RYE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
The September 19, Rye Fire Protection District (RFPD) meeting was kept short and covered the basics with two board members absent and Fire Chief Steve Bennett doing double duty as one of his staff had to leave early.
Bennett advised the board that July 23 had been the deadline for getting their proposal to remove term limits for board members on the November ballot. Having missed that date, they will have the option to have it run during next May or November’s election.
Bennett explained that there may be financial advantages to waiting until the November ballot. He says special election costs are divided among participants by the county, and that there could be substantial savings of up to approximately $3000 if the issue is presented at the right time.
Board President Rich Simpson asked Bennett to clarify the rumors of the county wanting to take over the fire departments. Bennett explained that the county does not want to take them over but that a feasibility study is being done to see if the consolidation of eight Pueblo County fire departments would be beneficial.
The feasibility study is being conducted by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office. Bennett advised there are pros and cons to both sides of the consolidation issue and he feels it should go to the people of Pueblo County to be voted on. He is planning to attend meetings with the Rural Fire Department Chief and board members, Pueblo County Commissioners, and possibly legal counsel.
RFPD handled 70 calls in August, 52 of which were Emergency Medical Services related and 18 were fire related. That is a 14% decrease from 2021 and a 20% decrease from the five years average.
The new power cot for the ambulance has been received and is in use.
Bennett relayed that all the power devices in the ambulance are compatible with it and it is working fine. He says it is heavier than the previous cot by about 70 pounds and the staff has been cautioned and trained regarding loading it. Chief Bennett requested the board's approval to hire a part-time person for administrative help. He says he is struggling to keep up with paperwork after having been off sick for several months.
Board members gave their wholehearted approval for Bennett to hire some help, laughingly reminding him that they had suggested that to him several months ago.
Bennett said he has not yet been able to obtain bids on having the door at Station One enlarged to accommodate the new truck.
Alternative parking for the truck is being investigated until the door can be enlarged.