Call to Order

• Directors attending in person: Larry Smith, Meredith Hutchins, Jerry Hudlow, Ken Powell, and Braden Townsley
• Special Board Members attending in person: Dusty Qualls and James Hollenback
• Attending via video/call: Todd Weber and Steven Long
• Absent: Laura Tucker and Monte Gagliardi
• Quorum Status: Good

Chairman Comments

• The opening summary was led by Larry Smith.
• Zoom was not available for the meeting, and two members called in by phone.
• The Chairman will not be available to chair the March meeting in person.
• Todd Weber will chair the March meeting.

Disposition of Previous Meeting Minutes

The Board reviewed the minutes from the January 13, 2026 Board of Directors meeting.

Open to Public Comments

No public comments at this time.

Reports of Officers

Fire Chief Operations Report

• Monthly response numbers from NERIS were reviewed.
• Total incidents: 46
• This incident count is average for the time of year, with no main concerns noted.

Staffing Report Update

• James Hollenback is the third full-time person.
• The Polar Plunge at Prairie Creek is scheduled for Saturday, February 14.

Acquisition of New Firefighting/Rescue Apparatus

There is a $1,500 grant through the state.

Backup Generator Project

See the Generator Committee update below.

President’s Report

Nothing to report at this time.

Treasurer’s Report

• The Treasurer’s Report was given by Meredith Hutchins.
• The financial report is on track.
• Larry Smith met with Laura Tucker to discuss the budgetary column for accuracy.
• The Profit & Loss statement is accurate, but the numbers for the budgetary column need to be revised.

Secretary’s Report

• The Annual Transparency Report was submitted by Laura.
• The Secretary will not attend the next scheduled meeting, and Meredith volunteered to take notes.

Reports of Committees

Generator Committee – Larry Smith

• Two generator quotes were sent out: one for the Cypress Street station and one for the Grimes Street station.
• Each generator is $17,500, for a total of $35,000. This is tax exempt.
• The generators include a 10-year warranty and training on how to use them.
• A $1,000 deposit is required for each generator, totaling $2,000.
• The balance is due upon completion.
• Delivery is expected to take approximately three weeks.
• Dusty can give a check to Larry, and Larry will provide the deposit.

Old Business

None.

New Business

IRS Form 990

• The tax report will be filed by Jerry Hudlow.
• The report takes approximately 15 hours to complete.
• The Board of Directors will compensate Jerry $1,000.

Next Meeting

The next meeting is listed as scheduled for April 11, 2026, at BLFD Fire Station 1, 16035 Cypress Ln, Rogers, AR 72756.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned by Jerry Hudlow and Ken Powell.