Week in review

Spokane Valley Fire Commissioners – The minutes, vouchers and approval of self- insurance vouchers were approved. Members discussed liability insurance renewal as well as the Fire Commissioners Budget Retreat, scheduled for Friday at Fire Station No. 8. Emergency run stats were noticeably higher during the month of June. Three fire trucks that were open for surplus were sold to Stevens County District 5, Fire District 11 in Rockford and Chewelah. One fire truck still remains for sale. SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) lease purchase Resolution 2007-286 was discussed which included the need for 70 new breathing apparatuses. (Source: PIO Bill Clifford)

Fairfield City Council – Internet services from Red Spectrum were completed on Friday, but the Web site is still currently under construction. Tuesday will be the last day for mosquito spray applications. The town attorney is now Witherspoon, Kelley, Davenport, and Toole as a result of the old attorney moving away. Resolution 2007-4 was approved, authorizing the payment of claims transitioning from warrants to checks. Members were notified that the Past Blessings Antiques show has been canceled. (Source: Town Clerk Shelly Wood)

Rockford City Council – Members discussed a six-year transportation plan. An ordinance was passed for changing a certain parcel from residential to commercial. An auction is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the old brick building. The council is currently looking for a new attorney to replace their current one who is planning to move. (Source: Town Clerk)

Fire District 8 – Members discussed the report on Ponderosa’s request which is planned to be passed on to the Spokane Fire Commissioners and the Washington State Fire Commissioners Association. There was a presentation using Google Earth maps that displayed previously used fire routes. The commissioners received a draft of the Countrywide Ambulance Agreement which was forwarded on to the chief. Members were informed by the chief that one new fire fighter has been hired and that two other prospects are currently being referenced checked. A clarification of the hazard assessment revealed that only the perimeter of the Ponderosa area has been assessed and there is a need to assess its remaining areas. An answer was received from the city of Spokane regarding the district’s public records annexation request. (Source: Administrative Assistant Carol Trescott)

Fire District 13 (Newman Lake) – On July 16, members discussed the need for a formal Notice and Order from Spokane County Building and Planning that would prohibit any current unauthorized “open burning” and recreational fires within the unincorporated areas of Spokane County for a period of 60 days. Chief Cokley and the commissioners are planning to attend the 59th annual WFCA Conference in Pasco in October. A discussion of regular business items included examining the year-to-date financial reports, approval of expenditures, auxiliary reports, and the Chief and Deputy Chief’s reports, painting and bids of Station 1. The auxiliary thanked the community for supporting the recent hot dog sale. They are currently preparing for the annual Newman Lake Barn Dance on Sept. 15. (Source: Secretary Gwyneth Cadwell)