BEAVER LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
Page 1 of 6
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Beaver Lake Fire Department, Station 1
Location: 16035 Cypress LN, Rogers AR 72756
Zoom Link: Watch the meeting (meeting starts at the 00:10:58 time mark) Zoom ID 895 9812 4894
1.
CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM.
1.1.
Directors attending in person: Jeff Easley, Monte Gagliardi, Curtis Hathcock, Kelly Lewis, Steve Long, Gisela Mejia, Larry Smith, Todd Weber (8 of 10)
1.2.
Special Board Members attending in person: Chief Dusty Qualls, Justin Stanbery (2 of 2)
1.3.
Attending via Video: Pamela Bird (member)
1.4.
Absent: Jerry Hudlow, Laura Tucker
1.5.
Quorum Status. Quorum is present to conduct all matters of business. Eight (8) of ten (10) directors present in person.
2.
Chairman Comments.
2.1.
Chairperson Jeff Easley opened comments with explanation of changes to be made from published agenda due to absence of directors from this meeting that had presented recommendations for consideration for the bylaws review process. He believes their input is needed to insure accurate understanding.
2.2.
He also provided introduction of Pam Bird a member of BLFD that is interested in serving as a director. Official introduction was provided by written document from Director Jerry Hudlow which Jeff Easley read to the Board. Pam provided information about herself including work experiences and time she’s lived in the local area. She further stated she is excited about the opportunity to join and serve on the board. (Note: volume during the zoom meeting was very low and difficult for the board members to hear. However, volume of Pam’s voice is very good when watching the video recording of the meeting.)
3.
Disposition of Previous Meeting Minutes.
3.1.
Review Board of Directors Meeting Minutes for April 8, 2025. Secretary Curtis Hathcock apologized for late delivery via email of draft document for review by directors. No comments recommending corrections or changes were made.
3.2.
Motion made by Steve Long to approve BOD April Meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Kelly Lewis. Motion approved by voice vote of 7 and 1 abstention (Larry Smith).
4.
Open to Public Comments. No comments introduced.
BEAVER LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
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5.
Reports of Officers
5.1.
Fire Chief Operations Report.
5.1.1.
Reviewed monthly response numbers. New charts. Format has changed a bit as Chief Qualls learns more about how presentation of tracked information can be displayed. He hopes this new format will a little more detailed information for the board and members to see.
BEAVER LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
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BEAVER LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
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5.1.2.
ISO Update. The ISO team has reviewed most of the areas necessary for their review. Chief Qualls said it is basically 90% complete and expects an out briefing from the team early next week. He does not believe there will be any significant deficiencies note. Hopefully, this will result in keeping our rating at Level 4.
5.1.3.
Acquisition of new Firefighting/Recue Apparatus. The new chassis for the vehicle has been cut and is in construction phase. The contract company encourages members of the board to visit and see the progress of the work as it continues. They do request that a notification of intent to visit be provided so they can coordinate an escort person for the visit.
5.1.4.
Backup Generator Project. No update information is available at this time. Noone has a forecast of when a determination notification will be provided concerning the grant application for funding.
5.1.5.
Airconditioning (HVAC) unit Update. Repair and installation the unit is proving to be more difficult and time consuming than anticipated, but still progressing.
5.2.
President’s Report. No report.
5.3.
Treasurer’s Report.
BEAVER LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
Page 5 of 6
5.3.1.
Review Monthly Financial Documents. Treasurer Gisela Mejia presented bank account balances and budget review. The current assets in bank accounts is at $422,834.24 as of the reporting date. The next to last loan payment on the F-250 vehicle was made, leaving one final payment that will be completed next year.
5.3.2.
Motion to approve financial documents. Motion made by Kelly Lewis to approve monthly Balance sheets, P &L, and Budget review documents for April. Motion seconded by Larry Smith. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote of directors present.
5.4.
Secretary’s Report.
6.
Reports of Committees – No updates.
7.
New Business.
8.
Old Business
8.1.
Acquisition of new Firefighting/Recue Apparatus.
8.2.
Backup Generator Project.
8.3.
New Building for equipment Storage.
8.4.
Chairman Comments. Introduction of potential candidate Pam Bird. s for director positions.
8.4.1.
Review of Director positions to be filled during Annual Meeting.
8.4.1.1.
Current holders of a director position up for election are Curtis Hathcock, Kelly Lewis, Steve Long, Gisela Mejia, Larry Smith, Vacant.
8.4.1.2.
Query of current directors’ intent to run. The following shows the projected interest/availability of the directors to run for re-election. Curtis Hathcock informed the board that he would not be able to continue in service on the board. Kelly Lewis is undecided. Steve Long intends to serve if elected. Gisela Mejia is undecided. Larry Smith intends to serve if elected. This suggest that there are potentially 4 current directors that would be on the ballot for election during the annual meeting this year. As noted earlier, if approved by the board Pam Bird would be a fifth person on the ballot, which leaves one other position to fill.
8.5.
BLFD Bylaws Review/Update/Amendment. Discussion for this section will be delayed until a further meeting.
8.5.1.
General review of current progress.
8.5.2.
Several recommendations for consideration have been sent to the secretary. In order to provide sufficient discussion and review, continued discussion of bylaws will be done next month.
9.
Other Business.
BEAVER LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MINUTES
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9.1.
FY 2025 Annual Membership Meeting. Need to finalize a date for meeting. Proposed dates are September 13 or 20. Motion to finalize date and post on website and through social media outlets. Motion made by Curtis Hathcock to approve an official date for holding the Annual Membership Meeting on September 20, 2025, 1000 AM at Fire Station 1, 16035 Cypress LN, Rogers AR 72756. Motion seconded by Kelly Lewis. Motion approved by unanimous voice vote of 8 directors present.
9.2.
Next Board Meeting scheduled for June 10, 2025, at BLFD Fire Station 1, 16035 Cypress LN, Rogers AR 72756.
10.
Adjournment. Meeting was adjourned at 6:48 PM.
SUBMITTED BY: Curtis Hathcock, Board Secretary