Life on Gabriola TV presents video coverage of the March 6, 2024 meeting of the Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District Board of Trustees.

Comprised of seven members, the Board provides long-range planning and oversight for the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department, in tandem with Fire Chief Will Sprogis. Board Chair Paul Giffin attends the meeting virtually, with Trustee John Moeller chairing.

The meeting starts with the Communication Committee report, addressing the issue of misinformation and disinformation in the community, and the importance of obtaining accurate information. The Planning Committee report provides an update on survey responses from the past month as well as plans for a public meeting to discuss community input.

Board Chair Giffin notes that the Election Committee's election policy recommendation had been accepted by the Board at the last meeting and, per the bylaws, the committee had at that time been dissolved. He asks that the Election Committee item be struck from the agenda.

The Fire Chief reports on calls, upcoming events, recruitment, and an accident involving a ladder truck, prompting discussion on purchasing a replacement. The Board approves the release of $19,000 from insurance money to purchase a new vehicle, and will further review finances in order to discuss equipment purchases in the next meeting.

The Fire Chief also provides a fuel consumption report and reports on successful grant applications for EV chargers, aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the department.

Finally, the Board discusses the amendments to the election policy and Giffin provides an update on Freedom of Information and Privacy Act requests. The resignation of the Corporate Officer is announced, and Moeller presents a proposal to move the Corporate Officer position to full-time with a monthly salary of $4850. The Trustees approve forming a hiring committee.

02:11: Approval of minutes of previous meeting
03:03: Communications Committee report
07:22: Planning Committee report
09:59: Finance Committee report
10:45: Business Email Committee report
11:23: Election Committee report
12:07: Fire Chief Report
35:42: Election Policy amendment
37:15: Privacy Act
43:05: New Business: Service Level Policy for Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department
49:01: Hiring Committee
58:30: Late Items
59:00: Adjournment

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