03/11/2026
Monthly Board Mtg 5 Mar 2026
Pledge of allegiance
Prayer
Old business
Meeting minutes from 5 Feb 2026 mtg. Couple editorial updates (e.g. name of the location of the Mutual Aid meeting) were recommended to the minutes and captured as v1. Minutes read by Ella Wheeler.
Josh T (LFVFD active FF) was present at the meeting and resigned after inquiring about the LFVFD’s lack of participation to a multitude of calls since the beginning of the year, with no other FF from LF in attendance than himself. The radio was left on the Board’s table in his way out the door.
Michael brought up the various incidents previously mentioned by Josh where the department should have responded based on his opinion, and did not:
-heart attack incident at the Frostbite Market Country Store
-motorcycle crash with fatality, and couple other calls
With the Chief not being present at the meeting, and nobody else on the Board with visibility to the incident reports or Dispatch calls, Michael’s statements could not be rebutted.
Old business-Motion to accept Fred; Seconded by all participants. Old business update accepted.
Treasurer’s report-Nancy B
There was no gross additional income for the month. The expenses are our auto payments to Blossman ($213.64), VEC ($ 102.29) and BTC ($129.30).
$2044. 65 total current balance left in the account prior to VEC paid today. Once the payment goes through, we are at $1813.21, minus VEC, with a total remaining after VEC invoice is paid, $1726.75.
From the county’s 2025 $7,000 budget, we have spent $2,963.58, with $4,036.42 remaining. The expenses are all managed through PO’s through the Mayor’s office. The two most recent invoices paid are $790.16 for Fire Truck Pump testing (Randall Brackett Fire Truc Repair shop) and $765.00 for Batteries/Pumper Truck repairs (NAPA). In addition, as mentioned in the previous meeting, (Feb 5th, 2026), our department secured a score of 75% in the county VFD assessments, which brought another $7,500 to the department, with a total of $11,536.42 funds. The funds however must be used by June 30th, otherwise will be lost.
The President added that in order to manage the county funds in a transparent and collaborative way, the proposals and estimated costs are documented on a G spreadsheet visible to all board members. The board will internally prioritize the the top three options with the most beneficial impact for the department and community, within the allocated budget. The decisions will be discussed with the community at the next meeting.
Michael brought up the AED machine not being charged and suggested that the $$ should be used for replacing the AED machine. According to Michael, there were two grants (one in November, and one in February) that the department did not apply to. However, when questioned why the knowledge of those grants was not shared with the board previously for timely action, Michael was unable to respond and moved on to making another unsatisfactory comment about the board.
Motion to accept treasure’s report-Trevor, seconded by Randy.
Chief’s report-she is not here, no update was provided to the board.
VP’s report
The department is planning a Memorial day event for May 25th. The event is currently in planning stages with a core committee (Secretary, Vice President, and four additional members of the community) in communication with Frostbite Community Church to secure the community room there. Additional volunteer call is in place through social media.
A second event is being proposed to the community: Mayoral Candidates Q&A session/breakfast. The Board had previously approved the idea, and the community seems to be open to the event.
VP’s report -motion to accept -Nancy, seconded by Randy
Board of director’s report-Trevor, President.
ByLaws are read and accepted.
New business-Cortland questioned the quality of the work the board has been doing, and asking the current Board to resign.
Select community members, present at the meeting has a plan to replace the Chief and the Board. Most are not active members of the department, and it is the first time when their participation is noted. Some are in an out through the door in an expectant attitude, with complete disregard for the structure of the meeting or the meeting itself. Several active community members that support and volunteer their time with the department throughout the year questioned the request for board’s resignation.
Multiple discussions are being had with back and forth about the requirements for a Chief. According to Cortland, the state requirements are non-existent, with a period of 12 months to complete those requirements, and therefore a qualified Chief in place is not a requirement that needs to be met to have an official, recognized fire department. Multiple board members disagree with that opinion, guiding Cortland to the State website for additional information.
Michael is questioning current’s Chief qualifications, and that nobody has seen those said qualifications. The tone of the meeting escalates
Josh walked back in the meeting as an active community member, after presenting his resignation as a FF earlier during the meeting. He stated that this board is unable to raise any funds and lack of fund raising activities since Jan 2026. Josh also pointed out that the reason why there are no new FF’s joining the department is the existing Board members. Josh raised the subject of the limited participation in above stated incidents that would fall under the department’s response territory, and why the new FF’s that went through the 16Hr class (board members Trevor R (P) and Ella W (VP) are not responding to calls. The response was that the two new trainees are not logged as FF’s yet on the department’s roaster and do not have visibility to dispatch calls yet.
Contentious tone in the meeting continues to escalate, with the majority of meeting participants asking for the Board’s resignation. Under duress, and with a desire to control the tension and deescalate the situation, most board members stated their resignation.
When asked what is the plan for a new board election, Michael stated that they have a plan and already selected members that will be nominated later tonight, once the current board vacates the premises. Was also communicated that Cortland will be nominated for Chief, and the voting and transfer of responsibilities will be conducted at the following monthly Board meeting, in April 2026.
Cortland requested the codes to access /lock the facilities, and the transfer of codes (and responsibility for the facility’s integrity, equipment and records) was signed for and witnessed by two board members, and a independent, known and respected community member. Cortland signed for the codes and responsibility to maintain control of the department physical and intellectual property until the new board is elected.
Motion to adjourn the mtg at 8.20 PM. Motion accepted and mtg adjourned. Mtg minutes recorded by Ella W.
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