by Sharon Michaels
WORDEN- President John Eshleman, Secretary E.J. Jensen, Fire Chief Lance Taylor and EMS Director Brian Dandrea retained their positions with the Worden Volunteer Fire Department at the annual election meeting on Monday, April 5. One board member’s position was filled by Mike McCarty and the auditing committee elected were Sharon VanDyke, Becky Lurz and Jason Snyder.
The election was completed with paper ballots and write-ins were allowed.
Patty Propp with the Billings Clinic attended the meeting to tell the members about the medical alert service offered by the clinic. She told the members, “You are the cream of the crop in the service you do for this community. Since you are usually the first on scene you could tell people of our service.” Lifeline is an easy-to-use medical alert service designed to reduce the risk of living alone, she said. In the event of a fall or emergency, help is available at the push of a button 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Taylor asked for volunteers to help in the burn of the Pheasants Forever acreage. This is 80 acres of ground set aside by the Montana Fish and Game on Bozeman Trail off Bundy Road. Taylor said it would take about 12 to 14 volunteers to complete the job.
“We need to get on it as soon as possible, so please sign up after the meeting,” said Taylor. “We also have acreage to burn on Don Brown’s property on East I and Tom Horton’s property.”
After discussing the repair of the fire station’s roof, the members agreed to let bids for a new roof. A classified ad will be placed in this week’s Yellowstone County News.
Taylor also wanted to remind everyone to call for their open burning permit. It is against the law to burn without first getting a permit. If you had a permit last year, you can go online at http://www.co.yellowstone.mt.gov/. to renew it. To obtain a permit, call Air Pollution Control at 256-6841. Call city/county dispatch the day you want to burn and then the Worden Fire Department at 967-2111 to get approval. If atmosphere conditions are not good, you will not be allowed to burn. Taylor also advises that fires should never be left unattended.
After reviewing the 2010-2011 budget, the members approved it. Eshleman told the members it was basically the same as last year.
Dandrea asked the members to approve the purchase of an intubation head trainer for EMT training. The members approved the purchase price of $800-$900.
Jensen told the members, “The endorsement for the training will enhance our patient care.”
The department also approved the purchase of a wireless router for internet training for the members. The cost will be about $50.
Jensen told the members she had been asked about having supper before the meetings. After some discussion, the members decided to try it. At the next meeting, Monday, May 3, they will have a barbecue at 6:30 p.m.