Intense Special Fire Board Meeting

Anita Weston, Reporter

Rich Civic Times

GARDEN CITY,  Utah.  September 23, 2013.  A special meeting of the Garden City Fire District was called to discuss the resignation of Fire Chief Dan Kurek.  There were many members of the community in attendance and the room was full.  The chairman of the board, Terry Allen, indicated that while it was not required, he would allow public comment to give people from the community a chance to voice their opinions during the first part of the meeting. He asked only that each individual be brief and to not engage in argument with each other.  He did an excellent job of conducting the meeting.

Bobbie Coray, editor of Rich Civic Times, noted that the closed meeting law needed to be followed if the fire board decided to go into a closed session.  Terry Allen indicated that they would follow all of the requirements of a closed meeting.

The following is a paraphrasing of the statements made by the people in attendance.

Martin Argyle expressed his concerns about accepting Dan’s resignation.  He noted that the fire department had better equipment and was better trained than the city had ever seen in the past.  He also noted that the county was also better off because of the work done by Dan.  He asked the board to think about the future and what the people in the community want and need and how safe we would all be.

Andy Stokes indicated that he felt the community had grown and that many new people had stepped up to assist and help.  He expressed his concern about having a fire chief who was paid.  He felt that the chief as well as the firefighters should all be volunteers.  He felt the money going to the chief could be better used to buy more equipment.  He noted that there had only been four fire calls this summer–CO problems, and a hazmat issue.  He said that building inspections and fire pit inspections were not that difficult to do and do not take much time.  He said 80 hours for an individual to spend in a week didn’t exist.  He noted that with only 40 hours a week, progress could be made in the district.  He felt anyone could handle that job and that the position should be voluntary.  He reported that Joe Sharkey had done a lot of work for the fire district on a voluntary basis.  With people like Mr. Sharkey, Mr. Stokes felt that the district could run efficiently, and the money used more effectively.

Tom Wahlberg said that the district needed a full time chief.  He indicated that there were only 14 trained firefighters currently.  Right now it is difficult to get other individuals interested in working to become firefighters.  More people are needed all the time.

Jim Ruggles gave his background and experience working with fire boards and as a fire fighter.  He was also a member of the selection committee that hired Dan.  He said, “ that if people don’t pay for what they have, they won’t have anything.  Prior to Dan being hired, there was no training, almost no running equipment, and grants were unheard of.  Is this what the community wants to go back to?  Of course not.  We want what we currently have and that has to be paid for.  Dan has done an outstanding job.  Equipment is ready and training is tops.  He has written several funded grants, and his record shows that he has accomplished a great deal.  It would be ridiculous to let him go.  Remember as a board you are to represent the people’s desires, not your own agendas.”

Cameron Argyle, (Laketown Fire Chief), has worked with Dan for three years.  They have a great relationship and he has learned a great deal from Dan.  Dan is a very committed individual and determined to continue building the department.  He continues to build relationships among all the fire fighters in the county which has been invaluable when different districts come together–they know each other and how to work with each other.  He has done a tremendous job here in Garden City.  He is more than putting in his hours.  He has earned every penny that the district has paid him.

Garden City Mayor John Spuhler noted that Dan has made it so that people can feel safe and comfortable in the community.  He said that Dan has done a quality job, that he is an investment in this community.

Lana Hodges said Dan was doing a fine job and that what he is being paid is probably realistic for Rich County.

Chris Kinsel introduced himself and told of his background and training in firefighting in West Jordan.  He noted that in West Jordan they hire new firemen without any past experience at a higher salary than Dan is being paid here as the Chief.  Chris noted that he was paid at least four times more than Dan because a fire chief is responsible for and to the entire community.

Bryce Nielsen noted that he is the Rich County Emergency Manager.  He explained that the Garden City Fire District is more than Garden City.  The boundaries go from the Idaho line almost to Laketown which includes all of the developments contained in that area as well as Sweetwater Hill.  He said that he felt the city was getting the most out of their investment by having Dan.  He wants to see the fire district continue to improve.  If more money is needed in order to accomplish this, a small raise in taxes can take care of that issue.  You get what you pay for.  He indicated that Dan was known, not just here in Garden City and Rich County, but throughout the State of Utah.  He is held in high esteem and has a sterling reputation.  Bryce reported that he works closely with Dan on emergency preparedness.  He asks Dan what is needed and then he writes emergency preparedness grants to get the necessary items.  This should not be an issue of money, but what is needed by the community.

NaDine Sprouse noted that the real problem was not money, but how badly Dan has been treated by some board members. 

Terry Allen then said that people are mostly unwilling to serve on the fire board.  Those currently serving on the board were those willing to apply and do their best. He implied that if you aren’t willing to serve on the board, then you shouldn’t excessively complain about those who are doing that job.

Mr. Hunsaker said that there needs to be a full time fire chief.  People in business work full time, contractors work full time; any job that needs to be done well requires a full time person.

Duane Gifford said that he was a trained firefighter.  He likes Dan and likes working with him.  If Dan does leave, the city needs to hire a full time chief from outside the county.   He noted that Dan and his wife contribute greatly to the community.  He estimated that they responded and went on at least 95 percent of all the EMT’s calls.  The community will be losing much more than a fire chief.

Chris Coray said, “ if you read Dan’s letter of resignation Dan cites the reasons, and the board should examine each reason listed.  Only at the end of the letter is there any mention of other offers or expression of concern about compensation level.  The first item in the letter addressed the problem of the  hostile environment that currently exists between Dan and some of the board members.”

Gloyd Sprouse spoke up and said that the city currently has a home run hitter.  Even ball teams know enough to keep the good hitters.

Lance Bourne spoke up and said that Dan was a hard worker and a great guy. 

Chairman Allen asked if there were additional comments.  There were none.

The motion was then made by Christina Gracey to close the general meeting and to go into a closed session to discuss whether they should try and keep or fire Dan Kurek.  It was seconded by Travis Hobbs and unanimously passed.  The public meeting then adjourned and the board went into closed session.