the restoration jobs. If that does not happen, they break even for time and materials. Question: What is BoardUp asking of us today? BoardUp is looking for contact with agencies. Agreement (hold harmless) signed with fire department; not bill the fire department or owner, work with insurance companies. It is your choice to call. Fire department is not liable if one of their (BoardUp) people get hurt. Chief Soptich stated there is no pressure to call or sign up. Eastside Fire & Rescue signed up with the motivator to get rigs back in service, not get our firefighters hurt. He stated they have not used it yet, so cannot endorse; it is not automatic. The Incident Commander makes the call, like transport. It was brought to this group, as another option to safety, efficiency; a tool in the box, resource in the resource guide. Executive Board: 4 Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

5 Contact information: Rod Heivilin Director of Emergency Services 1-800-BOARDUP.RODHEIVILIN@GMAIL.COM Washington Survey & Rating Bureau Presentation Members from the Washington Survey & Rating Bureau (WSRB) were in attendance to provide information about the Bureau and answer questions. WSRB President, Brian Upton-Rowley introduced David Bruell, VP WSRB and President BMI, Robert Ferrell, and Dan Ander, Manager IT and Process Improvement, WSRB. The WSRB is the only property rating bureau in Washington, starting their 100 th year. They are: Independent Not for Profit Public Service Institution Managed and Domiciled in Washington Licensed and Regulated by OIC The primary functions of the WSRB are to the Subscribers (Insurers): Assessments, Voluntary, and Subsidiary (BMI): Obtain Regulatory Approval: o Insurance Policy Forms o Rules Calculating Premiums o Advisory Loss Costs (rates) Commercial Structures Evaluates: o Construction o Occupancy o Protection (Public and Private) o Exposures Reports on Observed Conditions Sprinkler Systems o Evaluation / Grading o Reports o Training Seminars Independently Assess Conditions as they Exist in Relation NFPA o Free Consulting o Evaluation and Grading o Public Protection Grades and Class What makes the WSRB different? Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

6 They live here They work here They are accessible They are interested They want to help improve Washington They want to work with you Question: If a fire department wants to be a Class 2 or 3, how does the WSRB fit it in and what level of service do you provide? The WSRB offers free consultation for your fire services. They have a rating schedule they use. Question: City government use to care what the ISO rating was; what impact does the WSRB have, and what conversations are you having at that level? Not having conversations. Rate not only fires service, but water supply. Question: If a community adopts residential sprinklers systems do they get credit towards insurance and is there a policy for it? Member of coalition testify to get to reduce. Refer people to the web site. David Bruell, VP of WSRB and President of BMI addressed the Association. He is the head of the subsidiary BMI, co-created. They developed a Risk Analysis Portal. A mapping system, that can upload individual fire department data into the system; record of incidents, number of personnel responding, response time, etc. If records contain an address, they can upload it into its own system, puts it on map. Can customize, color code. Their products and services include: Customer Service Public Protection on line GIS Risk Analysis Portals WEB Delivery System Public Service (e.g., Plan Review) A PowerPoint presentation showed a map that a department can interact with, just like with Google. You can zoom in and out, overlay satellite imagery, etc. The unique feature is that a department can upload their own data to this system; incidents responded to, personnel usage, response times, etc., as long as records include an address, you can upload information into the system. Anything you can export to an Excel spreadsheet can be uploaded into the system. There are fault lines, which can be filtered to look at a zip code, or circle an area, or focus on a specific area. There is a table of contents of filters that can be utilized; flood zones, tsunami, soil and liquefaction, Wildland/urban interface areas, volcanic mud flow. Anything you upload Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

7 in the portal is protected to you; customized to your fire department. Departments can check whether tender credits apply. To be sure the WSRB is crediting your citizens correctly; fire departments can check and call customer service to fix if wrong. The standards of layers that are built in represent risks that insurance carriers are concerned about. Reports can be generated from the results of the layers and filters you have uploaded. The WSRB mission is to help communities. Question: Is there a charge for this service? Yes, charge for this service. WSRB is not for profit, we just have to keep funding coming from insurance companies. Their funding of us has allowed us to build this. Question: Is there a fee schedule or one rate? Fees are based on how many fire engines you have. Pricing can be discussed individually. Question: Is there a sample we can look and play with; envision its use? Yes, just provide your information and get set up. The WSRB office is on 4 th avenue in Seattle, all are welcome, any time. Chief Crossen stated he recently had a positive experience with the WSRB; they were absolutely easy to work with. He thanked them for what they have done and has noticed changes. Chief Soptich stated he was pleased to get the WSRB to this meeting. He encouraged fire chiefs to get fire prevention folks to meet with the WSRB and go through the computerized programs. The WSRB holds periodic meetings, and tries to make sure everyone knows when next meeting occurs and topics. All meetings on conference call. The WSRB PowerPoint presentation is attached to these minutes. Their web site is: www.wsrb.com Operations Committee Model Procedure Recommendations Chief Merritt, Fire Operations Liaison: 1. Provided a summary of the most recent hazardous materials training session with Zone 1 and Zone 3. Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

8 2. Brought forward a Model Procedure regarding Unsecured and/or Contaminated Equipment for adoption by the Association. This policy was vetted by the KC Operations group with all three Zones in attendance. Motion: Chief Tubbs moved to adopt KC Model Procedure Unsecured and Contaminated Equipment. A second was offered by Chief Eisner. The Model Procedure was adopted unanimously. 3. Brought forward new language that was adopted as the Purpose Statement for all model procedures developed by the KC Fire Operations as part of the KC Fire Resource Plan: This model procedure is endorsed by the KC Fire Chiefs as a template for planning and training for all fire departments within King County. Motion: Chief Crossed moved to adopt the new Purpose Statement. A second was offered by Chief Dean and passed unanimously. 4. Brought forward Model Procedure Strike/Team Task Force for adoption by the Association. The intent of the procedure is for strike teams within King County and not state mobilization. Motion: Chief Peterson moved to adopt the Strike/Team Task Force Model Procedure. A second was offered by Chief Cowan. Following discussion regarding the differences in the new and old procedures, Chief Dean made a friendly amendment to have the old procedure sent out for comparison before adopting. The friendly amendment accepted; the motion passed unanimously. Action: The revised (track changes) procedure will be sent out for review prior to next month s meeting. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Fire Operations: Chief Merritt reported he is working to get Fire Operations moved into the Members Only section of the KCFCA web site. He stated they are currently working on emergency activation and Wildland procedures and that it is a four month process for one policy. Drawing for Gift: BoardUp representative Rod Heivilin provided a pound of coffee and knife for the drawing. Chief Greg Smith from Fire District 44/Black Diamond was the lucky winner. Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety Matt Cowen from Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety stated the department is entering into a situation and is enlisting help. In a KC Assessor s meeting, they were told the bad news for AV; a rating drop of 4 10 % for the next 2-3 years. Maple Valley is looking at layoffs and asked that any department looking for lateral hires, please contact Chief Doerflinger or Rude, as they are trying to lessen the impact. He encouraged all to contact the Assessor. Note: The KC Assessor will be here at next month s KCFCA meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 1100 hours. 9 Deborah Gober-Beneze Executive Admin Assistant to Fire Chief Lee Soptich Executive Board: Lee Soptich, President Gregory Dean, Vice President Stan Laatsch, Treasurer Chris Tubbs, Zone 1 Rep Hank Lipe, Zone 3 Rep Gregory Dean, Zone 5 Rep

King County Fire Chief s Association Attendance Roster May 19, 2010 Present Name Agency Excused Al Church South King Fire & Rescue (39-Federal Way) Bob Oliver Redmond Fire Department (34) x Bob Rowe Snoqualmie Fire Department x Bob Van Horne Bothell Fire Department (Sno 10) x Matt Cowen for Maple Valley Fire & Life Safety (43) Brad Doerflinger Bryan Howard King County (Boeing) Airport Fire Department Chris Connor Fire District 27 (Fall City) x Chris Tubbs Mercer Island Fire Department Mike Mauvais Boeing Fire Department x Dave Crossen Fire District 20 (Skyway-Bryn Mawr) x Gregory Dean Seattle Fire Department x Greg Smith Fire District 44 (Black Diamond) Excused Hank Lipe Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (13) x DC Mario Acosta for Woodinville Fire & Life Safety District (36) l. David Daniels Jim Knisley District 50 (Skykomish) Excused Jim Schneider Kent Fire Department (37) John Lambert Fire District 45 (Duvall) Joseph Clow Enumclaw Fire Department (28) Kevin Nalder Kirkland Fire Department (41) x Lee Soptich Eastside Fire & Rescue (10, 38, Car, NB, Issq, Samm) Marcus Kragness Shoreline Fire Department (District 4) Mark Bunje x Mark Peterson Renton Fire & Emergency Services (25, 40) Mark Tessen Fire District 47 (Ravensdale) Matt Cowen Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue (49, 51) x Mike Eisner Bellevue Fire Department (14) Mike Marrs District 2 (Burien/Normandy Park) Nick Olivas Tukwila Fire Department x Randy Krause Port of Seattle/SeaTac International Airport FD North Highline Fire District (11) Excused Stan Laatsch Valley Regional Fire Authority Tom Weathers Northshore Fire Department (16) Brian Wiwel SeaTac Fire Department (24) x Warren Merritt Bellevue Fire Department x Michele Plorde Emergency Medical Services x Jim Fogerty King County Medic One x Bill Hepburn Seattle Fire Department Ed Holmes Mercer Island Police Department x Gail Stone KC Executive Office KCFCA Meeting Attendance Roster 2010

x Sung Yang KC Executive Office x Brian Upton-Rowley WSRB x David Bruell WSRB x Robert Ferrell WSRB x Dan Ander WSRB x Rod Heivilin BOARD UP x Debbie Gober-Beneze Eastside Fire & Rescue (10, 38, Car, NB, Issq, Samm) KCFCA Meeting Attendance Roster 2010

King County Fire Chiefs Association Meeting May 19, 2010

WSRB Who we are The only Property Rating Bureau in WA Starting our 100 th year Independent Not for Profit Public Service Institution Managed and domiciled in WA Licensed and Regulated by OIC

Primary Funding of WSRB Subscribers (Insurers) Assessments Property Written Premiums Voluntary Subsidiary (BMI)

Functions File on Behalf of We obtain regulatory approval: Insurance Policy Forms Rules calculating premiums Advisory Loss Costs (rates).

Functions Independent Evaluations Commercial Structures evaluated Construction Occupancy Protection (public and private) Exposures Reports on observed conditions

Why do Insurance underwriters need to know what they insure and how much to charge?

We know Sprinkler Systems! Evaluation / Grading Reports Also, Training Seminars Seminar - WSRB

We independently assess conditions as they exist in relation NFPA etc.

Independently Evaluate - Fire Services Free Consulting Evaluation & Grading Public Protection Grades and Class

What makes us different? We are here We live here We work here We are accessible We are interested We want to help improve WA We want to work with you!

WSRB & BMI Suppliers of Data and Information David Bruell, VP WSRB / President BMI Daniel Ander, Manager IT & Process Improvement WSRB

Products & Services Customer service Public Protection on line. GIS Risk Analysis Portals Web delivery system Public service (e.g. Plan Review) And more.

What makes us different? We are here We live here We work here We are accessible We are interested We want to help improve WA We want to work with you!