David Young (right) presents a gun to drawing winner Frank Whigham, at the Squires Fire Department.
The Annual Public Membership/Business Meeting of Squires Volunteer Fire Department was called to order by the president of the board, Jerry A. Moyer, on Sept. 22.
Sybil Gheer opened with prayer and Jerry Moyer led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Jerry expressed his appreciation to everyone who participated in assisting the fire department this year. He expressed appreciation to the chairmen of special activities, the firemen and the first responders. He also stated if anyone was interested in serving on the fire department, to contact the fire chief.
Jerry reported membership requirements to vote, to hold an office on the board, and to renew membership, see Jena Moyer.
Board members present were Jerry Moyer, president; Chris Verhage, vice president; Faye Swofford, secretary; Randy Spurlock, treasurer; David Young, fire chief; and Joe Bricker, assistant fire chief.
Fifty-seven community members were present.
The secretary read the minutes from September 2010-August 2011, which were approved.
The annual financial treasurer’s report was given by Randy Spurlock with a current balance: $8,848.00. Auditors: Kathy Valentine, Jamie Dry, and Johnny Burkdoll reviewed the financial records; no problems were noted. Only suggestion made was to make a notation to reflect the monthly maintenance expense.
Treasurer’s report was approved.
Fire Chief Dave Young reported new training conducted every Monday at the Firehouse; the department acquired a new rescue pumper truck that holds 350 gallons with a generator and lights, and holds rescue gear; received new brush gear through the grant from the Conservation Dept.; currently have 14 firemen.
Dave introduced the firemen present: David Young, Ancel Likens, Mark Springer, Doug Bolt, T.J. Keenan, Myra Huff, Joe Bricker, Trina Bricker, Chris Verhage, Jerry Campbell, and David R. Young, fire chief. He also reported receiving an additional blower for brush fires and added a power washer. He then encouraged new members to join the fire fighters team.
No questions received.
Jerry stated the First Responders Program was established and Trina Bricker was appointed as coordinator of the First Responders Program.
Trina Bricker expressed her appreciation of good standing Squires Fire Department has with the medical field and with other firemen in other fire departments. She further stated the Medical Response Unit has items needed for emergencies. They respond to 4-5 calls on an average per month. She encouraged the members to call 683-1020 if services are needed. There will only be a charge if services are administered.
Community Center and Membership dues: Jena Moyer reported the Community Center was rented 43 days and received: $4328.81. (This was down from the past: 2009-2010: 67 days and received $3775.00.)
The number of days the facility was rented was down, yet the amount of money received was greater, due to fundraisers and the community dances provided by Rolla and Faye Swofford.
A rental fee listing has been posted for convenience of members on the bulletin in the back with the information as to whom to contact and the phone number.
Since August 2010, a computerized system has been established and compiled in a notebook with names and addresses of 740 potential members. The number of members for 2010-11 was 252. Also, a notebook is being developed with the names, addresses, phone numbers, and directions from Squires to community member’s residence. By the first of October 2011, a notebook will be placed at the Firehouse, in the First Responders Medical Unit, and at Spurlock’s Store.
Old business:
Jerry Moyer expressed his appreciation for Robert Jenkins serving 26 years as president of the board for the Squires Volunteer Fire Department. The plaque will be presented to Robert Jenkins or placed in the Community Center, since he was not present to receive the presentation.
New business:
David Young made a motion to amend the by-laws for the board to appoint the fire chief rather than be voter approved and to not be a board member. The motion was seconded by Chris Verhage. After much discussion, the vote was 5 in favor; 20 opposed; motion failed.
Officers were nominated and voted by paper ballots; the ballots were counted by Sherri Doane, Sharon Arnold and Bill Springer.
Officers elected for 2011-12 are: President Jerry A. Moyer, Vice-President Monty Valentine, Secretary Faye Swofford, Treasurer Randy Spurlock, Fire Chief Chris Verhage, Assistant Fire Chief Ancel Likens
A signature card will be signed at the Town and Country Bank by the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer in order to sign checks as needed. After discussion, a motion was made by Jena Moyer to renew the note at the bank on the community center for another year. Seconded by Randy Spurlock. Motion carried.
Sherri Doane announced a Chili/Soup/Silent Auction will be Nov. 12. Donations will be appreciated.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a name was drawn for the gun, and the winner was Frank Whigham.
The annual business meeting was adjourned and refreshments were available.
