City Clerk Michelle Whitten passed along this letter, dated June 7, 2016:
Photo courtesy Shirley Sterling Oregon Trail Monument project
Dear Ms. Whitten:
The purpose of this letter is to obtain permission to clean, restore, and rededicate the Oregon Trail marker that resides on a triangle-shaped area of grass at the confluence of 5th St., Kellogg Way, and St. Helens Street in Toledo, Lewis County, WA. The restoration would occur sometime after July 8, 2016 and rededication coordinated with or through interested parties. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in obtaining written permission. This is an exciting little project that, we feel, is totally a win-win!
The Washington State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WSSDAR) and the Washington State Society Sons of the American Revolution, circa 1916, jointly installed a series of monuments to mark the old Oregon Trail in the present day Washington State. They were installed along the actual trail, which roughly paralleled old Highway 99 / Interstate 5 between Tumwater Falls and Vancouver, near the Columbia River.
Well, it has been one hundred years and the monuments, including the one located in Toledo is need of restoration. The plaque is corroding and the concrete marker in need of clean-up. We have located Mick Hersey, a restoration specialist, to train us, consult with us and assist, where needed, in monument restoration. Marion (Mick) Hersey of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is an experienced bronze memorial preservationist who volunteers his time and materials to preserve monuments in Washington State. He has restored over 400 granite plaques and headstones and refurbished/restored over 100 brass/bronze plaques.
Please consider our offer to help with this marker. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is a nonprofit charitable organization of which the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WSSDAR) is a member. The mission of the NSDAR includes historic preservation and education. This restoration and rededication is in keeping with this mission and it is our hope that our work will help preserve this monument and renew public awareness of our early history.
In order to proceed, we need a written statement authorizing the restoration and authorizing a dedication of the marker from the property owner/custodian of land where marker is to be placed.
***
Recap: Toledo School District’s Grass Roots Bond Meeting, a traditional face-to-face Q&A set in the District offices Tuesday evening, netted one local member of the press. Getting the word out via electronic means has been successful but limited, and efforts to include the wider community will be expanded. Contact Toledo School District Office at (360)864-6325 for details.
*Note: Facility Advisory Committee meets 6-8 p.m this evening at the High School library. All are invited to attend. Documents and meeting information to date can be accessed on the District website linked page here, on the District Facebook page here.
***
Recap: Last night’s Lewis County Interlocal Board Meeting was attended by representatives from five Lewis County* member districts - District 1, Onalaska - District 2, Toledo - District 3, Mossyrock - District 8, Salkum - Cowlitz/Lewis District 20, Vader and Ryderwood.
Meeting was called to order 19:01 p.m.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, motion to accept agenda as written was passed. Minutes from last meeting were accepted as written.
Incident recap January -May 2016 inclusive:
Dear Ms. Whitten:
The purpose of this letter is to obtain permission to clean, restore, and rededicate the Oregon Trail marker that resides on a triangle-shaped area of grass at the confluence of 5th St., Kellogg Way, and St. Helens Street in Toledo, Lewis County, WA. The restoration would occur sometime after July 8, 2016 and rededication coordinated with or through interested parties. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in obtaining written permission. This is an exciting little project that, we feel, is totally a win-win!
The Washington State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WSSDAR) and the Washington State Society Sons of the American Revolution, circa 1916, jointly installed a series of monuments to mark the old Oregon Trail in the present day Washington State. They were installed along the actual trail, which roughly paralleled old Highway 99 / Interstate 5 between Tumwater Falls and Vancouver, near the Columbia River.
Well, it has been one hundred years and the monuments, including the one located in Toledo is need of restoration. The plaque is corroding and the concrete marker in need of clean-up. We have located Mick Hersey, a restoration specialist, to train us, consult with us and assist, where needed, in monument restoration. Marion (Mick) Hersey of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is an experienced bronze memorial preservationist who volunteers his time and materials to preserve monuments in Washington State. He has restored over 400 granite plaques and headstones and refurbished/restored over 100 brass/bronze plaques.
Please consider our offer to help with this marker. The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is a nonprofit charitable organization of which the Washington State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WSSDAR) is a member. The mission of the NSDAR includes historic preservation and education. This restoration and rededication is in keeping with this mission and it is our hope that our work will help preserve this monument and renew public awareness of our early history.
In order to proceed, we need a written statement authorizing the restoration and authorizing a dedication of the marker from the property owner/custodian of land where marker is to be placed.
***
Recap: Toledo School District’s Grass Roots Bond Meeting, a traditional face-to-face Q&A set in the District offices Tuesday evening, netted one local member of the press. Getting the word out via electronic means has been successful but limited, and efforts to include the wider community will be expanded. Contact Toledo School District Office at (360)864-6325 for details.
*Note: Facility Advisory Committee meets 6-8 p.m this evening at the High School library. All are invited to attend. Documents and meeting information to date can be accessed on the District website linked page here, on the District Facebook page here.
***
Recap: Last night’s Lewis County Interlocal Board Meeting was attended by representatives from five Lewis County* member districts - District 1, Onalaska - District 2, Toledo - District 3, Mossyrock - District 8, Salkum - Cowlitz/Lewis District 20, Vader and Ryderwood.
Meeting was called to order 19:01 p.m.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, motion to accept agenda as written was passed. Minutes from last meeting were accepted as written.
Incident recap January -May 2016 inclusive:
May ALS Response - 2016 ALS Calls - 2016 ALS Transports - 2016 BLS
ALS = Advanced Life Support BLS = Basic Life Support
ALS = Advanced Life Support BLS = Basic Life Support
- Distrist 1 - 14 - 61 - 41 - 12
- District 2 - 41 - 120 - 67 - 35
- District 3 - 3 - 21 - 17 - 0
- District 8 - 20 - 76 - 49 - 15
- District 15 - 30 - 117 - 63 - 36
- District 20 - 14 - 56 - 27 - 19
- TOTALS - 122 - 451 - 264 - 117
- Interfacility - 0 - 1 - 1 - 0
A request from one Board member was put forth to add numbers from 2015, by way of comparison.
Unfinished business:
*Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Update includes June 1
motion to accept agreement as amended. (language clarification) effective June 15.
*Bi-laws updated language addresses open meetings, electronic recording, and retaining these records for "a specified time period.”
As an order of business, separating or combining positions such as Secretary-Treasurer needs responsibilities for each position outlined.
*Lead Paramemdic Position - struck from this agenda on recommendation of Board Superintendent who indicated the Board is “open to wishes (of the Districts)" to address training, staffing, system, vehicles and facilities. He met with District heads, is sympathetic to needs, willing to attend meetings to ensure common goals.
*Current Collections for District for 2015-2016 current to mid-year budget. 2016 figures show amounts collected per district. (See *Review Collection Accounts below)
*Billing District 15 for 2015 - Budget Balance due, discussion including June outstanding $29,199.56, Jan-May 31, 2016. A request for 30-day pay, letter was read aloud. It was agreed that reasonable attempts to collect would be made before considering further action. Documentation between the Interlocal and District 15 establishes original agreement to pay as promised, and District 15 still has about $8,000 pending. Unless a settlement is considered at a later date, a recommendation to assign System Design to collect all monies received to forward to the Interlocal might be deemed necessary, though less than practical. A Certified Letter will be issued to record good faith effort to collect.
This sets a precedent to any future collection policies.
*Mutual Aid Agreements - Lewis County 5 and 15 - is in draft stage now. As of June 1, 2016, no written agreement has been made. Ensuring ambulance service to District 15, should the District’s current service with AMR prove ineffective, would require “requesting agency” language in place of “AMR” per protocol.
One recommendation: a separate rate structure would be more fair. Example: an independant ALS "took" a call from Winlock, outside the interlocal agreement, just heard the call and showed up. Jurisdictional and contract conflicts over service and responsibility are evidence or the need to establish reasonable boundaries.
A call for mutual aid runs just under $1,200 currently.
Independent ALS responded to 2 calls recently. According to one District member, “This issue needs to be decided between (District) Chief(s) and dispatch, (who does not differentiate re: who responds).
Comment: why would (the Interlocal) send mutual aid for less than our costs? Divide budget by # of calls, annual review allowing for adjustments to fluctuating costs, to arrive at the proposed $1,200/call reflects current costs.
Motion was made and passed to insert $1,200 into the Mutual Aid Agreement.
*Sale of Vehicle - 2010 Ford Ambulance - M241 - The Superintendent reported “it did sell, thought it was going to
Guatemala, or New York, according to late bidding. In the end, District 6 bought it for $10,600. The Board thanked Terry for listing on eBay and following up last Saturday.
New Biz:
*Cash handling policy and procedures need to be set down in accordance with RCW regulations. (See below, Review of May Payroll)
*Fund Report: May 2016 Ending Balances
Treasury - $42,749.15
Columbia Bank - $108,001.95
Total - $150,751.10
*Review of May Payroll:
State Audit, Accountability Auditor, requires that, in handling our own payroll, we need a policy regarding how incoming funds will be managed, to adhere to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) regulations. Board Secretary Diane Wallace informed the auditor that, pending tonight's approval, such a policy would be in place shortly (before month's end), titled Cash Handling Policy and Procedure.
*Review Write Off/Charity Accounts: $0.00 (no outstanding write-offs or requests for charity)
District 2 member Mike asked to expose BLS/ALS responders to more calls than just those locally to broaden their experience with various scenarios. Example: a recently reported overdose was issued as an ALS designation, but then downgraded to BLS (by dispatch), though a sprint car was en route before downgrade, and required to respond regardless of downgrade status. Input needed from District Chiefs on addressing such matters.
***Note. Effective June 1, 2016, Winlock withdrew from the Interlocal agreement in favor of a service arrangement with commercial AMR***
*Review Collection Accounts $4,433..30
Motion to send delinquent accounts to collections...passed
*Open Account Review - approved
*Review of Vouchers - approved
*Transmittals:
*Transmittals dated March 15, 2015 - $19,141.69
*Funds transferred to columbia Bank - $82,941.50
*Total Expenditures: $102,083.19
Motion to accept Transmittals as corrected to reflect updated figures (noted) - passed.
*Executive Session: RCW 42.30.140(1)(d) Collective Bargaining
***15 minutes***
Report upon returning to meeting - no votes, no decisions, discussion only.
*Good of the Order:
*WA State Accountability Audit - through June 13. Report - Auditor was here today (Tuesday), and “so far, so good.” Also, Department of Retirement audit wrapping up. It was noted that all fire districts are typically audited every 2-3 years.
*Water Leak - Station 241 -Reported repaired.
*District 20 - Medicare wants to come here to see facilities meet their standards. One member related from their experience that details to consider include mileage registered down to the 10th/mile, per their regulations. Current transport fees for Medicare are approximately $2,300.
*Adjourned 21:16 PM
Next meeting: July 19, 2016
7 PM, at Toledo Fire Department
Lewis County Interlocal Board Meeting meets 7 p.m. third Tuesdays Monthly at the Toledo Main Fire Station. Visit www.lewiscountymedicone.com.
***
Now accepting application for volunteer firefighters, including junior firefighter ages 16-17. Training provided. Support positions also available. Visit website here.
***
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
Unfinished business:
*Interlocal Agreement (ILA) Update includes June 1
motion to accept agreement as amended. (language clarification) effective June 15.
*Bi-laws updated language addresses open meetings, electronic recording, and retaining these records for "a specified time period.”
As an order of business, separating or combining positions such as Secretary-Treasurer needs responsibilities for each position outlined.
*Lead Paramemdic Position - struck from this agenda on recommendation of Board Superintendent who indicated the Board is “open to wishes (of the Districts)" to address training, staffing, system, vehicles and facilities. He met with District heads, is sympathetic to needs, willing to attend meetings to ensure common goals.
*Current Collections for District for 2015-2016 current to mid-year budget. 2016 figures show amounts collected per district. (See *Review Collection Accounts below)
*Billing District 15 for 2015 - Budget Balance due, discussion including June outstanding $29,199.56, Jan-May 31, 2016. A request for 30-day pay, letter was read aloud. It was agreed that reasonable attempts to collect would be made before considering further action. Documentation between the Interlocal and District 15 establishes original agreement to pay as promised, and District 15 still has about $8,000 pending. Unless a settlement is considered at a later date, a recommendation to assign System Design to collect all monies received to forward to the Interlocal might be deemed necessary, though less than practical. A Certified Letter will be issued to record good faith effort to collect.
This sets a precedent to any future collection policies.
*Mutual Aid Agreements - Lewis County 5 and 15 - is in draft stage now. As of June 1, 2016, no written agreement has been made. Ensuring ambulance service to District 15, should the District’s current service with AMR prove ineffective, would require “requesting agency” language in place of “AMR” per protocol.
One recommendation: a separate rate structure would be more fair. Example: an independant ALS "took" a call from Winlock, outside the interlocal agreement, just heard the call and showed up. Jurisdictional and contract conflicts over service and responsibility are evidence or the need to establish reasonable boundaries.
A call for mutual aid runs just under $1,200 currently.
Independent ALS responded to 2 calls recently. According to one District member, “This issue needs to be decided between (District) Chief(s) and dispatch, (who does not differentiate re: who responds).
Comment: why would (the Interlocal) send mutual aid for less than our costs? Divide budget by # of calls, annual review allowing for adjustments to fluctuating costs, to arrive at the proposed $1,200/call reflects current costs.
Motion was made and passed to insert $1,200 into the Mutual Aid Agreement.
*Sale of Vehicle - 2010 Ford Ambulance - M241 - The Superintendent reported “it did sell, thought it was going to
Guatemala, or New York, according to late bidding. In the end, District 6 bought it for $10,600. The Board thanked Terry for listing on eBay and following up last Saturday.
New Biz:
*Cash handling policy and procedures need to be set down in accordance with RCW regulations. (See below, Review of May Payroll)
*Fund Report: May 2016 Ending Balances
Treasury - $42,749.15
Columbia Bank - $108,001.95
Total - $150,751.10
*Review of May Payroll:
State Audit, Accountability Auditor, requires that, in handling our own payroll, we need a policy regarding how incoming funds will be managed, to adhere to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) regulations. Board Secretary Diane Wallace informed the auditor that, pending tonight's approval, such a policy would be in place shortly (before month's end), titled Cash Handling Policy and Procedure.
*Review Write Off/Charity Accounts: $0.00 (no outstanding write-offs or requests for charity)
District 2 member Mike asked to expose BLS/ALS responders to more calls than just those locally to broaden their experience with various scenarios. Example: a recently reported overdose was issued as an ALS designation, but then downgraded to BLS (by dispatch), though a sprint car was en route before downgrade, and required to respond regardless of downgrade status. Input needed from District Chiefs on addressing such matters.
***Note. Effective June 1, 2016, Winlock withdrew from the Interlocal agreement in favor of a service arrangement with commercial AMR***
*Review Collection Accounts $4,433..30
Motion to send delinquent accounts to collections...passed
*Open Account Review - approved
*Review of Vouchers - approved
*Transmittals:
*Transmittals dated March 15, 2015 - $19,141.69
*Funds transferred to columbia Bank - $82,941.50
*Total Expenditures: $102,083.19
Motion to accept Transmittals as corrected to reflect updated figures (noted) - passed.
*Executive Session: RCW 42.30.140(1)(d) Collective Bargaining
***15 minutes***
Report upon returning to meeting - no votes, no decisions, discussion only.
*Good of the Order:
*WA State Accountability Audit - through June 13. Report - Auditor was here today (Tuesday), and “so far, so good.” Also, Department of Retirement audit wrapping up. It was noted that all fire districts are typically audited every 2-3 years.
*Water Leak - Station 241 -Reported repaired.
*District 20 - Medicare wants to come here to see facilities meet their standards. One member related from their experience that details to consider include mileage registered down to the 10th/mile, per their regulations. Current transport fees for Medicare are approximately $2,300.
*Adjourned 21:16 PM
Next meeting: July 19, 2016
7 PM, at Toledo Fire Department
Lewis County Interlocal Board Meeting meets 7 p.m. third Tuesdays Monthly at the Toledo Main Fire Station. Visit www.lewiscountymedicone.com.
***
Now accepting application for volunteer firefighters, including junior firefighter ages 16-17. Training provided. Support positions also available. Visit website here.
***
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
